tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27076543830701018912024-03-18T15:23:00.393+08:00Cover Mongoliamarket intelligence firm covering #Mongolia. Contact info(at)covermongolia(dot)com to subscribe to CoverMongolia NewsWire. Posted here with a two-week delay. Follow the news on twitter.com/CoverMongolia, facebook.com/CoverMongolia, instagram.com/covermongolia, Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.comBlogger1485125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-73759533671689279212017-04-30T09:51:00.001+08:002017-04-30T09:52:54.861+08:00[BREAKING: IMF delays Mongolia bailout decision over hidden FX measure]<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-xrQFv0vWFZsG-K4L79nz6urRCLmxolYRqS8Ryp-mQ8-6RUScnKjVZYN6JgFp2ODEq_ZSdtJIuL8E9tGcbN3muKzmIhBbJnaW_nB6IAoAho6H9dftE9tZGX7NIb3wGVEqrm49O5v5dop/s1600/image001-717112.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-xrQFv0vWFZsG-K4L79nz6urRCLmxolYRqS8Ryp-mQ8-6RUScnKjVZYN6JgFp2ODEq_ZSdtJIuL8E9tGcbN3muKzmIhBbJnaW_nB6IAoAho6H9dftE9tZGX7NIb3wGVEqrm49O5v5dop/s320/image001-717112.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6414607177765544898" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.covermongolia.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5djdCBCpfX2cpdEQ8EJZpPVIpedCMMnv3OS8PxObPEeLR6jahiSmqGm4paidrSvjlQ1hW1iY8VobFP8huF1XhEc4790ry4ST-ujTVZtyhc9lMvpmNl6Owntmp8SUZJF0MVDqSaNHOjLDn/s1600/image002-719127.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5djdCBCpfX2cpdEQ8EJZpPVIpedCMMnv3OS8PxObPEeLR6jahiSmqGm4paidrSvjlQ1hW1iY8VobFP8huF1XhEc4790ry4ST-ujTVZtyhc9lMvpmNl6Owntmp8SUZJF0MVDqSaNHOjLDn/s320/image002-719127.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6414607185531562594" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>- <span style='color:red'>BREAKING NEWS </span>-<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Sunday, April 30, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'><a href="http://www.covermongolia.com/">Cover Mongolia</a></span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span style='color:#4472C4'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></u>, <span style='color:#00B0F0'><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#00B0F0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#2F5597'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#2F5597'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span style='color:black'>, </span><span style='color:#C55A11'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><b><span style='color:#C55A11'>Instagram</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#C00000'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><b><span style='color:#C00000'>YouTube</span></b></a></span> and <span style='color:#FFC000'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><b><span style='color:#FFC000'>Blogspot</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1>Mongolia’s IMF Facility Delayed as Fund to Assess New Measure<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>By Michael Kohn<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>April 29 (Bloomberg) -- International Monetary Fund executive board discussion on the $425 million extended-fund facility has been delayed as IMF needs time to assess a new measure related to forex transactions, according to Neil Saker, fund’s resident representative. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>* “We need a bit more time to understand the nature and the specifics of the measure, and whether the macroeconomic framework of the program remains valid,” Saker says in email on Saturday. “Such clarification and assessment will be done jointly by the authorities and the staff” <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>* NOTE: Measure approved by Parliament on April 14 has provision affecting major FDI projects; provision states sale proceeds must pass through a bank account in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>* NOTE: Mongolia Clears Hurdles Needed for IMF-Led Bailout<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>(BFW)<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1>Oops. “ DONE DEAL” IMF program to Mongolia postponed due to Parliament Resolution’s indeed problematic FX banking subclause<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Analyst: Dale Choi, MSc. ( ~19:00 UB time, Saturday, Apr.29th, 2017)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Event: </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Resident Representative of IMF in Mongolia Niel Saker has confirmed to Altan Bumba Financial Group via email that widely expected and scheduled for Apr.28th IMF Executive Board discussion on Mongolia was postponed. <o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Niel: “This was due to the need to understand a new measure related to the forex transactions of investors that was introduced in a Parliamentary resolution ratified on April 20.” <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Niel: “We need a bit more time to understand the nature and the specifics of the measure, and whether the macroeconomic framework of the program remains valid.” <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'>Niel: “As usual, such clarification and assessment will be done jointly by the authorities and the staff.” <o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>Background:</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Parliament Resolution’s 11th subclause</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Approved 2017-2019 IMF prior condition fiscal laws package of Apr.14th , which includes Parliament Resolution with FX clauses, has been not published on Mongolian Parliament website <a href="http://parliament.mn">parliament.mn</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Dale’s DONE DEAL Calls</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In my Monday, Mar.20th, 2017 note to premium subscription clients “Late by ~4 months, IMF program by end of April is done deal/walk the talk, next - Gatsuurt IA(not OT copper smelter…)” I called IMF program by end of April DONE DEAL.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Problematic clause </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In my Apr.14th, 2017 IMF-prior condition 2017-2019 fiscal package approval research note for complimentary market distribution “Parliament approved IMF-prior condition 2017-2019 fiscal bills package, great..,but unfortunately, seems with problematic FX clause” I called FX-related subclause “ problematic”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Humble pie</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Oops. DONE DEAL turned out so not so done , after all. I guess it’s time for me to eat some humble pie. FX clause turned out to be indeed PROBLEMATIC.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Stay tuned </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Stay tuned for my upcoming detailed discussion on the subject.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>---<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#365F91'>---<br></span><b><span style='color:#44546A'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvTwk6m3c3jhyphenhyphenCQvSPRICoajzxIRO-OnD9w9i9aL_Fk739xDGDD8P0FWACT9G6vrhQDpNPzn1Tig7heQ9zzn6A2rloIjWw59gGaghB-W25fOMhPmVuEmAP-3D6iKTTb0ot0yJ9B7BmuBL/s1600/image003-720203.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRvTwk6m3c3jhyphenhyphenCQvSPRICoajzxIRO-OnD9w9i9aL_Fk739xDGDD8P0FWACT9G6vrhQDpNPzn1Tig7heQ9zzn6A2rloIjWw59gGaghB-W25fOMhPmVuEmAP-3D6iKTTb0ot0yJ9B7BmuBL/s320/image003-720203.png" border="0" alt="" 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<a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> - <a href="#Business">Business</a> - <a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> - <a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> - <a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> - <a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> - <a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> - <a href="#Sports">Sports</a> - <a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> - <a href="#Travel">Travel</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Headlines in <b><i>Italic</i></b> are ones modified by Cover Mongolia from original<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>HEADLINES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadIntl></a><u><a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_SouthGobi_Resources_announces">SouthGobi Resources announces fourth quarter and full year 2016 financial and operating results and updated resource estimate and newly declared reserve estimate in respect of Ovoot Tolgoi</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Wolf_Petroleum:_Regulatory">Wolf Petroleum: Regulatory Approval of Exploration Programme</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Haranga_Resources:_Annual">Haranga Resources: Annual Report, December 2016</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Tian_Poh:_Annual">Tian Poh: Annual Financial Report</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Wang_Tai:_Annual">Wang Tai: Annual Results</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_E-Commodities_Swinging_to">E-Commodities Swinging to Profit May Trigger Contingent Value Rights</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11SrRBl0BWwCGXJKysNLbsHSAvtb4GAd_ZfXsOe61Lwui0s7I-8QuEJ1ljs6KX7BnoG1BmSArkxx0mQLvgiua0BS6AM-_XIEeXdKYE5Quw_AqQasGM23J3RNLrhKyMJYSOZGVckHKshc/s1600/image003-787195.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11SrRBl0BWwCGXJKysNLbsHSAvtb4GAd_ZfXsOe61Lwui0s7I-8QuEJ1ljs6KX7BnoG1BmSArkxx0mQLvgiua0BS6AM-_XIEeXdKYE5Quw_AqQasGM23J3RNLrhKyMJYSOZGVckHKshc/s320/image003-787195.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597633441950514" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadLocal></a><u><a href="#Local">Local Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MSE_Weekly_Report:">MSE Weekly Report: Top 20 +0.55%, ALL +0.06%, ₮481.9M Shares, ₮2.5B T-Bills Traded, ₮14.1B T-Bills Issued</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_FRC_Revokes_Asia">FRC Revokes Asia Pacific Securities' Underwriting License</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_FRC_Revokes_Frontier">FRC Revokes Frontier Securities' Underwriting License</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mark_Garnier_MP,">Mark Garnier MP, UK's International Trade Minister, Visits Mongolian Stock Exchange</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXmbg0gYXh7_qiaJE1YhBnmNc_4i8JJ71y8oN-hFUE1LQIhto7bY9O1AidPU1CWXZeleVqKPZSCIUoSZI92xR5M9BxRkIjntVbOJXrix-2ydZuC-Qj1aUYmKhDPGDF9n8eAm-WCpRTXc/s1600/image004-790835.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXmbg0gYXh7_qiaJE1YhBnmNc_4i8JJ71y8oN-hFUE1LQIhto7bY9O1AidPU1CWXZeleVqKPZSCIUoSZI92xR5M9BxRkIjntVbOJXrix-2ydZuC-Qj1aUYmKhDPGDF9n8eAm-WCpRTXc/s320/image004-790835.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597651009236722" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadEconomy></a><u><a href="#Economy">Economy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_MNT_Rates:">MNT gains for 6th day vs USD; USD/MNT down ₮4.99 Friday to ₮2447.45</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_issues_₮386.8">BoM issues ₮386.8 billion 1-week bills, total outstanding +9% to ₮1.1 trillion</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolians_protest_over">Talks on Japanese soft loan to be held after IMF's financial program approved</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizs_uyO5eIIqFuYqH9D-cF1oH1LuqRq9G5WgnwJ_TUcSItFeLt2l0F3j31tQBnPZI5Ks92LR488rQxxkZjmBRWVycY5TQ9JeCcbtPENWyAkH21pc7d1cnpj_GQgRmfIOmWSLwNGOqwSq8/s1600/image005-794626.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizs_uyO5eIIqFuYqH9D-cF1oH1LuqRq9G5WgnwJ_TUcSItFeLt2l0F3j31tQBnPZI5Ks92LR488rQxxkZjmBRWVycY5TQ9JeCcbtPENWyAkH21pc7d1cnpj_GQgRmfIOmWSLwNGOqwSq8/s320/image005-794626.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597668572459970" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadPolitics></a><u><a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolians_protest_over">Mongolians protest over alleged theft of government funds</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MP_Ts._Nyamdorj">MP Ts. Nyamdorj casts further doubt over S. Zorig murder trial</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Will_2017_meet">Will 2017 meet Mongolia's mega hopes from mega projects?</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire">AmCham Daily Newswire for March 31, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s1600/image006-799506.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s320/image006-799506.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597689338152498" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadBusiness></a><u><a href="#Business">Business</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_EBRD_highlights_opportunities">EBRD highlights opportunities in Mongolia's dairy sector</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Austrade:_Austmine_Mongolia">Austrade: Austmine Mongolia Mission 2017, April 2-7</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_'Transit_Mongolia'_forum">'Transit Mongolia' forum to be held in Beijing</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Jeju_firms_bag">Jeju firms bag US$3 mln in contracts for local goods shipments abroad</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s1600/image006-799506.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s320/image006-799506.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597689338152498" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadUlaanbaatar></a><u><a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Temperature_will_reach">Temperature will reach 16C today in UB</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_capital_to">Mongolian capital to ban low-grade coal to ease smog</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s1600/image006-799506.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s320/image006-799506.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597689338152498" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadDiplomacy></a><u><a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Speaker_M.Enkhbold_addresses">Speaker M.Enkhbold addresses 136th IPU Assembly in Dhaka</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_and_Bangladesh">Mongolia and Bangladesh agree to establish its parliamentary groups</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_Foreign_Minister">Mongolian Foreign Minister to visit Vietnam on April 2-4</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_DeFacto_Interview:_John">DeFacto Interview: John Langtry, Australian Ambassador to Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Chinese_Embassy_donates">Chinese Embassy donates Kanjur and Tanjur scriptures</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_Ambassador_to">Mongolian Ambassador to Russia visits Plekhanov Russian University of Economics</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_Tourism_Sector">Mongolian Tourism Sector Sharing Experiences with Cuba</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s1600/image006-799506.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s320/image006-799506.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597689338152498" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadHealthEdu></a><u><a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Renowned_Indian_doctors">Renowned Indian doctors to visit Ulaanbaatar to share practices</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_script_promoted">Mongolian script promoted in Sukhbaatar aimag</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s1600/image006-799506.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s320/image006-799506.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597689338152498" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadCulture></a><u><a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Marc_Tasse:_Mongolia">Marc Tasse: Mongolia has huge potential to be a world player</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Nomads_of_Mongolia:">Nomads of Mongolia: An insight into their tribes, traditions and culture</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Why_I_Love">Why I Love Mongolia: An Interview with New York Times Bestselling Author Jack Weatherford</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Moscow_and_Mongolia,">Moscow and Mongolia, Bridged by Skype</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s1600/image006-799506.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s320/image006-799506.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597689338152498" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadNature></a><u><a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Deadly_winters,_climate">Deadly winters, climate change spell doom for Mongolian herders</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_to_host">Mongolia to host Asia Partnership meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_UN_Special_Representative">UN Special Representative to visit Mongolia for disaster risk meeting</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s1600/image006-799506.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s320/image006-799506.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597689338152498" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadSports></a><u><a href="#Sports">Sports</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_senior_speed-skaters">Mongolian senior speed-skaters claim 4 cups in Netherlands</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Meeting_the_mother">Meeting the mother of the Olle Trails: an odyssey</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s1600/image006-799506.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s320/image006-799506.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597689338152498" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadArt></a><a name=HeadTravel></a><u><a href="#Travel">Travel</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_Sojourn_in">Mongolian Sojourn in the Land of Genghis Khan</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s1600/image006-799506.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s320/image006-799506.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597689338152498" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>ARTICLES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=International></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Int'l Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=HKG:1878">1878</a> trading -7.2% in early morning trading<o:p></o:p></i></p><h1><a name="_SouthGobi_Resources_announces"></a>SouthGobi Resources announces fourth quarter and full year 2016 financial and operating results and updated resource estimate and newly declared reserve estimate in respect of Ovoot Tolgoi<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>HONG KONG, CHINA--(Marketwired - March 31, 2017) -</b> SouthGobi Resources Ltd. (<b>TSX: SGQ</b>)(<b>HKSE:1878</b>) (the "Company" or "SouthGobi") today announces its financial and operating results for the quarter and the year ended December 31, 2016. All figures are in U.S. dollars ("USD") unless otherwise stated.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Significant Events and Highlights</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company's significant events and highlights for the year ended December 31, 2016 and the subsequent period to March 31, 2017 are as follows:<o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>•<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Operating Results</i></b> - Although the coal prices generally improved in China during 2016, the impact of negotiating coal sale agreements during lower coal price periods and the depreciation of the Renminbi against the USD negatively impacted the overall coal prices achieved by the Company. The Company sold 1.08 million tonnes of coal during the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to 0.21 million tonnes in the fourth quarter of 2015. The production for the fourth quarter of 2016 was 1.21 million tonnes, compared to 0.62 million tonnes for the fourth quarter of 2015. The Company maintained a strong safety record and completed the fourth quarter of 2016 without any lost time injury.<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>•<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Financial Results</i></b> - The Company recorded an $11.4 million loss from operations during the fourth quarter of 2016 as compared to a $105.1 million loss from operations in the fourth quarter of 2015. Revenue was $19.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2016 as compared to $2.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2015. The operations during the fourth quarter of 2016 improved over the comparative 2015 quarter given the improved market conditions in China and the $92.7 million of impairment charges that were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2015 to reduce the carrying value of various items of property, plant and equipment to their recoverable amounts.<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>•<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Expanded Resources and Declared Reserves </i></b><i>-</i> As a result of the work performed by Dragon Mining Consulting Limited ("DMCL"), the Company increased its estimate of total resources at the Ovoot Tolgoi deposit from those described in the technical report the Company filed in respect of the Ovoot Tolgoi deposit in May 2016 (the "2016 Technical Report") and has declared reserves for the Ovoot Tolgoi deposit.<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>•<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Settlement of Trade Receivable </i></b>- During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with one of the major customers (the "Customer") pursuant to which 200 residential units and 40 parking spaces (collectively, the "240 Units") located in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, are to be transferred to the Company as partial consideration for settling an outstanding trade receivables in the amount of $12.0 million, with the balance of the receivable, totaling $7.5 million, payable in cash by the Customer to the Company by March 31, 2017 (subsequently extended to May 10, 2017). As the title transfers on the agreement could not be completed prior to December 31, 2016, the transaction cannot be completed and recorded in the Company's accounts until such titles are properly registered in the Company's name. The settlement agreement includes an option for the Company to return any unsold units back to the Customer, until September 30, 2017, at the same price per unit for immediate payment of the balance in cash. As of the date hereof, the title transfer registration in Mongolia has been completed for a material portion of the 240 Units but additional time will be required to finalize the administrative process for the registration of the remaining portion of the 240 Units due to the number of units involved, the Company has been working closely with the government authority to facilitate the process. The Company anticipates that the title registration process will be completed shortly and the sales of the 240 Units will commence during the second quarter of 2017. To March 31, 2017, the Company has collected $3.5 million from the Customer to settle the outstanding trade receivables and on March 27, 2017 entered into a deferral agreement to extend the payment due date on the remaining uncollected balance to May 10, 2017.<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>•<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Short-term Bridge Loan</i></b> - In October 2015, the Company entered into a short term bridge loan facility with an Asian based private equity fund for maximum proceeds of $10.0 million. The Company has repaid the first tranche of the short-term bridge loan of $5.0 million (inclusive of interest) up to August 11, 2016. During June and July 2016, the Company drew the second tranche of $5.0 million. $1.5 million has been matured in March 2017 and $3.5 million will mature in April 2017. In December 2016, $1.5 million was repaid for the short-term bridge loan and a further $1.8 million and $1.6 million was subsequently repaid in January 2017 and March 2017, respectively.<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>•<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Shareholder Loan </i></b>- On May 16, 2016, Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd ("Turquoise Hill") signed a deferral letter agreement with the Company (the "May 2016 Deferral Letter Agreement"), in which Turquoise Hill agreed to a limited deferral of repayment of all remaining amounts and obligations owing under the Turquoise Hill shareholder loan (the "TRQ Loan"). The Company has agreed to repay $0.15 million per month from May 2016 to April 2017; and $0.2 million per month from May 2017 to December 2017, at which time all remaining obligations will become due. Interest shall continue to accrue on all outstanding obligations at the 12-month US dollar LIBOR rate. To date, the Company has made all payments due under the May 2016 Deferral Letter Agreement.<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>•<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>China Investment Corporation ("CIC") Convertible Debenture (the "CIC Convertible Debenture") </i></b>- On December 29, 2016, the Company executed the December 2016 Deferral Agreement ("December 2016 Deferral Agreement") with CIC for a revised repayment schedule on the $20.7 million of cash interest and associated costs originally due on December 19, 2016 ("December 2016 Deferral Amounts"). The key repayment terms of the December 2016 Deferral Agreement are: (i) the Company is required to repay $6.8 million of the cash interest and associated deferral fee costs in five monthly amounts during the period from December 2016 to April 2017; and (ii) the Company is required to repay $14.3 million of cash interest and associated costs on May 19, 2017. Although the Company has been in discussions with CIC for a further deferral, there can be no assurance that a favorable outcome can be reached. At any time before the December 2016 Deferral Amounts are fully repaid, the Company is required to consult with and obtain written consent from CIC prior to effecting a replacement or termination of either or both of its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer; otherwise this will constitute an event of default under the CIC Convertible Debenture, but CIC shall not withhold its consent if the board of directors proposes to replace either or both such officers with nominees selected by the Board, provided that the directors acted honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of the Company in the selection of the applicable replacements. To date, the Company has made all payments due under the December 2016 Deferral Agreement.<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>•<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Class Action Lawsuit </i></b><i>-</i> On May 24, 2016, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (the "Ontario Court") granted the Company leave to appeal the decision made on November 5, 2015 (the "Corporation Appeal"), which granted the plaintiff permission to commence an action claiming damages under the Ontario Securities Act with respect to the Company's restatement of consolidated financial statements as previously disclosed in the Company's public filings. The plaintiff is also appealing the portion of the November 5, 2015 Ontario Court decision that dismissed the action against former officers and directors of the Company (the "Individual's Appeal").<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>The Individuals' Appeal and the Corporation Appeal will now be verbally argued together. The appeals are scheduled to be heard by the Ontario Court of Appeal in June 2017. The Company disputes and is vigorously defending itself against the plaintiff's claims through independent Canadian litigation counsel retained by the Company and the other defendants for this purpose. Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation, it is not possible to predict the final outcome of the appeals or determine the amount of potential losses, if any. However, the Company has judged a provision for this matter at December 31, 2016 is not required.<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>•<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Tax Investigation Case in Mongolia </i></b>- In May 2016, Resolution No.258 of the Government of Mongolia ("Resolution 258") was issued, which approved the Company's proposal to settle the Tax Penalty (as defined and described under "Governmental and Regulatory Investigations" in section "Regulatory Issues and Contingencies") by making a series of cash payments and by performing mining operations at the Tavan Tolgoi deposit in Southern Mongolia on behalf of Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi JSC ("Erdenes"), a company owned by the Government of Mongolia. During 2016, the Company made cash payments of $2.4 million as a partial settlement of the Tax Penalty.<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>In compliance with the Resolution 258, in November 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with Erdenes under which the Company agreed to perform certain mining operations equivalent to Mongolian Tugrik ("MNT") 20.3 billion (approximately $8.1 million) in the West Tsankhi section of the Tavan Tolgoi deposit during the period from November 2016 to February 2017. As at December 31, 2016, the Company had performed mining operations consisting of drilling and blasting of rock mass, stripping and loading topsoil, selective excavation and loading coal, and creating overburden stockpiles at the Tavan Tolgoi deposit equivalent to MNT 5.2 billion (approximately $2.1 million).<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>As at December 31, 2016, the provision for the Tax Verdict (as defined below in "Governmental and Regulatory Investigations" of section "Regulatory Issues and Contingencies") was reduced to $9.3 million.<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>As of the date hereof, the Company has completed the mining operations at the Tavan Tolgoi deposit equivalent to MNT 20.3 billion (approximately $8.1million) as set out in the agreement with Erdenes. The Company is required to make further cash payments of $3.0 million in 2017 to complete repayment of the balance of the penalty owing.<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>•<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Notice of Arbitration </i></b><i>- </i>The Company is subject to arbitration proceedings with First Concept Logistics Limited ("First Concept") with respect to a dispute with respect to the supply of coal under a coal sale agreement. The arbitration hearing with First Concept was held in the fourth quarter of 2016. The arbitration decision is expected to be released in the second quarter of 2017.<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>•<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Settlement of Claim</i>by<i>Former Chief Executive Officer </i></b><i>- </i>The claim by Mr. Alex Molyneux ("Mr. Molyneux"), the Company's former President and Chief Executive Officer, and the counterclaim by the Company, has been settled by a payment by the Company to Mr. Molyneux of the sum of $0.29 million, without admission of liability by either party. As a term of the settlement, the Company and Mr. Molyneux executed mutual general releases, and the action and counterclaim were dismissed as against all parties by consent without court costs payable to any party, effective on November 25, 2016.<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>•<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Settlement of Lawsuit Notice from a Former Fuel Supplier </i></b><i>-</i> On January 20, 2017, the Company announced that SouthGobi Sands LLC ("SGS"), a subsidiary of the Company, had received a lawsuit notice from the Khan-Uul District Civil Court of First Instance in Mongolia (the "DC Court") in relation to a claim from Magnai Trade LLC ("MTLLC"), a former fuel supplier of SGS, for MNT 22.2 billion (approximately $8.9 million) consisting of MNT 14.6 billion (approximately $5.8 million) of outstanding fuel supply payments and MNT 7.6 billion (approximately $3.1 million) of late payment penalties and associated interest costs.<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Following SGS' successful challenge to the authority of the DC Court to hear the matter, the Company signed a settlement agreement with MTLLC on February 10, 2017, pursuant to which the outstanding amount of $7.9 million will be settled in equal monthly installments of $2.0 million from March 2017 to June 2017.<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>•<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Novel Sunrise Investments Limited ("Novel Sunrise") sold 25.8 million Sharesto a Company Owned by Members of Management </i></b>- On January 11, 2017, Novel Sunrise, the Company's largest shareholder at the time, reported that it had sold 25.8 million common shares of the Company effective December 31, 2016 to Voyage Wisdom Limited ("Voyage Wisdom"), a company owned by three members of the Company's management team, for consideration of $24 million.<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>•<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Changes in Directors</i></b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Mr. Huiyi Wang</u></b>: Mr. Wang was appointed as a Non-Executive Director on February 18, 2016.<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Mr. Pierre Lebel</u></b>: Mr. Lebel retired as Lead Director and an Independent Non-Executive Director on June 30, 2016.<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Mr. Joseph Belan</u></b>: Mr. Belan was appointed as Independent Non-Executive Director of the Company on August 16, 2016.<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>•<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Strategic Advisor - </i></b>On September 16, 2016, the Company established a Strategic Advisory Board and appointed Mr. Abraham (Braam) Jonker as its initial member. The purpose of the Strategic Advisory Board is to provide non-binding strategic guidance and advice to the Board of Directors of the Company in connection with the Company's ongoing business activities and initiatives.<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>•<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Going Concern -</i></b> As at the date hereof, the Company has initiated a plan to change the existing product mix to higher value and higher margin outputs by washing certain grades of coal commencing in 2017 in order to produce more premium semi-soft coking coal and to initiate more processing of the lower grades of coal in order to reduce the ash content and improve the selling price and margins on its thermal coal product. The Company has also completed a new mine plan, which incorporates the coal washing and processing systems and contemplates significantly higher volumes of production in order to complement the Company's new product mix and sales volume targets. Such plans will involve the need for a significant level of stripping activities over the next two years and require certain capital expenditures to achieve the designed production outputs. Such expenditures will require the Company to seek additional financing in the form of finance leases, debt or equity. The Company has entered into an agreement for a finance lease on the new wash plant facility but will need financing to complete the thermal coal processing facilities.<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>There is no guarantee that the Company will be able to successfully secure additional sources of financing. This could result in adjustments to the amounts and classifications of assets and liabilities in the Company's consolidated financial statements and such adjustments could be material. Unless the Company acquires additional sources of financing and/or funding in the short term, the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern is threatened. If the Company is unable to continue as a going concern, it may be forced to seek relief under applicable bankruptcy and insolvency legislation. See section "Liquidity and Capital Resources" for details. As at March 31, 2017, the Company had $5.3 million of cash.<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b>OVERVIEW OF OPERATIONAL DATA AND FINANCIAL RESULTS</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/southgobi-resources-announces-fourth-quarter-full-year-2016-financial-operating-results-tsx-sgq-2206846.htm">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=ASX:WOF">WOF</a> trading flat midday at A$0.036<o:p></o:p></i></p><h1><a name="_Wolf_Petroleum:_Regulatory"></a>Wolf Petroleum: Regulatory Approval of Exploration Programme<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 31 -- As detailed in the December 2016 Quarterly Activities Report (refer to ASX release dated 30 January 2017), Wolf Petroleum Limited ('the Company') had submitted its proposed exploration programme for the SB Block to the Mongolian government regulatory agencies for approval.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company advises that due to certain administrative matters, there was a delay in the regulatory agencies processing the submission. Those administrative matters have now been resolved.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company is pleased to advise that it has received regulatory approval for its proposed exploration programme for the SB Block.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A further update will be provided as part of the March 2017 Quarterly Activities Report.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170331/pdf/43h6lb0dggzj3t.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=ASX:HAR">HAR</a> last traded A$0.003 on Feb 23<o:p></o:p></i></p><h1><a name="_Haranga_Resources:_Annual"></a>Haranga Resources: Annual Report, December 2016<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 31, Haranga Resources Ltd. (ASX:HAR) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170331/pdf/43h6fmdzk43jpd.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=ASX:TPO">TPO</a> last traded A$0.165 on Jul 13<o:p></o:p></i></p><h1><a name="_Tian_Poh:_Annual"></a>Tian Poh: Annual Financial Report<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>April 2, Tian Poh Resources Ltd. (ASX:TPO) --<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170403/pdf/43h76nv5qkb4yv.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=HKG:1400">1400</a> trading -7.4% at HK$0.25 in early trading<o:p></o:p></i></p><h1><a name="_Wang_Tai:_Annual"></a>Wang Tai: Annual Results<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 31, Wang Tai Holdings Ltd. (HKEx:1400) --<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>HIGHLIGHTS <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo7'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>—<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>The Group's total revenue was approximately RMB780.3 million in 2016, increased from the total revenue of approximately RMB670.3 million in 2015.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo7'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>—<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>The Group experienced a gross loss of approximately RMB20.8 million in 2016, as compared to a gross profit of approximately RMB8.4 million in 2015. Excluding the impairment loss, the gross loss in 2016 was approximately RMB5.3 million. The gross loss in 2016 included impairment loss on property, plant and equipment of approximately RMB15.5 million.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo7'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>—<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>The Group's loss increased to approximately RMB331.0 million in 2016, from approximately RMB23.3 million in 2015.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo7'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>—<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Basic and diluted earnings per share decreased from loss per share of RMB1.90 cents in 2015 to loss per share of RMB21.70 cents in 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo7'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>—<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>As at 31 December 2016, the Group's total cash and bank balances and restricted bank deposits amounted to approximately RMB25.0 million (2015: approximately RMB398.4 million), representing a decrease of 93.7% as compared to that as at 31 December 2015.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo7'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>—<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>The Board did not propose the payment of a final dividend.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2017/0402/LTN20170402021.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>Wang Tai: <a href="http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2017/0331/LTN201703311845.pdf">Announcement in Relation to the Accrual and Write-Off of Impairment Provision of the Company's Assets in the Year 2016</a>, March 31<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="http://www.aastocks.com/en/ltp/RTQuote.aspx?S=Y&Symbol=00975#01733">1733</a> plunged 7.6% Friday to HK$1.10, trading flat in early Monday <o:p></o:p></i></p><h1><a name="_E-Commodities_Swinging_to"></a><span lang=MN>E-Commodities Swinging to Profit May Trigger Contingent Value Rights<o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 31 (AAStocks) E-COMMODITIES (01733.HK) issued a notice of triggering event of the Contingent Value Rights (CVRs). Under the terms of the issuance of the CVRs, the contingent value rights are triggered when the company's cash profit before taxation in any financial year exceeds US$100 million. The board announced that, the company on 28 March 2017, as a result of the occurrence of the triggering event, a notice will be issued by the company to each participating bondholder indicating that the company will settle the CVRs in full on the settlement date at the face value recorded on each CVR certificate by the issue of new shares of the company. In accordance with the terms of the CVRs, the settlement date of the CVRs has been scheduled on 30 April 2017 and the settlement price will be determined on the settlement date. all CVRs which are settled in full by the company will forthwith be cancelled and such CVRs may not be reissued or resold.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After close on 28 March, E-COMMODITIES announced the results for the year ended 2016. Net profit was $2.874 billion, against the loss of $1.723 billion in the year-ago period. It fell 3.3%, 17.9% and 7.6% on 29, 30 and 31 March respectively.<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.aastocks.com/en/stocks/news/aafn-news/NOW.795035/1">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2017/0331/LTN20170331804.pdf">Link to 1733 release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhrIXG6H9SAhyGMmf0r-wFVQrT67Fz4fuwnhqZAAfWPQ-CEeOr3xe9DpXJa1Dc-JGniVs86JAtqnPV2nmFwIvAZcnR8SXKGZgZgCY5DxHeHtbCmzP29fzIfKFo9jdW3X1rvtFP7FF-ec/s1600/image007-703830.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhrIXG6H9SAhyGMmf0r-wFVQrT67Fz4fuwnhqZAAfWPQ-CEeOr3xe9DpXJa1Dc-JGniVs86JAtqnPV2nmFwIvAZcnR8SXKGZgZgCY5DxHeHtbCmzP29fzIfKFo9jdW3X1rvtFP7FF-ec/s320/image007-703830.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597711310382466" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Local></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Local Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_MSE_Weekly_Report:"></a>MSE Weekly Report: Top 20 +0.55%, ALL +0.06%, <span lang=MN>₮481</span>.9M Shares, <span lang=MN>₮</span>2.5B T-Bills Traded, <span lang=MN>₮</span>14.1B T-Bills Issued<span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 31 (MSE) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjXxBUoaFJLsIypUcp980DKqpe7W8Sk_j_-RyHXrESaj2Q39R7GFKOWb06cuXW4a0RJoonWVUSw9wf-83YeWLZsqsvGMmzSdLqnpTTVk57QDYTrrfEmp1tUoX6CEqWfX8Z7nR3m-k2Zg/s1600/image018-708055.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjXxBUoaFJLsIypUcp980DKqpe7W8Sk_j_-RyHXrESaj2Q39R7GFKOWb06cuXW4a0RJoonWVUSw9wf-83YeWLZsqsvGMmzSdLqnpTTVk57QDYTrrfEmp1tUoX6CEqWfX8Z7nR3m-k2Zg/s320/image018-708055.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597721807598546" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/uploads/ariljaa/reports/report_en-15.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_FRC_Revokes_Asia"></a>FRC Revokes Asia Pacific Securities' Underwriting License <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 31 (MSE) In accordance with the resolution No.35 passed by FRC on February 08, 2017, "Asia Pacific Securities" LLC's license for underwriting activity in securities market has been revoked.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/news/4144">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_FRC_Revokes_Frontier"></a>FRC Revokes Frontier Securities' Underwriting License <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 31 (MSE) In accordance with the resolution No.47 passed by FRC on March 10, 2017, "Frontier" LLC's license for underwriting activity in securities market has been revoked. As of today, there are 24 underwriting companies registered at MSE.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/news/4145">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mark_Garnier_MP,"></a>Mark Garnier MP, UK's International Trade Minister, Visits Mongolian Stock Exchange<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 31 (MSE) Today MSE has welcomed Mark Garnier MP, the UK's International Trade Minister. To honor the occasion, he has rung the bell to open today's securities trading session. Minister Mark Garnier, a former investment banker majoring in emerging markets, was involved in developing Mongolian capital market by sharing his opinions and suggestions within the framework of the cooperation between London Stock Exchange Group and Mongolian Stock Exchange. During the visit, he got acquainted with MSE's current activities and market operation and expressed his willingness to promote the cooperation of two exchanges as well as investments towards Mongolia from the UK based investment funds.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/news/4147">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERaskNxe6nYX-cGu-ZgzvayCMb0EtRFcXVkDsp6ZJfN3UR2FMsXllZ8-RkzfGl8v46AvS7fowrnNYAAdVBrrVPvEyNnDqd2a3rUxY0mu00jATUXnyibSjvcARUWlDuUfU2aQZJUvawLg/s1600/image008-710478.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERaskNxe6nYX-cGu-ZgzvayCMb0EtRFcXVkDsp6ZJfN3UR2FMsXllZ8-RkzfGl8v46AvS7fowrnNYAAdVBrrVPvEyNnDqd2a3rUxY0mu00jATUXnyibSjvcARUWlDuUfU2aQZJUvawLg/s320/image008-710478.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597732647256162" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Economy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Economy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>Reds</span> are when MNT fell, <span style='color:#00B050'>greens</span> when it rose.<b> <span style='color:red'>Bold reds</span></b><span style='color:red'> </span>are rates that set a new historic high at the time. </i><o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_BoM_MNT_Rates:"></a><span lang=MN>BoM MNT Rates: </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>Friday</span><span lang=MN>, </span>March 31 <span lang=MN>Close </span><o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoTable15Plain5 border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=957 style='width:717.45pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/31</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/30</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/29</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/28</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/27</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/24</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/23</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/22</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>High</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>Date</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1058" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/b27dbc49-e16d-41ae-8557-f99cdb40c367.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e147de94-098c-41fc-a613-e68b961bc287.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>USD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,447.45<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,452.44<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,453.83<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,456.03<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,458.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,459.18<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,459.57<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,459.38<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,457.58<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,458.10<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,498.75</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1059" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/bebede1f-9fde-45e8-9abf-07cee5d98010.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/7fff4ee5-d12c-4bd2-8a56-d47fa1ab5b0d.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>EUR</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,616.81<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,633.06<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,646.46<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,666.76<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,671.66<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,649.52<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,654.98<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,656.50<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,649.64<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,647.37<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,681.43</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/10/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1060" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/280be717-5c83-46be-b0c7-d0b2cf9575f2.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/73256f8e-4c86-438d-9d39-350646eb7f40.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>JPY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.89<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>22.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>22.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>22.19<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>22.32<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>22.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>22.11<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>22.06<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.78<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.83<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>23.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/9/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1061" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0e866dbf-0eff-45bc-aa83-c145b2345900.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/170ec7e9-2636-4b7d-a624-7ae9fef54841.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>GBP</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,050.50<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,045.07<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,043.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,090.42<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,089.30<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,070.04<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,068.81<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,066.97<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,038.31<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,052.47<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>3,183.26</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>8/13/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1062" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/33370dc8-8964-434b-8694-6462f39746fb.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a481156f-5e01-436d-b063-c22ecd3ed0dd.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>RUB</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>43.73<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>43.51<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>43.07<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>43.15<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>43.13<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.81<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.86<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.70<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.89<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.93<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>54.32</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>6/27/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1063" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/c37f3eb9-e9ba-4c1d-bc0f-2669bc4c1412.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/56dc9518-41a5-4bb4-9d57-167f6de07f2e.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CNY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>355.15<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>355.80<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>356.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>356.74<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>357.66<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>356.72<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>357.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>357.18<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>356.28<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>355.99<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>363.02</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/5/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1064" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e5792094-f0b8-4c3a-a82b-97ddd5401a38.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ab781b89-2767-4b9c-b3cb-b3c6cc603016.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>KRW</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.19<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.20<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.21<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.21<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.19<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.19<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.19<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.19<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.20<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.21<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>3/27/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1065" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/75233918-55b6-4977-a5ef-f682c93bbdb0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/9a4a44a5-6be7-4141-8159-5aa30a12bb45.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>SGD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,751.87<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,758.02<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,757.07<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,760.78<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,765.08<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,755.99<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,757.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,758.27<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,756.79<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,759.93<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,765.08<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>3/27/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1066" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a8311ed8-a900-4237-bf18-4ebf7b10bbf0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/53fdb4a8-f38e-4f01-b01a-c2dee4a6895d.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CAD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,835.43<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,838.82<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,836.56<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,833.54<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,845.01<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,840.98<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,843.69<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,839.68<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,840.95<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,843.48<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,908.84</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/18/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1067" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/5d744e37-53d2-4c10-aa04-7bc77a3c3abc.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/6ec5578f-dca9-4257-b326-e755e3b2400b.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>AUD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,874.38<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,877.96<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,879.76<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,866.95<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,876.23<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,872.79<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,879.36<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,886.47<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,893.32<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,902.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/16/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1068" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6f012c2-8c16-455d-b0b0-8427d7512a2b.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6b9f8ce-b8d2-4ce7-bdce-b85ce1812325.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>HKD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>315.02<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>315.60<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>315.89<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.20<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.57<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.60<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>316.66<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.46<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>316.53<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>322.21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1069" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0588bbef-101c-4211-8d37-8045475e110d.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ae638f8b-a29a-4d70-90b3-52ad2a79d482.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CHF</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,445.98<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,461.18<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,469.88<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,491.28<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,496.04<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,474.27<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,476.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,478.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,465.35<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,463.52<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,497.77</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/09/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:red'>Bank USD rates at time of sending</span></b>: <a href="https://www.khanbank.com/en/home/rates">Khan</a> (Buy ₮2,436 Sell ₮2,448), <a href="http://tdbm.mn/en/exchange">TDB</a> (Buy ₮2,436 Sell ₮2,446), <a href="https://en.golomtbank.com/home/citizen">Golomt</a> (Buy ₮2,436 Sell ₮2,448), <a href="http://xacbank.mn/en/calculator/rates">XacBank</a> (Buy ₮2,437 Sell ₮2,449), <a href="https://www.statebank.mn/w/en/m1">State Bank</a> (Buy ₮2,436 Sell ₮2,448)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/graphic_dailyrate.aspx">USD (blue), CNY (red) vs MNT</a> in last 1 year:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YzZf3WbYdcqW9ZvzxBlfg8CCoJkswu-ItItC-nNd7JuP3GEh-Z5ixD5Tak9Hfl1heKLflW57jYWiWIDs0o-GZwjOIbrlH0MwvB8l38CkDqlZaeDMnIParyjjVVanWNmuOnuWZe4_6lU/s1600/image020-712903.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0YzZf3WbYdcqW9ZvzxBlfg8CCoJkswu-ItItC-nNd7JuP3GEh-Z5ixD5Tak9Hfl1heKLflW57jYWiWIDs0o-GZwjOIbrlH0MwvB8l38CkDqlZaeDMnIParyjjVVanWNmuOnuWZe4_6lU/s320/image020-712903.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597740882243730" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistofficialdailyrate.aspx">Link to rates</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_issues_₮386.8"></a>BoM issues <span lang=MN>₮</span>386.8 billion 1-week bills, total outstanding +9% to <span lang=MN>₮1</span>.<span lang=MN>1</span> trillion <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 31 (Bank of Mongolia) BoM issues 1 week bills worth MNT 386.8 billion at a weighted interest rate of 14.0 percent per annum /<a href="http://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistcbb.aspx">For previous auctions click here/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=173">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'>Talks on Japanese soft loan to be held after IMF's financial program approved<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) During his visit to Japan on March 27-30, Parliament Speaker M.Enkhbold met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who said that Japan is ready to render<br>financial assistance to Mongolia within the framework of the International Monetary Fund's program on economic and financial reform.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The total financial package of the IMF's 'Extended Fund Facility' program is USD 5.5 billion. And a large sum of the finance would be made up of the financial assistance of USD 850 million proposed by Japan during the Parliament Speaker's visit to Japan. According to corresponding legislations of Mongolia, this assistance would be considered as a soft loan with an interest rate of less than 1 percent and over 20 years of period. The exact amount of the soft loan will be decided by a joint working group of Mongolia and Japan and the Japanese working group may soon arrive in Mongolia" said State Secretary of Minister of Finance of Mongolia B.Nyamaa said in his interview for parliament.mn.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He continued "As mentioned, the soft loan will be directed at a program to revive the economy in the scope of the IMF's program. This loan is important in meeting the expected results of the IMF program. Currently, the Mongolian government plans to use the loan for funding budget deficit and to prevent possible debt burden in the future".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Some positive economic impacts are expected as a result of the program, including 6-8 percent of stable economic growth, foreign currency reserve to reach USD 4 billion and average inflation rate to be at around 6 percent. Furthermore, macroeconomic stabilizations will be stabilized, enabling long-term growth and removal of unsteady macroeconomic conditions.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Certainly, investors were concerned about Mongolia's currency reserve and sustainable economic growths. Therefore, the loan is important in clearing these doubts. Also, the financial assistance is not entitled to certain projects and the Japanese government will render the assistance for funding the economic transition" noted State Secretary of Finance Minister B.Nyamaa. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is anticipated that the Mongolian and Japanese sides will discuss this issue further, after the Extended Fund Facility program is approved by the IMF Board. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Source: <a href="http://www.parliament.mn%20/">www.parliament.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/9459">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXmbg0gYXh7_qiaJE1YhBnmNc_4i8JJ71y8oN-hFUE1LQIhto7bY9O1AidPU1CWXZeleVqKPZSCIUoSZI92xR5M9BxRkIjntVbOJXrix-2ydZuC-Qj1aUYmKhDPGDF9n8eAm-WCpRTXc/s1600/image004-790835.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXmbg0gYXh7_qiaJE1YhBnmNc_4i8JJ71y8oN-hFUE1LQIhto7bY9O1AidPU1CWXZeleVqKPZSCIUoSZI92xR5M9BxRkIjntVbOJXrix-2ydZuC-Qj1aUYmKhDPGDF9n8eAm-WCpRTXc/s320/image004-790835.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597651009236722" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Politics></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Politics & Legal<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Mongolians_protest_over"></a>Mongolians protest over alleged theft of government funds<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>By Ganbat Namjilsangarav<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia, March 31 (AP) — Hundreds of Mongolians protested in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, on Friday over the alleged theft of government funds deposited in offshore accounts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Opposition politicians and activists demanded the return of what some said is $17 billion in funds plundered by ruling party politicians and their influential friends.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>They also called on the country's parliament to launch a special investigation of offshore accounts and pass a law prohibiting public officials, politicians and their family members from holding such accounts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Uyanga Gantomor, chairwoman of a minor opposition party, said there was money sitting in offshore accounts that had been stolen from Mongolians.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"These thieves stole from schools, kindergartens and from your children and from the happiness of your families," she told the crowd in Ulaanbaatar's central square. "If they bring their stolen money back to Mongolia, then we can forgive them."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Former President Enkhbayar Nambar, who has served time in prison for corruption, addressed the crowd of about 1,500 to 2,000 people. "Not everyone is perfect; I went wrong once," he said. "For that, I have asked forgiveness. How about others ask for forgiveness also! Let's bring the money hidden in offshore accounts and distribute it to the people," he said to loud cheers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia is in the midst of an economic crisis caused partly by a decline in prices for mineral exports.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>More than 30 percent of the 3 million people in the landlocked country live in poverty, and many are angry over an austerity plan that has hit the poor hardest.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>One of the protest organizers, Batchuluun San, head of the People's Emergency Council, a private group that focuses on graft, said the protest was in response to the "Panama Papers" scandal last year in which thousands of pages of documents related to offshore accounts were leaked, including accounts of members of the Mongolian political and business elite.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Today we have individuals in Mongolia who are richer than the state," said Batchuluun. "We want the government to investigate politicians with offshore accounts based on these documents."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Gansukh Khaltar, an independent economist, said Mongolia needs a law that regulates offshore accounts held by officials, but questioned the $17 billion figure used by protesters.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"How did several rich and influential people manage to steal $17 billion in the last 27 years as the protesters claim? Why would foreign mining companies give this huge amount of bribes to Mongolian politicians?" he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.dailyjournal.net/2017/03/31/as-mongolia-corruption-protest/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/328895">Mongolians demonstrate against offshore accounts</a> – news.mn, March 31<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9457">Protesters demand Offshore-Account-Holders to step down</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 31<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_MP_Ts._Nyamdorj"></a>MP Ts. Nyamdorj casts further doubt over S. Zorig murder trial<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) Today, MP Ts.Nyamdorj made a statement that guiltless persons were going to be intentionally charged for the criminal case of assassination of ex MP and one of the leaders of Democratic movement S.Zorig. Three persons were sentenced for imprisonment of 24-25 years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>MP Ts.Nyamdorj underlined that he was presenting some documents and expressing his viewpoint, regarding the case in order to make the victims whose rights to be defended has been violated, to be heard to public, and as the state of the criminal case was complicated, causing many suspicions among people and touching serious issues regarding to actions of law enforcement and judiciary institutes and human rights. The documents he presented were explained, as relevant prior to the accused T.Chimgee and Sodnomdarjaa had been arrested.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr Nyamdorj "Why the criminal trial was held behind closed door and why state prosecutor made statement on TV regarding the case. The main point of the case is the one who had ordered this case. But this person has not been revealed. I very much concern about the case revealing methodology. The only witness, who was at the crime scene (Zorig's wife Bulgan was at home when Zorig was murdered there) was not taken to stand trial, considering her neither a victim nor a witness, after having arrested her for a whole year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>MP Ts.Nyamdorj said the criminal case has not yet been revealed for long time because traces and imprints were washed out as many people went in and out the crime scene. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9461">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Will_2017_meet"></a>Will 2017 meet Mongolia's mega hopes from mega projects?<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 31 (gogo.mn) In late 2016, the price of coking coal surged, the oil industry outlook brightened, and there were positive signs in other commodity markets also. As producers and exporters celebrate the return of good times, however temporary these might turn out to be, Mongolians have another reason to feel optimistic about 2017, when work on several mega projects, including Tavan Tolgoi and Gatsuurt, is slated to begin, after years of false hopes, dashed expectations, and broken promises. Let us see how things stand with some of these projects that will change Mongolia's economy and Mongolians' life in many ways. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>GATSUURT<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ts.Dashdorj, the present Mining Minister, is the fourth in a series to try to bring the Gatsuurt deposit into the economic cycle. D.Zorigt initiated the talks with the investors on developing the deposit, but the tenure of D.Gankhuyag was marked by growing opposition to the project. R.Jigjid soothed popular feelings and took some real steps towards operating the mine by getting the mineral law amended to allow the state to forgo its 34% ownership infavour of receiving 3% special royalties. Draft investment and deposit development agreements were prepared but things then slowed down as elections drew near. How quickly will the current government be able to fulfil expectations, and boost morale in the mining sector? <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Progress might not be easy. The NGO Save Noyon Mountain moved court and in May 2016, the extractionlicence of Gatsuurt mine, issued to Centerra Gold by the MRAM, was suspended. The company appealed against the ruling to The Capital City Administrative Court, which refused on 9 February to hear the case, sending it back to the primary court.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On the other hand, there have been two positive developments in recent days. In one, the Ministry has set up a working group charged with preparing the deposit development and investment agreements with Centerra Gold. This replaces the working group formed in 2015, which became defunct with the coming of the present government. In the other, the Mineral Resources Professional Council earlier this month approved a revised feasibility study of the Gatsuurt deposit. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Gatsuurt mine holds 50tonnes of gold in about 17 million tonnes of ore. There could well be 26 tonnes more of precious metal and the mine lifetime would be around 10 years. The project would need a total investment of $215.9 million, while operational costs would be $1026 million. Estimated sales revenue would be $1769 million and the state budget would get $432.3 million in tax and other payments. It will have around 1000 workers. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>OYU TOLGOI<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Oyu Tolgoi expansion project will be the strongest pillar of the Mongolian economy in 2017. Turquoise Hill Resources, which owns 66 percent of the mining project, has said this year's capital expenditure in the open pit mine and the underground mine would be $100 million and between $825 million and $925 million respectively. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In December 2015, Rio Tinto raised $4.4 billion from 15 commercial banks with government support. The banks are ready to lend up to $6 billion and might be willing to give $1.6 billion more. Whether Rio Tinto takes these further loans or not will depend on what the market situation does for Oyu Tolgoi's own financial capacity. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The underground mine is the heart of the project where 80 percent of Oyu Tolgoi's total reserve lies. Sales would start in 2021 and full capacityof production would come in 2027. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>TAVAN TOLGOI<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>How all efforts to operate the Tavan Tolgoi deposit in a big way have failed ever since S.Bayar's government took it under state ownership in 2008 is a story well-known. The latest round was flagged off last October by J.Erdenebat's government, which gives the impression of being really serious about the job. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are many obstacles on its path, even though the time is propitious with coking coal prices rising. The rise followed the Chinese government's sudden decision in mid-2016 to reduce the number of working days in domestic coal mines from 330 to 276. However, the government had second thoughts as prices kept going up, and it soon began to re-extend the operating days. The result has been that some market experts are taking coking coal price trends as not being reliable. However, even if there is no spectacular recovery as in 2008 and 2011, coking coal prices will remain reasonably high, and not hit the bottom anytime soon.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>That makes it all the more important to raise production at Tavan Tolgoi. A working group was set up in the Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry late last year to resume discussions with the "old acquaintance" consortium, which consists of Energy Resources, Sumitomo, and Shenhua. Maybe this time will be lucky, and Tavan Tolgoi would be freed of the jinx. Much, of course, depends on how prices move. All parties would lose interest if the expected commercial returns are not high enough. In any case, so much has to be done – finalizing the investment process, completing studies, developing infrastructure etc. – that expecting any spectacular benefit from Tavan Tolgoi this year could be unwise. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>THE TAVAN TOLGOI POWER PLANT AND CHP-5<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>The investment agreement for the Tavan Tolgoi 450-MW coal power plant was signed in June 2016, with MCS Power as the domestic and Marubeni as the foreign investor. Little has progressed since, except for successful negotiations with Oyu Tolgoi LLC to buy 70% of the generated power. The rest would be usedat the Tavan Tolgoi and Tsagaansuvarga projects. We can only hope that work on the power plant will move forward this year but it seems several details are still to be worked out to the satisfaction of all the parties involved. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Failure to progress in building the Combined Heat and Power Plant – 5 has been attributed to lack of finance, the market situation, and political disagreements. Several other coal power plant projects have also been on the drawing board for long. The government should take a quick decision on which of these it would take up first. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The proposed projects include the Baganuur power plant, Bodi Group's Buuruljuut coal power plant, and the Shivee Ovoo power station. Buuruljuut will be built by the private sector, but Baganuur, Tavan Tolgoi, and CHP-5 are government projects. However, only the Tavan Tolgoi power plant is mentioned for development in the government's Economic Recovery Programme (2016-2020), while the others are just said to be under study. Prime Minister Erdenebat should be knowing the need to start work on at least some of these, as a power-hungry China would welcome long-term agreements on buying electricity from Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The only good news is that work has finally begun onexpansion of CHP-3. That would alleviate to a certain extent the country's shortage of energy and heat. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>THE RAILWAY AND OTHER PROJECTS<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last December, the government announced a list of energy, road and transport projects to be implemented in 2017. Among them are the 45.3-km railway from Nariinsukhait to Shiveekhuren, the 281-km railway from Zuunbayan toKhangi port, the 192-km railway from Choibalsan to Khuut mine, and the 234-km railway from Khuut mine to Bichigt port. Later, Road and Transport Minister D.Ganbat expressed his hope that work on the Nariinsukhait-Shiveekhuren segment would start in the spring. When completed, SouthGobi Sands, Mongolyn Alt, and Usukh Zoos can then use the railway to transport their coal. The 45-km heavy and paved road now used has a capacity of just 11 million tonnes per year while these companies can together produce over 30 million tonnes. However, construction is likely to be delayed beyond the planned one year, as many related issues are still to be sorted out. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Zuunbayan-Khangi track is likely to have a wide gauge, according to the draft resolution on ensuring implementation of the state policy on railway transportation submitted by the government to the Parliament. Rough estimates put the total cost of construction at $1 billion. Mainly iron ore would be transported through the railway. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is unlikely that this would see the Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry make any real progress on 'ambitious' projects such as the oil refinery, the copper smelter, and the steel plant, besides conducting some preliminary studies. Actual construction could begin only after the money is found and in the present situation, this might take quite some time. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157958">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for March 31, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Mid-term strategic partnership agreement signed with Japan<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Summary:</b> The Speaker of Parliament signed a mid-term strategic partnership agreement with Japan, outlining the goals and guidelines of economic partnership between the two countries for the next five years. The agreement outlines cooperation in trade, economic partnership, political ties, investment, defense, security, culture, and many other areas. The two sides agreed to pay special attention to mutually beneficial economic and trade partnership.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Keywords:</i></b><i> Japan, Speaker of Parliament</i> | <i>The Century News /page 2/</i><o:p></o:p></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi's debts to Chalco repaid <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Summary:</b> Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi (ETT) signed a sales agreement with Chalco in 2011 to receive a 350 million USD advance payments for the supply of coal. Last Thursday, the remaining 110 million USD of the company's debt to Chalco was paid. A debt of 64 million USD owed to TTJV Co. was also fully repaid. Revenue from the East Tsankhii mine will now go to the state. In the agreement made with Chalco, following the debt's repayment, 80% of coal from the East Tsankhii mine is to be supplied to Chalco. The management of ETT has sent a request to change the amount allotted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Executive Director of ETT D. Ariunbold stated, "The day that the debt is repaid to Chalco is a celebratory day for the Government of Mongolia, the company's stockholders, and every Mongolian citizen." D. Ariunbold noted that a Mongolian company won the bid to utilize the West Tsankhii mine, and the mining license fee of 200 billion MNT is to stay in the Mongolian economy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The company mined 2.8 million tons of coal in the first quarter of 2017 and exported 2.1 million tons. According to calculations, around 9 million tons of coal will be mined and the sale of 560 million USD is to expected to take place this year. The Prime Minister received the management of ETT and congratulated them for paying off their debts. The PM recommended that the management create the opportunity to give dividends to citizens holding ETT stock.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Keywords:</i></b><i> Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi, Prime Minister, stocks</i> | <i>The Official Gazette /page 2/</i><o:p></o:p></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>ONLINE STORY<o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Moody's sets Mongolia's long-term credit rating at CAA1<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Summary:</b> Moody's Investors Service is maintaining Mongolia's long-term credit rating at CAA1. Starting on February 15, Moody's researched the possibility of lowering Mongolia's credit rating, but has decided against a change. Moody's highlights that the expectation that Mongolia will enroll in the IMF's extended fund facility program and receive financial assistance from international organizations affected their decision to not alter the credit rating. Moody's warned that the budget deficit is still expected to be high, which could result in a rise in liquidity pressure in the next 12-18 months. The only positive short-term factor impacting the Mongolian economy is the IMF's EFF program. Moody's highlighted that in the medium and long term, an increase in FDI and the acceleration of the mining sector is crucial for the economy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Keywords:</i></b><i> Moody's, credit ratings</i> | <i><a href="http://bloombergtv.mn/moodys-%D0%B0%D0%B3%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B3-%D0%BC%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%BB-%D1%83%D0%BB%D1%81%D1%8B%D0%BD-%D1%83%D1%80%D1%82-%D1%85%D1%83%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%86%D0%B0%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%8B-%D0%B7%D1%8D%D1%8D%D0%BB%D0%B6%D0%B8%D1%85-%D0%B7%D1%8D%D1%80%D1%8D%D0%B3%D0%BB%D1%8D%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%B3-caa1-%D0%B7%D1%8D%D1%80%D1%8D%D0%B3%D0%BB%D1%8D%D0%BB%D0%B4-%D1%85%D1%8D%D0%B2%D1%8D%D1%8D%D1%80-%D2%AF%D0%BB%D0%B4%D1%8D%D1%8D%D0%B2/?cid=7" target="_blank">www.bloombergtv.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>The USD exchange rate falls for 5 consecutive days<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Summary:</b> The USD exchange rate fell for 5 consecutive days, reaching 2,452.44 MNT. The exchange rate of USD against the MNT decreased by 0.77% this month, and on Thursday, the central bank bought 9.9 million USD in spot trading through a currency auction from commercial banks. The exchange rate of CNY against MNT decreased 0.9% this month, reaching 355.8 MNT. Commercial banks asked to buy 19 million CNY and sell 1 million CNY during the currency auction, but the Bank of Mongolia declined the request.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Keywords:</i></b><i> USD, exchange rate, currency</i> | <i><a href="http://bloombergtv.mn/%D0%B0%D0%BC-%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%8B%D0%BD-%D1%85%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%88-%D1%81%D2%AF%D2%AF%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD-%D3%A9%D0%B4%D3%A9%D1%80-%D0%B4%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%BD-%D0%B1%D1%83%D1%83%D1%80%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B0/?cid=7" target="_blank">www.bloombergtv.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-march-31-2017/">Link to newswire</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizs_uyO5eIIqFuYqH9D-cF1oH1LuqRq9G5WgnwJ_TUcSItFeLt2l0F3j31tQBnPZI5Ks92LR488rQxxkZjmBRWVycY5TQ9JeCcbtPENWyAkH21pc7d1cnpj_GQgRmfIOmWSLwNGOqwSq8/s1600/image005-794626.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizs_uyO5eIIqFuYqH9D-cF1oH1LuqRq9G5WgnwJ_TUcSItFeLt2l0F3j31tQBnPZI5Ks92LR488rQxxkZjmBRWVycY5TQ9JeCcbtPENWyAkH21pc7d1cnpj_GQgRmfIOmWSLwNGOqwSq8/s320/image005-794626.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597668572459970" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Business></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Business<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_EBRD_highlights_opportunities"></a>EBRD highlights opportunities in Mongolia's dairy sector<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Conference in Ulaanbaatar attracts strong interest from investors<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 31 (EBRD) As part of its drive to strengthen the country's agribusiness sector, the EBRD – with support from the<a href="http://www.ebrd.com/who-we-are/structure-and-management/shareholders/european-union.html"> European Union</a> – has organised a conference entitled "Future Opportunities in <a href="http://www.ebrd.com/mongolia.html">Mongolia</a>'s Dairy Sector" in Ulaanbaatar on Thursday, 30 March 2017. The event was opened by Matthieu Le Blan, EBRD Head of Mongolia, and attended by over 100 private companies and public stakeholders.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The conference provided a platform for discussion among milk producers, processing companies, public organisations, professional associations, international agencies and training institutions. It offered an opportunity to exchange experiences and lessons learned about best practice in dairy farming.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Participants addressed the most pressing issues in the sector. The event included top dairy producers who are also EBRD clients such as Suu, APU and Vitafit. Representatives of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry noted that the private sector's input will be very valuable for future policy considerations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The EBRD shared findings and recommendations from its advisory project "Improving productivity of dairy farmers". The project assessed the technical and market capacity of 13 local farms in 2015, and dairy development company The Friesian Agro Consultancy BV (<a href="http://www.ebrd.com/who-we-are/structure-and-management/shareholders/neetherlands.html">Netherlands</a>) held practical training for over 40 participants from 18 farms in 2016. In addition, three pilot farms implemented innovative software for herd management. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Dairy production is a key sector for the Mongolian economy and the country could become self-sufficient in milk and other dairy products. As our longstanding engagement shows, there are a number of processing companies that are keen to develop dairy value chains," said Victoria Zinchuk, Head of Agribusiness Advisory, EBRD. "As a Bank we have already supported a number of companies and are well placed to assist dairy processing both with financing and advisory support", she noted.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The conference will be followed by further practical on-farm training later this year, covering topics such as production of quality winter forage, animal nutrition, health, treatment of young stocks, as well as soil analysis and identification of appropriate types of animal feed plants.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The EBRD has been supporting the Mongolian agribusiness sector since 2007, including almost all major dairy producers and processors in the country, with investments amounting to €60 million. The EBRD has also provided advisory services to private sector dairy companies to support them in sourcing higher quality milk in appreciable volumes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.ebrd.com/news/2017/ebrd-highlights-opportunities-in-mongolias-dairy-sector.html">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Austrade:_Austmine_Mongolia"></a>Austrade: Austmine Mongolia Mission 2017, April 2-7<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The 2017 Austmine led mission provides a comprehensive program. This program is being developed in conjunction with Austrade Mongolia. Austrade's role is to provide support on the ground and ensure delegates receive the best market insights and connections. This includes understanding the market, the regulatory environment, case studies from experienced business leaders, presentations from Oyu Tolgoi's procurement team as well as their lead EPC contractor.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>There is also opportunity to participate in the annual International Mining exhibition and meet potential local partners.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>For detailed information about this event please refer to the <a href="http://www.austrade.gov.au/ArticleDocuments/6512/2017_Austmine-Mongolia-Mission_Event-brochure.pdf.aspx" target="_blank">event brochure</a> (pdf).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.austrade.gov.au/EventViewBookingDetails.aspx?Bck=Y&EventID=24903">Link to event</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_'Transit_Mongolia'_forum"></a>'Transit Mongolia' forum to be held in Beijing<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 31 (news.mn) The 'Transit Mongolia-2017' road and transportation forum will take place in Beijing on 7<sup>th</sup>of April. The forum is being organised by the Ministry of Road and Transport of Mongolia in cooperation with Ulaanbaatar Railways JVC. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia, which has a long border with China and offers important road and rail links to Russia and beyond, is set to become an important transportation "bridge" between Asia and Europe. Freight between China and Russia as well as China and Europe passing through Mongolia is set to rise as the route is considered by many as the most economically efficient route.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>China aims to increase the volume of trade with Europe to USD 1 trillion by 2020 and to Russia to USD 200 billion. In this connection, China needs to secure faster trade routes. Container shipments travelling by sea are two to three times slower than by rail. China is, therefore focusing on developing rail and road transit between to and from Europe.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/328890">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Jeju_firms_bag"></a>Jeju firms bag US$3 mln in contracts for local goods shipments abroad<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>JEJU, March 31 (Yonhap) -- The Jeju provincial government said Friday it sent trade delegations to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Mongolia last week to sign deals for exports of local products worth several million U.S. dollars.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Scores of companies based in the southern resort island of Jeju joined the delegations that visited the Asian economies between March 19 and 25, the Jeju government said in a press release.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The amount of contracts signed surpassed the US$3.05 million.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Jeju Wooda has signed a contract for exports of facial mask packs worth $120,000 and $12,000 to Taiwan and Mongolia each. The packs were made of various herbs, horse milk, pine mushroom and other ingredients indigenous to the island.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Dutch coffee producer WithO, meanwhile, signed a $50,000 contract for shipments of coffee made with Samdasoo, volcanic bedrock water produced and bottled by the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Development Corporation, and organic Ethiopian coffee beans to Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"We've organized the trade delegations to help local companies make inroads into Asia and Europe as they are currently suffering from trade retaliations from China," a Jeju government official said, referring to Beijing's economic sanctions over Seoul's deployment of a U.S. missile defense system on its soil.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/business/2017/03/31/0502000000AEN20170331007700320.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s1600/image006-799506.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s320/image006-799506.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597689338152498" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Ulaanbaatar></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Temperature_will_reach"></a>Temperature will reach 16C today in UB<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>April 3 (GoGo Mongolia) Storm and winds are expected in most regions in coming days. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mostly cloudy in Western aimags. Precipitation is expected in northern parts of Western aimags and Khuvsgul mountians. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Changeable clouds at other regions. No precipitation. Winds from SW will reach 7-12 m/s and it will reach 14-16 m/s in some parts of Western and Central aimags. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Temperature will be 1C to 6C in Khuren belchir, 0C to 5C Uvs lake, Darkhad hollow, Ider, Tes river basin, 9C to 14C in Altai, Khangai, Khuvsgul mountainous areas, 16C to 21C in Gobi aimags and 13C to 18C in other regions. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>ULAANBAATAR CITY: Mostly cloudy. No precipitation. Winds from SW will reach 7-12 m/s with mild dust storm. Temperature will be 16C to 18C today. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157975">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_capital_to"></a>Mongolian capital to ban low-grade coal to ease smog<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 31 (Reuters) Mongolia will ban the burning of low-grade coal in its capital Ulaanbaatar within the next decade, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism said, as the country tries to curb toxic air pollution.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ulaanbaatar is one of the world's most polluted cities and also one of the coldest, and poor residents are forced to burn wood, coal and sometimes even trash as temperatures plunge below minus 40 Celsius (minus 40 Fahrenheit) in winter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Poor "ger" districts, a sprawl of traditional tents that have sprung up on the edge of the city, account for about 80 percent of Ulaanbaatar's winter smog, which has sparked protests from residents.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The country's parliament has already approved a plan that will outlaw coal burning in the central business district next year, Lkhagvasuren Gunbileg, a senior officer at the National Committee on Reducing Air Pollution, told Reuters.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The ban will be implemented "systematically step-by-step" from 2018, she said, and will later be extended into the ger districts housing many former herders who have migrated to the city.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In these areas, harmful breathable particles known as PM2.5 can reach levels well above 1,000 micrograms per cubic meter during the winter, 40 times the maximum recommended by the World Health Organization.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ulaanbaatar has previously focused on rehousing ger district residents into apartments with access to the heating grid. The government now plans to connect existing homes to city utilities and provide alternative heating methods, Gunbileg said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"There will be a technical expo held to demonstrate to the masses what kind of technology is available and options for heating to choose from instead of coal," she said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Homes with wood burning stoves will be allowed to burn "enhanced coal" that emits less smoke and ash, and the state plans to subsidize electric heating units. Ten factories currently produce these enhanced coal briquettes for homes in Ulaanbaatar, but production lags demand.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Coal, one of Mongolia's major export commodities, is a primary cause of the pollution, producing huge amounts of particulate matter as well as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, hazardous components of smog and acid rain.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>China's capital Beijing is also slashing coal use, while surrounding Hebei province plans to ban direct coal combustion in nine counties in 2017, with residents set to switch to electricity, natural gas or biomass.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mongolia-pollution-coal-idUSKBN1720IC">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s1600/image006-799506.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s320/image006-799506.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597689338152498" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Diplomacy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Diplomacy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Speaker_M.Enkhbold_addresses"></a>Speaker M.Enkhbold addresses 136<sup>th</sup> IPU Assembly in Dhaka<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>April 3 (UB Post) Speaker of Parliament M.Enkhbold is participating in the 136th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), which is being held in Dhaka, Bangladesh, from April 1 to 5.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Speaker M.Enkhbold chaired the assembly's Asia-Pacific group meeting, which reviewed amendments to the group's constitution; adoption of the group's protocols agreed upon during the 135th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, held in Geneva, Switzerland; and candidate selection for the boards of a young parliamentarians forum, bureau of women parliamentarians, committee on Middle East questions, and committee on the human rights.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Speaker M.Enkhbold told the meeting's attendees that the theme of the assembly, "Readdressing Inequalities: Delivering on dignity and well-being for all", will be of great importance to implementing the objectives of the UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and reducing inequality around the world.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the assembly, Speaker M.Enkhbold met with current President of the IPU and Member of Bangladesh's Parliament Saber Hossain Chowdhury to discuss cooperation between Mongolia and the IPU. The Speaker asked Chowdhury to help officials from Mongolia's Parliament Secretariat participate in training, seminars, and other activities hosted by the IPU.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chowdhury noted that Mongolian delegates have been actively participating in the IPU's activities, and that it is possible for Mongolian Parliament Secretariat officials to attend the IPU's training. He underlined that there should be a greater focus on improving collaboration between parliaments to deal with the issues facing the world.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The President of the IPU asked Speaker M.Enkhbold to select one of his delegates to serve as the Mongolian delegate at the meeting of the IPU Committee on the Human Rights.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Speaker nominated MP D.Lundeejantsan to participate in the meeting. While in Dhaka, Speaker M.Enkhbold also attended a meeting for heads of geopolitical groups and chairmen of standing committees.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting's attendees discussed enhancing the participation of women and youth in parliament, the implementation of resolutions and decrees issued by the IPU, and crucial issues concerning the human rights, conflict, and migration concerns facing Syria, Yemen, Venezuela, and Cambodia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Speaker M.Enkhbold spoke during the meeting and highlighted that there should be a focus on increasing the participation of young parliamentarians in the IPU, because parliamentarians under the age of 45 make up nearly ten percent of the IPU's membership.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting's attendees noted that parliaments of IPU member states have the responsibility to present the IPU with their annual reports, but over 70 percent of them fail to submit them. Speaker M.Enkhbold proposed that each region appoint a representative in charge of report presentation for a better outcome. The meeting's attendees supported the Speaker's proposal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/04/03/speaker-m-enkhbold-addresses-the-ipu-assembly/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_and_Bangladesh"></a>Mongolia and Bangladesh agree to establish its parliamentary groups<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>by Press and Public Relations Department at State Great Khural<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>April 3 (GoGo Mongolia) Chairman of the State Great Hural (Parliament) of Mongolia Mr. Miyegombo ENKHBOLD, who is attending the 136th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Dhaka, has met the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) President Mr. Saber Chowdhury today on April 1, 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the beginning of the meeting, Chairman M.Enkhbold congratulated Mr. Chowdhury on successfully hosting the Assembly and noted that Mongolia has been actively participating in measures organized by the IPU since becoming a member of the organization. Mongolia joined the IPU in 1962 and since the establishment of permanent functioning parliament of Mongolia in 1992, the bilateral collaboration and relationship achieved new levels.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We are satisfied the Assembly is meeting under the theme of 'Redressing inequalities: Delivering on dignity and well-being for all'. Mongolian parliament ratified its 'Sustainable Development Vision until 2030' and we will be working hard as previously in order to achieve the objectives. As of Mongolian parliament is chairing the IPU Asia-Pacific group, the Secretariat of the Parliament of Mongolia will be also assuming the IPU Secretariat and therefore, we would like to bring your attention to involve our Secretariat staff in relevant programs and training organized by the IPU", added Mr.Enkhbold.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The IPU President S.Chowdhury affirmed that Mongolian parliament has been actively participating in the IPU activities and further noted national parliaments of the states should closer collaborate than ever before. The IPU provides with opportunities to involve Secretariat officers in training and practicing, in this scope, Mongolian officers are able to take part in.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Concluding the meeting, the sides expressed its readiness to establish Mongolia-Bangladesh parliamentary groups in both parliaments in order to broaden bilateral relations and cooperation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157976">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_Foreign_Minister"></a>Mongolian Foreign Minister to visit Vietnam on April 2-4<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 31 (news.mn) Mongolian Foreign Minister Ts.Munkh-Orgil will visit to the Vietnam on 2<sup>nd</sup>-4<sup>th</sup> of April at the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Vietnam Pham Binh Minh.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Within the framework of the visit, the Foreign Minister of Mongolia will pay a courtesy call on the Prime Minister of Vietnam, Nguyen Xuan Phuc, hold official talks with his Vietnamese counterpart Pham Binh Minh and conduct meetings with the Ministers of Agriculture and Rural Development and Industry and Trade of Vietnam.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the visit, Foreign Minister Ts.Munkh-Orgil is going to exchange views on issues concerning bilateral ties between Mongolia and Vietnam, such as the strengthening of traditional and friendly relations, increasing the frequency of high level visits, expanding international and regional cooperation in the fields of trade, economy, science, technology and culture.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The partnership between Mongolia and Vietnam has been steadily growing in all spheres since the establishment of diplomatic relations of Mongolia and Vietnam in 1954. The two countries' trade turnover reached USD 42.8 million in 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/328894">Link to article</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9440">Foreign Minister Ts.Munkh-Orgil to visit Vietnam</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 31<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_DeFacto_Interview:_John"></a>DeFacto Interview: John Langtry, Australian Ambassador to Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 31 (Jargal Defacto) --<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbKff2hWz24">Link to video</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Chinese_Embassy_donates"></a>Chinese Embassy donates Kanjur and Tanjur scriptures<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) The scholars, faculties and students at National University of Mongolia can now study Kanjur and Tanjur, two of the most famous Buddhist writings and scriptures in Mongolian language.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Embassy of the People's Republic of China donated full volume Kanjur and Tanjur manuscripts to the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies at the National University of Mongolia, and a ceremony was held on March 30, Thursday at the first building of the university.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"National University of Mongolia is truly grateful to the Embassy of China for its priceless contribution to the education sector of Mongolia", said Ya.Tumurbaatar, Interim President of the university during his opening speech at the ceremony, extending his personal gratitude for the new edition as well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Considered a valuable Buddhist heritage, the 108-volume Kanjur and 225-volume Tanjur have been translated into Mongolian by Chinese scholars for more than 20 years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia Xing Haiming was also present at the ceremony, and remarked, "National University of Mongolia is a neighbor to the Embassy of China. We are confident that the donated books will advance study on religion, art and culture by the students and faculties of the National University of Mongolia".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/education/9441">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_Ambassador_to"></a>Mongolian Ambassador to Russia visits Plekhanov Russian University of Economics<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) B.Delgermaa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the Russian Federation visits Plekhanov Russian University of Economics on March 27.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ambassador B.Delgermaa received Rector Viktor I.Grishin, Director of International Office Dmitry A.Shtykhno and the First Vice-Rector Leonid A.Bragin of Plekhanov Russian University of Economics. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the visit, Ambassador B.Delgermaa congratulated the staff of the university on the 110th anniversary of Plekhanov Russian University of Economics and congratulated Prof. Viktor I. Grishin Doctor of Science (Economics) who was awarded Mongolian Order of Polar Star.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Later displaying introductory video about Mongolia, Ambassador B.Delgermaa gave presentation on "Mongolian Economic Development Gateway". Rector of Plekhanov Russian University of Economics Viktor I. Grishin expressed his gratitude towards Ambassador B.Delgermaa for her visit and presentation about Mongolia, especially on trade and economic cooperation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/education/9442">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_Tourism_Sector"></a>Mongolian Tourism Sector Sharing Experiences with Cuba<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ulaanbaatar, Mar 31 (Prensa Latina) D. Oyunkhorol, Minister of Environment and Tourism of Mongolia, welcomed here Cuban Ambassador in this country Raul Delgado to share experiences and discuss challenges in this field.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Delgado updated Oyunkhorol on the tourist development in Cuba and the challenges in this field, considered the main boost of economy in the country given the steady growth of tourist visits.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Oyunkhorol showed interest in the training of the staff working in tourism, particularly those people trained by the Faculty of Tourism of the University of Havana.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Delgado seized the meeting to invite Oyunkhorol to the International Fair of Tourism Cuba 2017, to be held this year in Holguin with Germany as guest country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>According to the diplomatic source, the participation of Mongolian authorities from the tourist sector would define opportunities for cooperation with the Cuban side.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://plenglish.com/index.php?o=rn&id=11058&SEO=mongolian-tourist-sector-for-sharing-experiences-with-cuba">Link to article</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Similar:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9452">Mongolia to cooperate with Cuba in tourism industry</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 31<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s1600/image006-799506.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s320/image006-799506.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597689338152498" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HealthEdu></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Health & Education<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Renowned_Indian_doctors"></a>Renowned Indian doctors to visit Ulaanbaatar to share practices<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) A delegation from Fortis Healthcare, a network of super-specialty hospitals in India, comprising of Medical and Administrative teams is visiting Ulaanbaatar for exploring the opportunities to be a part of the growing healthcare industry of the country. Their visit is expected to take place on April 5-7.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The delegation plans to conduct a CME (Continuing Medical Education) for doctors and staff at First Central Hospital and Intermed Hospital of Ulaanbaatar and shall offer Free of Cost OPD as well to assist their Mongolian counterparts in assessing and treating patients with liver diseases, blood disorders and cancer ailments.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The delegation comprises of Dr. Vivek Vij, Director of Liver Transplant and GI surgery Department, and Dr. Rahul Bhargava, Director – Clinical Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Department.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dr. Vivek Vij is a known to name to more than 50 liver transplant Mongolian patients. He is a renowned Indian surgeon, known for his expertise in liver transplantation and hepatobiliary Sciences. He and his team have a cumulative experience of more than 2500 liver transplants with a record of 95% patients and 100% donor success rate. Dr. Vij is the first surgeon from Indian subcontinent to publish a series of laparoscopic donor Hepatectomy in 'Liver Transplantation'. In 2015, he was honored with a special award at International Liver Transplant Society (ILTS), in Chicago. He is the youngest liver transplant surgeon to complete 500 independent liver transplants with Lowest Biliary Complication Rate. He also runs a Fellowship program for training young surgeons and paramedical staff at Fortis.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dr. Vij has more than 50 national and international publications and presentations on 'Liver surgery and transplantation' to his credit, along with noteworthy contributions for scope of improvement in this field. His work has been published in top indexed journal for transplantation (American Journal of Transplantation, Liver Transplantation). His area of research primarily involves living donor transplants and medical management of patients with liver diseases.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dr. Rahul Bhargava is known for excellent patient outcomes and this has earned him the reputation of being among the best of his generation in this field of specialisation. The Haematology department has its own transplantation unit and extensive laboratory facilities, providing cutting-edge clinical skills and the latest in technology at affordable costs for transplantation and other Haematological services. Till date, Dr. Bhargava has performed close to 200 adult bone marrow transplants, a record-breaking number in north India.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>About Fortis</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Fortis Hospital Group is the largest healthcare provider in Asia, having multi-specialty hospitals as well as super-specialty centers across India, providing comprehensive tertiary and quaternary healthcare to patients across various specialties with latest technology, multi-disciplinary capability, state of the art facilities, world class infrastructure and excellent patient care ambience and processes, Fortis Group has expanded to become a network of 10,000 bed capacity across 54 Hospitals, over 260 diagnostic centers and a talent pool of over 23000 people. We touch, enrich and transform the lives of over 3100 patients everyday with the expertise of 10,000 finest medical minds in the country.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/education/9454">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_script_promoted"></a>Mongolian script promoted in Sukhbaatar aimag<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) A consolidated consultative meeting on Mongolian script was held in Sukhbaatar aimag for the first time. The Governor's office of the aimag and "Humun bichig" (Human script) newspaper, operated by MONTSAME national news agency organized the event, involving over 100 people, including all governors of soum, chairmen of citizens representative khurals, directors of schools, kindergarten, cultural centers, teachers of Mongol script and students.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>" – We are very pleased that the government pays special attention to promote national script and improve its usage in countryside, resolving the financial issues to organize this meeting. The greatest importance of the event is that it puts big investment to local people. It is not always possible to involve good number of people from one province, when this kind of meeting is organized in Ulaanbaatar. Therefore we planned to give as much information and knowledge as possible, including law on Mongolian language and script" said Editor-in-Chief of "Humun bichig" newspaper B.Elbegzaya.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Honorary teacher of Mongolia Sh.Chuluunbor expressed his view that organizing such event is an evident of Sukhbaatar aimag's efforts to spread the use of Mongolian traditional script and the province's achievement of great success in it. "- We should consider improving teaching methodology of Mongolian script. Today, it is not efficient to use old teaching methods the same way we used to, as learning environment and education facilities have been extensively changed. Therefore, arranging teaching method to meet today's modern demands is crucial" said senior professor Sh.Chuluunbor<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Department of Education, culture and art of Sukhbaatar aimag has taken many measures to promote, and spread national script and the proficiency of teachers and students has improved year by year, noted officials. A student of the school number 1 of Sukhbaatar aimag gained the first place in the Mongolian best calligraphers' competition in 2017 and teachers and students of the school also won in a Mongol script Olympiad of the eastern region.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/education/9445">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s1600/image006-799506.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s320/image006-799506.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597689338152498" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Culture></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Culture & Society<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Marc_Tasse:_Mongolia"></a>Marc Tasse: Mongolia has huge potential to be a world player<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 31 (The Mongol Messenger) "Mongolian culture essentially falls back to its traditional nomadic civilization. I think, one of the best things about Mongolia is that it hasn't disappeared. That would be the biggest loss if Mongolia loses its tie to the countryside and the steppe", says Canadian national Marc Tasse, 51, who shares his relationship with and feelings about Mongolia in this interview. He is currently working as Resident Director of American Center for Mongolian Studies (ACMS) and Secretary-General for Project Management Institute (PMI) Chapter Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Roughly 4 years ago, he was offered a six-month contract to do business assessment at the ACMS Mongolia Office after which he stayed to actually deliver his recommendations. Marc has lived in Mongolia since March, 2013, and has no plan of leaving the country in the near future.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>A perfect welcome ceremony</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Marc says he knew very little about Mongolia when he was approached about it 4 years ago. So he asked for a week to learn about Mongolia and make his mind. "It just so happens that around that time, I was introduced to Anne Biolik, former Canadian Ambassador to Mongolia at a lunch meeting. She was very enthusiastic about the potential and growth in Mongolia. So I accepted the position", he said. "I also did some research and part of me was expecting Mongolia to be very similar to other Asian nations where I worked in the past. But I quickly learned that Mongolia is very unique", he said. He has lived and worked in Asian nations like the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Japan and China.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>And today, his relations with Mongolia keep getting stronger as he gets more involved in local organizations and projects. "Part of me is invested in seeing Mongolia's growth and success. I am focusing on capacity building, working with Mongolians and Mongolian companies to make them more independent and self-sustainable and less dependent on foreign help", he said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>"I think there's a huge potential for Mongolia to be a world player. There's just a little bit of time they need to build on that capacity", Marc shares his positive expectations for Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>When asked to recall his first day in Mongolia, he answers, "I landed in Mongolia in a slightly cold afternoon. The new airport highway or Hunnu Mall hadn't been constructed then. After 15-20 minutes down the old road from the airport, the traffic was stopped, and a herd of horse just ran across the highway. It was probably a hundred horses. Looking at that scene and since I like to ride horses, I thought, 'I am going to like this place'. The bright blue sky, the white mountains and someone driving hundreds of horses across the highway; it was a perfect introduction to what Mongolia was going to become".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Increasing visibility and accessibility</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As Marc is heading an organization that focuses on Mongolian studies, our discussion proceeded with the study of Mongolia and ACMS which is a part of the Council of American Overseas Research Centers, and supports academic research and academic research projects about Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"A lot of what've done, especially in the last 4-5 years has been really promoting an awareness of Mongolia as a good place to conduct research, and that there's a lot of opportunities for learning and sharing. I think, that is one of the big things that is increasing the visibility of Mongolia in places like Berkeley where a Mongolian studies department has been running for the last two years. We've been attracting a lot of interest in Mongolian studies at the Pennsylvania University. We also have a group that comes to Mongolia yearly from Western Washington University with whom we have a library development program. We work with these types of projects a lot. Indiana University is the strongest classical Mongolian studies institution in the US, and they are still going very strong".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>"Harvard University has always had classic Mongolian studies, but recently they've started focusing on their Mongolia Health Initiative through which Harvard researchers come and conduct researches in Mongolia in a field office based in Ulaanbaatar. On the other hand, there is interest in establishing an Institute of Mongolian Studies at the Harvard, the process is in the initiation stages", he shared. <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to Marc, there are many new universities and institutions that the ACMS is working with on researches in and about Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The other thing we've been working on is partnerships between Mongolian researchers and foreign researchers. We are working on helping Mongolian researchers structure and submit articles for publication, do joint publications and ask for joint publication rights, so that Mongolian researchers get recognition for their work. We also help them apply for presentations for different congresses and conferences around the world, so that people start seeing Mongolians as the experts of what's happening here within the country".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Marc assesses that there's an increasing interest in doing research in Mongolia. "We are seeing more applicants for our grants and programs where people want to come to Mongolia to do research on wide variety of different subjects because Mongolia is becoming more visible and accessible. Moreover, it is becoming easier for researchers to be able to conduct research. The environment for young researchers to conduct is much more positive, open and easier now", he explains.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Why inquire into Mongolia?</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I think, Mongolia is an excellent study material for multiple reasons", Marc states.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>"One of the main advantages for researchers is that Mongolia is isolated. In Mongolia, researchers can get very good results for empirical research. Mongolia is very interesting because you can easily isolate the variables within your research". <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Secondly, it is the pace of change in Mongolia. Things change and develop very quickly in Mongolia compared to other places because it's a small, isolated population. Researchers can come in, do research, and instead of having to wait 5-15 years like in most of the places, they can actually see measurable change in less than 5 years because Mongolia is one of those quick adapters. It's quick to accept, modify and work with new ideas and technologies that come in".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Marc then identified reasons that could motivate one to study about Mongolia. "Mongolia is an interesting and wonderful place. There's the whole history of the Mongol people and the global influence Mongolia's had. If you look at the last 2000 years, Mongolia's had huge influences on not only the developments in Asia, but also development of Europe and Central and Middle East. There are those applications that make Mongolia interesting".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia can also be studied environmentally and economically, he adds. "For example, the decrease in demand for raw materials and resources for a manufacture in China because of economic slowdown, it affected other countries, but it has been magnified in Mongolia. Mongolia is a sort of an indicator economy, country or environment, making it very interesting to study. Because then you can extrapolate from what happens here what could be going on globally".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Marc's third reason to study Mongolia is that there hasn't been much research that's been done. "One of the hardest things for a researcher is finding a new idea or a new subject to study. Mongolia offers a lot of stuff that hasn't been looked at such as environmental issues, economic growth, evolving modern culture, change of society mindset, lifestyle comparison and its transition from socialism to democracy in the last 25 years. There are many interesting aspects such as the huge generation divide in Mongolia of the over 40s and under 40s and their attitude, mentality, work ethic and values; one can find many great differences. These are all open for researchers to study and come up with new ideas and theories".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Marc also says, even the fact that Mongolia exists is something to study. "With China and Russia on each side, one of which could have swallowed Mongolia, how has Mongolia been able to play its diplomacy successfully, and managed to stay under the radar? That in itself is a tribute to the people and something that should be studied. There's a lot of stuff here that the world can learn from". <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>I am just as important as you</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our interview proceeds to Marc's experience of living in Mongolia as the agenda is essential and natural with foreigners in Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Ulaanbaatar is a very easy city for an expat, for example, I walk to 80 percent of my errands. I also appreciate the quick pace of evolution of Ulaanbaatar during my 4-year stay such as the diversity and changes in restaurants and entertainment that's available. The quality of food and stuff found at supermarkets are about the same as what you can get in North America or Europe. Pricing is average or cheaper. The worst part is air quality in winter, but it is three months. Aside from those three months when you can't breathe, it's fine", he shares his opinion of the capital city.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I love Mongolian food in the countryside, and don't like Mongolian food in Ulaanbaatar. When we are out in the countryside, we get real Mongolian food from gers and families in there. It's regular Mongolian dishes like buuz, tsuivan and huushuur, but it definitely tastes better in the countryside where also good airag, curd and milk are found", he says. Marc has been to 7-8 aimags including Khentii, Selenge and Khuvsgul. "I love the diversity of landscape in Mongolia. The environment of Mongolia is what captures most of the expats when they come here, the raw nature and beauty of what Mongolia is", he conveys.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Marc says he gets along very well with Mongolians, and he appreciates their honesty and openness. "They are not afraid to speak their mind regardless they are old and young. They tend to be very open and honest with their expressions and feelings about what's happening. And to me that's refreshing because everybody is trying to be so politically correct", he explains.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"And there's inner confidence almost bordering with arrogance in Mongolians. For example, there is a trilateral meeting of Presidents of Mongolia, China and Russia, and the Mongolian side has an attitude that they are the same. We are talking about leaders of two most powerful nations in the world with Mongolia in the middle, but no, 'we are the Presidents of our countries, we are the same and we should be treated with same level of respect'. And it's not in an arrogant way; it's just of 'this is the way we are'. This is just not in politics, you see this in people. People expect to be respected for who and what they are, and not because of their position or money, but for a reason 'why am I any different than you'. I love that 'I am a person just as important as you, so treat me with equal respect' attitude of Mongolians", Marc makes out his opinion with an interesting example.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He then compares Mongolian society with that of others saying, "Mongolia is very difficult to classify. Some things about Mongolia are Asian, some not, some European and western and some not. It's not just from influences, but in behavior such as the relationships between men and women. Mongolian women are very different than other Asian women; they are not subservient or obedient. They are better educated and more outspoken; they are not afraid to make decisions, take the lead and make things happen. There's not a strong hierarchy in people-to-people relations. There's a respect for the elders and seniors, but everybody underneath is more or less the same. So those are very different things that I see in Mongolia. I think those are great things and part of what's made Mongolia strong. I think, it comes from the nomadic culture".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>"To me, what differentiates Mongolians from other Asians and Europeans is strong sense of independence of being reliant on themselves and not bowing down to anyone because they are as good as everybody else", he adds. <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>Marc also explains the uniqueness of Mongolia saying, "I don't think there's anywhere else in the world that behaves like Mongolia, that becomes very apparent to people. But I also worry about influences from other countries on the younger generation. It will be interesting to see how Mongolia manages these outside influences, adapt to it, and make it Mongolian which I am sure they will".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/content/marc-tasse-mongolia-has-huge-potential-be-world-player">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Nomads_of_Mongolia:"></a>Nomads of Mongolia: An insight into their tribes, traditions and culture<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 31 (MSN News) Mongolia, a country with just over three million people, is rich in history and culture. Landlocked between Russia and China, it is one of the few places on the planet where nomadic life still exists. Here is a look at the lives and culture of the people living in this remote land.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-nz/news/other/nomads-of-mongolia-an-insight-into-their-tribes-traditions-and-culture/">Link to photo essay</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Why_I_Love"></a>Why I Love Mongolia: An Interview with <i>New York Times</i> Bestselling Author Jack Weatherford<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 7 (MIR Corporation) <i>Jack Weatherford is a New York Times bestselling author of several acclaimed books on Genghis Khan and Mongolian history and culture, including <a href="http://www.longitudebooks.com/find/p/52961/r/BL" target="_blank">Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World</a> and <a href="http://www.longitudebooks.com/find/p/100344/r/BL" target="_blank">The Secret History of the Mongol Queens</a>. We caught up with Jack to ask him about his latest book, <a href="http://www.longitudebooks.com/find/p/110772/r/BL" target="_blank">Genghis Khan and the Quest for God</a>, as well as to discuss his fascination with the extraordinary land and people of <a href="http://www.mircorp.com/destinations/mongolia/" target="_blank">Mongolia</a>.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>What first drew you to Mongolia and to the study of Genghis Khan?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As a boy I read biographies of many great conquerors, but <b>Genghis Khan was especially impressive</b>. But, being a young kid, I was mostly interested in the war and adventure of his life; it took a long time to see him as anything more than just a conqueror.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Later when Mongolia opened to the outside after the fall of the Soviet Union and communism, I had the opportunity to visit Mongolia and resurrect those childhood interests. <b>It was like beginning a new, late-life career, but mixed with my childhood interests and fantasies</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>What made you want to write this book?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Going to Mongolia in 1998 made me see <b>how much I misunderstood this great figure in history</b>, and it made me want to explore this other aspect of his life. I did not want to write a book so much as to read one that explained his life in a fuller way. Only gradually did I realize that to read that book, I first had to write it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>What challenges did you encounter while researching and writing your book?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The biggest challenge was deciding to write <b>the first book on Mongolian history</b>. I was already in my 50s. I did not speak a word of any Asian language and had never had a course in anything Asian. But when I explained my inadequacies to [American author and historian] David McCullough, he gave me great courage with one simple question: "Have any of the experts written this book?"<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>After that, <b>I had the determination to push ahead and learn the language and do whatever I had to do to write the history as I saw it</b>. If I am wrong, I hope that superior scholars and experts will do a better job in their own time, but for now I struggle to understand Mongolian history and to share my great love of this country with other people who may be interested.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>What surprised you most in your research?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The greatest surprise was how, once I had decided to push ahead with my research and writing, the people and resources simply appeared. Of course no academic agency, granting organization, or publisher would give money to finance a project by a totally unqualified person like me.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>But the Mongolians came forward</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>. Everywhere I went, people brought me food, built fires for me, fetched water, brought me horses, and shared whatever they had with me. They wanted to do everything possible to help me when they knew that I was studying their history.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In this way, I saw that the Mongolian people made this project possible, not through grants or money, but through their own work and assistance. The experience was truly remarkable and humbling for me. More than once, they explained it to me very simply: "<b>You speak English, you can speak to the world and tell them who we are</b>."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>How has the legacy of Genghis Khan shaped Mongolia into the country it is today? Do you think he will continue to remain a relevant figure for future generations?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Genghis Khan created this nation from his own mind and imagination. He gave them a written language, made an army, created the law, gave the country a name. <b>Without Genghis Khan, there is no Mongolia</b>. As a person who writes history, I am always looking backward, but Genghis Khan was always looking forward toward the future of his nation and the world. The great empire that he created disappeared 150 years after his death; yet in some ways, <b>I think that his greatest influence is yet to come</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>He was a man ahead of his time in both the strategies by which he fought and the laws by which he organized society. <b>He created diplomatic immunity, granted religious freedom to all people, freed all religions from taxes, outlawed the kidnapping or sale of women, and passed laws protecting land and water that are far stricter than any we have today</b>. To label him an environmentalist, feminist, liberal, or democrat would be silly and anachronistic. He was a conqueror, but he was also more a man of the future than the past because we still have not been able to fulfill his vision of a just world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>How did travel figure into your research for this book?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Travel was the basis of my research. Other biographies written by excellent scholars were very helpful, but none of them had been to Mongolia and traveled the routes of Genghis Khan. In school we learn through our eyes and ears, but in life we learn through our feet and hands. <b>By standing in the place where he stood, tasting the water, hearing the birds, smelling the horse sweat, and breathing the air, I began to understand the experiences recorded in the ancient chronicles</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Travel changes history from a document into an experience and from an experience into a story. My books on Mongolian history are not travel books, but every sentence is based upon travel, upon <b>being there to experience that place being described</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>You've known Annie and Doug at MIR Corporation for many years. How has MIR Corporation made an impact on your research and travels to Mongolia and other destinations?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.mircorp.com/us-staff/douglas-grimes/" target="_blank">Doug</a> and <a href="http://www.mircorp.com/us-staff/annie-lucas/" target="_blank">Annie</a> have been with me on the entire process of research and writing</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>. They organized my first travels into Inner Asia so that I could go into places where it was hard to get visas and permission, or find the support I needed. In Mongolia, I knew plenty of drivers, herders, scholars, and officials, but I was lost in <b><a href="http://www.mircorp.com/destinations/central-asia-silk-route/turkmenistan/" target="_blank">Turkmenistan</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.mircorp.com/destinations/central-asia-silk-route/uzbekistan/" target="_blank">Uzbekistan</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.mircorp.com/destinations/central-asia-silk-route/kyrgyzstan/" target="_blank">Kyrgyzstan</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.mircorp.com/destinations/central-asia-silk-route/kazakhstan/" target="_blank">Kazakhstan</a></b>, and <b><a href="http://www.mircorp.com/destinations/china/" target="_blank">Western<span style='font-weight:normal'> </span>China</a></b>. They facilitated my travel always with an eye for what I wanted and needed. They did not try to give me an experience; <b>they made it possible for me to have my own experience</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>During our two decades of friendship, I have grown as a writer, but I have seen Doug, Annie, and MIR also grow in a very important way. Just as I wanted to open Mongolian history to people through my writing, they helped to open Mongolia to the outside world, and they have helped to create a unique type of tourism. <b>By partnering with only the highest quality people and organizations, MIR has helped to create a form of sustainable, just, and ethical tourism for a small number of people who share those goals</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As much as I want the whole world to recognize the importance of Mongolia in history, I do not want to see this country that I love so much overtaken by mass tours or people who tromp the steppe and trash the already fragile city. Tourism is very important to the economy and also to helping support cultural institutions in Mongolia, and <b>in this way Doug and Annie have made a valuable contribution to Mongolia through developing the right kind or tourism for the right people</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I write books across time; Annie and Doug connect people across cultures. But we are both working for the same goal of <b>crossing artificial social barriers</b> and <b>striving for a better world through <i>mir</i>, through peace</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>How has Mongolia changed since your first visit to the country, and what do you predict will happen in the region in the coming decades?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.mircorp.com/favorite_places/ulaanbaatar/" target="_blank">UlaanBaatar</a></span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> has changed greatly and some parts of the countryside where there is now mining has changed, but I prefer to see the continuity. Aside from those areas and a few paved roads now, <b>Mongolia has probably changed less in the last 800 years than any other country</b>. If Genghis Khan returned to today he would be lost in UlaanBaatar, but only a short distance from the city he would be totally at home in the <i>ger</i>, speaking the language, eating the same food.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>You've visited Mongolia many times and have lived there for several years. How difficult was it for you to get an understanding of Mongolian language and culture? What advice can you offer first-time travelers who want to connect with the local people?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Mongolian language is quite difficult for Westerners. It took me years to have basic conversations. But the Mongols have dealt with foreigners for centuries. They know how to communicate beyond language. While reserved, they are not timid. <b>They are eager to interact, and today English is more widely spoken and much better spoken than in most Asian countries</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The advice I try to give myself is to put aside my expectations. <b>If everything is exactly the way the guidebook says it should be, if everything looks just like the programs on the travel channel, if everything on the to-see list pops up on schedule, then the trip is a waste</b>. I saw and learned nothing. I simply replicated someone else's experience. If I am not taken out of my comfort zone, I am not traveling.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>What have been some of your most enjoyable memories of your travels to Mongolia?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>My love of Mongolia is rooted in two things: the landscape and the people</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>. The landscape is spectacular in ways that cannot be put into words or photographs. The scale of Mongolia is overwhelming to the senses. It is not the view of a landscape; it is the experience of the landscape. No matter how well-organized a trip may be, the experience is unique. Some people feel overwhelmed by it, and others embrace it totally.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I am now a legal resident of Mongolia and have spent much of my life there over the past two decades, but every year I try to spend two months or so just traveling around the country. I revisit old places, find new ones. I keep thinking that soon I will have seen the whole country, and yet every year my desire to visit more places or my wish to return to an old place in a different season grows. <b>I can never quite get enough of Mongolia, and I always think that my best experience is yet to come</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>What sites would you say are not to be missed for a first-time traveler to Mongolia?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Visiting Mongolia is not like visiting France or China where there is a list of places, museums, monuments, and sites. Almost everything in Mongolia is different. <b>As soon as I left the city [UlaanBaatar], I was transported into another world, a world that took my breath away</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Just come, breathe the air, let yourself go, and you will find something that you have never found before, and it will be different from anything that I or any other person has found.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>What's next for you? Any places you would most like to travel to that you haven't had a chance to visit?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I have talked with Annie about <b><a href="http://www.mircorp.com/destinations/iran/" target="_blank">Iran</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.mircorp.com/destinations/south-caucasus/georgia/" target="_blank">Georgia</a></b>, <b><a href="http://www.mircorp.com/destinations/south-caucasus/armenia/" target="_blank">Armenia</a></b>, and <b><a href="http://www.mircorp.com/destinations/south-caucasus/azerbaijan/" target="_blank">Azerbaijan</a></b>. I hope that they will come in their own time. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>My wife traveled with me throughout our marriage, and although she endured the challenges of multiple sclerosis for more than 30 years, she said that she was not going to sit home and wait to die. Death would have to work a little to find her. She did everything I did, but she did it in a wheelchair. <b>I want to follow her example, and always be looking to the next trip, the next meal, the next friend, the next experience, the next idea</b>. I write about the past, but I want to live in the present and look toward the future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Travel to Mongolia with MIR<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>MIR has <b>more than 30 years of experience</b> handcrafting tours to <b><a href="http://www.mircorp.com/destinations/mongolia/" target="_blank">Mongolia</a></b>. Our full service, dedication, commitment to quality, and destination expertise have <b>twice earned us a place on <i>National Geographic Adventure's</i> list of "<a href="http://www.mircorp.com/press-awards/mir-corporation-named-among-best-adventure-travel-companies-by-national-geographic-adventure" target="_blank">Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth</a>."<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>You can view many of Mongolia's majestic sites on MIR's <b>small group tours</b> and <b>rail journeys by private train</b>:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>SMALL GROUP TOURS<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.mircorp.com/why-i-love-mongolia-an-interview-with-author-jack-weatherford">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Moscow_and_Mongolia,"></a>Moscow and Mongolia, Bridged by Skype<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>April 1 (New York Times) Christine Ning-Chiun Yarng and Galen Murphy-Fahlgren were married March 28 at the bride's apartment in Arlington, Va. Dr. Apichai Shipper, a Universal Life minister and friend of the couple, officiated.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The bride, 34, will take her husband's name. She is a foreign service officer with the State Department in Washington. In October, she is to be posted to the consular affairs section of the United States Embassy in Ankara, Turkey. She graduated cum laude from Rice University and received a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas. She also received a law degree from the University of California, Berkeley.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>She is the daughter of Sufen Lin Yarng and Fuh-Cherng Yarng of Redmond, Wash. The bride's father retired as a vice president in New York for Taipei Fubon Bank. Her mother is a bookkeeper in Bellevue, Wash., for Marine Fishing International.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The groom, 27, is serving with the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group at the American Embassy in Paris. Before being stationed in France, beginning last year, he served in Hawaii, Afghanistan, Japan, Mongolia and Russia. He is studying online for a bachelor's degree in political science from Arizona State University.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>He is a son of Rose A. Murphy and Eric Fahlgren of San Clemente, Calif. The groom's father, a software engineer in San Clemente, is the director of software development in the advanced surgical devices division of Smith & Nephew, a manufacturer of medical devices based in Leeds, England.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The couple met in January 2015 at baggage claim in Chinggis Khaan International Airport in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The previous month, Ms. Yarng had received a two-year posting as the assistant public affairs officer at the United States Embassy in Ulan Bator, and was now at the airport as a guide assigned to Dr. Shipper, a State Department visitor.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>While there, Ms. Yarng was approached by Mr. Murphy-Fahlgren, who had been posted to the embassy as a member of the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group seven and a half months earlier. He had spotted Ms. Yarng's work identification badge peeking out from under her coat, which is against regulations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Your badge is showing," he said to her.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>They chatted a bit and though Ms. Yarng thought "he was kind of cute and very nice," she kept the small talk to a minimum.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"I just started working at the embassy, so I was very much in work mode," she said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Two weeks later they were back in each other's company, working as bartenders at an embassy Valentine's Day party.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"He was so easy to talk to," Ms. Yarng said. "He was also very intelligent and had a wry wit about him that I absolutely loved."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>She got the chance to know him better in the ensuing weeks, bumping into him while walking a colleague's dog and again when he accepted her invitation to a gathering with her friends, and yet again when she accepted his invitation to dinner.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Over the next several months, they learned they had shared interests in ballet, hiking and travel. After she accompanied him on a 12-mile hike in August 2015 that began with a raucous karaoke session until 4 a.m., Mr. Murphy-Fahlgren was convinced that he had found his match.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"We actually got lost on the backpacking trip, and she just rolled with the punches," he said. "That told me that she was a flexible, laid-back kind of person who can still have a good time even when plans change."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In October 2015, Mr. Murphy-Fahlgren moved to a posting in Moscow (where he would remain until August 2016), while Ms. Yarng stayed in Mongolia, setting up a transcontinental relationship that grew with the assistance of Skype and email.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>They reunited two months later, when he went to Taiwan, her birthplace, to visit Ms. Yarng and her extended family, including her 102-year-old grandfather, who deemed Mr. Murphy-Fahlgren "sturdy."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In April 2016, Mr. Murphy-Fahlgren proved his mettle, returning to Ulan Bator to propose. ("My grandfather is 104 now, and he still thinks Galen is sturdy," Ms. Yarng said.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/01/fashion/weddings/christine-yarng-and-galen-murphy-fahlgren-moscow-married.html?_r=0">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s1600/image006-799506.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s320/image006-799506.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597689338152498" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Nature></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Nature & Environment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Deadly_winters,_climate"></a>Deadly winters, climate change spell doom for Mongolian herders<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>With pastures shrinking due to rising temperatures and overgrazing, consecutive years of an extreme winter phenomenon known as the dzud have decimated livestock and puts livelihoods at risk on the steppe<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 31 (South China Morning Post) The sheep lies on the ice-hard ground, its hind legs bent at an unnatural angle. Glazed eyes look like marbles in a head cocked to the side.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"When they died, all their legs were bloodied," says Batsuri Sharkhuu, pointing at the exposed flesh on the carcass' front legs. "That means that when they used their hooves to chop at the snow, it hurt them. On all their front legs, the skin is gone."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The 54-year-old herder is standing outside the wooden shed in which he is storing the carcasses of 20 of his animals. The sheep and goats, which Sharkhuu discovered dead one recent morning, represent just his latest loss – so far this winter, more than 100 of his 300 animals have perished, he says.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>His face etched with weariness, Sharkhuu looks across the glittering snow that blankets the Darkhad Valley, in northwestern Mongolia. It is a beautiful sight, but the unending whiteness spells doom for his family. His <i>ger</i> (the traditional Mongolian tent) is just 10 minutes away by car, in Renchinlkhümbe district, and his wife is awaiting his return.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Every day, my wife cries because all our animals are dying," he says. "She has had to take care of the animals a lot – she was the one who raised them."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sharkhuu is among the more than 265,000 herders in the landlocked East Asian nation who have been hit hard by this winter's <i>dzud</i>, a Mongolian word that describes horrifying weather conditions and the resulting death of livestock from starvation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With temperatures dipping as low as minus 50 degrees Celsius and intense snowstorms, this phenomenon visits the Mongolian countryside roughly once every decade, its predictability having given rise to the belief that it occurs during every Year of the Monkey. But 2017 marks the second consecutive year that Mongolia is experiencing one of these extreme-weather events, an alarming trend for a country in which 30 per cent of the population are herders.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>[<a href="https://multimedia.scmp.com/nomads/">Mongolia's nomads: masters of their destiny in a changing world</a>]<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>Scientists attribute the increasing frequency of <i>dzuds</i> to the effects of climate change and the overgrazing of Mongolia's steppes. An economic slowdown that has seen the price of meat and other animal-related exports plummet has compounded the misery being felt by herders.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Of course, we cannot just blame the weather or the snow – there are causes that I believe are my fault, too, like my disability, which hinders me," says Sharkhuu, referring to a bad limp, the result of an old hip injury.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sharkhuu now finds it difficult to herd livestock for long distances, to pastures uncovered by snow. This is his current problem, he explains, as all his livestock are likely to die if they cannot be moved.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I am over 50 years old and I have been herding for a very long time. This year is the worst ever," he says. "It doesn't matter how many animals you have – maybe you are considered a wealthy man because of it. But this kind of winter can destroy our whole herd and our lives."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In Mongolia's northernmost Khövsgöl province, Darkhad Valley sits between the Ulaan Taiga and Khoridol Saridag mountain ranges. During the summer, the valley's rolling hills are lush and streams rich with sediment feed into grasslands. In the winter, though, life is put on hold. The trees are stripped bare, boughs heavy with ice and snow; the bubbling streams freeze so solid that van drivers struggling with shin-high snow elsewhere are able to use them as roads.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Darkhad Valley residents expect especially harsh winter conditions – what Sharkhuu Tsedenish, a recently retired meteorologist and climate scientist who has spent decades studying weather patterns in Mongolia, might describe as a <i>dzud</i> – every year, because of the formation of the mountain ranges. Winter temperatures regularly dip into the minus 45 to minus 50 degrees range.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The people who live in this area might be the toughest people in the country because it is the northernmost point of it, which means it is the closest to the Arctic," Tsedenish says, folding his hands into a bowl shape. "The wind blows from Siberia to here but it never goes up [the Khoridol Saridag mountains; the air] just stays here.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"This means the Darkhad area is the Mongolian tundra," he explains. The people of Darkhad are, therefore, especially worried when what they understand as a <i>dzud</i>develops.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>[<a href="http://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/1991232/photo-essay-mongolias-fearless-child-jockeys-race-glory">Photo essay: Mongolia's fearless child jockeys race for glory at Naadam</a>]<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>By March 29, 168,000 animals had perished as a result of the <i>dzud</i> this winter, affecting about 65,000 herder households across Mongolia, says Davaajargal Baasansuren, team leader for the Mongolian Red Cross Society's (MRCS) Disaster Management Programme. "The <i>dzud</i> is not over yet. It will maybe reach 250,000 to 300,000 [animals]," warns Baasansuren. "Now the animals are getting weak and there is no new grass until almost June. They will face a lot of risk in the upcoming months."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The average depth of snow measured on winter mornings in the Darkhad Valley is about 10cm; in February, the depth averaged 30cm, says Tsedenish, a state of affairs that makes life almost intolerable for some herders now but does have a silver lining.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The upside to this heavy snowfall is that it gives the area very good moisture," he says. "Hopefully, the moisture will give us more grass, which will therefore make a good summer for the herders."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Primarily, <i>dzuds</i> kill by making grass inaccessible to starving animals due to heavy snowfall, but other factors have an effect later in the year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>[<a href="http://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/article/1344379/crossing-mongolian-steppe">Crossing the Mongolian steppe in a mud-spattered van</a>]<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Normally, the dry period goes from April to June, and this period of the year is driest because the wind saps up the moisture," says Tsedenish, pointing to colourful, hand-drawn charts. "What I'm worried about is if [the dry period] goes for longer, going into July or August."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Climate change has already raised the average annual temperature in the Darkhad Valley by three degrees, he explains. The heat and dryness inhibit the growth of grass, leaving the land unable to provide enough nutrients for ever-growing herds as their owners prepare for a long winter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"A <i>dzud</i> can also be created by too many families sharing the same grazing spot," says Tsedenish. "That means the animals will graze on a plot of land but there won't be enough food. Then, when winter comes, even if the snow is only a mere 5cm deep, they will still die [because they haven't been fattened up enough]."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Baasansuren describes the problem as a breakdown in pasture management.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The nomadic herding lifestyle has been happening for thousands of years, and there has not been much technological change," he says. "[The problem arises] because of climate change, because of overgrazing, because many people are raising too many animals for the capacity of the pasture."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to the Mongolian Wool and Cashmere Association, there were about four million goats nationwide in 1990; today, there are roughly 27 million feeding on Mongolia's steppes, which are also supporting increasing numbers of horses, cows, sheep and camels. With the nation's economy having been in decline for three years, the value of the Mongolian tugrik has fallen while the price of meat has halved – a factor that has encouraged herders to increase the size of their herds instead of selling off the animals.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For Nyamji Dolgorsuren, 46, the pasture-management habits of her youth are a thing of the past.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Born to a Darkhad Valley herder family, Dolgorsuren studied to become a doctor and often makes house calls to pregnant women and the elderly. When she is home, she helps her husband look after their 300 sheep and cows. They have so far lost 30 to this year's <i>dzud</i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We used to graze animals in different pastures, like the cows and horses would have different pastures from the sheep and goats," says Dolgorsuren. "Now, we graze communally with other people. No matter how small or big the herds are [herders graze their animals wherever they can]."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Her familyhas penned off a section of their <i>ger</i> for the weaker sheep or goats. It is empty when we visit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We would pick the weak ones and keep them in the <i>ger</i> with us. They would look different, weaker, and we would try to feed them," says Dolgorsuren. "But then they started dying one by one."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>[<a href="http://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/article/1939514/winners-and-losers-mongolias-mining-gold-rush">Winners and losers in Mongolia's mining gold rush</a>]<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>This month, feeble animals will begin to give birth, "but the weather forecast says it will get even colder, so we are worried about the babies," she says.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dolgorsuren and her husband are also worried for their children. With two daughters in college – one is training to be a doctor, the other is studying agriculture – the loss of 30 animals has already dealt a financial blow to the family. They are about 500,000 tugrik (HK$1,580) in debt and are hoping that when the climate warms, they will still have enough goats, which they will comb for cashmere thread, to be able to repay what they owe.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Being a herder is what we are used to, it's who we are. I cannot imagine our lives without animals," says Dolgorsuren. "The children are studying and they might take a different path in life. As parents, we will keep supporting them as much as possible by putting meat on the table. But if the winter is this difficult, then things will get tougher."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With livelihoods across the country in peril, the government would do well to implement policies to encourage herders to avoid overgrazing, says Baasansuren.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>[<a href="http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2067852/cash-strapped-mongolia-now-selling-jewellery-and-horses-pay-debt">Cash-strapped Mongolia is now selling jewellery and horses to pay debt</a>]<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>The MRCS is distributing 245,000 tugrik each to families with fewer than 200 animals, he says, to help pay for hay and other animal feed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We are just responding and supporting the herders to prepare or to increase their preparedness during [the crisis], but the government must do something for its nation," he says. Naranchuluun Gelegjamts, senior officer of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry's livestock policy department, says the government is concerned and is aware of the need to plan ahead, but that it, too, is at the mercy of the weather.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"If a <i>gan</i> [a summer drought] happens, then the following winter is always very hard and a <i>dzud</i> will happen," she says. "If we have plenty of grain after the growing season, it gives us more animal feed, but this would require a good summer with plentiful rainfall. If the summer was <i>gan</i>, then the state plans to import animal feed."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The people of the Darkhad Valley, where there is already a shortage of hay and oats, can't afford to wait. In each <i>ger</i> that <i>Post Magazine</i> visits, herders inquire about the hay stocks in neighbouring Tsagaannuur district.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sharkhuu recently visited Tsagaannuur and found that "people were trying to sell hay from three years ago. But it wouldn't have enough nutrients for the goats." He returned home empty-handed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"After this winter, if some of our animals remain, we are just going to sell all of them, and then we will head to a village or a district to live there without animals," says the despondent herder. "I am tired of it."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Davaadorj Duuji's problems began soon after Tsagaan Sar, the Mongolian lunar new year, which fell on February 27. He and his family lost 20 sheep and goats over the course of 10 days.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"All the food was gone, so they just started dying, one by one," the 43-year-old says, seated in his warm <i>ger</i>. His family has cordoned off a small section of the <i>ger</i>, where four lambs are clambering around an adult goat wearing a canvas coat. Duuji says he brings into his home animals that have given up on finding food for themselves.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>[<a href="http://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/2042995/hong-kong-photo-auction-help-mongolias-suffering-tent" target="_blank">Hong Kong photo auction to help Mongolia's suffering tent children</a>]<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We exist because of the animals, but to take care of them, we are nearly dying," he says.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He has been feeding his livestock grain pellets – "It is as filling as hay and oats but it is more expensive," he says."But this is the last bag we have. It'll last about two days. I have no idea what we will do next."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/long-reads/article/2083395/deadly-winters-climate-change-spell-doom">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_to_host"></a>Mongolia to host Asia Partnership meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 31 (news.mn) The Government of Mongolia and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, UN-ISDR) will host the ISDR Asia Partnership (IAP) meeting in Ulaanbaatar on 4<sup>th</sup>-5<sup>th</sup> of April.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The main focus of the three-day IAP meeting will be to discuss substantive preparation for the Asia Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR). Mongolia will also host the Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR) in 2018. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/328887">Link to article</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9450">Ulaanbaatar to host Int'l Conference on disaster risk reduction</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 31<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_UN_Special_Representative"></a>UN Special Representative to visit Mongolia for disaster risk meeting<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 31 (news.mn) Robert Glasser, Assistant Secretary-General and Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction will visit Mongolia for the ISDR Asia Partnership (IAP) meeting. He will speak at the opening ceremony of the meeting in Ulaanbaatar on 4<sup>th</sup>-5th of April. During visit, Mr Glasser will sign a cooperation agreement with Deputy Prime Minister U.Khurelsukh and also meet Prime Minister J.Erdenebat as well as D.Oyunkhorol, Minister of the Environment, Green Development and Tourism.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>An Australian, Robert Glasser was appointed as Assistant Secretary-General and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) in 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr. Glasser is currently Executive-in-Residence at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, where he focuses on the humanitarian impacts of climate change. He brings to the UNISDR over 20 years of experience in disaster response and fighting poverty. Born in 1959, Mr. Glasser holds a PhD in international relations (strategic studies) from the National University of Australia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/328888">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s1600/image006-799506.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s320/image006-799506.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597689338152498" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Sports></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Sports<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_senior_speed-skaters"></a>Mongolian senior speed-skaters claim 4 cups in Netherlands<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) At the International Long Distance Speed Skating Masters Competition, held on March 20 and 21 in Heerenveen of the Netherlands, Mongolian skaters claimed first places in their respective age categories.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mongolian national team of senior speed-skaters were headed by Master of Sports M.Tsetsegee and comprised International Masters of Sports L.Altantsetseg and N.Erdenetuya and Master of Sports M.Munkhtsetseg. They all have raised the Mongolian flag above the podium, having championed the 5,000 and 3,000 meter races in their age categories.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The team is returning home today. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9443">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Meeting_the_mother"></a>Meeting the mother of the Olle Trails: an odyssey<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>April 1 (Korea JoongAng Daily) I imagined a woman with a strong physical presence, a smoker of three or four packs of cigarettes a day with a husky voice and considerable charisma. My interview subject's reputation precedes her: she started the craze for walking in this country with the Jeju Olle Trails.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>But on finally meeting Seo Myung-sook, CEO of Jeju Olle, the only expectation that came partly true was that she used to smoke - but quit, disgusted by the continuing cigarette price hikes. Seo had a small frame and, at 60, was the perfect middle-aged belle. It's a reflection of Seo's popularity that if she ever chose to run for the national assembly or for governor of Jeju, many are sure she'd be elected handily. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I have to ask a tiresome question. Although the Olle Trails are famous and admired, they are also blamed for rising land prices, a population increase in Jeju and damage to the environment.</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I heard that while you were walking the [pilgrimage route of] Camino de Santiago in Spain, a Brit you met proposed the idea of the Olle Trails. There is interest in the Jeju Olle Trails outside Korea. How's the progress of the Olle Trails being built in Mongolia? If one goes to Mongolia, isn't it all steppe anyway? </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>It may sound quite sudden, but first I have to explain my relationship with Mongolia, and going forward, [the] Jeju people's relationship with Mongolia. For over 100 years, Jeju was dominated by the Mongols. Without doubt our blood is mixed. Maybe that's why Mongolia doesn't seem like a foreign country to me. So, when I received an invitation [from Mongolia], I didn't hesitate to go. If one is a Korean, don't they carry that Mongolian blue spot above their rear? There's probably Mongolian blood running in my veins.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>It's an old saying that Mongolians are pure. I don't know. The circumstances aren't normal. Rapid industrialization and urbanization is ongoing. The past straightforward paths people used to travel on are [being] paved and are disappearing without a trace. The trails traveled by the descendants of Genghis Khan should be restored to their previous state before it's too late. The Olle Trail will open in June. If you're skeptical, buy a plane ticket and let's go together. A wise answer to a silly question, the answer to our questions lies in the site. If you go, you'll know.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3031669&cloc=etc%7Cjad%7Cgooglenews">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s1600/image006-799506.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8G39ppkE5Hh30R08Gd9uFGMQHKFkbSob1OvAV8BIzltNo2E82gc21lcURTrQdMyI5_WlBoPr8ZQ5kKV42oICVUx2csUeFCoAPbgaakydZ_pStwaS7cFkeDGfq-9jFA0fyJ_ima2uJyj4/s320/image006-799506.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6404597689338152498" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Art></a><a name=Travel></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Travel<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_Sojourn_in"></a>Mongolian Sojourn in the Land of Genghis Khan<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>April 1 (tours.com) Strength for hand-to-hand combat, accurate archers, and fast horses – all three were required for Genghis Khan's warriors in the 13<sup>th</sup> Century and each is a component of Mongolia's annual Naadam Festival today. For those visiting Mongolia the competitions are a huge draw and part of the reason I came this way.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian wrestling is for men only, but archery has expanded to include female competitors. Adolescent boys ride the horses for the races, because (our guide explained) the idea is to test the ability of the steed, not the rider.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are Naadam games held in mid-July throughout the entire region each year, with the largest taking place in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of the country of Mongolia. Note: Naadam's three sets of competitions are held in either the independent country of Mongolia (sometimes referred to as Outer Mongolia) or the region of China northwest of Beijing, often referred to as Inner Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tour season is short in this area of the Central Asian steppes. At the time of this writing (late January), the daytime temps in Ulaanbaatar are -27° F. The city has an average annual temperature just below freezing, making it the coldest capital in the world. Mid-summer, when the temps are reliably in the 60s, that is probably the best time to visit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I spent close to a month in Asia, visiting both Inner and Outer Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>My first stop was Ulaanbaatar (the name, conferred on an existing town by the Soviets in 1924, means "Red Hero"). In addition to the games (held each year from July 11 to 13), there was time to visit a couple of museums: one delineating natural history and the other showcasing Mongolian Art, as well as the Winter Palace of the Bogd Khan, built about 1900.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In Ulaanbaatar, the games are held each year from July 11 to 13. Both wrestling and archery take place in a stadium near downtown and the horse races out on the steppes. The races start far from the finish line – between 15 and 30 kilometers, the length determined by the horse's age. The jockeys – mostly boys — range in age from 5 to 12.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Eight centuries ago the Mongols were a fierce whirlwind sweeping out of the east, bringing unimaginable death and destruction to central Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe over the course of a century or so.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mongol hordes, led by Genghis Khan, were a military force like nothing seen before. Some 100,000 ferocious and bloodthirsty mounted soldiers used the medieval version of shock and awe to subdue cities and kingdoms, creating the largest contiguous land empire in history stretching at its peak from Hungary to China.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dynastic squabbles eventually dismantled the empire, but its heartland – Mongolia, survives today – partly within the People's Republic of China and partly as an independent country.<br>The country of Mongolia remains an intriguing mix of cultures: a bit Chinese (Genghis Khan's grandson, Kublai Khan, established the Yuan dynasty in China), an overlay of Russian from the Soviet years and at its foundation, proud Mongols.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mongol language was forced to fit the Cyrillic alphabet during the Soviet era, but is reclaiming its elegant Mongol script, seen now in the signage in Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Outside the capital, it's hard to navigate without a native guide. Roads are mostly tracks in the wilderness, signage is indecipherable to the Westerner, gas stations are few and far between and distances are vast.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To avoid the hassles, I booked my trip through Travel All Mongolia. The tour group leader, who stayed with us for the 10-day journey, was an English teacher during the school year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Using a combination of airplane flights and van transits we managed a comprehensive visit to this through exotic landscape.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the Gobi Desert, we stayed in gers (sometimes called yurts). Tourist camps are rows of these traditional round felted tents albeit with beds, two to a unit. Some had pot-bellied stoves, but the weather was warm enough that they weren't needed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In five of the six places we stayed, there were electric lights and outlets in the gers (a tourist does have to recharge camera batteries, after all). Bathhouses, much as you may remember them from summers at sleep-away camp, provide Western toilets, showers, and sinks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Karakorum, located at a confluence of ancient trading routes in the Orkhon Valley, was the first Mongol capital; it's where Genghis Khan held court. When Kublai Khan decamped to what is now Beijing, the buildings were taken apart and the stones used to erect Erdene Zuu Khiid, the first Buddhist monastery in Mongolia. The Soviet era ended that use (Stalinist purges in 1937 shut it down completely). Erdene Zuu's religious purpose was restored with the collapse of Communism in 1990, and it's worth paying the admission price to see inside the three temples.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It's easy to spot the monastery from afar — the enormous wall (400 meters square) enclosing the complex is topped with 108 identical stupas. Outside the monastery are two enormous stone turtles, four of which originally marked the boundary corners of Karakorum.<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'>A stop in Hustai National Park offers a far-off glimpse of one of the modern era's conservation success stories. Once extinct on the Central Steppes, the wild horse called the takhi (or Przewalski's horse, after the Russian explorer who identified the species) has been reintroduced in Mongolia and appears to be thriving. Definitely a skittish equine breed, tourists can glimpse them only at a distance.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo3'>The Khongoryn Els (also known as the Singing Sand Dunes) are vast — desert sand dunes that can be as much as 1,000 feet high, more than 7 miles wide and about 65 miles long. And, yes, when you stand still and listen, the wind moving the sand about does seem to "sing."<o:p></o:p></li></ul><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'>A hike along the Yol Stream takes visitors to the unexpected sight of blue ice (glacier remnants) hidden from the sun in the deep gorges of the Yolyn Am.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5'>About 33 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar is the Genghis Khan statue – 40 meters tall, it's visible for miles. It was crafted from tons of stainless steel. The legendary emperor is astride his horse, leading his soldiers toward another victory. I bypassed the museum at the base to climb to the top of the horse's head for the seemingly endless view.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>At 1,564,116 square kilometers, Mongolia is the 18<sup>th</sup> largest and most sparsely populated sovereign country in the world with a population of three million.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Just across the border to the south is Inner Mongolia, an autonomous region of northern China that's slightly smaller in area and with a population of 25 million.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The contrast is stark. In Mongolia, the wide open spaces pan to vast herds of thousands of sheep, goats or camels tended by nomadic herders who've followed the same way of life for generations. In Inner Mongolia, herders are restricted to a mere 200 animals , or make that 500 if a bribe to a local official is successful.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You will also find factories and mining operations pretty much everywhere in Inner Mongolia. Instead of blue skies, as is the view further north, a heavy layer of pollution coats the land, even in the countryside). Mining is probably the biggest threat to the region: copper, gold, uranium, silver and coal mines in Outer Mongolia, rare earths, natural gas, and coal in Inner Mongolia, which is China's second-largest coal-producing region.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The tourist gers in this Mongolia might be considered more primitive in Inner Mongolia. They may or may not contain beds (we slept four to a ger on a rug placed atop a concrete floor) and they may or may not include plumbing (yes, our toilet was a hole in the floor of a three-sided adobe-brick stall).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For visitors seeking to fulfill a bucketlst pledge of seeing Mongolia as the vast, historic and untouched region most of it remains while managing as much luxury inside such a trip as can be had, a trip with <a href="http://www.kurtzahlers.com/clients/nomadic-expeditions.php" target="_blank">Nomadic Expeditions</a> and a compelling stay at <a href="http://www.kurtzahlers.com/clients/three-camel-lodge.php" target="_blank">Three Camel Lodge</a> in The Gobi may be just the ticket.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.tours.com/travel-intel/travel-in-mongolia/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span 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style='color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Suite </span><span lang=MN style='color:#1F497D'>303</span><span style='color:#1F497D'>, Level 3, Elite Complex<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>14 Chinggis Avenue, Sukhbaatar District 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia<br></span><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Email</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: </span><a href="mailto:info@covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@covermongolia.com</span></a><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Website</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: <a href="http://www.covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>www.covermongolia.com</span></a></span><u><span style='color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Phone (Office)</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: +976 7711 6779</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:Webdings;color:#339966'>P</span><span style='color:#339966'> </span><span lang=EN-AU style='color:#007F00;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.com95tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-68890694256967742152017-03-31T12:00:00.001+08:002017-05-17T12:29:43.993+08:00[Moody's confirms Caa1; GoM orders full Erdenet control; ETT declares debt-free from Chalco; and UK trade minister visits]<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpKYIVd8qSh0S8mFrKQcjazCCcfnwpoJag0xvxURxmyh5ENAM5PIesfn3eX_Xjws6lJ6zA8VXWkrr0mreY_sVD5ZFZzD8J7HdGC2_UpXMpyYnWJUDJrg-vKGz2yd17pMHGkkIPz6zzn8/s1600/image001-744421.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpKYIVd8qSh0S8mFrKQcjazCCcfnwpoJag0xvxURxmyh5ENAM5PIesfn3eX_Xjws6lJ6zA8VXWkrr0mreY_sVD5ZFZzD8J7HdGC2_UpXMpyYnWJUDJrg-vKGz2yd17pMHGkkIPz6zzn8/s320/image001-744421.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507817172595858" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJ03j6NB78dY5YLCjbobP_bQOgPg7zGJVUCnMnWzqCfLx-LcYjuetMSjJTwVmsg4_y3xFT2VM0GaDxGOA0Ko4UEnI1axu_Hg1A5VOw45eHZkC9xV0lxx_3emS9qTxi7-fYtNbUNOy-NY/s1600/image002-748103.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJ03j6NB78dY5YLCjbobP_bQOgPg7zGJVUCnMnWzqCfLx-LcYjuetMSjJTwVmsg4_y3xFT2VM0GaDxGOA0Ko4UEnI1axu_Hg1A5VOw45eHZkC9xV0lxx_3emS9qTxi7-fYtNbUNOy-NY/s320/image002-748103.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507835424817458" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Friday, March 31, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'>Cover Mongolia</span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span style='color:#4472C4'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></u>, <span style='color:#00B0F0'><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#00B0F0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#2F5597'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#2F5597'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span style='color:black'>, </span><span style='color:#C55A11'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><b><span style='color:#C55A11'>Instagram</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#C00000'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><b><span style='color:#C00000'>YouTube</span></b></a></span> and <span style='color:#FFC000'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><b><span style='color:#FFC000'>Blogspot</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><u>Jump to</u>: <a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> - <a href="#Local">Local Market</a> - <a href="#Economy">Economy</a> - <a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> - <a href="#Business">Business</a> - <a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> - <a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> - <a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> - <a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> - <a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> - <a href="#Sports">Sports</a> - <a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> - <a href="#Travel">Travel</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Headlines in <b><i>Italic</i></b> are ones modified by Cover Mongolia from original<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>HEADLINES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadIntl></a><u><a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MMC:_Notice_of">MMC: Notice of Filing and Hearing on Petition Under Chapter 15 of Title 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code and Motion for Related Relief</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Oyu_Tolgoi_announces">Oyu Tolgoi announces 2016 Performance Update</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkX1x5yq84fDv9Q2cNglR-Yix9JR3g_gDLvsTv5WbOWc022hULNbyw1rLLuxw9ZvnKt4E87yggc7AvFRpQVsxotzQ5wFZv9ssKTdQkccNJ3CeGMNeXaKpbFIHGbzJSZfBYTGXIn1CRfM/s1600/image003-752101.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkX1x5yq84fDv9Q2cNglR-Yix9JR3g_gDLvsTv5WbOWc022hULNbyw1rLLuxw9ZvnKt4E87yggc7AvFRpQVsxotzQ5wFZv9ssKTdQkccNJ3CeGMNeXaKpbFIHGbzJSZfBYTGXIn1CRfM/s320/image003-752101.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507851235213058" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadLocal></a><u><a href="#Local">Local Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MSE_Trading_Report,">MSE Top 20 +0.09%, ALL +0.06%, Turnover ₮59.1 Million Shares, ₮4.3 Million T-Bills</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MSE_extends_order">MSE extends order placement time for government securities</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Khurd_JSC_announces">Khurd JSC announces ₮102.1 million dividend, ₮755 per share</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Aduunchuluun_JSC_announces">Aduunchuluun JSC announces ₮378.1 million dividend, ₮120 per share</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Arig_Gal_JSC">Arig Gal JSC announces ₮620 million dividend, ₮17.82 per share</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Zoos_Goyol_JSC">Zoos Goyol JSC announces ₮78.2 million dividend, ₮6,000 per share</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Juulchin_Duty_Free">Juulchin Duty Free JSC announces ₮326.8 million dividend, ₮5,000 per share</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBri683dWlUBDefAOlyz9tJ_ATEkSs4LAnodieT29zjYcmdtV8T91XNjDOlPfD6crjAAa-Q5CyQIh3Fr7CCH2DvsMDWF6w3OxmgdLoX5fBDlq0fW0OaGIqtxDsaP9RlDrdex236wMT5w/s1600/image004-755408.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBri683dWlUBDefAOlyz9tJ_ATEkSs4LAnodieT29zjYcmdtV8T91XNjDOlPfD6crjAAa-Q5CyQIh3Fr7CCH2DvsMDWF6w3OxmgdLoX5fBDlq0fW0OaGIqtxDsaP9RlDrdex236wMT5w/s320/image004-755408.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507864049121010" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadEconomy></a><u><a href="#Economy">Economy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_MNT_Rates:">MNT gains for 5<sup>th</sup> day; USD/MNT down ₮1.39 Thursday to ₮2,452.44</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_issues_₮130">BoM issues ₮130 billion 1-week bills, total outstanding -14% to ₮1.01 trillion</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_buys_$9.9m">BoM buys $9.9m at ₮2,453.83, declines MNT swap offers</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Consolidated_Loan_Report">Consolidated Loan Report of Banking System, February 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_sees_$5.9m">Mongolia sees $5.9m negative FDI in February, but $55.8m current account surplus</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_GoM_sells_₮100">GoM sells ₮100 billion 12-week t-bills at 16.875% discount with ₮123 billion bids</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_FORECAST:_Gold_output">FORECAST: Gold output in Mongolia will double by 2020</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Moody's_confirms_Mongolia's">Moody's confirms Mongolia's Caa1 issuer rating with a stable outlook, concluding review for downgrade</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Japan_to_extend">Japan to extend $850 million bailout loan to Mongolia: finance ministry</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8Jtdo6Gwtz4kmwvD0rRuuF01dBVNU4sgRNBcHheeUd1_iIvPwzUhF70usyLCJAl_Bflkxf-eSvwIa9M3yFDjiFMfmWFH3f8KixSbUikUmvKx2KfO716AO4dK3hq2kStKg-MJ_jrxiQY/s1600/image005-758815.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8Jtdo6Gwtz4kmwvD0rRuuF01dBVNU4sgRNBcHheeUd1_iIvPwzUhF70usyLCJAl_Bflkxf-eSvwIa9M3yFDjiFMfmWFH3f8KixSbUikUmvKx2KfO716AO4dK3hq2kStKg-MJ_jrxiQY/s320/image005-758815.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507879317739650" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadPolitics></a><u><a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Erdenet_board_to">Erdenet board to comprise of only government representatives</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_National_Development_Agency">National Development Agency develops road map for industry</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Cabinet_discusses_implementation">Cabinet discusses implementation of Government Action Plan 2016-2020</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Stanford_advises_Mongolia">Stanford advises Mongolia on Deliberative Referendum Law</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Cabinet_Secretary_meets">Cabinet Secretary meets World Bank delegates</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Follow-up_measures_to">Follow-up measures to be taken after PM's western aimags visit</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Cabinet_orders_free">Cabinet orders free issuance of hay to dzud-affected herders</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_8013_ha_land">8013 ha land to be granted to families</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_About_730_thousand">About 730 thousand citizen inquiries made to government in 2016</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Number_of_traffic">Number of traffic accidents lowered with Traffic Safety Law implementation</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Constant_supply_of">Constant supply of energy ensured in western area of Khuvsgul Lake</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_The_Long_Journey">The Long Journey – Towards a Broadcasting Law in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire_1">AmCham Daily Newswire for March 29, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire">AmCham Daily Newswire for March 30, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s1600/image006-762389.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s320/image006-762389.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507894654404658" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadBusiness></a><u><a href="#Business">Business</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Erdenes_Tavan_Tolgoi">Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi becomes debt free from Chalco</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Futuro_Skills_&">Futuro Skills & Mongolian Talent Network secure Rio Tinto contract in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Concession_contract_for">Concession contract for Baganuur-UB electric transmission line project to be reestablished</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_launches_seven">Mongolia launches seven new air routes</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Introduction_to_the">Introduction to the Mongolian Excise Tax</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mineral_Resources_and">Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority of Mongolia: Annual Report 2016</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_backs_TIR">Mongolia backs TIR to spur trade with China and Russia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_backs_TIR">Khan Bank uses IT services management to power its digital transformation journey</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_The_Sixth_Mongolia">The Sixth Mongolia Business Forum will be held in London, April 5</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_"Mongolia_Mining_2017" ">"Mongolia Mining 2017" international mining exhibition approaches</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Czech-Mongolia_Business_Seminar">Czech-Mongolia Business Seminar (Mining Sector), April 4, Ulaanbaatar</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mortality_rate_of">Mortality rate of livestock animals reduced by half</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Drone_operator_training">Drone operator training to take place</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Water_Resource_Management">Water Resource Management Specialists Needed in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Senior_Portfolio_Management">Senior Portfolio Management Specialist at ADB, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_Economy_magazine">Mongolian Economy magazine seeking English Editor</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s1600/image006-762389.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s320/image006-762389.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507894654404658" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadUlaanbaatar></a><u><a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Temperature_will_reach">Temperature will reach 11 to 13C today</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Lead_poisoning:_Children">Lead poisoning: Children under threat, but they don't care</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Lead_poisoning::_Children">Lead poisoning: Children under threat, but officials are less concerned</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Interview:_Ulan_Bator">Interview: Ulan Bator mayor says China's B&R Initiative great investment opportunity</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Discovering_Mongolia's_nightlife">Discovering Mongolia's nightlife with what3words and Ulaanbaatar Passport</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_UB_Mayor_shuts">UB Mayor shuts down Tuul River quarry</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_'Tale_of_Two">'Tale of Two Cities'</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s1600/image006-762389.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s320/image006-762389.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507894654404658" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadDiplomacy></a><u><a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Japan,_Mongolia_ink">Japan, Mongolia ink bilateral cooperation accord</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Midterm_Program_on">Midterm Program on Strategic Partnership of Mongolia and Japan signed</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Japan,_Mongolia_agree">Japan, Mongolia agree to cooperate to stop N. Korea's nuclear program</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Sending_Mongolian_trainees">Sending Mongolian trainees to Japan under discussion</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Speaker_M.Enkhbold_meets">Speaker M.Enkhbold meets Japanese citizen diplomats</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Eurasian_Economic_Commission">Eurasian Economic Commission delegates visit Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Meat_export_discussed">Meat export discussed with Eurasian Economic Union</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Political_consultative_meeting">Political consultative meeting between Mongolia and Russia held</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_UK_Minister_for">UK Minister for International Trade to visit Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Justice_Minister_S.">Justice Minister S. Byambatsogt meets Deputy PM of UAE</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Non-Resident_Ambassador_of">Non-Resident Ambassador of Mongolia presents his Letter of Credence to the President of Maldives</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Cabinet_approves_guidance">Cabinet approves guidance for 2nd intergovernmental commission meeting with Italy</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_delegation_shares">Mongolian delegation shares the wisdom of the steppes</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_delegation_exchanges">Mongolia delegation exchanges ideas with Homer</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_How_a_Russia-China">How a Russia-China political game resulted in Mongolian independence</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s1600/image006-762389.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s320/image006-762389.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507894654404658" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadHealthEdu></a><u><a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_CenterWatch:_Ulaanbaatar,_Mongolia">CenterWatch: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Clinical Trials</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Minor_corruption_spreads">Minor corruption spreads in education sector</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_history_textbooks">Mongolian history textbooks revised</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_puzzles_displayed">Mongolian puzzles displayed at IQ Museum</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Hiring_ESL_Teacher,">Hiring ESL Teacher, Science Teacher, Primary Teacher in Ulaanbaatar Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Experienced_EAP_Coordinator">Experienced EAP Coordinator and Teachers Needed in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s1600/image006-762389.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s320/image006-762389.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507894654404658" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadCulture></a><u><a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_woman_elected">Mongolian woman elected Youth Union President in Bavaria</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Third_Workshop_for">Third Workshop for the Preservation of the Shoroon Bumbagar Necropolis and its Mural Paintings in Mongolia, 3-15 April 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_In_Mongolia_found">In Mongolia found an ancient burial</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Recently_acquired_books">Recently acquired books for the ACMS library, March 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Film_Club:_The">Film Club: The Story of the Weeping Camel (Mongolia)</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s1600/image006-762389.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s320/image006-762389.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507894654404658" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadNature></a><u><a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_UNICEF_hands_over">UNICEF hands over supplies for dzud affected households</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Fossil_poachers_are">Fossil poachers are undermining science and fooling enthusiasts</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s1600/image006-762389.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s320/image006-762389.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507894654404658" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadSports></a><u><a href="#Sports">Sports</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_to_send">Mongolia to send team to King's Cup boxing tournament in Bangkok</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_athletes_to">Mongolian athletes to run in 10-day New York marathon</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Junior_national_championships">Junior national championships for wrestling to be held</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Kh._Itgelt_triumphs">Kh. Itgelt triumphs at international chess tournament in Hungary</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Olympic_medalists_donate">Olympic medalists donate to Mongolian National Federation of Wheelchair Users</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Hunters_Video_DVD:">Hunters Video DVD: "Hunting in Kazakhstan and Mongolia"</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s1600/image006-762389.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s320/image006-762389.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507894654404658" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadArt></a><u><a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> <b><o:p></o:p></b></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mariinsky_Theatre_soloist">Mariinsky Theatre soloist G.Ariunbaatar to go on tour through China</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_Folk_Metal">Mongolian Folk Metal Group TENGGER CAVALRY Signs with M-Theory Audio</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s1600/image006-762389.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s320/image006-762389.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507894654404658" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadTravel></a><u><a href="#Travel">Travel</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Annual_ITM_Mongolia">Annual ITM Mongolia 2017 tourism fair opens today at Misheel</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Some_measures_to">Some measures to be taken regarding new airport</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Local_couple_details">Local couple details trip to Mongolia, land of Eternal Blue Sky</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_A_Family_Adventure">A Family Adventure With The Eagle Hunters Of Western Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_My_Journey_From">My Journey From Beijing to St. Petersburg via Mongolia & the Stans</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s1600/image006-762389.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s320/image006-762389.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507894654404658" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>ARTICLES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=International></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Int'l Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="http://www.aastocks.com/en/ltp/RTQuote.aspx?S=Y&Symbol=00975">975</a> trading -2.1% in early trading<o:p></o:p></i></p><h1><a name="_MMC:_Notice_of"></a>MMC: Notice of Filing and Hearing on Petition Under Chapter 15 of Title 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code and Motion for Related Relief<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 31 -- This announcement (the "<b>Announcement</b>") is made by Mongolian Mining Corporation (In Provisional Liquidation) (the "<b>Company</b>") pursuant to Rule 13.09(1) of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "<b>Listing Rules</b>") and the Inside Information Provisions under Part XIVA of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>References are made to the announcements of the Company dated 8 July 2016, 11 July 2016, 13 July 2016, 21 July 2016, 26 August 2016, 31 August 2016, 2 September 2016, 11 October 2016, 28 October 2016, 3 November 2016, 20 November 2016, 21 December 2016, 22 December 2016, 19 January 2017, 23 January 2017, 20 February 2017, 8 March 2017, 14 March 2017 and 21 March 2017 in relation to the proposed debt restructuring of the Company (the "<b>Debt Restructuring</b>").<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company announces that in relation to the Debt Restructuring, a notice has been published by the Company concerning, among other things: (i) the filing of a petition with the Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York under chapter 15 of title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101-1532 for recognition of the provisional liquidation proceeding of the Company pending in the Cayman Islands, (ii) the related motion for enforcement within the United States in respect of the Cayman Islands scheme of arrangement proposed to be sanctioned in the Cayman Islands between the Company and the holders of its senior secured notes, and (iii) the hearing on the petition and motion. A copy of such notice is appended to this announcement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2017/0331/LTN20170331331.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSE:TRQ">TRQ</a> closed -3.16% Thursday to US$3.06<o:p></o:p></i></p><h1><a name="_Oyu_Tolgoi_announces"></a>Oyu Tolgoi announces 2016 Performance Update<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, </b>29 March 2017 (Oyu Tolgoi LLC) Oyu Tolgoi today announced an update on its performance for the fourth quarter and full year 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Full year highlights:</b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'>Oyu Tolgoi achieved an industry-leading safety performance with an All Injury Frequency Rate of 0.22 per 200,000 hours worked for the year ended December 31, 2016<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'>Oyu Tolgoi cumulative in-country spend, in the form of salaries, payments to Mongolian suppliers, taxes, royalties and other payments to the Government of Mongolia, crossed $6.1 billion the end of 2016<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'>Operations update:<o:p></o:p></li><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=circle><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level2 lfo2'>Revenue of $1.2 billion in 2016 on record concentrate sales of 828,600 tonnes<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level2 lfo2'>Operated at record levels for material mined and ore treated; concentrator throughput exceeded nameplate capacity by year end<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level2 lfo2'>Copper production of 201,300 tonnes and gold production of 300,000 ounces exceeded guidance<o:p></o:p></li></ul><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'>Underground update:<o:p></o:p></li><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=circle><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level2 lfo2'>Progress was made on the sinking of Shafts 2 and 5 with final depth for both shafts expected to be reached in 2017<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level2 lfo2'>At the end of 2016, underground lateral development was ahead of schedule with 1.6 equivalent kilometres completed<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level2 lfo2'>Bulk excavation component of the convey-to-surface system completed in 2016, followed by the commencement of the decline tunnel work in January 2017<o:p></o:p></li></ul></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>Fourth quarter 2016:</b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'>Revenue of $224.6 million in Q4'16 was slightly lower than Q3'16 reflecting lower concentrate sales<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'>In Q4'16, concentrator throughput increased 7.4 per cent over Q3'16 resulting in an average daily rate of 106,700 tonnes for the quarter, which was a quarterly high to date.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>Outlook for 2017:</b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo4'>Oyu Tolgoi is expected to produce 130,000 to 160,000 tonnes of copper and 100,000 to 140,000 ounces of gold in concentrates for 2017<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo4'>Sales contracts have been agreed for a significant majority of Oyu Tolgoi's expected 2017 concentrate production<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Oyu Tolgoi Managing Director Armando Torres said, "Our industry leading safety performance over 2016 demonstrates once again that safety always comes first at Oyu Tolgoi – and this is a result we are extremely proud of. This is a foundation for everything we do – from delivering a strong operating performance, to progressing underground development – and made possible by our talented workforce, which is over 90 per cent Mongolian."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The strength of our performance is seen in our contribution to our community – with US$210.6 million in taxes, fees and other payments to the Government of Mongolia, US$279 million in national and South Gobi supplier spends, and continued investment into sustainable development initiatives – as we together build a world class business that contributes to the prosperity of Mongolia"<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Oyu Tolgoi operated at record levels in 2016. Productivity improvements in the concentrator implemented throughout the year led to throughput exceeding nameplate capacity by year end. Copper production of 201,300 tonnes for 2016 exceeded the Company's guidance of 175,000 to 195,000 tonnes and annual gold production of 300,000 ounces exceeded 2016 guidance of 255,000 to 285,000 ounces. Compared to 2015 results, mined production for 2016 increased 5.6 per cent, concentrator throughput increased 10.5 per cent, copper production was similar and, as expected, gold production decreased 54.1 per cent. Decreased gold production for 2016 reflects the impact of declining grade from the completion of Phase 2 mining in the second half of the year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Oyu Tolgoi performed well during Q4'16 as open-pit operations focused mainly on Phases 4 and 6. Q4'16 concentrator throughput increased 7.4 per cent over Q3'16 resulting in an average daily rate of 106,700 tonnes for the quarter, which was a quarterly high. Copper production in Q4'16 was broadly consistent with Q3'16 while gold production increased 32.4 per cent over Q3'16 due to the final processing of Phase 2 ore. Copper grades in Q4'16 were as expected as operations focused mainly on Phase 6 of the open pit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Oyu Tolgoi continues to deliver a strong environmental performance, achieving high water use efficiency – utilizing less than half the water per-tonne of ore compared to similar operations, and achieving recycling rates of 85 per cent. Oyu Tolgoi completed biological rehabilitation at 367.3 hectares land in 2016, and continued progress on a range of environmental programmes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Oyu Tolgoi also delivered strong progress in community initiatives, with two kindergartens and a school in Dalanzadgad, sport halls in Manlai operationalized, and 13 new sustainable development projects and programmes approved and implemented in 2016. A new bulk water treatment facility in Khanbogd was also completed and is scheduled to be handed over to the local community in April, 2017. The facility gives a significant boost to the community, with the capacity to provide services to 13,000 residents.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Revenues in 2016 decreased 26.4 per cent to $1.2 billion against 2015 mainly reflecting lower copper prices and reduced gold sales, partially offset by higher gold prices. Concentrate sold in 2016 of 828,600 tonnes increased 1.1 per cent over 2015 reaching an annual high. Capital expenditure, on a cash basis, for 2016 was $326.3 million compared to $116.2 million in 2015, comprising amounts attributed to the underground project and open-pit activities of $226.8 million and $99.5 million, respectively. Open-pit capital expenditure includes deferred stripping of $30.9 million and tailings storage facility spending of $22.0 million.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Operational outlook</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Oyu Tolgoi is expected to produce 130,000 to 160,000 tonnes of copper and 100,000 to 140,000 ounces of gold in concentrates for 2017. Open-pit operations are expected to mine in Phases 4 and 6 during the year. In addition, stockpiled ore will be processed during the year. The lower production when compared to 2016 is primarily the result of approximately one-quarter less copper head grade and approximately one-half less gold head grade.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Capital expenditures for 2017 on a cash-basis are expected to be approximately $100 million for open-pit operations and $825 million to $925 million for underground development.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Underground development capital includes both expansion capital and VAT. In an effort to encourage bidding by Mongolian suppliers, Oyu Tolgoi has incorporated longer tendering periods resulting in a slightly longer capital deployment process. The Company continues to expect production from the first underground draw bell in mid-2020 and first sustainable production beginning in early 2021.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://ot.mn/oyu-tolgoi-announces-2016-performance-update/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjkyZnkEg1mtdl2pwfN1qdvdjvGIF_EzaYobAvnRvAtFlmTvyC6sf6T_nQFRxSLjF21ktVT45gG95TRvP1ZSRbB5qckVCrWMhOg-5DhKdNNSPPDhUSLulkf_7dvGs7NgR6h0RofoQgyA/s1600/image007-766613.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjkyZnkEg1mtdl2pwfN1qdvdjvGIF_EzaYobAvnRvAtFlmTvyC6sf6T_nQFRxSLjF21ktVT45gG95TRvP1ZSRbB5qckVCrWMhOg-5DhKdNNSPPDhUSLulkf_7dvGs7NgR6h0RofoQgyA/s320/image007-766613.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507912596561634" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Local></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Local Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_MSE_Trading_Report,"></a>MSE Trading Report, March 30: Top 20 +0.09%, ALL +0.06%, Turnover <span lang=MN>₮</span>59.1 Million Shares, <span lang=MN>₮</span>4.3 Million T-Bills <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 30 (MSE) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600" o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f" stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter" /> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0" /> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0" /> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1" /> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2" /> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth" /> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight" /> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1" /> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2" /> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth" /> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0" /> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight" /> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0" /> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" /> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t" /> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_51" o:spid="_x0000_s1026" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:400.5pt;height:317.25pt;visibility:visible;mso-wrap-style:square;mso-left-percent:-10001;mso-top-percent:-10001;mso-position-horizontal:absolute;mso-position-horizontal-relative:char;mso-position-vertical:absolute;mso-position-vertical-relative:line;mso-left-percent:-10001;mso-top-percent:-10001'> <w:wrap type="none"/> <w:anchorlock/> </v:shape><![endif]--><![if !vml]><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjv_V-DneJYEYIMz76IY_gMa41xXNethyCyGZRBiczQ1dc3KEosoKgSB7oElGtM6cUTxu6lDCZs7Kb4_Ra6G97lgrUWREUv__FQgfq4BV_vHun-tZ8mD522lj1RS80J4oa1b1FuaJdVt0/s1600/image016-769840.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjv_V-DneJYEYIMz76IY_gMa41xXNethyCyGZRBiczQ1dc3KEosoKgSB7oElGtM6cUTxu6lDCZs7Kb4_Ra6G97lgrUWREUv__FQgfq4BV_vHun-tZ8mD522lj1RS80J4oa1b1FuaJdVt0/s320/image016-769840.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507928249385138" /></a><![endif]><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/uploads/ariljaa/reports/report_en-17.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_MSE_extends_order"></a>MSE extends order placement time for government securities<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 30 (MSE) Based on the provision 83.1 of Company Law and the provisions 8.1, 8.10.9 and 8.10.11 of the Charter of MSE, the "Guidance on Conducting Primary Market Trading of Government Securities" has been amended by the CEO's Order No. A-66 dated March 29, 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to this amendment, the order placement time to buy Government securities has been extended until 11.30 am every Tuesday. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/news/4135">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Khurd_JSC_announces"></a>Khurd JSC announces <span lang=MN>₮</span>102.1 million dividend, <span lang=MN>₮</span>755 per share<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 30 (MSE) March 30 (MSE) "Khurd" JSC announced that the Board of Directors approved the distribution of MNT 102.1 million to its shareholders by a dividend of MNT 755 per share on February 16, 2017. The record date is February 15, 2017 and the dividend will be paid to the shareholder's account held at Mongolian Central Securities Depository before the end of second quarter of 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/news/4138">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Aduunchuluun_JSC_announces"></a>Aduunchuluun JSC announces <span lang=MN>₮</span>378.1 million dividend, <span lang=MN>₮</span>120 per share<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 30 (MSE) "Aduunchuluun" JSC announced that the Board of Directors approved the return of MNT 378.1 million to its shareholders by a dividend of MNT 120 per share on March 3, 2017. The record date is March 24, 2017 and the dividend will be paid to the shareholder's account held at Mongolian Central Securities Depository before the end of second quarter of 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/news/4139">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Arig_Gal_JSC"></a>Arig Gal JSC announces <span lang=MN>₮</span>620 million dividend, <span lang=MN>₮</span>17.82 per share<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 30 (MSE) "ARIG GAL" JSC announced that the Board of Directors approved the distribution of MNT 620 million to its shareholders by a dividend of MNT 17.82 per share on February 20, 2017. The record date is March 31, 2017 and the dividend will be paid to the shareholder's account held at Mongolian Central Securities Depository.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/news/4140">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Zoos_Goyol_JSC"></a>Zoos Goyol JSC announces <span lang=MN>₮</span>78.2 million dividend, <span lang=MN>₮</span>6,000 per share<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 30 (MSE) "Zoos Goyol" JSC announced that the Board of Directors approved the return of MNT 78.2 million to its shareholders by a dividend of MNT 6000 per share on February 13, 2017. The dividends will be paid in cash at the Company's headquarter for 60 days starting from February 13, 2017 and after 60 days the dividends will be placed in the shareholder's account held at Mongolian Central Securities Depository.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/news/4141">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Juulchin_Duty_Free"></a>Juulchin Duty Free JSC announces <span lang=MN>₮</span>326.8 million dividend, <span lang=MN>₮</span>5,000 per share<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 30 (MSE) "JUULCHIN DUTY FREE" JSC announced that the Board of Directors approved the distribution of MNT 326.8 million to its shareholders by a dividend of MNT 5000 per share on March 17, 2017. The record date is March 28, 2017 and the dividend will be paid in cash at the Company's headquarter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/news/4142">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_CNw852sI5dX56ftmAN8gvEc2i7UMA2skVr3sU8o7D-wxFsPC8hnJF_UoKg82mZ6gw9Mw3LUXZxh5yuGFvstt-6mUeWW5feFm2tWpLD_7EU9KejGTMnGCq7b6GvOR52XKyNsGdt2cac/s1600/image008-773147.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_CNw852sI5dX56ftmAN8gvEc2i7UMA2skVr3sU8o7D-wxFsPC8hnJF_UoKg82mZ6gw9Mw3LUXZxh5yuGFvstt-6mUeWW5feFm2tWpLD_7EU9KejGTMnGCq7b6GvOR52XKyNsGdt2cac/s320/image008-773147.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507939871890034" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Economy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Economy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>Reds</span> are when MNT fell, <span style='color:#00B050'>greens</span> when it rose.<b> <span style='color:red'>Bold reds</span></b><span style='color:red'> </span>are rates that set a new historic high at the time. </i><o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_BoM_MNT_Rates:"></a><span lang=MN>BoM MNT Rates: </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>Thursday</span><span lang=MN>, </span>March 30 <span lang=MN>Close </span><o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoTable15Plain5 border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=948 style='width:710.65pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/30</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/29</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/28</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/27</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/24</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/23</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/22</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/17</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>High</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>Date</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1063" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/b27dbc49-e16d-41ae-8557-f99cdb40c367.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e147de94-098c-41fc-a613-e68b961bc287.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>USD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,452.44<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,453.83<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,456.03<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,458.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,459.18<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,459.57<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,459.38<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,457.58<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,458.10<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,457.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,498.75</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1062" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/bebede1f-9fde-45e8-9abf-07cee5d98010.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/7fff4ee5-d12c-4bd2-8a56-d47fa1ab5b0d.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>EUR</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,633.06<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,646.46<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,666.76<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,671.66<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,649.52<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,654.98<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,656.50<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,649.64<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,647.37<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,645.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,681.43</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/10/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1061" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/280be717-5c83-46be-b0c7-d0b2cf9575f2.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/73256f8e-4c86-438d-9d39-350646eb7f40.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>JPY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>22.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>22.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>22.19<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>22.32<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>22.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>22.11<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>22.06<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.78<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.83<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>21.68<o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>23.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/9/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1060" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0e866dbf-0eff-45bc-aa83-c145b2345900.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/170ec7e9-2636-4b7d-a624-7ae9fef54841.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>GBP</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,045.07<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,043.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,090.42<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,089.30<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,070.04<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,068.81<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,066.97<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,038.31<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,052.47<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,033.31<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>3,183.26</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>8/13/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1059" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/33370dc8-8964-434b-8694-6462f39746fb.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a481156f-5e01-436d-b063-c22ecd3ed0dd.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>RUB</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>43.51<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>43.07<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>43.15<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>43.13<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.81<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.86<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.70<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.89<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.93<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.41<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>54.32</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>6/27/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1058" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/c37f3eb9-e9ba-4c1d-bc0f-2669bc4c1412.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/56dc9518-41a5-4bb4-9d57-167f6de07f2e.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CNY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>355.80<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>356.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>356.74<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>357.66<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>356.72<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>357.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>357.18<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>356.28<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>355.99<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>355.72<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>363.02</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/5/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1057" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e5792094-f0b8-4c3a-a82b-97ddd5401a38.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ab781b89-2767-4b9c-b3cb-b3c6cc603016.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>KRW</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.20<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.21<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.21<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.19<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.19<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.19<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.19<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.20<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.21<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>3/27/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1056" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/75233918-55b6-4977-a5ef-f682c93bbdb0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/9a4a44a5-6be7-4141-8159-5aa30a12bb45.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>SGD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,758.02<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,757.07<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,760.78<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,765.08<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,755.99<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,757.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,758.27<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,756.79<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,759.93<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,751.46<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,765.08<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>3/27/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1055" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a8311ed8-a900-4237-bf18-4ebf7b10bbf0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/53fdb4a8-f38e-4f01-b01a-c2dee4a6895d.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CAD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,838.82<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,836.56<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,833.54<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,845.01<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,840.98<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,843.69<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,839.68<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,840.95<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,843.48<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,842.20<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,908.84</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/18/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1054" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/5d744e37-53d2-4c10-aa04-7bc77a3c3abc.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/6ec5578f-dca9-4257-b326-e755e3b2400b.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>AUD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,877.96<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,879.76<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,866.95<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,876.23<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,872.79<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,879.36<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,886.47<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,893.32<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,902.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,885.23<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/16/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1053" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6f012c2-8c16-455d-b0b0-8427d7512a2b.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6b9f8ce-b8d2-4ce7-bdce-b85ce1812325.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>HKD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>315.60<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>315.89<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.20<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.57<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.60<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>316.66<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.46<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>316.53<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>316.44<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>322.21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1052" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0588bbef-101c-4211-8d37-8045475e110d.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ae638f8b-a29a-4d70-90b3-52ad2a79d482.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CHF</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,461.18<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,469.88<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,491.28<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,496.04<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,474.27<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,476.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,478.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,465.35<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,463.52<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,466.62<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,497.77</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/09/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:red'>Bank USD rates at time of sending</span></b>: <a href="https://www.khanbank.com/en/home/rates">Khan</a> (Buy ₮2,440 Sell ₮2,452), <a href="http://tdbm.mn/en/exchange">TDB</a> (Buy ₮2,440 Sell ₮2,452), <a href="https://en.golomtbank.com/home/citizen">Golomt</a> (Buy ₮2,440 Sell ₮2,452), <a href="http://xacbank.mn/en/calculator/rates">XacBank</a> (Buy ₮2,442 Sell ₮2,452), <a href="https://www.statebank.mn/w/en/m1">State Bank</a> (Buy ₮2,440 Sell ₮2,452)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/graphic_dailyrate.aspx">USD (blue), CNY (red) vs MNT</a> in last 1 year:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPyBGzECNKXm4nncejLffVYuDLvGLXftANWkIasQuekOS3i-9P6JPk9KJG3MYJpZafT6rUQZuPj5fpZvimfIJPQvjeZhLGEkYHoHSKegiYJda6zyMk9t3eCzuAWCtMgFuxULxfed0g-c/s1600/image017-776867.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwPyBGzECNKXm4nncejLffVYuDLvGLXftANWkIasQuekOS3i-9P6JPk9KJG3MYJpZafT6rUQZuPj5fpZvimfIJPQvjeZhLGEkYHoHSKegiYJda6zyMk9t3eCzuAWCtMgFuxULxfed0g-c/s320/image017-776867.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507958314548354" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistofficialdailyrate.aspx">Link to rates</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_issues_₮130"></a>BoM issues <span lang=MN>₮</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>130 billion </span>1-week bills, total outstanding -14% to <span lang=MN>₮1</span>.<span lang=MN>01</span> trillion <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 29 (Bank of Mongolia) BoM issues 1 week bills worth MNT 130 billion at a weighted interest rate of 14.0 percent per annum /<a href="http://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistcbb.aspx">For previous auctions click here/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=173">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_buys_$9.9m"></a>BoM buys $9.9m at <span lang=MN>₮</span>2,453.83, declines MNT swap offers<span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 30 (Bank of Mongolia) Spot trade: <b>Commercial banks bid weighted average rate of MNT2451.25 for USD0.4 million</b>, <b>asked weighted average rate of MNT2453.85 for USD14.6 million</b> and <b>bid weighted average rate of MNT350.60 for CNY19.0 million</b> also <b>asked weighted average rate of MNT357.60 for CNY1.0 million respectively</b>. The BoM bought USD9.9 million with a closing rate of MNT2453.83.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Swap and forward trade: The <b>BoM received buying bid offers of USD 1.5 million of MNT swap agreements</b> from commercial banks and the BoM did not accept the bid offers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=182">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Consolidated_Loan_Report"></a>Consolidated Loan Report of Banking System, February 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 30 (Bank of Mongolia) --<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/documents/statistic/loanbank/2017/m02e.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Mongolia_sees_$5.9m"></a>Mongolia sees $5.9m negative FDI in February, but $55.8m current account surplus<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 29 (Bank of Mongolia) --<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Main indicators </b> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Current and Capital account balance totaled to $56.6 million surplus, which is $64.5 million increase compared to the same period last year. The change was due to increase by 33% or $22.3 million in goods and services account, and decrease by 33% or $36.4million in primary income account creating deficit of $72.4 million.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>Financial account had a surplus of $208.7 million. In the first 2 months of 2017, Mongolia had a net lending of $208.7 million to the rest of the world, whereas in the same period last year it totaled to a net borrowing of $92.2 million. Thus, the net external financing had decreased by $300.9 million.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As of the first 2 months of 2017, overall balance of payments deficit was $250.4 million.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Table </b><b><span lang=MN>1. Preliminary Balance of Payments for </span>February</b><b><span lang=MN>, 2017, </span>by million USD</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=1466">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_GoM_sells_₮100"></a>GoM sells <span lang=MN>₮</span>100 billion 12-week t-bills at 16.875% discount with <span lang=MN>₮</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>123 billion bids<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 29 (Bank of Mongolia) Auction for 12 weeks maturity Government Treasury bill was announced at face value of 100.0 billion MNT. Face value of 100.0 billion /out of 123.0 billion bid/ Government Treasury bill was sold at discounted price and with weighted average yield of 16.875%.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/documents/bond/2017/20170329_12_zguts_eng.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_FORECAST:_Gold_output"></a>FORECAST: Gold output in Mongolia will double by 2020<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 29 (MSE) Mongolia is expected to produce 40 tpy of gold by 2020, more than double the 18 tonnes it produced in 2016, according to Tumur Lkhagvador, Mongolia's ambassador to Singapore.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The increase in output will come from projects by Canada's Centerra Gold, and Rio Tinto's Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine, Lkhagvador told Metal Bulletin...<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.metalbulletin.com/Article/3673534/Latest-news/FORECAST-Gold-output-in-Mongolia-will-double-by-2020.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Moody's_confirms_Mongolia's"></a>Moody's confirms Mongolia's Caa1 issuer rating with a stable outlook, concluding review for downgrade<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Singapore, March 30, 2017 -- Moody's Investors Service has today confirmed the Caa1 long-term issuer ratings, the (P)Caa1 senior unsecured MTN program and the Caa1 senior unsecured ratings of the Government of Mongolia with a stable outlook. The short-term issuer rating was affirmed at Not Prime. Today's rating action concludes the rating review for downgrade that Moody's initiated on 15 February 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The decision to confirm Mongolia's Caa1 rating balances positive and negative drivers:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Liquidity pressures have abated following the recent debt exchange transaction, assuming the staff-level agreement is ratified by the IMF Executive Board. Imminent default pressures have subsided.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- However, fiscal and growth pressures are likely to remain higher than forecast at the end of last year, which could encourage a further rise in liquidity pressures over the next 12-18 months.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The decision for a stable outlook on the rating balances the upside risk that IMF-related funding stabilizes Mongolia's external payments position until increased FDI and mining activity lift medium-term GDP growth and foreign currency revenues; against the downside risk posed by Mongolia's very large financing requirements over the next two years, for which it will continue to rely on both external and domestic financing. The stable outlook assumes that the IMF board's approval of the program is obtained, allowing, as a result, loans by other multilateral and bilateral institutions to be disbursed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The local-currency bond and deposit ceilings remain Ba3. The long-term foreign currency deposit ceiling remains Caa2, while the foreign currency bond ceiling remains B3. All short-term foreign currency ceilings remain Not Prime. These ceilings act as a cap on ratings that can be assigned to the foreign- and local-currency obligations of entities domiciled in the country.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>RATINGS RATIONALE<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>RATIONALE FOR CONFIRMING THE Caa1 ISSUER RATING<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.moodys.com/research/Moodys-confirms-Mongolias-Caa1-issuer-rating-with-a-stable-outlook--PR_363885">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Japan_to_extend"></a>Japan to extend $850 million bailout loan to Mongolia: finance ministry<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 29 (Reuters) Japan has committed $850 million in loans to Mongolia as part of a bailout to help rescue the country's struggling economy, Mongolia's finance ministry said on Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia, landlocked between China and Russia, agreed to a $5.5 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as well as other institutions and countries in February.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The cash-strapped Asian country saw its economy grow just 1 percent last year, its lowest in seven years, and it has struggled to maintain the value of its currency and manage its debts following a collapse in foreign investment and a decline in commodity prices.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The $850 million loan from Japan was agreed during a visit to Tokyo this week by the chairman of Mongolia's parliament, Miyeegombo Enkhbold, said an official at the Finance Ministry. Negotiations have not yet been completed, the official added.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"This amount is almost equal to all soft loans provided by Japan to Mongolia since its transition to a democracy and market economy," said analyst Dale Choi at Mongolian Metals & Mining in a note on Tuesday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The loan comes in addition to the three-year IMF Extended Credit Facility worth $440 million, as well as an extension to a 15 billion yuan ($2.18 billion) swap line Mongolia's central bank has agreed with the People's Bank of China.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Japan and South Korea, will provide up to $3 billion in aid, the IMF said in its February announcement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Lawmakers, however, must still act to ensure the bailout goes through when Mongolia's parliament reconvenes on April 5 after a recess.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As part of the IMF deal, parliament is expected to vote on legislation that will generate revenue and reduce spending, with hikes in taxes and cuts in social welfare expected.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia's pivot to Japan and South Korea for expanded trade and development is the result of its "Third Neighbor" policy strategy aimed at easing its dependence on Russia and China. Mongolia's has been one of the countries most affected by China's economic slowdown. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last year, Japan and Mongolia enacted a free trade agreement that grants zero tax on certain imports and exports, including Mongolian coal and cashmere.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://in.reuters.com/article/us-mongolia-japan-idINKBN1700OI">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBri683dWlUBDefAOlyz9tJ_ATEkSs4LAnodieT29zjYcmdtV8T91XNjDOlPfD6crjAAa-Q5CyQIh3Fr7CCH2DvsMDWF6w3OxmgdLoX5fBDlq0fW0OaGIqtxDsaP9RlDrdex236wMT5w/s1600/image004-755408.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzBri683dWlUBDefAOlyz9tJ_ATEkSs4LAnodieT29zjYcmdtV8T91XNjDOlPfD6crjAAa-Q5CyQIh3Fr7CCH2DvsMDWF6w3OxmgdLoX5fBDlq0fW0OaGIqtxDsaP9RlDrdex236wMT5w/s320/image004-755408.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507864049121010" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Politics></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Politics & Legal<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Erdenet_board_to"></a>Erdenet board to comprise of only government representatives<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 30 (MONTSAME) During the Cabinet's regular meeting on March 29, Wednesday, Prime Minister J.Erdenebat expressed concerns over the lingering process surrounding Erdenet Mining Corporation, an issue on which a working group led by Finance Minister B.Choijilsuren is currently working on.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last February, Parliament ordered the Cabinet to claim 49 percent ownership of Erdenet Plant, thus transferring the full ownership of the plant to Government of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the scope of the Parliament's resolution on Erdenet Mining Corporation, the Prime Minister instructed Head of Cabinet Secretariat J.Munkhbat and Head of Agency for Policy Coordination on State Property Ts.Nyam-Osor to form the Board of the corporation with all government officials in compliance with related laws and regulations, and furthermore ensure increased government representation in the administration of the corporation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9405">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_National_Development_Agency"></a>National Development Agency develops road map for industry<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 29 (MONTSAME) "It's crucial to identify a leading sector, and frame a suitable policy on investment, concession and partnership between government and private sectors", experts highlighted during a meeting themed 'Recovering the economy by supporting domestic production' on March 28, Tuesday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Co-organized by National Development Agency, National Industrial Council and Confederation of Journalists for Industrialization, the meeting was participated by journalists and media delegates.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the meeting, National Development Agency introduced a road map on industrial development in the frames of which about 2000 of 6000 regularly operating factories in Mongolia have been united under an online system. The registration of domestic entities in process manufacturing will be completed within this year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Furthermore, National Development Agency and National Industrial Council established a memorandum of understanding to join hands on marketing domestic products, conducting an international market research and a study on adoption of innovative technology, and contributing to the framing of package law on cooperation between government and private sectors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/9384">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Cabinet_discusses_implementation"></a>Cabinet discusses implementation of Government Action Plan 2016-2020<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 30 (MONTSAME) The Cabinet discussed implementation of the Government Action Plan of 2016-2020 and decided to submit it to Parliament. Government ministries were assigned to develop a list of measures of which budgets were not reflected in the State Budget and formulate proposals to solve financing issues. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9416">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Stanford_advises_Mongolia"></a>Stanford advises Mongolia on Deliberative Referendum Law<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 29 (news.mn) The Mongolian Great State Khural (parliament) approved a 'Law on Deliberative Referendums' during the autumn session. In this connection, Ts.Tsolmon, State Secretary of the Office of Parliament has met Professor James S. Fishkin, director of Stanford's Center for Deliberative Democracy to discuss an agenda for implementing the law.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Stanford's Center for Deliberative Democracy provided training on 'How to make a deliberative referendum?' at Mongolia's State House earlier today (29<sup>th</sup> of March).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/328704">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Cabinet_Secretary_meets"></a>Cabinet Secretary meets World Bank delegates<span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828;letter-spacing:-.75pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 30 (MONTSAME) On March 29, J.Munkhbat, Head of the Cabinet Secretariat of Mongolia and members of the Investor Rights' Protection Council of Mongolia received a delegation led by Roberto Echandi, Investment Policy Global Lead of the Investment Climate Unit of the Trade and Competitiveness Global Practice of the World Bank Group.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Trade and Competitiveness Global Practice of the World Bank Group and the International Finance Corporation have decided to co-implement a project to support investment policy and agricultural investment in Mongolia. At the meeting, the dignitaries exchanged views on issues of cooperation between the International Finance Corporation and the Cabinet Secretariat of Mongolia within the framework of intensification of works of investors and capacity building in the future.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr. Roberto Echandi said "The reputation of Mongolia among investors has been slowly reviving. During an Investors' meeting held in Canada, international economists said that policy pursued by the government of Mongolia is being carried-out successfully and its activities are stabilized in recent times. One of the biggest examples is the recently-established Investor Rights' Protection Council of the government of Mongolia".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He continued that I am glad to cooperate with Mongolia in this time when the country has a 'good' law regarding foreign investors. We will include Mongolia in specific into a report, which will be finally delivered to the European Union.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>J.Munkhbat said, in turn, that the government of Mongolia would like to revive investors' confidence in Mongolia and maintain mutually beneficial cooperation with the International Finance Corporation in the agricultural industry of Mongolia. He then pledged that the government will provide all possibilities to develop an action plan through an active operation of the relevant working group. "The government will pay attention to improve the working capacity of the Investor Rights' Protection Council" he added.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/9430">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Follow-up_measures_to"></a>Follow-up measures to be taken after PM's western aimags visit<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 30 (MONTSAME) During the Cabinet's regular meeting on March 29, Wednesday, Head of Cabinet Secretariat J.Munkhbat delivered a report on Prime Minister's working visit to western aimags.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On March 22-25, Prime Minister of Mongolia J.Erdenebat visited Khovd, Gobi-Altai, Uvurkhangai and Bayankhongor aimags, meeting with the local people, and familiarizing with the operations of some entities and public organizations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Cabinet assigned corresponding Ministers to urgently resolve certain issues forwarded to the Prime Minister, frame a follow-up action plan and take necessary measures.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9406">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Cabinet_orders_free"></a>Cabinet orders free issuance of hay to dzud-affected herders<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 30 (MONTSAME) During its regular meeting on March 29, Wednesday, the Cabinet resolved to issue hay and fodder to some aimags; and ordered corresponding Ministers to allocate the required money from Government reserve fund, and see to the implementation of the resolution.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Presently, a considerable amount of snow cover remains on the territory of Mongolia, leading to a difficult spring in 127 soums of 15 aimags.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Therefore, the Cabinet settled that 1110 tons of hay stored in government reserve stations will be issued to herders free of charge in Uvurkhangai and Umnugobi aimags which have recently seen heavy snowfall, and 210 tons of fodder will be handed out with 50 percent discount.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/agriculture/9407">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_8013_ha_land"></a>8013 ha land to be granted to families<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 30 (MONTSAME) During its regular meeting on March 29, Wednesday, the Cabinet reviewed the 2017 land allotment plans of Citizens' Representative Khurals of aimags and the capital city.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In 2017, 8013.52 ha area is scheduled to be granted to families and 39.39 ha area for agricultural use.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>17 percent of the land up for family ownership is currently owned by the families, 74 percent will be owned newly and 9 percent is constituted by land to be allotted along national highways. 88 percent of agricultural land will be allotted for vegetable planting and the rest 12 percent will be used for other agricultural purposes; and no administrative unit has proposed land ownership for seed plants.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Since 2003 when Law of Mongolia on Land came into effect, 17.57 percent of Mongolian population and 62.54 percent of the total households have claimed land ownership until 2017. Last year alone, 44 thousand people were granted ownership of 6109 ha land.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9414">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_About_730_thousand"></a>About 730 thousand citizen inquiries made to government in 2016<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 30 (MONTSAME) A total of 729,645 citizens submitted requests, petitions and complaints to the state and local administrative bodies and officials in 2016. 98.2 percent of all inquiries were answered.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The matter was discussed during cabinet's regular meeting held Wednesday. A report says 2,583 petitions were answered and settled overdue, most of which regarded the issues of housing, welfare and pensions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Heads of local, municipal and state administrations received complaints and requests from 495,111 citizens, 485,690 of which were answered and resolved.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Local administrations of Darkhan-Uul, Dornod and Arkhangai aimags received the largest numbers of petitions and complaints, mostly concerning welfare, pensions, employment and land use.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9411">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Number_of_traffic"></a>Number of traffic accidents lowered with Traffic Safety Law implementation<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 30 (MONTSAME) A report on traffic accidents was presented by the Minister of Road and Transport D.Ganbat at the regular meeting of cabinet held on Wednesday. Each year on average, 32,100 cases of traffic accidents occur, injuring 1,289 people and taking 558 lives, causing damage in value of MNT 10 billion.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As for the last year, 73.5 percent of deaths in car crashes were recorded to have happened on countryside roads, 136 of whom were drivers and 149 passengers. In Ulaanbaatar, 84 out of 127 mortal victims in traffic accidents were pedestrians.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Minister D.Ganbat presented this report while discussing the implementation of the the National Strategy for Ensuring Traffic Safety in 2012-2020.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Associated officials and ministers were tasked to prepare proposals to the cabinet on renovating technological equipment in use by traffic police, making sure that police offices are able to monitor traffic outside the city, as well as on prohibiting imports of low quality vehicles and their spare parts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Since the enforcement of law on Traffic Safety, 1,782 cases of violation of the traffic regulations were recorded in 2016, which represents decrease of 11.3 percnet in regulations' violation, of 7 percent in death rate and 9.8 percent in injuries compared to the previous year's. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9415">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Constant_supply_of"></a>Constant supply of energy ensured in western area of Khuvsgul Lake<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 30 (MONTSAME) During the Cabinet meeting took place on March 29, P.Gankhuu, Minister of Energy introduced a plan on supplying electric power in the tourism region of the western area of the Khuvsgul Lake.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Cabinet obliged to connect consumers in the western area of the Lake to the central electric power network within the framework of works to improve tourism infrastructure in the western part of the Khuvsgul Lake. The Cabinet also assigned Minister P.Gankhuu to complete the task before June 15.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9418">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_The_Long_Journey"></a>The Long Journey – Towards a Broadcasting Law in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>by </i><a href="http://www.law-democracy.org/" target="_blank"><i>Toby Mendel</i></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 30 (Mongolia Focus) <b>Broadcasting laws are important</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Most democracies, and quite a few non-democracies, have adopted broadcasting laws. At their best, these laws can promote a number of important social and human rights objectives. They can establish independent bodies to regulate broadcasting, so that this is not done by a ministry or another body which lacks independence from government. They can put in place a fair, competitive processes for obtaining broadcasting licences, ensuring a level playing field and promoting various public interest objectives through licensing (such as controlling undue concentration of ownership of broadcasters). They can establish various mechanisms to promote diversity in the broadcasting sector. And they can put in place appropriate systems for addressing harmful content in the airwaves or, put differently, for promoting professionalism among broadcasters.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia, however, is an exception in this area, since it does not have a broadcasting law. This is not for lack of trying and both advocates and officials have spent many years promoting the idea of a broadcasting law, so far without success. As far back as 2002, I was a co-author of the publication <i><a href="http://www.globeinter.org.mn/old/en/eprograms/epp24.html">Mongolia in Transition: Analysis on Mongolian laws Affecting Freedom of Expression,</a></i> produced by <a href="http://www.globeinter.org.mn/?language=2">Globe International</a> and <a href="https://www.article19.org/">ARTICLE 19</a>, which, among other things, recommended the adoption of a comprehensive broadcasting law. In 2009, the Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) worked closely with the Mongolian National Broadcaster (MNB) to prepare a broadcasting law, but the resulting draft was never adopted. Following this, in 2013-14, the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU) worked closely with the Communications Regulatory Commission (CRC) to draft a broadcasting law which, again, was never adopted. In both cases, I was the international expert on the team.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia does have a Law on Radio Waves, passed in June 1999, and a Law on Communications, passed in October 2001. The former establishes a general system for licensing the airwaves for both broadcasting and telecommunications activities, while the latter creates the CRC. However, CRC is not independent of government among other things due to the fact that the Prime Minister appoints the Chair and other members of the Commission, on the basis of nominations by the Minister responsible for communications. Furthermore, neither law provides for specific rules on broadcasting. As a result, these laws fail to promote the important potential objectives of a broadcasting law, noted in the first paragraph of this blog.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>The perils of not having a broadcasting law</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In many respects, Mongolia represents an almost classical study of what happens in a country which, while a reasonably progressive transitional democracy, lacks a proper legal/regulatory framework for broadcasting. Because the regulator, the CRC, is not independent, it is not regarded as a legitimate decision-maker. This, in turn, seriously undermines its ability to make hard decisions. For example, a competition to determine which television stations would get access to the national, digital transmission network, held over one and one-half years ago, has still not been decided. The result is that the six legacy (historical) channels remain on the national network rather than this having been decided in a fair, competitive manner.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>More generally, instead of holding competitions for a limited number of broadcasting licences, based on what the country can reasonably support, licences were, at least in the past, issued to every bidder who met minimum technical standards (the so-called "fit and proper" test). Although some brakes have been put on this recently, the result has been a massive oversupply in the number of channels, many of which operate at a loss and with tiny audience shares. This, in turn, fractures advertising revenues and otherwise creates serious market distortions, making it very difficult for even the most popular channels to invest the resources that are needed to produce quality content.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The lack of independence of CRC, combined with an inadequate legal framework, also makes it almost impossible to regulate content, whether in the form of enforcing positive obligations (such as a requirement for all channels to carry 50 percent Mongolian content) or professional standards (such as not to broadcast hate speech or content which is inappropriate for children during the daytime). This has significantly exacerbated the problem of low standards in broadcasting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Another problem is the absence of effective rules to promote diversity in the broadcasting sector. One measure which has been put in place is to require so-called "cable channels" (i.e. those which, in accordance with their licences, are distributed exclusively over cable networks) to concentrate 80 percent of their programming in the specialized area indicated in their licence, such as history, culture, education, news or sports. Even this rule, however, is widely ignored and rarely enforced. Otherwise, there are no rules limiting concentration of media ownership, promoting diversity through the licensing process or supporting the establishment of community broadcasters, all key diversity mechanisms in more developed broadcasting systems.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Moving forward, albeit with some headwinds</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In an important breakthrough, at the end of December 2016, the CRC did place a draft Broadcasting Law before parliament. This is significant because it represents a real opportunity to move forward on this issue. At the same time, as a recent <a href="https://www.law-democracy.org/live/mongolia-draft-broadcasting-law-analysed/">Analysis</a> of the draft Law by the <a href="https://www.law-democracy.org/live/">Centre for Law and Democracy</a> shows, there are significant problems with the draft.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The first and perhaps most significant problem is that the draft Law does nothing to enhance the independence of the CRC. Indeed, it says nothing at all on this subject. Despite this, the draft Law grants very significant powers to the CRC, including to license broadcasters and to undertake the very sensitive task of applying content rules. The problems with independence do not stop there. The draft Law creates a Development Fund for National Broadcasting, with the worthy goals of improving the quality of Mongolian content, and funding priority and more costly content production. However, the draft Law also calls on the government to collect and set the rules for disbursing the Fund, both very politically sensitive tasks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The failure to promote the independence of the regulator is exacerbated by the fact that the term for broadcasting licences is set at the unrealistically short period of three years, whereas in almost every other jurisdiction this is at least seven years. The result is that every broadcaster will have to apply every three years to the politically controlled CRC for licence renewal. The draft Law also fails to establish even a framework of rules to ensure that licensing processes are fair, transparent and assessed on the basis of pre-established and legitimate criteria. The draft Law is also silent as to the question of how television stations get access to the highly coveted national distribution system, for how long and so on, leaving this to the sole discretion of CRC.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In terms of diversity, the draft Law does include basic rules on concentration of ownership of broadcasters, although it fails to establish analogous rules regarding cross-ownership between the broadcasting and print media sectors. It also includes a very general call for quotas for Mongolian, local and licensee produced content, but the specifics are to be set by the CRC. While positive, it would have been preferable for the Law to include more detail on these important matters. Significantly, the draft Law entirely fails to recognize community broadcasting, which is never even mentioned. For example, the definitions recognize public and commercial broadcasting, but not community broadcasting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Finally, the draft Law establishes a number of direct content restrictions and then appears to leave enforcement of these rules to the CRC, mainly through the licensing process (i.e. by suspending or revoking licences for breach of the rules). Better practice in this area is to grant the regulator the power to adopt and then apply a detailed code of conduct for broadcasters, and to provide for a graduated system of sanctions, including warnings, a requirement to broadcast a statement acknowledging the breach and fines before the more serious measures of license suspension or revocation are invoked.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To be fair, it is very positive that Mongolia appears to be moving forward with the adoption of a broadcasting law and, despite its shortcomings, the draft Law does contain a number of positive features. At the same time, given how long Mongolians have waited for this, it would be a lost opportunity if greater effort were not spent trying to improve the existing draft. The Analysis by the Centre for Law and Democracy provides a good starting point for such improvements.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>About Toby Mendel<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Toby Mendel is the Executive Director of the <a href="https://twitter.com/Law_Democracy" target="_blank">Centre for Law and Democracy</a> (CLD), a Halifax, Canada based international human rights organization that focuses on foundational rights for democracy (freedom of expression, the right to information, freedom of association and assembly and the right to participate). He has worked on these issues globally and in countries around the world at CLD and, previously, with ARTICLE 19, for some 20 years. He also works with a range of inter-governmental organizations – including UNESCO, the World Bank, the OSCE and the Council of Europe – on these issues.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/2017/broadcasting-law/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire_1"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for March 29, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Speaker addresses loans and economic partnership with Japan<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Summary:</b> The Speaker of Parliament, M. Enkhbold, is continuing his official visit to Japan. With enrollment in the IMF's extended fund facility program, Mongolia will receive an 850 million USD soft loan from Japan. The loan will have an interest rate of 1-1.5% and the loan will be interest-free for the first 10 years. Japan has granted over 3 billion USD in loans to Mongolia, 1 billion USD of which has been concessional loans granted since Mongolia's transition to a market economy. During the Speaker's visit, investors inquired about the economic diversification of Mongolia and asked for an increase in the number of flights between Ulaanbaatar and Tokyo.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Speaker of Parliament is scheduled to sign a medium-term agreement on strategic partnership. The Speaker noted that with the agreement's signing and implementation, cooperation between the two countries will develop further. Since the implementation of the Mongolia-Japan economic partnership agreement in June 2016, 8.2 million USD of products have been exported to Japan with reduced custom tariffs and over 300 product certificates of origin were approved. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Keywords:</i></b><i> bilateral relations, Japan, IMF</i> <i>| The Official Gazette /page 1,2/</i><o:p></o:p></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>ECONOMY<o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Eurasian Economic Commission open to Mongolian meat imports <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Summary:</b> The Minister in Charge of Technical Regulation of the Eurasian Economic Commission, Valery Koreshkov, and other commission representatives are paying an official visit to Mongolia. The representatives met with agriculture industry experts and Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry P. Sergelen. Members of the Eurasian Economic Commission are interested in importing meat and other agricultural products from Mongolia, and the meeting was held to introduce the standards and requirements of the commission's members. Koreshkov stated, "26 factories that produce meat and related products were examined and 10 factories received permission to supply beef, horse meat, sheep meat, and goat meat to members of the commission."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Keywords:</i></b><i> export, meat, agriculture</i> <i>| The Century News /page 5/</i><o:p></o:p></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Granting of ipotek loans increased in February <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Summary:</b> Last month, commercial banks granted around 60 billion MNT in financing for ipotek loans to 909 applicants, an increase of 22% compared to January. In total, 90,000 households received ipotek loans totaling 4 trillion MNT. The majority of the loans (77%) were granted through the program to maintain sustainable ipotek financing, and 20% of them were granted through commercial banks. Of the total loans, 2.8% are overdue and 1.6% of the loans are non-performing. The average duration of the loans is 18.2 years and the average interest rate is 10.3%.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Keywords:</i></b><i> ipotek loan, mortgages, commercial banks</i> <i>| Today /page A6/</i><o:p></o:p></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>MINING<o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Oyu Tolgoi 2016 financial report released<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Summary:</b> New York and Toronto Stock Exchange listed Turquoise Hill Resources presented Oyu Tolgoi's 2016 financial report. In 2016, there were considerable developments in the underground mine's Shaft 2 and Shaft 5. Last year, Oyu Tolgoi's (OT) revenue reached 1.2 billion USD and the sale of concentrate reached a high of 828,600 tons. The production of ore and concentrate exceeded set targets. The number of employees of the underground mine exceeded 2,000 at the end of 2016, and 226.8 million USD has been invested in the development of the underground mine. In 2016, OT paid 68.1 million USD in royalties. OT plans to produce 130,000-160,000 tons of copper concentrate and 100,000-140,000 ounces of gold concentrate this year, and sales agreements for most of the mine's minerals have been made with buyers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Keywords:</i></b><i> Oyu Tolgoi, royalties</i> <i>| Today /page A6/</i><o:p></o:p></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>ONLINE STORY<o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>FRC to expand cooperation with Japan's Financial Services Agency<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Summary:</b> The Financial Regulatory Commission (FRC) announced that it will now be possible to expand their cooperation with Japan's Financial Services Agency. With the renewal of their MOU, it will be possible to bring Japan's expertise and experience in securities and other finance sectors to Mongolia for study. The FRC noted that the renewal of the agreement is a huge step forward in bringing new financial services and products to the Mongolian market. Under the agreement, cooperation in human resource training will expand. Japan's Financial Services Agency is the regulatory agency for Japan's banks and non-banking institutions. The FRC first signed an MOU with the Financial Services Agency in 2014.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Keywords:</i></b><i> FRC, cooperation, Japan | <a href="http://bloombergtv.mn/%D1%81%D0%B7%D1%85-%D1%8F%D0%BF%D0%BE%D0%BD-%D1%83%D0%BB%D1%81%D1%8B%D0%BD-%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%85%D2%AF%D2%AF%D0%B3%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D2%AF%D0%B9%D0%BB%D1%87%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B3%D1%8D%D1%8D%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B9-%D0%B0%D0%B3%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B3%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%B9-%D1%85%D0%B0%D0%BC%D1%82%D1%8B%D0%BD-%D0%B0%D0%B6%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B3%D0%B0%D0%B0%D0%B3%D0%B0%D0%B0-%D3%A9%D1%80%D0%B3%D3%A9%D0%B6%D2%AF%D2%AF%D0%BB%D0%BD%D1%8D/?cid=1" target="_blank">www.bloombergtv.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-march-29-2017/">Link to newswire</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for March 30, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Speaker proposes energy factory cooperation in meeting with Japan's PM<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Summary:</b> In a meeting with Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe, Speaker of Parliament M. Enkhbold proposed cooperating on building a factory complex to produce natural gas, replacement products for chemical products, and oil. The Speaker also asked the PM to look into the possibility of importing Mongolian copper, iron ore, and fluorite. Prime Minister Abe noted that once a technical and financial study and the necessary preparatory work for a factory complex is finished, it is possible to send a Japanese team to evaluate the project. Minister of Labor and Social Welfare N. Nomtoibayar requested assistance from Japan's Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Yasuhisa Shiozaki to open a new hospital. During the Mongolian delegation's meetings in Japan, representatives discussed the possibility of sending Mongolian workers to Japan for training, ways to develop and support SMEs, and the possibility of raising capital from Japan's pension fund by releasing a Mongolian government-backed bond.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Keywords:</i></b><i> bilateral relations, Japan, energy</i> | <i>The Official Gazette /page 1,2/</i><o:p></o:p></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>BoD of Erdenet Mining Corporation to be fully comprised of government officials<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Summary:</b> Chair of the Cabinet Secretariat J. Munkhbat and Chair of the Government Agency for Policy Coordination on State and Property Ts. Nyamochir have received orders to form a board of directors for Erdenet Mining Corporation that is fully comprised of government officials, and to increase the number of government officials in management positions within the company. With the enactment of Parliament's resolution to transfer 49% of Erdenet Mining Corporation to state ownership, the government received a decree to implement the resolution. Prime Minister J. Erdenebat criticized the progress of the working group led by the Minister of Finance to carry out the order.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Keywords:</i></b><i> PM, Erdenet Mining Corporation, copper</i> | <i>The National Post /page 1/</i><o:p></o:p></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>ECONOMY<o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Cashmere prices increase in 2017<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Summary:</b> The Mongolian Agricultural Commodity Exchange organized cashmere auctions in Sukhbaatar and Khentii provinces from March 24–28. Around 1,200 kg of cashmere valued at 114.2 million MNT was sold to traders through the auction in Sukhbaatar Province, equaling a retail price of 95,000 MNT. The price of cashmere has almost doubled compared to last year. In Sukhbaatar Province, cashmere is being sold for up to 94,000 MNT per kg, 100,000 MNT in Khentii Province, and 97,000 MNT in Umnudelger Province. According to the National Statistics Office, the country's number of goats reached 25.5 million at the end of 2016, an increase of 2 million compared to 2015. The Executive Director of the Mongolian Agriculture Commodity Exchange, Kh. Baatar, highlighted that the cashmere from Sukhbaatar, Khentii and Dornod province is high quality.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Keywords:</i></b><i> agriculture, wool, exports</i> | <i>The Official Gazette /page 11/</i><o:p></o:p></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>EBRD discusses possibility of investment in Sainshand's wind farm<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Summary:</b> In Ulaantolgoi, Dornobogi Province, located 5km from Sainshand, a wind park is set to be built. According to plans, the Sainshand wind park will be a 55 MW energy production facility. According to Renewablesnow.com, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is discussing the possibility of lending up to 30 million USD to the wind park's developers. The project is being developed by Sainshand Salkhin Park LLC, owned by French company Engie, IFU, Ferrostaal Industrial Projects, and a local partner. An estimated total of 117.5 million USD in financing is required for the project, and up to three banks can provide financing. Executive Director of Sainshand Salkhin Park LLC R. Davaanyam stated, "Construction is planned to start at the end of next month and there is a lot of work to be done before that." Construction is expected to take up to 18 months for the erection of 25 wind turbines with 2.2 MW capacity. The wind park is expected to generate 201 million watts per hour annually.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Keywords:</i></b><i> investment, renewable energy, green development </i>| <i>Today /page A1/</i><o:p></o:p></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>ONLINE STORY<o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>ETT announces its debt to Chalco is fully paid<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Summary:</b> State-owned Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi (ETT) has announced that has fully paid its debt to China's Chalco. On January 20, 2017, the management of ETT announced that the price for coal at the mine was increased to 71.5 USD per ton, and highlighted that with increased price, the debt it owed to Chalco could be fully repaid by April 1. The debt now paid is from the 350 million USD advance ETT received when it made an agreement in July 2011 to sell coal to Chalco.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Keywords:</i></b><i> Chalco, Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi, coal</i> | <i><a href="http://www.ikon.mn/n/z1r" target="_blank">www.ikon.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-march-30-2017/">Link to newswire</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8Jtdo6Gwtz4kmwvD0rRuuF01dBVNU4sgRNBcHheeUd1_iIvPwzUhF70usyLCJAl_Bflkxf-eSvwIa9M3yFDjiFMfmWFH3f8KixSbUikUmvKx2KfO716AO4dK3hq2kStKg-MJ_jrxiQY/s1600/image005-758815.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8Jtdo6Gwtz4kmwvD0rRuuF01dBVNU4sgRNBcHheeUd1_iIvPwzUhF70usyLCJAl_Bflkxf-eSvwIa9M3yFDjiFMfmWFH3f8KixSbUikUmvKx2KfO716AO4dK3hq2kStKg-MJ_jrxiQY/s320/image005-758815.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507879317739650" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Business></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Business<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Erdenes_Tavan_Tolgoi"></a>Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi becomes debt free from Chalco<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 30 (gogo.mn) CEO of Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi JSC D.Ariunbold announced that the company paid off its USD 350 million debt to China's aluminum company, Chalco.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thus, the contract established in 2011 between the Chalco and the Government of Mongolia led by Prime Minister Su.Batbold has ended. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia received US$ 250 million as prepayment of a loan from Chalco under the contract. However, the money was funded to Human Development Foundation and it granted to every citizen of Mongolia as monthly welfare of MNT 21 thousand. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If the Government built coal washing plant by the prepayment of a loan, the benefit would be larger and broader. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The previous authorities promised to export coal to the second and third markets (Japan and South Korea). However, it has not implemented yet. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia paid off its debt to Chalco for six years in form of deliveries of coal from the East Tsankhi mine. According to the contract, it was agreed that the base price of ton of coal to be set at USD 70 and the price would be established seasonally based on the index price of 4 exchanges located in China.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Form today, the East Tsankhi pit of the coal giant Tavantolgoi mine is finally getting into Mongolian people's full ownership. In other words, profit from coal mining in East Tsankhi will go directly to the Mongolian government budget.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The East Tsankhi pit is projected to mine 11.5 million tons of coal this year which expects to bring US$ 550 million of revenue. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157939">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics-mining/9425">Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi announces complete repayment of debt to CHALCO</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 30<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/328801">Mongolia pays off CHALCO debt</a> – <i>news.mn</i>, March 30<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Futuro_Skills_&"></a>Futuro Skills & Mongolian Talent Network secure Rio Tinto contract in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 30 -- RBR Group Limited's ("RBR") wholly owned subsidiary Futuro Skills and its local partner, Mongolia Talent Network ("MTN") which is part of The Shackleton Group have been advised they are the successful bidders in a tender to provide two packages of training and assessment services to employees at Rio Tinto's Oyu Tolgoi ("OT") mine in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This landmark award is an entry point into one of the most exciting developments in copper and gold mining for several decades, the OT project managed by Rio Tinto. Based on currently identified reserves, OT is expected to operate for over 50 years, contributing to Mongolia's development and prosperity, and providing quality skills and learning opportunities to the more than 95% local workforce.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The contract will begin with the training and development of between 60 and 120 supervisors and in-house trainers working for OT. Whilst this first stage of the contract will generate relatively small revenues these are expected to grow significantly with the ramp up of stage 2 development at OT.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In May 2015, OT's shareholders agreed a plan to progress the next stage of underground development at Oyu Tolgoi, securing funding of US$4.4 billion. Construction work began in 2016. Rio Tinto have committed to invest US$126 million on technical and further education for their expanded workforce as the multi-billion-dollar Stage 2 development at OT ramps up.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RBR's CEO, Richard Carcenac said: "This first contract supporting resources giant Rio Tinto is an important step in the global roll-out of our skills training business adding to existing contracts both completed and ongoing in Mozambique and Australia. We are pleased to be working with The Shackleton Group's subsidiary MTN, the longest-established international recruitment services business in Mongolia".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170330/pdf/43h4lmb9y3qg3z.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Concession_contract_for"></a>Concession contract for Baganuur-UB electric transmission line project to be reestablished<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 30 (MONTSAME) During the cabinet meeting held on Martch 29, J.Munkhbat, Head of the Cabinet Secretariat of Mongolia introduced the implementation progress and future actions regarding a project of electric power transmission line and sub-station between Baganuur-Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In accordance with this, the Cabinet obliged to re-negotiate the concession contract with entities interested in the project implementation and to present the draft agreement of this project to the Cabinet meeting. Even though the Ministry of Energy announced a bid for the project in January 2016, no company that meets the criteria was available.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9413">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_launches_seven"></a>Mongolia launches seven new air routes<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 30 (gogo.mn) On Mar 30th at 8 a.m, Mongolian civil aviation sector launched seven new air routes. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to the "Government policy on civil aviation until 2020", Mongolian civil aviation sector set to implement Performance-based navigation (PBN) procedures with three phases. The launch of seven new air routes was the second phase of the implementation of PBN procedure. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>PBN offers a number of advantages over the sensor-specific method of developing airspace and obstacle clearance criteria:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>reduces the need to maintain sensor-specific routes and procedures, and their costs. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>avoids the need for developing sensor-specific operations with each new evolution of navigation systems, which would be cost-prohibitive. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>allows for more efficient use of airspace (route placement, fuel efficiency and noise mitigation);<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>clarifies how RNAV systems are used;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>5.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>facilitates the operational approval process for civil aviation authorities by providing a limited set of navigation specifications intended for global use.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Previously, Mongolia was using three PBN routes and today it has increased to 10. As estimated, the new PBN routes to reduce carbon dioxide emitting by transit air crafts by 5220 tons, shorten 230 thousand kilometers route and save 1,600 tons of fuel.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157938">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Introduction_to_the"></a>Introduction to the Mongolian Excise Tax<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 30 (Lehman Law) The <u>Excise Tax Law</u> was adopted by the Mongolia Parliament on June 29, 2006 and became effective from January 1, 2007. The law has been amended several times and has been the subject of a Supreme Court interpretation in 2007.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The law's purpose is to establish parameters with respect to imposing excise tax on goods, whether imported or locally manufactured, as well as on special purpose apparatuses and equipment utilized for individuals and legal entities engaged in the paid quiz or gambling games.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to the law, following goods shall be subject to excise tax:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo6'>all kinds of alcoholic drinks;<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo6'>all kinds of tobacco;<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo6'>gasoline and diesel fuels;<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo6'>passenger vehicles.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>The excise tax is also imposed on activities of individuals and legal entities engaged in paid quiz or gambling games and on equipment used for such games, such as gaming tables or electronic wheels, automatic games, cashier devices or devices which calculate and display gaming results or keeps track of bids. The excise tax to be imposed on goods, other than spirits distilled in Mongolia, are due before 25<sup>th</sup> of each month, in advance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Excise taxpayers are the individuals and legal entities which import and sell the goods as described above, and those which engage in activities of paid quizzes or gambling games. In the event goods subject to the excise taxes are donated or transferred to another party free of charge, as well as when used internally by an individuals and or legal entity, an excise tax shall be imposed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>An excise tax equal to MNT 36,250,000 (approximately US$ 14,800) per month, is imposed on the activities of individuals and legal entities which operate paid quizzes or gambling games via cyber, internet or mobile networks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The some goods are exempted from excise tax under the law, such as goods produced within the territory of Mongolia solely for export; Mongolian traditional home-made liquor distilled from milk for household use; snuff tobacco; legally obtained and imported duty free alcohol and tobacco; dual-fuel cars; cars running on liquefied gas; and electric cars.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The recent <a href="http://lehmanlaw.mn/blog/mongolian-government-introduces-positive-amendments-to-2017-budget/">amendments</a> to the state budget include provisions to increase excise taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel. The excise tax on passenger cars will be increased based on the vehicle's engine capacity. The excise tax on alcohol, excise tax on cigarettes, and customs tax on cigarettes will also increase. If the amendment is approved by the Parliament, these proposed excise tax increases to take effect on April 1, 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://lehmanlaw.mn/blog/introduction-to-the-mongolian-excise-tax/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mineral_Resources_and"></a>Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority of Mongolia: Annual Report 2016<span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 2017 (MRPAM) -- <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.mrpam.gov.mn/public/pages/66/MPRAMreport2016EN.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_backs_TIR"></a>Mongolia backs TIR to spur trade with China and Russia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 30 (International Road Transportation Union) </span>A trade revolution along the Asian Highway network – connecting China and Russia via Mongolia's key transport corridors – is the focus of a series of TIR training workshops in Ulaanbaatar, jointly organised by the National Road Transport Association of Mongolia (NARTAM) and IRU.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The meetings reinforce Mongolia's active steps to eliminate transit barriers, reduce delivery times for overland transport, and expedite the region's potential for more trade in the future – as outlined in the recent <a href="https://www.iru.org/resources/newsroom/trilateral-agreement-open-asian-highway-network"><b>Intergovernmental Agreement on International Road Transport</b></a> signed by China, Mongolia and Russia and reinforced by China's accession to TIR. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Batkhuu Gavaa, President of NARTAM, highlighted the objective to enhance knowledge of the TIR system, facilitate customs control and improve competitiveness among national transport operators, while emphasising the significance of the role of international road transport for trade facilitation across the region. He also noted that,<br>"In order to implement the trilateral Intergovernmental Agreement, the use of the adopted, internationally recognised TIR system is the most efficient means and the best way forward. We do not need another mechanism to facilitate regional transport."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The China-Mongolia-Russia corridors referenced in the Agreement connect the three countries via central and western Mongolia, and provide Mongolia with sea access via one of the routes. The network is among the strategic trade corridors highlighted in China's One Belt One Road framework as well as Mongolia's Steppe Initiative, connecting the East Asia economic circle with Europe.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia's Ministry of Road and Transport Development and Customs General Authority will meet with IRU in parallel to exchange views on how to improve the country's transport and transit systems. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The TIR training workshops, where IRU will engage with customs officials, representatives of the domestic transport industry and transport operators, to raise awareness on TIR and to improve the framework conditions for its use, will lay solid foundations for more cross-border traffic between the three countries. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>IRU Secretary General, Umberto de Pretto, commented, "By reinforcing the Asian Highway network, Mongolia's trade potential will become ever more strategic to the sustainable development of the region. With China implementing TIR, regional connectivity will be significantly enhanced, benefiting international trade and hence generating economic growth." <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>China became the 70th contracting party of the TIR Convention and IRU is now actively supporting the competent authorities in China to implement the system. Once operational, Mongolia, Russia and China will start to enjoy the benefits of the TIR system.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>TIR requires minimal manpower and facilities – other than that for checks on seals and the inspection of load compartments or containers – reducing transit delays and congestion at border crossings. This saves significantly on transport costs, leading to increased competitiveness and growth. TIR's "single transit document" also reduces the risk of presenting inaccurate information and only approved transporters and vehicles can operate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.iru.org/resources/newsroom/mongolia-backs-tir-spur-trade-china-and-russia">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1>Khan Bank uses IT services management to power its digital transformation journey<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 29 (ServiceNow) Mongolia's largest commercial bank, Khan Bank, understands the challenge of providing banking services in a sparsely populated and widely dispersed region like Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Arvin Joshi, Khan Bank CIO noted that a lack of automation in IT processes is an obstacle to the company as it tries to change the way they manage IT services. This case study describes the challenges faced by the bank as it moves improve the automation of IT services to meet the needs of customers and staff. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.enterpriseinnovation.net/system/files/whitepapers/servicenow-khan-bank-cs.pdf">DOWNLOAD NOW</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.enterpriseinnovation.net/whitepaper/khan-bank-uses-it-services-management-power-its-digital-transformation-journey">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_The_Sixth_Mongolia"></a>The Sixth Mongolia Business Forum will be held in London, April 5<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 30 (Embassy of Mongolia) The Mongolia London Business Forum organized by the Mongolian-British Chamber of Commerce is going to be held on 5 April 2017 in London at Bloomberg Headquarters. Over 200 government and private sector representatives, scholars and researchers will attend the Forum.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and IMF Resident Representative in Mongolia will make keynote speeches on the current economic and investment environment of Mongolia, the Government policy and its objective toward improving the investment opportunities as well as provide overview on bilateral co-operation between Mongolia and IMF.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Panel discussions on "Investing into Mongolia" and "Doing Business in Mongolia" will be held during the Forum.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>For more details, go to:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://mongolianbritishcc.org.uk/">https://mongolianbritishcc.org.uk/</a>, <a href="https://go.bloomberg.com/promo/invite/london-mongolia-business/">https://go.bloomberg.com/promo/invite/london-mongolia-business/</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://embassyofmongolia.co.uk/?p=1852&lang=en">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_"Mongolia_Mining_2017""></a>"Mongolia Mining 2017" international mining exhibition approaches<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 29 (gogo.mn) 7th edition of Mongolia Mining international exhibition will be held on Apr 5-7 at Buyant Ukhaa sports palace. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mongolian Mining international exhibition is the most significant event in the mining industry.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The expo is being organized by Ministry of Mining, Mineral Resource Authority of Mongolia Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Oyu Tolgoi LLC. Traditionally, Minex Mongol LLC and Erdenes Mongol SOE are jointly organizing the expo. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Transwest Mongolia LLC, the official distributor of Komutsu brand is serving as a platinum sponsor of the expo, Wagner Asia Equipment LLC, the official distributor of Caterpillar is serving as a gold sponsor and Gan Tumur International LLC is serving as an event sponsor. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>130 companies from 16 countries are attending Mongolia Mining 2017 expo. In addition to domestic and foreign-invested companies that operating in Mongolia, mining suppliers from Australia, USA, Russia, Japan, China, Canada, India, Turkey, Netherlands, Sweden, Kazakhstan, the Czech Republic, Belarus, Germany and South Korea is gathering under one roof and promote their products. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Leading supplier companies of mining equipment including Transwest Mongolia LLC, Wagner Asia Equipment LLC, United Belaz Machinery LLC, Gantumur International LLC, Minelab Electronics Pty Ltd, Mitsubishi Materials Trading Corp, Scantech International Pty Ltd, Czech Mining Companies, Wika Kazakhstan Ltd, Atlas Copco Mongolia LLC, Proffesional LLC, Mekhlopat and Magnai Trade LLC will exhibit their products at the expo. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Supporters of the expo including The Ministry of Mining and Mineral Resource Authority of Mongolia, Erdenes Mongol SOE, Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi JSC, Erdenet Mining Corporation, Baganuur JSC, Shivee-Ovoo JSC and Oyutolgoi LLC Mongolia Mining 2017 will make presentation on ongoing projects, procurement procedures, and requirements. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia Mining expo aims to bring the latest mining technologies close and is open to mining, road construction, and heavy industry sectors as well as everyone who aims to build business relationship with expo participants. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Visitor registration for the expo is available now at <a href="http://www.mongolia-mining.org/" target="_blank">www.mongolia-mining.org</a>. Also, visitors are able to be registered at the main gate of the expo. Free buses for exhibitors and visitors will depart from Bayangol and Shangri-La Hotel every hour. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Welcome to the Mongolia Mining 2017 international mining expo! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>ORGANIZING COMMITTEE OF MONGOLIA MINING 2017 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157917">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Czech-Mongolia_Business_Seminar"></a>Czech-Mongolia Business Seminar (Mining Sector), April 4, Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 28 -- Embassy of the Czech Republic in Mongolia is inviting you to the visiting Czech companies and their product introductory meeting at EEIBC at Galaxy tower on April 04. 2017 between 15.00-17.30<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The business delegation includes the top officials of open and underground mining equipment producer and service providers such as horizontal and vertical transportation, alarm security, transmitting belt, communication techniques, trolley, electric security measurement, operational techniques, coal ash and oxygen measurement analyzator and so on.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please R.S.V.R at 321886 (24), 99018708 before April 02.Tuesday<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Venue: Executive Excellence International Business Center<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Galaxy Tower 10th floor 1003<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mahatma Gandhi Street Tel: 77109911, 77106611<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mongolianbusinessdatabase.com/base/newsdetials?id=8377&lang=en">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mortality_rate_of"></a>Mortality rate of livestock animals reduced by half<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 29 (MONTSAME) According to a report of Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry of Mongolia, livestock death toll reached more than 180 thousand nationwide or 0.3 percent of the total livestock population of Mongolia, which is calculated to have decreased by 50 percent compared to the previous year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The reports revealed that it is estimated that over 20 million dams were counted and out of that, some 1.7 million dams have delivered their offsprings on a national level, as of today.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Currently, about 40 percent of the total territory of Mongolia is covered in snow, especially Uvurkhangai, Uvs, Khuvsgul and Bayankhongor aimags are in deep snow. The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry and the National Emergency Management Agency warned herders and residents of rural areas to prevent from high risks of 'spring flood', which is expected following a warm weather in areas where too much snowfall is experienced. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/agriculture/9390">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Drone_operator_training"></a>Drone operator training to take place<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 29 (MONTSAME) National Air Traffic Service is planning to hold the very first training for drone operators on March 31.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To maintain safety in operating drones, registration work of drone operating individuals and organizations started in 2016. Within the framework, 22 people will be attending the training. Drones are widely used around the world in industrial, agricultural, ecological and media sectors. The increasing demand of drone usage is now raising safety issues. Therefore, the training will include guidance on aerology, Mongolian climate attributes, flight safety, human factors and specialized flight zones.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Drone operators without any proper knowledge of emergency flight suspension, climate, safety and human factor can harm buildings, people and animals as well as violate Civil Code and Aviation Regulations. The training will provide theoretical, regulatory and safe operating educations for drone operators.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On the side note, National Air Traffic Service will be taking legal actions against drone flights in unauthorized area in the future.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/education/9394">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Water_Resource_Management"></a>Water Resource Management Specialists Needed in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>Job Reference Number</b>: EM/NT/SEIM/WRMS/MONG<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Job Type</b>: International Development Assistance/Emerging Markets<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Schedule</b>: Fixed term<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Job Location</b>: Asia; Mongolia; Bayan-Olgiy<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Job Summary<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>(Cardno) is seeking Water Resource Management Specialists with experience in Mongolia and/or Central/East Asia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Job Description<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Cardno Emerging Markets USA, Ltd. (Cardno)</b> is seeking Water Resource Management Specialists with experience in Mongolia and/or Central/East Asia, with a focus on water supply infrastructure and sanitation. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>General Qualifications: </b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=square><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo7'>Relevant professional experience in water supply infrastructure and water resource management for large scale infrastructure projects<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo7'>Expert knowledge of IFC Performance Standards (or equivalent such as Equator Principles or World Bank Safeguard Policies)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo7'>Experience working with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB) or similar institutions preferred<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo7'>At least 5 years' experience working in East/Central Asia, Mongolia preferred<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo7'>Advanced degree in a relevant discipline <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo7'>Proficient in English including speaking, reading, and writing. Working capacity in Mongolian preferred.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.cardno.com/en-au/Careers/Pages/2667230.aspx">Link to posting</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Senior_Portfolio_Management"></a>Senior Portfolio Management Specialist at ADB, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>Deadline</b>: 11 April 2017<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Asian Development Bank (ADB) is currently seeking applications from the eligible applicants for the post of Senior Portfolio Management Specialist in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Senior Portfolio Management Specialist will support effective project management, both advising on effective processing, and on project administration.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The ADB aims for an Asia and Pacific free from poverty.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Key Jobs Responsibilities</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Senior Portfolio Management Specialist will perform the following functions-<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=square><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8'>Contribute to the development and implementation of the Country Partnership Strategy and Country Operations Business Plans including results frameworks and sector plans, and advising on appropriate investment priorities and operational modalities;<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8'>Contribute to the development of the MNRM work plan, individual work plans, and submissions for the Work Program and Budget Framework and Budget on matters related to portfolio performance;<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8'>Contribute to reviews and development of ADB policies, guidelines, instructions, processes and other related exercises.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8'>Ensure optimal use and application of project management and reporting systems (e.g., eOps), including quality assurance of data entry, and timely updates, as required.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8'>Liaise closely with donors for projects financed from trust funds (e.g. JFPR, Korea eAsia Fund), providing regular portfolio updates, in coordination with Office of Cofinancing Operations.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8'>Ensure that MNRM's annual program for project completion reports (PCRs) and technical assistance completion reports (TCRs) meets the annual target with quality reports.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8'>Advise project processing teams from sector divisions on optimal and efficient project processing and administration (e.g., through comments on project documentation, participation in missions);<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8'>Ensure quality and consistency of reports and outgoing communications related to the MNRM's project-related activities.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8'>Coordinate efforts in strengthening capacity of project executing and implementing agencies in project implementation, including project accounting, disbursement and procurement procedures.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8'>Inspect quality of project field operations, with focus on problem or potential problem projects.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>Eligibility Criteria</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://jobs.fundsforngos.org/economics/senior-portfolio-management-specialist-adb-ulaanbaatar-mongolia/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_Economy_magazine"></a>Mongolian Economy magazine seeking English Editor<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 30 (Mongolian Economy) Seven-year-old Mongolian Economy magazine is seeking an English Editor. Responsibilities include:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Editing and proofreading translated articles, interviews and other texts<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Occasionally conduct interviews with representatives and heads of organizations<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolianeconomy.mn/en/i/9750">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s1600/image006-762389.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s320/image006-762389.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507894654404658" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Ulaanbaatar></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Temperature_will_reach"></a>Temperature will reach 11 to 13C today<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 31 (GoGo Mongolia) Decreased clouds in Ulaanbaatar city and no precipitation is expected. Winds from NW will reach 5-10 m/s. Temperature will reach 11C to 13C today.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Warm days expected in most regions in the coming days. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mostly cloudy in Western aimags. Decreased clouds in other regions. No precipitation is expected. Winds from W in Western aimags, NW in other regions will reach 5-10 m/s and it will reach 14-16 m/s in Altai branch mountains. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Temperature wlll be 1C to 6C in Khuren belchir, 1C to 6C in Darkhad hollow, Khangai, Khuvsgul mountainous areas, Yuruu river basins, -2C to 3C in Uvs lake hollow, Ider, Tes river basins, 12C to 17C on Gobi aimags and 8C to 13C in other regions. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157955">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Lead_poisoning:_Children"></a>Lead poisoning: Children under threat, but they don't care<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 30 (gogo.mn) We Mongolians have just started to focus on lead poisoning in children which banned in the United Stated half-century ago.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Americans banned the use of leaded gasoline and stopped using leaded paint in schools since 1970 when they found out that the lead directly affects intelligence quotient of children. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition, Americans conducted a survey to determine the level of lead in children blood for 30 years. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A survey conducted in Boston in 1979 revealed the impact of lead on the development of human brain. The survey has involved 249 infants determining their blood lead level at their 6, 12, 18, 25 and 57 months. Of which 148 of them were re-tested 10 years later and 43 of them were re-tested 20 years later. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thereafter, the survey participants were tested to determine the intellectual level. As a result, thinking skills of people who had the high level of lead in blood at their childhood were low compared to those who had the low level of lead in their blood. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition, the blood lead level at their 4-10 years was found to have the most influence. In other words, it is significant to prevent children at these ages from lead.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>HOW IS THE BLOOD LEAD LEVEL FOUND IN CHILDREN LIVING IN THE CITY?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia started to conduct surveys on the lead poisoning just in recent years. Scientists conducted several surveys on children to determine their blood lead level since 2000. According to the 2005 survey, an average lead level found in blood of 1-6th graders were 5.39 µg/dl. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to the World Health Organization, there is no known safe blood lead concentration. But it is known that, as lead exposure increases, the range and severity of symptoms and effects also increase. Even blood lead concentrations as low as 5 µg/dl, once thought to be a "safe level", may result in decreased intelligence in children, behavioral difficulties, and learning problems.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In Feb 2017, GoGo News Agency and Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences conducted blood test on lead involving 15 children aged 7-10 years who are living in 5 different areas including Da khuree technical market, Bayankhoshuu, city center, Narantuul market, and Zaisan. The test result was interesting. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>5,7-22 µg/dl lead in blood was found from the children living near Da Khuree technical market and Bayankhoshuu, while no lead was found from the child living in Zaisan. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>WHY NO LEAD WAS FOUND IN CHILD LIVING IN ZAISAN? </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>That question is followed by many issues. In scope of series reports, we raised a hypothesis that why child living in Bayankhoshuu and Da Khuree has the highest level of lead in their blood. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Air pollution level is considered safe when air quality index is 50 while air quality index value over 500 represents the hazardous level, according to the Mongolian National Air Quality Standard (MNS 4585:2016). If human breathes hazardous level of air for 24 hours, it will cause oxygen-deficiency in human body. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A child living in Bayankhosuu is being poisoned from lead-containing coal, fine particulate matter and lead-containing blue water cans while car oil, automotive battery, leaded gasoline and soil pollution is the reason why child living in Da Khuree technical market has the high level of lead in blood. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However, air quality index of Zaisan areas ranges between 21-300 in winter which, reaches 500-2000 in Bayankhoshuu every day. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover, lead contamination in soil of Khan-Uul district is low compared to other districts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In other words, Zaisan has the cleanest air and soil which might be the reason why no lead was found from a child living in Zaisan. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>LEAD CONTAMINATION IN SOIL OF DISTRICTS </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to the study conducted by Institute of Geography and Geoecology, lead concentration was high in soil of Sukhbaatar, Bayanzurkh and Songinokhairkhan districts. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A national standard for a safe level of soil lead is 100 mg/kg. However, the maximum level of soil lead in districts is ranging between 390-2413 mg/kg. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Khan-Uul and Chingeltei districts have a safe level of soil lead, which amounts 45-110.50 mg/kg. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Another survey shows that soil lead exceeds two times the standard near auto repair centers. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Scientists believe that rising ger-district, vehicles, and consumer products are the main cause of increase in soil contamination. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>NEUROLOGICAL DISORDER IN CHILDREN</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We mentioned earlier about the negative effects of lead on children`s brain development. During 2012-2016, children`s nervous system disorders were as follows. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Health Development Center reports 761 children in Songinokhairkhan district, 735 children in Bayanzurkh district, 256 children in Khan-Uul district were suffering from nervous system disorders in 2016. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Nervous system disorders have rapidly increased in Songinokhairkhan and Bayanzurkh districts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In 2013, total of 498 children suffered from nervous system disorders in Songinokhairkhan district, but this number rose to 761 after three years. Nervous system disorders were relatively low in Khan-Uul district compared to other districts, but it has doubled in just four years. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The neurological disorder is popular among children living in Songinokhairkhan and Bayanzurkh districts where the lead concentrations in soil are high. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Of course, this conclusion should be set based on many factors, including population, population growth, and livelihood. Here we note that it is not a research, it is a hypothesis raised by a reporter. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>CONCLUSION</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As lead concentrations in the blood increases by 10 µg/dl, children's intellectual potential is reduced by 1-5 score and there are changes in perception and attitude. Thus, we have decided to name lead as a "brain eater". <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Some scientists say that children are more likely to become criminals in the future due to negative effects of brain eater. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Only few research companies and researchers noticed that the lead is threatening our children`s future. However, the Ministry of Health and government agencies are not taking this issue into account. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>GoGo News Agency sent the test result to the Ministry of Health and requested to take a wide range of research and analysis. However, we have not received any response to the request so far. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover, nobody cares for the health of people and children living near Da Khuree technical market. Even, a new market located in the outer part of the city has commissioned and order of the City Mayor to move the Da khuree technical market has issued, it has not moved out of town until today. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Seeminlgy it can be said as officials are less concerned of how children's health is being affected by environmental pollution.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Government urgently needs to conduct blood lead test among all children of the nation and determine the reason for the high lead level in blood as well as to find out solutions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157896">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Lead_poisoning::_Children"></a>Lead poisoning: Children under threat, but officials are less concerned<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 31 (GoGo Mongolia) In Feb 2017, GoGo News Agency and Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences conducted blood test on lead involving 15 children aged 7-10 years who are living in 5 different areas of the Ulaanbaatar city including Da khuree, Bayankhoshuu, Narantuul market, City center and Zaisan. The test results were interesting. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>5,7-22 µg/dl lead in blood was found from the children living near Da Khuree technical market and Bayankhoshuu, while no lead was found from the child living in Zaisan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bayankhoshuu is located in Songinokhairkhan district which covers total of 1200,6 km2 areas and has 82,895 households. However, only one-fourth of the households are living in apartment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Da khuree technical market is located in Bayanzurkh district where more than half of households live in ger district too. Also, the area is crowded with auto repair centers and washing centers. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Households living in ger district burn raw coal to survive harsh winter which resulting hazardous levels of air pollution almost every day throughout the winter. Scientists reveal that ash from a coal contains lead.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The test reveals that the child living in Bayankhosuu is being poisoned from lead-containing coal, fine particulate matter and lead-containing blue water cans while car oil, automotive battery, leaded gasoline and soil pollution is the reason why child living in Da Khuree technical market has the high level of lead in blood. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Zaisan, a new residential area for upper-class people is located in Khan-Uul district, on the bank of Tuul river and bottom of the Bogd mountain where it has the cleanest air all year round. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Apart from lead-containing ashes, lead was found in soils of the city. According to the study conducted by Institute of Geography and Geoecology, lead concentration was high in soils of several districts which have the highest number of ger district households. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A national standard for a safe level of soil lead is 100 mg/kg. However, the maximum level of soil lead in districts is ranging between 390-2413 mg/kg. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also, Zaisan has the cleanest soil which amounts 45-110.50 mg/kg. In other words, Zaisan has the cleanest air and soil which might be the reason why no lead was found from a child living in Zaisan. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>NEUROLOGICAL DISORDER IN CHILDREN</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to the World Health Organization, there is no known safe blood lead concentration. But it is known that, as lead exposure increases, the range and severity of symptoms and effects also increase. Even blood lead concentrations as low as 5 µg/dl, once thought to be a "safe level", may result in decreased intelligence in children, behavioral difficulties, and learning problems.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Lead-containing air and soil resulting negative impacts on children`s brain development. Health Development Center reports 761 children in Songinokhairkhan district, 735 children in Bayanzurkh district, 256 children in Khan-Uul district were suffered from nervous system disorders in 2016. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In 2013, total of 498 children suffered from nervous system disorders in Songinokhairkhan district, but this number rose to 761 after three years. Nervous system disorders were relatively low in Khan-Uul district compared to other districts, but it has doubled in just four years. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The neurological disorder is popular among children living in Songinokhairkhan and Bayanzurkh districts. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Of course, this conclusion should be set based on many factors, including population, population growth, and livelihood. Here we note that it is not a research, it is a hypothesis raised by a reporter. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>CONCLUSION</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As lead concentrations in the blood increases by 10 µg/dl, children's intellectual potential is reduced by 1-5 score and there are changes in perception and attitude. Thus, we have decided to name lead as a "brain eater". <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Americans banned the use of leaded gasoline and stopped using leaded paint in schools since 1970 when they found out that the lead directly affects intelligence quotient of children. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian research companies and researchers conducted survey on the lead poisoning since 2010, which threatening our children`s future. However, the Ministry of Health and the Government are not taking this issue into account. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>GoGo News Agency raised the issue again in Feb 2017 appealing to take a wide range of research and analysis. The Ministry of Health and the Government are still not responding. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Seemingly, it can be said as officials are less concerned about how children's health is being affected by environmental pollution.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Government urgently needs to conduct blood lead test among all children of the nation and determine the reason for the high lead level in blood as well as to find out solutions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157896">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Interview:_Ulan_Bator"></a>Interview: Ulan Bator mayor says China's B&R Initiative great investment opportunity<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>ULAN BATOR, March 29 (Xinhua) -- China's Belt and Road Initiative is a great investment opportunity for Ulan Bator, capital of Mongolia, the city's mayor said Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Belt and Road Initiative, proposed by China in 2013, aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along and beyond the ancient trade routes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In an exclusive interview with Xinhua, Batbold Sundui said he expects Ulan Bator to play an important role in connecting Mongolia's Steppe Road program and the Belt and Road Initiative.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Batbold highlighted the capital's favorable geological location in the construction of an economic corridor linking China, <a href="http://search.news.cn/language/search.jspa?id=en&t1=0&t=1&ss=&btn=0&ct=South+Korea&n1=Russia&np=content">Russia</a> and Mongolia aimed at boosting transportation connectivity and economic cooperation in border regions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"As a mayor, I meet with representatives of Chinese enterprises almost every day. Chinese enterprises comprise the largest proportion of foreign enterprises in Ulan Bator," Batbold said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Batbold praised Chinese construction companies participating in Mongolia's road and infrastructure development projects for their professionalism and bringing the latest technologies to Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chinese enterprises will start work on new airport highways, city bridges and suburban road construction and the re-development of slum districts in Ulan Bator as spring arrives, Batbold said, adding that all these investments will change the city's future.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Besides, Batbold said Ulan Bator is adopting measures to woo foreign investment amid concerns from foreign investors sparked by Mongolia's deep economic crisis and foreign debt burden since the second half of 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The city government has set up a council to protect the rights of foreign investors and help them become better informed about Mongolia's complicated laws and regulations, the mayor said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As Mongolia's largest city, Ulan Bator is home to 1.38 million people or close to half of the land-locked country's population and accounts for 60 percent of its gross domestic product.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-03/29/c_136168747.htm">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Discovering_Mongolia's_nightlife"></a>Discovering Mongolia's nightlife with what3words and Ulaanbaatar Passport<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 29 (what3words) When you live in the city, you often end up going to all the same places, instead of discovering new ones. When your city is notoriously difficult to navigate, and is also the coldest capital in the world, this is especially true. Why wander around outside searching for a new bar, when you could already be sipping a pint in one you already know?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ulaanbaatar Passport encourages local people to explore more of the Mongolian capital. It's a pocket-sized guide to Ulaanbaatar's best cafes, bars and restaurants, with exclusive deals and discounts for each location. Designed to resemble an actual passport, each page represents a 'visa' to a different handpicked bar, which passport-holders present to redeem their discount and receive a stamp.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ulaanbaatar has few street names, and no consistent numbering system. The lack of structure means it's hard to tell where one street ends and a new one begins, and most people get around by referring to landmarks around the city. This is particularly difficult at night, and only gets people to a rough area, rather than a specific place or entrance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ulaanbaatar Passport now displays a 3 word address for every listing. These are accurate to 3m x 3m, directing passport-holders directly to the entrance of the place they're looking for. More people exploring the city means local businesses get a welcome boost, and a night out in Ulaanbaatar is now a more comfortable experience, with no need to wander around in sub-zero temperatures searching for a particular bar or restaurant.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Interested in Ulaanbaatar Passport? Check out their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/UBPassport" target="_blank">Facebook page</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://what3words.com/partner/ulaanbaatar-passport/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_UB_Mayor_shuts"></a>UB Mayor shuts down Tuul River quarry<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 29 (news.mn) Ulaanbaatar Mayor S.Batbold, has announced that the operation of a quarry next to the River Tuul is to cease. The ban comes into immediate force from today (29<sup>th</sup> of March). It is considered that the existence of the quarry next to the river, which flows through the heart of the Mongolian capital, contravenes the rights of citizens. A total of eleven companies based along the banks of the River Tuul will be effected by this new law.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In 2016, Mongolian law enforcement officers suspended the operational permits of four companies and imposed fines in excess of MNT 20 million for re-cultivation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/328705">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_'Tale_of_Two"></a>'Tale of Two Cities'<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>By Michelle Borok<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 30 (UB Post) Ger Community Mapping Center is presenting "Tale of Two Cities", a two-week exhibition with workshops at Nogoon Nuur Park in Chingeltei District. An opening reception for the exhibition is taking place on April 1, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The exhibition is the result of Ger Community Mapping Center's collaboration with local and international artists to showcase and unveil the hidden gems of living in Ulaanbaatar. The setting for the exhibition, Nogoon Nuur Park, is one of those gems. The park is a former stone quarry and dumpsite that has been full rehabilitated to become a safe and clean green space for public use.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The contributing artists were asked to create work that reflected on two key questions: what does the future hold for the residents of Ulaanbaatar, and can we unite the residents of the city to solve problems together? The exhibition is one of a kind and will include maps, photography, illustration and felt-based art by Mongolian felt master Baasansuren Alyeksandr, U.S. cartoonist Marc Parenteau, and British photographer Billy Macrae.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Tale of Two Cities" will engage people from all walks of life and hopes to bring communities together to find ways to creatively solve urban issues. Visitors will be treated to a dynamic three-dimensional and interactive exhibition, and a series of hands-on workshops on April 8 and 9 will give visitors a chance to explore and experience mapping, photography, illustration, and felt making.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The exhibition will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. from April 2 through 14, and is free and open to the public. A map to the park can be found on the event's website, <a href="https://t2cities.com/">t2cities.com</a>, with information about the exhibition available in Mongolian and English.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ger Community Mapping Center's guided ger district tour will be available during the exhibition, introducing visitors to some of the creative, commercial, and environmental initiatives taking place in the city's ger districts. From April 2 through 14, the final stop on the tour will be Nogoon Nuur Park.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/30/tale-of-two-cities/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s1600/image006-762389.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s320/image006-762389.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507894654404658" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Diplomacy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Diplomacy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Japan,_Mongolia_ink"></a>Japan, Mongolia ink bilateral cooperation accord<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 30 (Jiji) Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and visiting Mongolian counterpart, Tsend Munkh-Orgil, have signed a bilateral action plan for 2017-2021, including cooperation in the political, security and economic fields.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I hope to promote relations between the two countries in a mutually beneficial and strategic way," Kishida said in his Tokyo meeting with Munkh-Orgil on Wednesday. Kishida also expressed hope of collaboration with Mongolia on other issues, including North Korea's abductions of Japanese nationals.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <b>action plan states that Tokyo and Ulan Bator will demand that North Korea completely abandon its nuclear arms and missile programs</b> and abide by U.N. Security Council resolutions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The plan also confirms Mongolia's support for Japan's aim of resolving the abduction issue.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On the economic front, the plan calls for the implementation of a free trade bilateral economic partnership agreement that took effect in June last year, and improving the investment environment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/03/30/national/politics-diplomacy/japan-mongolia-ink-extensive-cooperation-accord/#.WNz_zDuGPDc">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Midterm_Program_on"></a>Midterm Program on Strategic Partnership of Mongolia and Japan signed<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 30 (MONTSAME) On March 28, Midterm Program on Strategic Partnership of Mongolia and Japan was signed by Foreign Affairs Ministers of the two countries, Ts.Munkh-Orgil and Fumio Kishida. The event was held within the official visit of Parliamentary Speaker M.Enkhbold to Japan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr. M.Enkhbold underlined the event as remarkable in a 45-year history of cooperation between Mongolia and Japan and said that Mongolian government would pay significant attention for successful realization of the Midterm program, which covers all sectors of the cooperation. Japanese Minister Kishida noted that with this document the two countries have confirmed again that the traditional friendly relations would be developed and widened further.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The program contains goals and principles of next five year on widening the bilateral cooperation in all spheres, including politics, trade, economy, investment, security, defense, culture, education and humanitarian.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"- Mutually beneficial trade and economic relations will be priority. Particular attention will be given to agriculture, using natural resources, including developing huge coal resources with Japanese high technology and selling it at international market and to world level education of Mongolian youth. We also emphasize to export Mongolian agricultural and products of animal origin to Japanese market based on the Economic Partnership Agreement" said Foreign Affairs Minister Ts.Munkh-Orgil to journalists.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Prior to the program signing ceremony, the Foreign Affairs Ministers held official talks and Foreign Affairs Minister of Japan Kishida paid courtesy calls on Speaker M.Enkhbold. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9408">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Japan,_Mongolia_agree"></a>Japan, Mongolia agree to cooperate to stop N. Korea's nuclear program<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 29 (Kyodo) Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida (R) and his Mongolian counterpart Tsend Munkh-Orgil shake hands before holding talks in Tokyo on March 29, 2017. Japan and Mongolia agreed to cooperate in pushing North Korea to abandon its nuclear and missile development programs. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://english.kyodonews.jp/photos/2017/03/466015.html">Link to picture</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Sending_Mongolian_trainees"></a>Sending Mongolian trainees to Japan under discussion<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 29 (MONTSAME) On Tuesday, March 28, Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan Yasuhisa Shiozaki and Chairwoman of Japanese "Ethics Aassociation" K.Ito paid courtesy calls on Parliament Speaker M.Enkhbold.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Speaker M. Enkhbold talked about two main issues, after briefing on meetings and discussed issues during his visit to Japan. The two concerned issues were sending trainees from Mongolia to Japan as well as a possibility of raising capital using Japanese pension fund through issuing Government bond of Mongolia. The capital would be spent on providing middle income citizens with apartment, developing small and medium enterprises and creating jobs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Minister Ya.Shiozaki said "- I am one of the initial implementers of the trainees' project. We will be pleased, when trainees come from Mongolia to obtain high professional skills and dedicate their learned knowledge and skills to the development of the country. Our pension fund is considered one of biggest in the world and the fund's activities should meet the interest of Japanese people as the fund is a guarantee of wellbeing of Japanese pensioners. A special fund could be created to buy securities of a foreign country and used, but Mongolia should get guarantee by organizations like World Bank, as it is a developing country".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>MP and Minister of Labor and Social Welfare N.Nomtoibayar attended the meeting and informed on preparation works to send trainees, which include to establish representative office in charge of trainees in Japan, develop bills to amend relevant laws and teach Japanese language and culture to students of vocational schools.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"- We are studying to implement a project to build clinical hospital with 300 beds available for 15.000 patients annually and ambulatory with a capacity of 350.000 persons. We consider it important to introduce Japanese management to the hospital, have Japanese specialists, utilize Japanese equipment and facility and train physicians and specialists in Japan. We request the Minister to pay attention to it" Minister N.Nomtoibayar said. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>More news stories on this topic: </i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9330" target="_blank">Parliament Speaker to pay official visit to Japan</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9366" target="_blank">Speaker M.Enkhbold meets members of Japan-Mongolia friendship societies</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9381" target="_blank">Speaker M.Enkhbold meets Speaker and President of Japanese Parliamentary Houses</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9389" target="_blank">Speaker M.Enkhbold visit to Japan continues</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9396" target="_blank">Speaker M.Enkhbold meets Japanese PM Shinzo Abe</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9400">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Speaker_M.Enkhbold_meets"></a>Speaker M.Enkhbold meets Japanese citizen diplomats<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 30 (MONTSAME) Yesterday, Parliamentary speaker M.Enkhbold and accompanying delegates, including members of the Parliament and the Government, who are on a visit to Japan met with the authorities of the International Friendship Exchange Council.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Council, founded in 1983, has over 1000 members comprising of Japanese big companies, research institutes and universities. It established relations with Mongolia in 1988 and runs activities to strengthen friendship, develop economic ties and to increase investment amount from Japan to Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Speaker M.Enkhbold said "- Realization of cooperation agreements and programs that were agreed by the two sides, widening mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation and implementing new joint project and programs will fully satisfy interests of the two countries, businessmen and citizens. Our government endeavors to make business environment more flexible, diversified and favorable without burdens".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>President of the Council K.Matsuzawa said that members of the council have sincere heart to contribute to the development of Mongolia and wellbeing of Mongolians. "Mongolians are not only our friends, but also our brothers and sisters" he noted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the meeting, the attendants expressed their opinions about what should do to recover Mongolian economy and what sector should be prioritized.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After the meeting, Speaker M.Enkhbold visited the National Center for Global Health and Medicine Hospital. The Speaker highlighted "- It is important for us to learn from management, organization, treatment methodology and activities of Japanese health institutes, to train Mongolian specialists and introduce high technology equipment and facilities. Therefore widening bilateral cooperation in this sector is in the center of government policy".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In Japan, hospitals and clinics receive 7 million calls for medical aids in a year nationwide, of which 700 thousand in Tokyo. The hospital receives 11000 calls in a year, leading the others in Tokyo.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9417">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Eurasian_Economic_Commission"></a>Eurasian Economic Commission delegates visit Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 30 (MONTSAME) Delegates led by Valery Koreshkov, Commissioner for Technical Regulations of the Eurasian Economic Commission are visiting Mongolia between March 27 to 31. The delegates, during their visit in State Central Veterinary Laboratory and meat producing factories, have expressed their recognition towards Mongolian meat production.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry P.Sergelen said "By our requests in 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016, experts' teams from the Eurasian Economic Commission have worked in Mongolia several times. But the current visit is unique for presenting the requirements on meat products to export". The meeting held discussion on increasing export and import of meat products, removing trade barriers and opportunities for mutual acceptance of laboratory test results.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also, the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry of Mongolia requested for support in promoting Mongolian products in Eurasian countries, such as Russia, Armenia, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/agriculture/9431">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Meat_export_discussed"></a>Meat export discussed with Eurasian Economic Union<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 29 (MONTSAME) "Mongolia has big potentials to export meat and meat products which are pretty sufficient in the domestic market; unfortunately, the local production quality doesn't meet international standards", said A.Amarjargal, a specialist at the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry at a meeting on March 28, Tuesday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Themed 'Cooperation on standard technical coordination, veterinary and health', the meeting took place between Mongolia and the Eurasian Economic Union.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Following the request of Mongolian Government, Mongolia's cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union on meat export to its members has been on agenda since 2010.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>From Mongolian side, international relations officers, businesspeople and specialists from Mongolian Agencies for Standardization and Metrology and Specialized Inspections partook in the meeting to discuss ways to increase export of animal products, settle challenges in foreign trade, and mutual acceptance of laboratory test results whereas the Eurasian Economic Union was represented by 7 delegates. Also, a two-day seminar is being organized to acquaint Mongolian business representatives with Eurasian standards and prerequisites.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Full version of this story is available on 'English News' daily bulletin published by MONTSAME.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/agriculture/9387">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Political_consultative_meeting"></a>Political consultative meeting between Mongolia and Russia held<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 29 (MONTSAME) A political consultative meeting between Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and the Russian Federation took place successfully in Ulaanbaatar on March 28. The consultative meeting was co-chaired by Sh.Odonbaatar, Director of Policy Planning Department of the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and O.V.Stepanov, Director of Foreign Policy Planning Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>D.Davaasuren, State Secretary of the Mongolian Foreign Ministry received the Russian delegation and exchanged views on bilateral ties, regional cooperation and and other issues concerning international affairs. After talking about relations between Mongolia and Russia, the sides highlighted that the bilateral political relations are being developed at a high level and underlined the importance of moving bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade and economy forward.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Afterwards, they mentioned that high level meetings and reciprocal visits are significant to the partnership of Mongolia and Russia relations and cooperation and noted that the two sides need to gear up for prime ministerial visits.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9385">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_UK_Minister_for"></a>UK Minister for International Trade to visit Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 29 (gogo.mn) Mark Garnier, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for International Trade to pay an official visit to Mongolia during Mar 31 to Apr 1, 2017. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During his visit, he will ring the opening bell at Mongolian Stock Exchange and open the trading of March 31. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157916">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Justice_Minister_S."></a>Justice Minister S. Byambatsogt meets Deputy PM of UAE<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 29 (MONTSAME) Mongolian Minister of Justice and Home Affairs S.Byambatsogt is attending "Unity for Security Forum", which is being hosted by the United Arab Emirates and International Criminal Police Organization or INTERPOL in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates on March 28-30.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The three-day international forum, which is being attended by Ministers of Home Affairs of over 50 countries, is aimed at focusing the thoughts and efforts of ministers, police chiefs and the private sectors on their roles and responsibilities to improve global security.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the forum, Minister S.Byambatsogt met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan on March 28. The Ministers discussed ways to develop cooperation of the Ministries of Home Affairs of the two countries, for instance, by sharing experiences of law enforcement activities and training police officers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9402">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Non-Resident_Ambassador_of"></a>Non-Resident Ambassador of Mongolia presents his Letter of Credence to the President of Maldives<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 28 (President of Maldives) The Non-resident Ambassador of Mongolia, His Excellency Gonching Ganbold presented his Letter of Credence to the President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, this morning, at the President's Office.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>At the ceremony, the President congratulated Ambassador Ganbold on the commencement of his term and welcomed the Non-resident Ambassador to the Maldives.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>During the call, the President highlighted on the 32 years of close relations between the two countries and expressed confidence that the relations would strengthen in the years to come with frequent exchanges between high-level officials of both countries. The President also noted that the Maldives and Mongolia share common views at the International fora and gave the assurances to enhance the relations between the two countries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Ambassador conveyed greetings and good wishes from the President of Mongolia, and expressed gratitude for receiving him as the Non-resident Ambassador of Mongolia to the Maldives. The Ambassador also placed importance in fostering friendly relations, and discussed on exploring avenues for further cooperation between the two countries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The President was accompanied at the call by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E Dr. Mohamed Asim, and the Minister of State for Foreign Relations, H.E Mr. Mohamed Naseer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/Index.aspx?lid=11&dcid=17760">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Cabinet_approves_guidance"></a>Cabinet approves guidance for 2<sup>nd</sup> intergovernmental commission meeting with Italy<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>- Ulaanbaatar, March 30 (MONTSAME) The Cabinet approved a guidance for Mongolian delegates to attend Second meeting of the joint intergovernmental commission on economic and technical cooperation between Mongolia and Italy, will take place on April 5-6. At the meeting, the sides will discuss the current situation of bilateral relations of the two counties and define directions of further cooperation. Moreover, the sides will seek more possibilities to broaden bilateral ties in the fields of construction and urban development, roads and transport, education, culture and science, environment and tourism, agriculture and light industry. The Mongolian side is planning to make proposals to the Italian side on introducing high technology from Italy to the industrial sector. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9416">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_delegation_shares"></a>Mongolian delegation shares the wisdom of the steppes<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 30 (Juneau Empire) After the fall of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, Mongolia has increasingly embraced the Western political ideology.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Positioned between post-communist and communist superpowers in Russia and China, the sparsely-populated nation depends on agriculture and coal but has a surprisingly cosmopolitan capital in Ulaanbaatar. As the country strives to expand their economy, they're reaching out to America to learn how democracy can sustain free markets.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For five newly-elected parliamentarians from the country's State Great Khural, that journey started with a U.S. Congress-sponsored trip to Juneau early this week.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Mongolia, after living through a communist regime, it was the first country that was part of the satellite of the Soviet Union, first Central Asian country that embraced democracy in a true sense and the first Central Asian country that went into an accepted parliamentary form of democracy," Tsogtbaatar Damdin said in a Monday talk for the Juneau World Affairs Council.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Juneau World Affairs Council sponsors lectures from leading figures in global affairs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We were the first to embrace this Western ideology of freedom," Damdin said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>From there, democracy spread to other Eurasian countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"This is a country that was heralding the new ideology, new ideas and that was influencing other countries. … Mongolia may be small, but it can influence historical processes," Damdin said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The delegation was in town early this week on a diplomatic exchange through the U.S. State Department. The idea behind visits like these is to cross-pollinate ideas between U.S. democratic institutions and foster America's brand of democracy in Eurasia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During their trip, the five parliamentarians visited the University of Alaska Southeast, the Alaska State Capitol and the Mendenhall Glacier, accompanied by translator Chimgee Erdenechimeg and a representative from the U.S. embassy in Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The trip alternated between serious intellectual exchange and lighthearted sightseeing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On Monday, they sat down with mayor Ken Koelsch in the Assembly chambers to learn about city government. Sharing the language of bureaucracy, things got a little wonkish at the Assembly chambers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Damdin looked comfortable in the seat usually reserved for Assembly member Jesse Kiehl. He asked about the city's tax structure.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Property tax is an important part of your revenue. How did the subprime mortgage crisis affect property prices here?" Damdin said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Juneau has always had a housing shortage and still does," Koelsch answered. "So it was not that dramatic in scope. The last time we had a recession and threat of a capital move and oil revenue wasn't very good, it affected property a lot here. This past year has been very stable."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia has what's called a unicameral parliamentary legislature. Instead of a house and a senate, the country uses a single 76-member parliament — officially known as the State Great Khural.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The insistence on bicameral structures at all levels of government struck a contrast for Damdin.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I understand (bicameral structure) at the top level, where you really try to prevent the possibility of a dictator," Damdin said after meeting with the mayor. "But you have it at every level down to the local level. It seems to me it could get very expensive, but that is your system and I am not here to comment on that."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Damdin was impressed by the simplicity and accessibility of Alaska government.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The government "hears ordinary people," and is "simple, not too complicated" that people can't come in and understand it, he said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Damdin has traveled on trips as a student — he studied at the Australia National University of Canberra and holds a Masters of International Law — but he said Juneau's hospitality was world-class.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The group stayed with several families around town to get a closer look at life in Alaska.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On Tuesday, Koelsch handed over ceremonial keys to the city to five parliamentarians. The group didn't miss a chance to pull Koelsch's leg.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"In Mongolian tradition, if you give the key to the city, you have to have some door to open it. You also need to give that door," Erdenechimeg deadpanned. "We are pragmatic people."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After a pause, the room lit up with laughter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You can watch a video of the delegation's presentation, titled "Wisdom of the Steppes" at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZdloM_bAgw" target="_blank"><b>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZdloM_bAgw</b></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://juneauempire.com/local/2017-03-30/mongolian-delegation-shares-wisdom-steppes">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_delegation_exchanges"></a>Mongolia delegation exchanges ideas with Homer<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 30 (Homer Tribune) Follow the line of latitude that runs through Homer to the east some 4,000 miles and you will find yourself just above the northern regions of Mongolia. But while Homer and Mongolia may share some latitudinal characteristics, the mountainous, landlocked nation bordered by China and Russia is widely different than the coastal Kachemak Bay. What the two regions share, a recent meeting found, was a desire to strive for prosperity and new economic development opportunities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last week, five members of the Mongolian Parliament visited Homer, observing the community's vibrant recreation and hospitality industries and learning about the region's agricultural efforts as well. The group came to Homer through the Open World Leadership Club, an organization aiming to introduce rising leaders of emerging democracies to legislative functions essential to democracy, a release from the Homer Kachemak Bay Rotary Club, which hosted the organization, said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Delegates met with local government, business leaders and community organizations and attended a roundtable discussion focusing on some of the economic engines in the Kachemak Bay region, such as tourism and agriculture.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Nvaan-Yunden Oyundari, one of the delegates, said while many regions of Mongolia try to encourage tourism, some regions struggle with infrastructure issues, and prices are expensive for Mongolians to visit other areas of their country. But some inroads are occurring, as Asian tourists, mainly from Japan, are exploring the country, she said. Guidebooks are being written that explain how to travel in the large, spread-out nation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"This is information that we don't know — very practical information," said Oyundari.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The delegation heard from the Bed and Breakfast Association about the collaborative way local bed and breakfasts work together to meet the needs of a large part of the visitors to Homer, as well as a variety of representatives from the agricultural sectors, who described Homer's extraordinary involvement in the nationwide high tunnel program, which has boosted local commercial agricultural production significantly.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Many of the delegates were interested in hearing about this low-cost infrastructure that improves agricultural production in less-than-ideal growing conditions, saying it could be applicable in many regions of Mongolia as well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Oyundari said in urban areas, many farmers use organic practices and only the large-scale agriculture farms use pesticides and herbicides. Consumers are aware of the difference, she said, and many choose the organically-grown vegetables intentionally, she said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also presenting at the meeting were representatives from Homer's Farmer's Market, Food Hub and the local Natural Resources and Conservation Services department, who all spoke to the ways they help facilitate a wide variety of farm-related resources for area farmers and ranchers. Homer's peony-growing farmers also presented on that industry, describing the process of setting up a peony farm in Alaska and the advantages of growing in a northern climate such as Homer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While in Homer, the delegates also visited with a wide variety of community leaders, from newspaper producers, who discussed the role of free press and open community newspapers in a democracy, to representatives from local environmental and nonprofit organizations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While in Homer, the delegates Batsukh Saranchimeg, Dakiyei Murat, Oyundari, Damdin Tsogtbaatar, and Namsrai Tserenbat, all members of the parliament (State Great Khural) of Mongolia as well as Gulgoo Zolboo, a political assistant in the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, who accompanied them as a facilitator, stayed with local residents as a way to further experience the ways of life in Kachemak Bay.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Open World has introduced more than 26,000 current and future decision-makers from Eurasia and other countries to American political and civic life, and to their American counterparts. Open World delegates range from first-time mayors to veteran journalists, from nonprofit directors to small-business advocates, and from political activists to judges at all levels.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.homertribune.com/article/1713mongolia_delegation_exchanges_ideas_with">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_How_a_Russia-China"></a>How a Russia-China political game resulted in Mongolian independence<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>The landlocked Asian country suffered decades of tumult and uncertainty in the early decades of the 20th century before attaining total independence from China. Both Tsarist Russia and the Soviet Union were major factors in Mongolia becoming a free country.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>by <a href="http://rbth.com/author/Ajay%20Kamalakaran">AJAY KAMALAKARAN</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 30 (Russian Beyond the Headlines) The landlocked country of Mongolia, which gave the world Genghis Khan and had the largest contiguous empire in history, was reduced to a subject of China's Qing Dynasty by the 17<sup>th</sup> century. Being a nomadic Buddhist country, by the early 20th century, almost a third of the male population of Mongolia consisted of monks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"While the vast majority were disconnected from Peking, the winds of change blew on the country at the same time as the collapse of the Qing Dynasty," Lubsan Kiribizhekov, a China and Mongolia scholar from Russia's internal republic of Buryatia, told RBTH. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Russia's Romanovs, who had an antagonistic relationship with the Qing Dynasty, and had a long border with Mongolia, stirred the pot and encouraged revolutionaries."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Kiribizhekov, who is based in Hong Kong, added that Mongolia was involved in a power play between Russia and China in the early 20<sup>th</sup> century. "Tsar Nicholas II wanted Mongolia to initially be an independent state under Russian influence."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Preamble to the revolution<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>In 1911, when plans were unveiled by the Qing Dynasty to resettle ethnic Han Chinese in Mongolia, there was a great degree of resistance from the people in the territory. "The very idea of resettling Chinese in Mongolia was supposedly to stop a Russian takeover of the region," Kiribizhekov added.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bogd Khan, a religious leader with Tibetan roots, who led the Mongolian independence movement, sent a delegation to St. Petersburg requesting both military and diplomatic assistance for his cause. While Russia refused to provide military assistance, it agreed to use diplomatic channels to help the movement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Sando, the Chinese Viceroy in Mongolia, was asked by the Qing Dynasty to negotiate with Bogd Khan and make him withdraw the request for Russian assistance but he lacked the diplomatic skills and behaved in an arrogant manner," Kiribizhekov said. "The Khan took advantage of the volatile situation in Peking, where the Qing Dynasty was on the verge of collapse, and organized a bloodless revolution and declared independence from China."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A Mongolian delegation, backed by armed Russian Cossacks under the command of Grigory Semyonov, demanded that Sando leave Mongolia and that Peking recognise the independence of the country. Sando had to agree and was escorted to the Russian consulate for protection and safe passage back to China. Peking however refused to recognize Mongolian independence, although it virtually had no control over the country.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Although it did not officially recognize Mongolian independence, Russia welcomed a buffer state that could halt Japanese expansion in Northern Asia. Just six years earlier, Russia had suffered a humiliating defeat to Japan in a war that cost Moscow half of Sakhalin Island.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>An expansionist state<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Emboldened by the independence of what is called "Outer Mongolia" by the Chinese, Bogd Khan looked to establish a greater Mongolia that would include Inner Mongolia (which was in China) and other lands traditionally inhabited by Mongolian people.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"This is when Nicholas II sensed the real danger," Kiribizhekov said. "The Tsar feared a large Mongolian state that would comprise of modern day Mongolia and Inner Mongolia, and claim parts of Russia. In such a case, Russia would have had a serious rival instead of a buffer state with China and Japan."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bogd Khan ruled Mongolia from 1911 to 1919 and again from 1921 to 1924. The country made numerous attempts to annex Inner Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While Russia maintained that Mongolia was an autonomous region of China, it agreed to train the Mongolian Army in return for commercial privileges.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"In this geopolitical game, parts of the modern-day internal Russian republic of Tuva became a Russian protectorate, and a 1915 tripartite agreement between Russia, China and Mongolia, recognized the country as an autonomous part of China," Kiribizhekov said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Bolshevik Revolution<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>With Russia engrossed in the First World War, China managed to sway Bogd Khan to fully recognize Peking's sovereignty over the country. "For a few years, Russia was not a player in Mongolia, and China managed to have control over large parts of the country," Kiribizhekov said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The ensuing Bolshevik Revolution and the Russian Civil War meant that Moscow's attention was diverted away from Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the Civil War, Cossack leader Grigory Semyonov mobilized Cossack troops, Buryats and ethnic Mongols to help form a greater Mongolia, but did not enjoy Bogd Khan's support. Friction between Buryats and Inner Mongolians led to the failure of Semyonov's plans and China managed to completely seize control of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Semyonov was a visionary, who could have changed the course of Mongolian history, but his plans could never materialize," Kiribizhekov said. By 1919, Mongolian autonomy was abolished.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>The Mongolian Revolution of 1921 and independence<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Once China reoccupied Mongolia, it again commenced its program to resettle Han Chinese in the country. The resistance movement was strong in the country, and about to get assistance once again from the White Russians, who were loyal to the late-Tsar Nicholas II.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In October 1920, White Russian troops invaded Mongolia and managed to get the backing of Bogd Khan. In early February 1921, a force comprising of Mongolian volunteers, Buryat and Russian Cossacks defeated the Chinese and forced them out of Urga, now Ulaan Bataar. Some Chinese troops managed to reach the northern borders of Mongolia, while most fled south to Inner Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A month later, the Soviet Red Army and troops loyal to Mongolian revolutionary Sukhbataar attacked Mongolia, defeating both White Russians and the Chinese troops. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"This invasion was known as the 'Mongolian Revolution of 1921' and essentially created the modern Mongolia," Kiribizhekov said. "There have been stories of Sukhbataar and Vladimir Lenin meeting in Moscow, but these are probably untrue. Mongolian communists even presented a statue of the two leaders in conversation to the Soviet Union."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia adopted the Cyrillic script and remained a Soviet satellite state till 1990 when another revolution established democracy. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://rbth.com/arts/2017/03/30/mongolian-independence-result-russia-china-political-game-730665">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s1600/image006-762389.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s320/image006-762389.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507894654404658" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HealthEdu></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Health & Education<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_CenterWatch:_Ulaanbaatar,_Mongolia"></a>CenterWatch: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Clinical Trials<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>Atherosclerosis</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/external-studydetails.aspx?StudyID=NCT03042741&City=Ulaanbaatar&Country=Mongolia">Immunitor LLC Updated</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A clinical research study of atherosclerosis vaccine and Placebo pills for the treatment of Atherosclerosis<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Hepatitis</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/external-studydetails.aspx?StudyID=NCT02232490&City=Ulaanbaatar&Country=Mongolia">Immunitor LLC</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A clinical research study of hepcortespenlisimut-L and Placebo for the treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma, HCC or Liver Cancer<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/external-studydetails.aspx?StudyID=NCT02232490&City=Ulaanbaatar&Country=Mongolia">Immunitor LLC</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A clinical research study of hepcortespenlisimut-L and Placebo for the treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma, HCC or Liver Cancer<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Liver Cancer<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/external-studydetails.aspx?StudyID=NCT02232490&City=Ulaanbaatar&Country=Mongolia">Immunitor LLC</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A clinical research study of hepcortespenlisimut-L and Placebo for the treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma, HCC or Liver Cancer<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/external-studydetails.aspx?StudyID=NCT02232490&City=Ulaanbaatar&Country=Mongolia">Immunitor LLC</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A clinical research study of hepcortespenlisimut-L and Placebo for the treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma, HCC or Liver Cancer<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/location/international/Mongolia/Ulaanbaatar">Link to list</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Minor_corruption_spreads"></a>Minor corruption spreads in education sector<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 30 (MONTSAME) The Asia Foundation and Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sports (MECSS) conducted a survey on "Transparency, ethics and corruption issues in Education sector" and on March 27, they presented the results of the survey to officers of the Ministry.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The survey concluded that ethical offences and minor corruption is widespread in educational service and common cash transfer through teachers and students negatively influence to their ethics and behavior. The survey also revealed that collection of donations, fees and payments, transparency and control on them and reporting were insufficient. The survey was supported by the Government of Canada.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chairman of MECSS Education Policy Department D.Erdenechimeg noted that the ministry plans to take certain measures following the survey result.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/education/9423">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_history_textbooks"></a>Mongolian history textbooks revised<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 31 /MONTSAME/ History of Mongolia textbook has been edited for the use of Bachelor's students by a team of Department of History at the National University of Mongolia, the biggest center for historical studies and research in the country.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With aims to distribute wide knowledge meeting with international standards and create citizens with individual, critical and creative thinking, historians led by academician J.Boldbaatar, Dr. P.Delgerjargal and D.Ulziibayar have thus revised the account of Mongolian history.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The authors claim that the new edition is distinctive for several reasons such as its unconventional style of writing supplemented with simple use of terms, synchronization of the main text with maps, images, tables, diagrams and indexes and approach to historical events that took place in Mongolia with connection to world history.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The book will be launched on April 5 at the first building of the National University of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/education/9438">Link to article</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_puzzles_displayed"></a>Mongolian puzzles displayed at IQ Museum<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 30 (news.mn) Mongolia's enigmatic history is honored at the International Intellectual Puzzle Museum, or the IQ Museum for short. The museum is the creation of Tumen Ulzii, who was born to nomadic herders and would have followed that path had he not fallen in love with logic puzzles at an early age.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>His father gave him a six-piece burr puzzle with one piece missing. After he solved the problem of the missing piece he began creating his own puzzles, eventually founding a company to manufacture logic games for the youth of Mongolia and a museum to showcase puzzle and logic history. Ulzii's work has not gone unrecognized—he has been awarded the prizes for "Best Inventor in Mongolia" and "Meritorious Person of Culture."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The museum displays some puzzles created by Ulzii himself, as well as rare and precious puzzles from around the world. Over 5,000 toys, puzzles, and games are on view, most of which visitors are invited to fiddle with. Ulzii's inventions are usually wooden, the pieces carved into whimsical Disney characters and animals of the zodiac. Some even depict figures from Mongolian history, like Genghis Khan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The simplest are the traditional six-piece models, but some puzzles in the museum include as many as 350 pieces. There are also various puzzles made from gold, precious stones, and silver. One turtle-shaped puzzle offers a prize of $100,000 if solved within a specific timeframe. In the museum's three decades of operation, no one has ever solved it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian chess, another of Ulzii's passions, is also featured in the IQ Museum's exhibits. Masterful woodcarving, a skill essential to crafting the intricate puzzles, is also exhibited at the museum in the traditional furniture which decorates the space.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The purpose of the museum is not just to catalogue the history of puzzles in Mongolia, but to remind visitors that curiosity and play are an important part of training the brain. Visitors to the museum are guided by a docent who performs magic tricks, watches you struggle with the puzzles, and reveals their solutions to you in a matter of seconds.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/328802">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Hiring_ESL_Teacher,"></a>Hiring ESL Teacher, Science Teacher, Primary Teacher in Ulaanbaatar Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Posted By: Elite School <<a href="mailto:info@elite.edu.mn?subject=Hiring%20ESL%20Teacher,%20Science%20Teacher,%20Primary%20Teacher%20in%20Ulaanbaatar%20Mongolia">info@elite.edu.mn</a>><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Date: Monday, 27 March 2017, at 4:15 a.m.</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ulaanbaatar Elite International School is looking for the following: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>1. ESL Teacher <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>2. Science Teacher <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>3.Primary Teacher <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ulaanbaatar Elite International was established in 2005. At present, we are one of the prestigious and recognized international school in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Our school is following the Cambridge International Curriculum. We offer Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Secondary, and Cambridge IGCSE. Our school population is made up of students and teachers from different countries. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Duration</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>: 2 years contract <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Start Date</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>: August 2017<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>General Job Description: <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/index.cgi?read=42588">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Experienced_EAP_Coordinator"></a>Experienced EAP Coordinator and Teachers Needed in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Posted By: Upton International Institute of Education <<a href="mailto:uptoninternational@gmail.com?subject=Experienced%20EAP%20Coordinator%20and%20Teachers%20Needed%20in%20Mongolia">uptoninternational@gmail.com</a>><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Date: Thursday, 30 March 2017, at 11:45 a.m.</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Upton International Institute of Education<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>UIIE has been contracted to provide English for academic purposes within an academic institution in Ulaanbaatar and so requires a suitably qualified coordinator and experienced teachers. In addition to presenting the course, successful candidates will be expected to manage curriculum materials, assessments and reports for students and management.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Candidates for the coordinator position should be a native speaker and have a minimum of 2 years' experience coordinating EAP within a university / higher education environment. Applicants will also need a graduate degree and TESOL / TEFL / CELTA qualifications to be considered. Preference will be given to experienced candidates with a master's degree or who have professional qualifications such as DELTA.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The teaching position requires individuals to have at least 3 years' experience to be considered.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The coordinator position pays a higher tax free salary of 4,500,000 MNT monthly (Approx $1800). The teaching roles pay a tax free salary of 2,500,000 MNT monthly (Approx $1,000). UIIE will also provide single accommodation, health insurance, flights to and end of contract flight from Mongolia and a work permit.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The start date for these positions is September 2017<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Please send your CV, scan of your qualifications and a recent photo to <a href="mailto:uptoninternational@gmail.com">uptoninternational@gmail.com</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/index.cgi?read=42642">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s1600/image006-762389.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s320/image006-762389.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507894654404658" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Culture></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Culture & Society<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_woman_elected"></a>Mongolian woman elected Youth Union President in Bavaria<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 29 (MONTSAME) A Mongolian woman named N.Solongo has won the local election of the president of the Youth Union in a constituency of Bavaria, Germany, having nominated by one of the most prestigious political parties in the state.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It was three years ago when N.Solongo stepped foot in German politics by becoming a citizen's representative deputy of Bavaria and entered the Christian Social Union party.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>She is the first Mongolian national to hold a high-ranking political position in Germany.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>N.Solongo worked as an assistant to member of Bundestag and the Economic Standing committee of the Federal Cabinet in 2015.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In an interview, she said "Of course, I was overwhelmed at the time when I was first entering the politics of such a great power, because I'm not a politician. The one advantage I possessed was that I was good at communicating with others. I have a way of getting along with any type of people. This characteristic has been my strength all along, as well as my honesty and openness".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Full version of this story is available on 'English News' daily bulletin published by MONTSAME.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9395">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Third_Workshop_for"></a>Third Workshop for the Preservation of the Shoroon Bumbagar Necropolis and its Mural Paintings in Mongolia, 3-15 April 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>When, local time: </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Monday, 3 April 2017 - 4:00pm to Saturday, 15 April 2017 - 4:00pm<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Where: </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Type of Event: </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Category 7-Seminar and Workshop<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A third workshop within the framework of the UNESCO/Monaco cooperation for the stabilization of the archaeological tomb of Shoroon Bumbagar and preservation and conservation of its ancient mural paintings will be held in Bayannuur, Mongolia from 3-15 April 2017.</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The forthcoming workshop is a continuation of previous trainings that have addressed the theoretical and practical geological aspects of stabilizing the tomb of a 6<sup>th</sup> to 7<sup>th</sup> century AD nobleman and conserving and restoring its mural paintings.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Following last years' practical exercise to test the material components of the tomb in order to utilize suitable adhesives of plasters and apply the right chemical compounds to address the issue of destructive microorganisms on the mural paintings, this round of exercises will develop on this base of knowledge and skills of the selected national conservators to restore and conserve the site from start to finish.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>With the guidance of an international expert in painting conservation/restoration, this years' workshop aims to demonstrate the progression of conservation work on a sample area of paint layer in the tomb, from the initial phase of testing and analysis into restoration and conservation, up until the final phase, the aesthetic presentation of the painting, with the hope that Mongolia's national conservators will be able to repeat the process on similar future situations in the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This is in line with the main objectives of the project by the Principality of Monaco and UNESCO to improve the capacities of Mongolia's authorities and experts for the stabilization, conservation and preservation of the Shoroon Bumbagar necropolis and sensitize local authorities and communities in Mongolia on the importance of the protection of archaeological cultural heritage.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The second aim of this workshop will be to address various issues found in the micro-climate of the tomb that are causing the proliferation of microorganisms and the degradation of the mural paintings. An environmental expert will be on site during the workshop to inform the group of conservators on ways to assess the environmental/climate parameters causing deterioration processes in the tomb and suggest adequate responses.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This workshop is jointly organized by UNESCO, the Ministry of Education, Culture Science and Sports of Mongolia, the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO and the Center of Cultural Heritage of Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://en.unesco.org/events/third-workshop-preservation-shoroon-bumbagar-necropolis-and-its-mural-paintings-mongolia-3-15">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_In_Mongolia_found"></a>In Mongolia found an ancient burial<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 29 (The Earth Chronicles of Life) Archaeologists for 4 months kept their discovery in secret, for fear of vandals. November 27 last year in the rocks on the territory of the altan Altanktsgts Bayan-lyghy aimak Mongolian archaeologists discovered a burial supposedly related to the XIII – XVII centuries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The body was in a carved wooden coffin. Next to the body were a saddle, a stirrup, a stroller, a bow and arrow, a saadag quiver, a wooden bowl, a Mongolian deel from cloth and an escigo ongo-felt ongon. Ongo or ongon is the spirit of the ancestor of the family or clan, its iconic image in the culture of the Mongolian peoples.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Employees of the Institute of Archeology and History of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences investigated the findings and found that their initial assumption about the age of the find turned out to be incorrect. The discovered burial belongs to the XII century.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>All the finds-the saddle, the stirrup, the carriage, the bow and arrow, the saadag quiver, the wooden bowl, the Mongolian deel from the cloth and the esggi ongo-are very well preserved. For the first time, a cult image was discovered – Ongo of the ancient Mongols, made of felt.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Parts of the ongons (wolf fangs, deer antlers, bones, feathers of birds, parts of wood, etc.) were used as amulets. Ongon also called the image, the iconographic sign of the spirit, the deity. Ongons are considered the receptacles of the spirits of the dead ancestors. They are made of wood, wool, fur, leather, felt, metal and fabric.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://earth-chronicles.com/histori/in-mongolia-found-an-ancient-burial.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Recently_acquired_books"></a>Recently acquired books for the ACMS library, March 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 28 (American Center for Mongolian Studies) -- <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo9'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Shane McCausland. The Mongol century : visual cultures of Yuan China, 1271-1368 ( Honolulu University of Hawai</span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ʻ</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>i Press )<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo9'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Colin Mason. A short history of Asia ( Palgrave Macmillan )<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo9'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Yuki Konagaya; I Lkhagvasu</span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>̇</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>re</span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>̇</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>n; Morris Rossabi.</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>'</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>s transition from socialism to captitalism : four views (Kokuritsu Minzokugaku Hakubutsukan, Heisei)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo9'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Yuki Konagaya; I Lkhagvasuren; Mary Rossabi; Morris Rossabi. A Herder, a Trader, and a Lawyer : Three Twentieth Century Mongolian Leaders (Ningen Bunka Kenkyu</span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>̄</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Kiko</span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>̄</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Kokuritsu Minzokugaku Hakubutsukan)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo9'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>5.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Tai-Wei Lim; Henry Chan; Katherine Tseng; Wen Xin Lin. China's One Belt One Road initiative (Imperial College Press)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo9'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>6.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Tony Saich. Governance and politics of China (St Martin's Press)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo9'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>7.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Zhiqun Zhu. Understanding East Asia's economic "miracles" (Association for Asian Studies)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo9'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>8.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Merlin Donald. Origins of the modern mind : three stages in the evolution of culture and cognition (Harvard University Press)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo9'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>9.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Trine Brox; Ildikó Bellér-Hann; Nordiska institutet för Asienstudier. On the fringes of the harmonious society : Tibetans and Uyghurs in socialist China (NIAS Press)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo9'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>10.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Pei Huang. Reorienting the Manchus : a study of sinicization, 1583-1795 (Cornell East Asia Series)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.mongoliacenter.org/recently-acquired-books/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Film_Club:_The"></a>Film Club: The Story of the Weeping Camel (Mongolia)<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 27 (Cedar Mills Community Libraries) The official March selection for CML Film Club was slated to be <a href="http://catalog.wccls.org/polaris/view.aspx?cn=2444510" target="_blank"><b><i>Second Coming</i></b></a>, a film from the United Kingdom exploring a family's response to an unexpected and inexplicable pregnancy. Unfortunately when I watched the film in order to write about it for you here, I discovered that our disc is defective. Perhaps the Film Club will come back to <i>Second Coming</i> in the future. We will certainly return the defective disc and add a new one to the collection. However, for this month we'll pivot to <a href="http://catalog.wccls.org/polaris/view.aspx?cn=2751659" target="_blank"><b><i>The Story of the Weeping Camel</i></b></a>, a magical film from Mongolia that combines fact and fiction in a quirky docudrama. Below is the film's official description provided on the back of its case. In this time of division, displacement and heartache around the world, here is an opportunity to participate for a little while – if only as an observer – in a culture that is still able to honor its ancient traditions as it revels in family ties, the wisdom of community, and the thrill of being really good at what it does for a living. ~Lynne<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Springtime in the Gobi Desert. A family of nomads assist in the births of its camel herd. They face a crisis when one white calf is rejected by its mother after a particularly difficult birth. When all hope seems lost, the family sends its two young boys on a journey to a far-off village to fetch a musician capable of performing a magical ceremony.</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Story of the Weeping Camel is a work that combines hard-hitting truth with uplifting drama. The film's sweeping vistas and magical photography capture the very essence of this part of the world, while its emotionally charged story of separation and reconciliation reminds us that the heart, whether human or animal, knows no borders.</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In a review written in 2004, film critic Roger Ebert had this to say about the film: "<i>Legend has it that if a camel finally agrees to nurse her young, this will cause her to weep. There are also a few damp eyes among members of the family. All of this is told in a narrative that is not a cute true-life animal tale, but an observant and respectful record of the daily rhythms and patterns of these lives. We sense the dynamics among the generations, how age is valued and youth is cherished, how the lives of these people make sense to them in a way that ours never will, because they know why they do what they do, and what will come of it. The causes and effects of their survival are visible, and they are responsible."</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://library.cedarmill.org/find/movies-music/film-club-the-story-of-the-weeping-camel-mongolia/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s1600/image006-762389.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s320/image006-762389.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507894654404658" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Nature></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Nature & Environment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_UNICEF_hands_over"></a>UNICEF hands over supplies for dzud affected households<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>Ulaanbaatar, 28 March 2017 (UNICEF) </b>– Over 260 000 people are affected by harsh winter condition known as Dzud disaster in Mongolia. Last month the National Emergency Commission reported severe winter conditions in 158 districts (soums) of 17 provinces (aimags) and one district of Ulaanbaatar city.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Government-led assessment and the several multi-sector needs assessment reports highlighted that affected populations in north-eastern and north-western parts have been impacted by the cold spell in different ways: isolation, difficulty in accessing food and health services, and starvation for their livestock (the source of income).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In response to the Dzud disaster, UNICEF handed over nutrition packages to Ministry of Health for children 6-59 months old and multiple micronutrient supplements for pregnant and lactating women in affected areas.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>UNICEF, Ministry of Health and the National Centre for Public Health are working in partnership to ensure that 26,116 boys and girls under 5 and 15,800 pregnant and lactating mothers in 158 soums in 17 provinces affected by Dzud have access to Multiple Micronutrient Powder (MNPs), nutrition screening for the identification of cases of acute malnutrition for referral for lifesaving treatment; and nutrition counselling, with a focus on infant and child feeding and care practices to the parents of children under two years old and pregnant and lactating women.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>These interventions, amounting to US$ 339,000 (funded by the Canadian Government) addresses both immediate life-saving and other mid-term needs of the affected children and women. Ministry of Health will complete the first batch of supply distribution by 12 April and the second batch sometime in May.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"In any emergency, women and children are the most vulnerable. Children are especially vulnerable to disease and malnutrition. That's is why one of UNICEF's foremost priorities in emergencies is to prevent death and malnutrition amongst affected vulnerable groups: infants, children, pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers" says Roberto Benes, UNICEF Mongolia Representative. "That is why micronutrient supplements are so important in reducing maternal and child morbidity and mortality in dzud affected areas". <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.unicef.org/mongolia/2145_26294.html">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Fossil_poachers_are"></a>Fossil poachers are undermining science and fooling enthusiasts<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>We're living through the 'golden age' of dinosaur discoveries, but the black market is benefiting just as much as the scientific community<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 29 (The Independent) Measuring eight metres long and probably weighing about a tonne, irritator roamed what is now Latin America, approximately 110 million years ago.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Irritator's long snout indicates it most likely lived off fish, as did its cousins in the spinosauridae family, a group of predatory dinosaurs that included some of the largest carnivores ever to have walked the earth.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Classified as irritator challengeri in 1996, "Challengeri" was a nod to Professor Challenger's character in Arthur Conan-Doyle's novel, <i>The Lost World</i>. "Irritator" refers to a darker side of this specimen's history.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The palaeontologists who conducted the initial work on the only known fossil of this dinosaur found the skull had been significantly tampered with by commercial fossil hunters. The task of restoring the skull caused the scientists so much irritation that they named the dinosaur in recognition of this painstaking work.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It's a struggle met by palaeontologists the world over, as illegal digs and unscrupulous commercial fossil hunters undermine crucial scientific research.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Despite having dominated every continent for 150 million years, only 1,000 species of dinosaur have so far been identified, and many of these have been based on partial fragments.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>More than 170 years after the first dinosaur was classified by Richard Owen, scientists are still making discoveries that can dramatically alter our entire perspective on these extinct creatures.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Only recently did Matthew G Baron and a computer programme, called TNT, use data from the world's fossil collections to completely reimagine the dinosaur family tree, potentially undoing almost 200 years of scientific dogma in the space of five minutes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia's Gobi Desert is one of the richest deposits of dinosaur remains on the planet and has turned out an array of fascinating new finds, including the world's largest dinosaur footprint.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yet this unique area is under threat as untrained locals take to the international black market in fossils, hacking at the ground with pick axes, often destroying valuable and irreplaceable remains.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It's a surprisingly widespread practice, that has world-leading palaeontologists such as the University of Alberta's Philip J Currie very concerned. "It is very sad to see skeletons that in some cases are destroyed by pick axes just so the poachers can retrieve the teeth, claws or whatever else they feel will fetch them the best dollar for the smallest amount of effort," he says.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We have even found specimens that were worth collecting but did not have time to do it, so we covered them up and disguised the sites. When we returned the following years, the specimens had been dug up."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It may not be as destructive as the ancient Chinese practice of grinding down fossils for use as medicines "from the dragon" but extraction and subsequent manipulation by untrained commercial fossil hunters can do serious harm to incredibly rare fossils.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the case of irritator, not only was the snout artificially elongated by commercial fossil dealers, the illegal exchange of the specimen meant the exact location of its discovery has never been identified.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Another instance occurred when a Polish-Mongolian expedition working in Mongolia's Nemegt Formation in the mid-Sixties uncovered two gigantic 2.4-metre long arms, the largest associated with any bipedal dinosaur. What these striking limbs were attached to remained a mystery for almost 50 years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The rest of the skeleton had been eroded away so we really did not know what the rest of the animal looked like and it was one of those animals that we were always looking for," says Currie.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"In 2009, we found a poached specimen where the poachers had collected the skull, hands and feet of what we realised was deinocheirus. We now knew what this dinosaur was related to at least."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This particular example has a happy ending, as the exact fossils that had been stolen were later found in Europe.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Even well preserved fossils that enter the black market may have already lost considerable value to the scientific community. In a study known as "taphonomy", palaeontologists analyse what happened to a living organism between the point of death and its burial and fossilisation. The information can tell scientists a lot about the environment that the dinosaur or other prehistoric organism lived in.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition to being assistant professor in the Department of Geoscience at the University of Calgary, Darla Zelenitsky helps the US Department for Homeland Security track and recover smuggled fossils around the world.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"One of the biggest issues with fossil poaching is that the site where the fossil was originally found is usually unknown and thus information related to the age of the fossil, the environment in which the animal lived, and the other organisms that lived in the ecosystem at the time are all lost," Zelenitsky tells me. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The loss of this context can render fossils useless to science as such information is vital to a comprehensive study of the fossil organism and its ecosystem."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>That is, if scientists and national agencies are able to retrieve the fossils at all. Most of the black market fossils end up in private collections, without being studied by professionals, or viewed by the general public.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Twenty twelve saw one of the most high-profile cases concerning a stolen dinosaur specimen, when a near-complete tarbosaurus skeleton appeared in a Manhattan auction catalogue.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A large member of the tyrannosauridae family, tarbosaurus could be up to 10 metres long and weigh about five tonnes, slightly smaller than its more famous cousin, tyrannosaurus rex. Like the T-rex, they lived towards the end of the dinosaur's time on earth, in the late cretaceous, roughly 70 million years ago.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The $1m (£796,400) sale of the specimen peaked the interest of Mongolia's then minister of culture, sport and tourism, Oyungerel Tsedevdamba, as well as several sceptical palaeontologists. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tarbosaurus, meaning "alarming lizard", has only ever been found in the Nemegt Basin. Under Mongolian law it is illegal to remove fossils from the country, leaving the culture minister and her colleagues to speculate as to how it had found its way to an auction in New York.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In United States vs One tyrannosaurus bataar skeleton, Mongolia's President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj successfully sued for the return of the skeleton. The fossil was ceased and the dealer arrested, eventually serving three months of jail time for the smuggling of this specimen as well as two oviraptors and a Chinese flying dinosaur.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Described by the US Department for Homeland Security as "clearly one of the most exceptional, if not the most exceptional" examples of cultural property repatriated to a foreign government, the tarbosaurus was flown back to Mongolia, where it has become the central attraction of its new natural history museum.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the time of his arrest, Eric Prokopi was described as a "one-man black market", but unfortunately for palaeontology, he was only a small part of it. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In a bizarre twist, the actor Nicholas Cage was later caught up in Mongolia's efforts to bring home their prehistoric heritage, having unknowingly purchased a stolen tarbosaurus skull for $276,000 in 2007. Cage voluntarily handed over the skull, which had been sold to him by a gallery in Beverly Hills purporting its authenticity.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The relatively recent burst in poaching activity is believed to have started with the sale of the world's most complete tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, known as Sue. Sold to Chicago's Field Museum for $8m in 1997, the landmark auction showed there was money to be made in excavating dinosaurs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Although it is hard to measure, the black market for fossils is understood to have grown since the 90s, with specimens typically originating from Mongolia and China. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"International law is a little inconsistent when it comes to fossil poaching," warns Currie. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Technically it may be illegal to import poached fossils into many countries, but once they are inside those countries then they are treated as if they are legal and can be bought and sold without interference."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The system relies on the country of origin and the country where the fossils have been smuggled to having an import/export agreement. The United States has repatriated several Mongolian specimens since the 2012 tarbosaurus incident.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Zelenitsky is optimistic about the role of better education and enforcement of existing laws in the future.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Media attention has certainly brought the issue to the forefront, in particular the case of the tarbosaurus skeleton that was seized in the USA a few years ago and subsequently repatriated to Mongolia," she says. "Illegal fossils bought by Hollywood stars have also educated the public on the potential issues of buying such fossils.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Areas of most concern have been places like Mongolia, Argentina, and China, all of which have relatively strict laws with respect to the export of vertebrate fossils. At least in Mongolia, for example, there seems to have been a reduction in the amount of fossil poaching in recent years, perhaps in part due to the enforcement of laws in markets like the USA."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While public awareness might be improving at the "demand" end, at the supply end officials in Mongolia face considerable difficulties in getting their message across to local people who might become involved in the trade. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Education is a good start," Currie advises. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Although the original Mongolian laws were from 1925, I think most people in the country had forgotten about them. And additional laws to protect fossils had been passed but not enforced.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The big problem is that Mongolia is a big country with an enormous border."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Part of the task to enforce has fallen to Surenjav Munkhsaikhan, a herder and park ranger who is looking after an area of rich fossil deposits.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Speaking to Ben Dooley, Munkhsaikhan told Phys.org that she's the sole guardian of a 24,700-acre area of desert where fossil poaching has been taking place in recent years. She does so on the back of an old motorbike, but "really wants some drones" for better surveillance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia's other mineral wealth, its reserves of coal, copper and gold have delivered strong economic growth for the country over the last seven years. But a fall in commodity prices has taken its toll on what is still a very poor country, and it received a $5.5bn IMF-backed loan last month.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A sharp commodities slump, coupled with a fall in foreign direct investment and a widening deficit means cash-strapped Mongolia may find it difficult to police its vast desert and the irreplaceable natural wonders that lie underneath it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Perhaps surprisingly, given international interest in natural history and the money that can be made from selling and exhibiting prehistoric remains, very little in the way of financial or practical help has been offered to Mongolia. "There doesn't seem to be as much financial sympathy for animals that are already extinct," Currie says. Institutions and individuals express their concern, but the funds have not been forthcoming.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Baron's new research underlines how much there is yet to learn about these animals, with the data now suggesting dinosaurs could have emerged slightly earlier than thought, and that the first of their kind might have evolved in the Northern hemisphere, rather than South America, as previously thought.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But with actors willing to spend as much as £185,000 on a single Mongolian tarbosaurus skull, and the next Jurassic World film set to bring in more than £1bn when it debuts next year, palaeontologists might be hoping some of the funds generated by these extinct creatures could be used to protect their future.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/archaeology/fossil-poachers-are-undermining-science-and-fooling-enthusiasts-a7653991.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s1600/image006-762389.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s320/image006-762389.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507894654404658" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Sports></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Sports<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_to_send"></a>Mongolia to send team to King's Cup boxing tournament in Bangkok<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 30 (MONTSAME) Seven Mongolian athletes will be challenged at the King's Cup International Boxing tournament to be held in Bangkok, Thailand between April 2 and 10.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The national team is coached by D.Batsuren, D.Bandi and N.Munkhsaikhan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The boxers are to compete in weight categories as follows: G.Gan-Erdene – 49 kg, M.Gandulam – 52 kg, O.Munkhsaikhan – 56 kg, Rio Olympics' bronze medalist D.Otgondalai – 60 kg, Military World Champion B.Chinzorig – 64 kg, Asian championships' bronze medalist B.Tuvshinbat – 69 kg, and J.Otgonjargal – 75 kg. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9422">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_athletes_to"></a>Mongolian athletes to run in 10-day New York marathon <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 30 (MONTSAME) The Twenty-Second Annual Sri Chinmoy Ten-Day Race starts on Monday, April 17 in New York, USA. This race is held concurrently with the Twentieth Annual Sri Chinmoy Six-Day Race which starts on Friday, April 21. Both races end on Thursday, April 27.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The races were previously called The Self-Transcendence Six and Ten-Day Races. In this extreme race, an international field of runners come to test their endurance, skill with pacing, and ability to recover from the stress of constantly moving.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>From Mongolia, the best five athletes of ultramarathon, including A. Budjargal, Master of Athletics and Mountain Sports will take part in this competition. In this regard, he is one of the best athletes who has been running in marathon for more than 20 years. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9424">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Junior_national_championships"></a>Junior national championships for wrestling to be held<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 29 (MONTSAME) 2017 Junior National Wrestling Championships will take place on March 31-April 2 in Ulaanbaatar. This year's championships will be held under the auspices of "Arj Capital" LLC. The boys and girls who were born between January 1, 1997 to December 31, 1999 are eligible to participate in the tournament of Greco-Roman wrestling.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The champions of the event will take part in the Asian Junior Wrestling Championships and the Junior World Wrestling Championships, which will be organized at the end of July.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9388">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Kh._Itgelt_triumphs"></a>Kh. Itgelt triumphs at international chess tournament in Hungary<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 29 (MONTSAME) Budapest Spring Festival 2017, an international chess tournament and festival took place in Budapest, Hungary on March 18-26.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the group "B" /1800-2199 ELO/, Mongolian young chess player of "Monchess" club Kh.Itgelt triumphed over 140 players of more than 40 countries. Under the training of Ts. Batsaikhan, 11-year-old National Master of Mongolia won 126 rating points against players who are at least 30 years his senior in average.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Budapest Spring Festival is one of the biggest cultural events in Europe. The grand Chess Festival takes place in one of the most modern, imposing exhibition hall named Balna (The Whale). The tournament took place in 3 groups of different set of skills with a prize HUF 1 million for group A, HUF 100 thousand for group B and special prizes for group C.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9398">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Olympic_medalists_donate"></a>Olympic medalists donate to Mongolian National Federation of Wheelchair Users<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 29 (MONTSAME) Judo uniforms /judogi/ of Beijing 2008 Olympic Champion and Hero of Labor of Mongolia-titled N.Tuvshinbayar and Rio 2016 Olympics silver medalist D.Sumiya were sold through an open auction during a "Reputation–Strength" a judo competition held on March 16. The competition was organized under the name of State Merit Athlete of Mongolia D.Tserenkhand at the Mongolian National "Asa" Circus.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>10 percent of the proceeds from the sales were donated to the Mongolian National Federation of Wheelchair Users and 70 percent of them was given to a family of D.Tserenkhand. The previous owners of the judogis, the Olympic medalists, were entitled to the 10 percent of the proceeds.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the auction, N.Tuvshinbayar's judo uniform was sold at MNT 8 million and a uniform of D.Sumiya was valued at MNT 3 million 600 thousand.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9383">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Hunters_Video_DVD:"></a>Hunters Video DVD: "Hunting in Kazakhstan and Mongolia"<o:p></o:p></h1><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo10'>Hunters Video DVD<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo10'>Available in various diffirent languages<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo10'>Ibex, Maral Stag and Brown Bear. Duration: 70min<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.bushwear.co.uk/hunters-video-dvd-hunting-in-kazakhstan-and-mongolia-dvd-multi-language-501360.html">Link to DVD</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s1600/image006-762389.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s320/image006-762389.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507894654404658" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Art></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Art & Entertainment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Mariinsky_Theatre_soloist"></a>Mariinsky Theatre soloist G.Ariunbaatar to go on tour through China<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 31 /MONTSAME/ State Honored Artist of Mongolia G.Ariunbaatar, soloist at the Mariinsky Theatre of Saint Petersburg, has taken part in the International Belt & Road Music Festival, held in Shenzhen, China.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He was invited by the chairman of the Chinese Musicians' Association. Aside from singing the world classics, G.Ariunbaatar sang the "Mongoliin Tal Nutag" (Steppes of Mongolia) by the renowned composer and Chingis Khaan Order laureate B.Sharav.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>G.Ariunbaatar will be staging his concert on June 28 in cooperation with the Chinese Musicians Association at the National Centre for Performing Arts, also known as the "Giant Egg" Theatre of Beijing. He is also expected to go on a tour through seven major cities in China. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/9439">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_Folk_Metal"></a>Mongolian Folk Metal Group TENGGER CAVALRY Signs with M-Theory Audio<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 30 (The Gauntlet) Mongolian Folk Metal Group TENGGER CAVALRY Signs with M-Theory Audio to Release New Full-Length Album in June.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>M-Theory: A new label founded by Marco Barbieri, former president of Century Media Records and Nuclear Blast America<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>TENGGER CAVALRY - the nomadic Mongolian folk metal group whose exotic sound has been praised by outlets ranging from Metal Hammer and Terrorizer to Billboard and CNN - has signed with M-Theory Audio. The band's new album is expected to be released in June and will be supported by a five-week North American tour and performances at several European summer festivals. Further details will be revealed in the coming weeks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>M-Theory Audio is the new label recently launched by Marco Barbieri, former president of Century Media Records and Nuclear Blast America.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Barbieri says, "TENGGER CAVALRY is one of the most unique new bands, and I've been impressed how Nature Ganganbaigal and the group developed themselves to this point independently. By teaming up with an old friend, Dawn Robinson, as management and now working with us at M-Theory Audio, I'm excited by the upward possibilities the future holds and the fun and breakthroughs possible with their themes and great music."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>TENGGER CAVALRY frontman Nature Ganganbaigal adds, "To work with Marco, who was an integral part of Century Media, and M-Theory Audio is TENGGER CAVALRY's greatest honor. We are excited to bring on our next 'raid' together with the mighty M-Theory!"<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One of the most unique and innovative acts in modern music, TENGGER CAVALRY ("the army of the sky god" in Mongolian) blends the nomadic musical traditions, instrumentation and warrior spirit of Central Asia with the aggression and power of heavy metal. The group was founded by Nature Ganganbaigal, who sings using the ancient Mongolian tradition of Khoomei (more commonly known as throat-singing) and plays multiple native instruments, including the Morin Khuur (an ancient fiddle), the Tovshuur (a Mongolian guitar) and the Mongolian flute.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Following Ganganbaigal's relocation to America four years ago, TENGGER CAVALRY has successfully completed two headlining tours and even sold out a performance at New York City's prestigious Carnegie Hall.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the studio, meanwhile, the group's output has been prodigious - since forming in 2010, they've released four full-length albums, two EPs and numerous singles, including unique cover interpretations of metal classics. In January, Dave Mustaine retweeted the group's cover of "Symphony of Destruction," while the previous month, the official Motörhead Facebook page reposted their rendition of "Fight." The band's most recent original single, "A Blade of Time," was issued in January; a video for the song can be seen at this location:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.thegauntlet.com/article/32442/Mongolian-Folk-Metal-Group-TENGGER-CAVALRY-Signs-with-M-Theory-Audio-">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s1600/image006-762389.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienfwb-Vy99HiyxUsRVgzHG26B4JL_LEU_RioRhoo0PAERMVoEnhfDBU6OCR6LlMIHsqLHDPdUK50-NjAHjYFSN3nzchEjqM4MjF6p30gUXS-1lADX-CE_5DF5F8esOxANpiHGyq6v_A0/s320/image006-762389.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6403507894654404658" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Travel></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Travel<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Annual_ITM_Mongolia"></a>Annual ITM Mongolia 2017 tourism fair opens today at Misheel<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 31 /MONTSAME/ The annual tourism fair International Travel Mart (ITM) Mongolia, co-organized by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and Mongolian Tourism Association opens today at Misheel Expo center for the 18th year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The expo has been considered an ideal platform for administrative units across Mongolia to promote new infrastructure development, tourism brand and tourism products in their localities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Aiming to promote Mongolia's tourism industry, and introduce major tourism projects and programs implemented in 21 aimags and the capital city to public, the exhibition will continue until April 2, Sunday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However it's notable that on March 31, today, the exhibition is unavailable to general public as a forum on cooperation in tourism and a Business-To-Business event will be held among tour operators and concerned parties.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Inviting the public to the fair on April 1-2, the organizers will also host a Tourism Labor Market event on the last day which enables more than 300 job opportunities by over 40 employers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The organizers estimate that some 250 organizations including tour operators, businesses, hotels, tourist camps, guest houses, government and non-government organizations, cultural organizations and tourism product manufacturers will be participating in the expo.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/9435">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Some_measures_to"></a>Some measures to be taken regarding new airport<span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828;letter-spacing:-.75pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 30 (MONTSAME) During its regular meeting on March 29, Wednesday, the Cabinet tasked corresponding Ministers and heads of agencies to form a pre-operation unit to be in charge of completing preparations for the operations of new airport in Khushig Valley, resize the vacancy limit of organizations affiliated to Mongolian Civil Aviation Authority in connection to the new airport, and resolve the required fund.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Civil Aviation Authority was assigned to conform the airport's safety to international standards and have it certified; was also authorized to use a land allotted for hotel for flight service purposes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also, the Cabinet instructed corresponding Ministers and governors to formulate an adjustment for the general development scheme of a city to be established near the airport and a draft plan on establishment of the city, and introduce it to the Cabinet within the second season of this year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Cabinet also assigned corresponding officials to report on the issue of operating the new airport as an airline hub within the second season, and construct a power station to supply additional electricity to the airport and expand the liquid fuel facility at Zamiin-Uud inland port with jet fuel pipelines within the third season of 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9410">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Local_couple_details"></a>Local couple details trip to Mongolia, land of Eternal Blue Sky<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 29 (Valley Journal) They weren't just "horsing around," they also got to experience a new culture.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Columbia Falls residents Greg and Deb Schatz presented details of their trip to Mongolia on Friday at KwaTaq- Nuk Resort as part of the Montana Back Country Horsemen convention.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Greg said Mongolia was the only foreign country the couple wanted to visit. That's because of their love of horses.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The horse packing in Montana came from Mongolia," he said, explaining that it came through the Spaniards who traveled up from Mexico.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Schatzs visited the Darhad Valley in the Mongolian state of Khuvsgol Aimig for three weeks last summer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It was the only the third time the couple had flown on an airplane since they married in 1988 and moved to the Flathead in 1989. They flew from Kalispell to Seattle on Alaska Airlines and then on Korean Air to Seoul and Ulaanbaater, the capital of Mongolia, which became a democracy in 1990.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Greg feels like he has a connection with the herders in the Darhad Valley. The steppes there are similar to those not far away in Russia where his great-grandparents on both sides of his family came from, he said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The deep-fat fried doughnuts the Mongolian herders eat with just about every meal also remind him of what his ancestors ate, he said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Schatzs were part of 30 people who took the trip to ride horses alongside the herders. The trip was sponsored by the non-profit Bioregions International of Bozeman. Others who went were six Native American students from Montana State University, a medical team of five and a soils team of four, among others.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Schatzs explained to the herders how they take different kinds of outfitter trips with members of the public into the Montana backcountry, including the "Leave No Trace" theme.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The culture of the Mongolian herders is such that they have "zero materialistic values," Greg said. They live in little cabins, and while they are herding away from home they will sleep on the permafrost or in a 30-foot-diameter ger or yurt.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Deb said her most memorable part of the trip was "how they respect the land and how everything is sacred." Typical herder religions range from shamanism to Buddhism to what Greg calls "naturalist." which includes a respect for "Mother Earth" and "Father Sky."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The herders do not dig the soil or cut the grass out of respect for the earth, so no gardens are grown. Ovoos, which consist of piles of stones or tree branches, are built on hills or mountains. Horse skulls and other objects such as khadag, or blue scarves, which represent the Eternal Blue Sky, are hung from them. Such offerings are made when one comes across an ovoo and circles it three times clockwise.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The herders will often tie or hobble their horses to their own legs or to another horse to prevent them from wandering off during stops if no post is nearby.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The typical horse lives to age 20 and is then "put down" and eaten by the herders. This is a form of respect, Greg said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The herders raise horses, cows, Cashmere goats, sheep and yaks. The yaks are raised for their meat and milk, which is used to make cheese and yogurt, while sheep are raised for meat and fur. Reindeer live to the north of where the Schatzs visited, although they saw two on their trip.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Cottonwood trees grow near the riverbanks in the land of Genghis Khan with Siberian larch in the foothills and spruce and fir in the mountains, which Greg described as similar to Montana.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He noted that some 8.3 million acres have been set aside in Khuvsgol Aimig for state and national parks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Schatzs plan to return to Mongolia in the summer of 2018.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.valleyjournal.net/Article/17291/Local-couple-details-trip-to-Mongolia-land-of-Eternal-Blue-Sky">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_A_Family_Adventure"></a>A Family Adventure With The Eagle Hunters Of Western Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>(Whistling Arrow) The fabled eagle hunters of western Mongolia have captured the imagination of intrepid travellers for years. To this day, the close relationship between man and raptor seems to touch a deep desire in many of us for a closer connection with nature. Their nomadic home range, in the large glacial valleys and snowy peaks of the Altai mountains also remains one of the last untouched frontiers in Asia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>And it is this spectacular wilderness that provides the backdrop for our <b>newly-launched expeditions designed specifically for adventurous families.</b>The trips are an amazing combination of moderate wilderness hiking, horse-riding (optional), comfortable ger-stays (or camping) and exploratory visits to ancient petroglyphs. Oh, and there's an immersive family-stay with the eagle hunters of course. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The family excursions are tailored to suit you and your family and so vary in price depending on your exact schedule and the number of people in your group. The best months for the private trips are June through to September and the optimal length of stay is between 10 and 15 days in total.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://whistlingarrow.com/asia-special-interest-trips-examples/a_family_adventure_with_the_eagle_hunters_of_western_mongolia_">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_My_Journey_From"></a>My Journey From Beijing to St. Petersburg via Mongolia & the Stans<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>A one-month journey from Beijing to St Petersburg that's not quite the Trans-Siberian Railway. Follow Donovan as he traverses Mongolia, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 28 (TripZilla) Do the words "Trans-Siberian railway" conjure up images of dark mystery, overwhelming dread and bitter coldness? You can never be more wrong about this part of the Russian rail network! Connecting the European rail network (from Moscow) with the Chinese rail network (from Beijing), this massive rail network services a wide range of trains across Siberia, including several Russian domestic trains and a handful of direct international trains. The Trans-Siberian train route from Moscow to Vladivostok is also the longest rail journey in the world, covering 9286 km within 8 days, and running across 11 time zones!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With its potential for epic train rides, taking the Trans-Siberian railway from one end to the other is a common item in every traveller's bucket list. Unsurprisingly, my bucket list also features travelling on this massive rail network, which I finally decided to fulfil!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Planning my route<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>As much as I would love to laze in the train cabin and watch the landscape roll by till my arrival in Moscow, I had a budget to adhere to. As such, I had to choose cheaper train lines to travel on, and vary my transportation options.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Contrary to popular belief, there is no official "Trans-Siberian Express", though there are trains that run from end-to-end of the network. Such straight rides do not come cheap: a one-way train ticket from Beijing to Moscow, including a bed in a 4-berth sleeper, costs at least S$1000! Fortunately, there are cheaper choices for train rides towards the west, such as the Trans-Mongolian (train travelling through Mongolia) and the Trans-Manchurian (the train between Moscow and Beijing), though those do not cover the entire rail network.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After much consideration, I decided to forgo travelling the entire journey by train. I decided to take buses if it was cheaper or if the departure timings suited my schedule better. In total, I spent around S$500 on transport for my journey from Beijing to Moscow.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>China <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Mongolia<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Zamyn-Uud to Ulaanbaatar to Khovd<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After the smooth border crossing, I took the overnight sleeper train from the Mongolian border town of Zamyn-Uud to the capital, Ulaanbaatar. The sleeper operates daily, leaving at 18:30 and arriving in Ulaanbaatar at 09:00 the next morning.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The most common route from Ulaanbaatar is to take the Trans-Mongolian to Ulan Ude in Russia. With its proximity to the beautiful Lake Baikal, Ulan Ude is the ideal place to take a detour and explore the region.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However, I did not plan to enter Russia this early in my journey, and chose to head towards the western Mongolian city of Khovd instead. I wanted to explore more of this country, and experience life as a nomad. As Mongolia has no railway network connecting its eastern and western region, I took a bus to Khovd from Ulaanbaatar. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After spending two weeks in this amazing country of rustic villages and sweeping plains, I decided to move on. It was finally time to enter Central Asia!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Also read: <a href="https://www.tripzilla.com/mongolia-photos-inspire-next-trip/44847">27 Fantastic Photos of Mongolia Guaranteed to Inspire Your Next Trip</a></i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Kyrgyzstan<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.tripzilla.com/beijing-moscow-overland-journey/55840">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a 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style='color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Suite </span><span lang=MN style='color:#1F497D'>303</span><span style='color:#1F497D'>, Level 3, Elite Complex<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>14 Chinggis Avenue, Sukhbaatar District 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia<br></span><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Email</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: </span><a href="mailto:info@covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@covermongolia.com</span></a><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Website</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: <a href="http://www.covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>www.covermongolia.com</span></a></span><u><span style='color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Phone (Office)</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: +976 7711 6779</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:Webdings;color:#339966'>P</span><span style='color:#339966'> </span><span lang=EN-AU style='color:#007F00;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-104890920093208452017-03-29T11:11:00.001+08:002017-05-12T10:49:17.447+08:00[ERD to drill 24 kms; XAM continues 'success'; Wood resigns from HAR; Ard raises ₮2B; and $850m Japan loan announced]<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQPS39JcMxVxpP2dIzECBUpceFbS-fxDVlJKHEe-CMHVb4GBHuwGgC4sq9S_7oLeTF207LXVl3Hs2fyAPrcloGAIZ5Qgl1Hp9ePb_CIpxJUlUCy5wuLbEyXCmyR11wVe3XrnwppE2_kc0/s1600/image001-782399.jpg"><img 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style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Wednesday, March 29, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'>Cover Mongolia</span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span style='color:#4472C4'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></u>, <span style='color:#00B0F0'><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#00B0F0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#2F5597'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#2F5597'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span style='color:black'>, </span><span style='color:#C55A11'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><b><span style='color:#C55A11'>Instagram</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#C00000'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><b><span style='color:#C00000'>YouTube</span></b></a></span> and <span style='color:#FFC000'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><b><span style='color:#FFC000'>Blogspot</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><u>Jump to</u>: <a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> - <a href="#Local">Local Market</a> - <a href="#Economy">Economy</a> - <a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> - <a href="#Business">Business</a> - <a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> - <a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> - <a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> - <a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> - <a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> - <a href="#Sports">Sports</a> - <a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> - <a href="#Travel">Travel</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Headlines in <b><i>Italic</i></b> are ones modified by Cover Mongolia from original<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>HEADLINES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadIntl></a><u><a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Turquoise_Hill_stocks">Turquoise Hill stocks pop despite narrower FY profit, lower 2017 outlook</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Erdene_Provides_Project">Erdene Provides Project Review and Year-End Financial Results; Announces 24,000 Metre Drill Program for Bayan Khundii and Altan Nar Gold Projects</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Erdene_Provides_Project">James Kwantes' PDAC 2017 Stock Picks: Erdene, …</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Exploration_Success_Continues">Exploration Success Continues at Xanadu's Kharmagtai Project</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Aspire_Mining_highlights">Aspire Mining highlights benefits to Mongolia for Erdenet to Ovoot Railway</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Haranga:_Paula_Cowan">Haranga: Paula Cowan appointed, Matthew Wood resigns as non-executive director</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_E-Commodities_Annual_Net">E-Commodities Annual Net Profit $2.874B; Final Div 7.7 Cents</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3jVA35ethMG3MpKGR7kFP3ToLMuG4N_zsvfCFW_hPriN8aek6y7HO3CulU5btYSCdWVO8WfKleBQx5fCAv7SunohNVueP7TPuYEUmc68HO5kS4AybXbb443IVvyeRxIzREPaRG9QRhg/s1600/image003-791772.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU3jVA35ethMG3MpKGR7kFP3ToLMuG4N_zsvfCFW_hPriN8aek6y7HO3CulU5btYSCdWVO8WfKleBQx5fCAv7SunohNVueP7TPuYEUmc68HO5kS4AybXbb443IVvyeRxIzREPaRG9QRhg/s320/image003-791772.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402752966361487570" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadLocal></a><u><a href="#Local">Local Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MSE_Top_20">MSE Top 20 +0.48%, ALL +0.32%, Turnover ₮30.6M Shares, ₮212.9M T-Bills Traded, ₮14.1B Issued</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Ard_Financial_Group">Ard Financial Group Issues ₮2.0 Billion Bonds via Private Placement</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Japan_FSA:_Amendment">Japan FSA: Amendment To the Letters Exchanged with the Financial Regulatory Commission of Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiL4vDulM0ILKfCN2eqHdogo1EtqX5ayxq0HQAaRrzs5n8AVFd1osR1mIfd42T9esX-x70lmjncJdG7YYtKF20mMhsw1-dZRF6j1GD4rZ4p9Z-4tw3QV7DNXftzek3ALR4SrSeIzHZWBY/s1600/image004-798912.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiL4vDulM0ILKfCN2eqHdogo1EtqX5ayxq0HQAaRrzs5n8AVFd1osR1mIfd42T9esX-x70lmjncJdG7YYtKF20mMhsw1-dZRF6j1GD4rZ4p9Z-4tw3QV7DNXftzek3ALR4SrSeIzHZWBY/s320/image004-798912.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402752998693340722" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadEconomy></a><u><a href="#Economy">Economy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_MNT_Rates:">MNT gains for 3<sup>rd</sup> day, USD/MNT down ₮2.82 to ₮2,456.03</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_declines_$0.8m">BoM declines $0.8m bid, $11.3m ask, CNY34.5m bid, $1.5m MNT swap offers</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Hogan_Lovells:_Proposed">Hogan Lovells: Proposed Amendments to the 2017 State Budget and Related Laws of Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGXfvQ6PQby8VT1asOSOSAKu4UAbgx_zp8StuK9UV1CmeipJ8nOdBM6lcaMl_2FfZgS8sz_KoYHBvPyEnbgxvzyfdr3gfOKiB3_uepDBvAlj-uvzs6xwvMq3qUOq3hroYGj2kK2IzA-I/s1600/image005-702712.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGXfvQ6PQby8VT1asOSOSAKu4UAbgx_zp8StuK9UV1CmeipJ8nOdBM6lcaMl_2FfZgS8sz_KoYHBvPyEnbgxvzyfdr3gfOKiB3_uepDBvAlj-uvzs6xwvMq3qUOq3hroYGj2kK2IzA-I/s320/image005-702712.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753016147158530" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadPolitics></a><u><a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Party_for_Mongolian">Party for Mongolian People registered as 25th political party</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia's_Private_Sector">Mongolia's Private Sector Joins the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Voice_of_Mongolia:">Voice of Mongolia: Audio News for Mar 28</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire">AmCham Daily Newswire for March 28, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s1600/image006-706460.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s320/image006-706460.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753025607370994" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadBusiness></a><u><a href="#Business">Business</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Oyu_Tolgoi_Holds">Oyu Tolgoi Holds Annual Supplier Recognition "Gobi Gem" Awards</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Intellect's_debt_management">Intellect's debt management platform to be used by Mongolia's Khan Bank</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_International_property_agents">International property agents now have the chance to market Olympic Residence</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s1600/image006-706460.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s320/image006-706460.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753025607370994" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadUlaanbaatar></a><u><a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mayor_discusses_waste">Mayor discusses waste issue with district authorities</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_World_Bank_to">World Bank to implement social accountability project in Ulaanbaatar</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_UB_Mayor_successfully">UB Mayor successfully ends working visit to Europe</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Registration_for_ULAANBAATAR">Registration for ULAANBAATAR MARATHON 2017 opens</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s1600/image006-706460.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s320/image006-706460.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753025607370994" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadDiplomacy></a><u><a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Japan_to_grant">Japan to grant US$850 million soft loan to Mongolia within IMF program</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Speaker_M._Enkhbold_1">Speaker M. Enkhbold meets members of Japan-Mongolia friendship societies</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Speaker_M._Enkhbold">Speaker M. Enkhbold meets Speaker and President of Japanese Parliamentary Houses</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia-Japan_diplomatic_anniversa">Mongolia-Japan diplomatic anniversary celebration kicks off with Kimono fashion show</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_First_meeting_of">First meeting of Mongolian, Russian and Chinese experts takes place in Beijing</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_peacekeepers_in">Mongolian peacekeepers in South Sudan partake in fire outbreak control</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Kidnap_attempt:_Mongolian">Kidnap attempt: Mongolian peacekeepers save refugees in Bentiu</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s1600/image006-706460.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s320/image006-706460.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753025607370994" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadHealthEdu></a><u><a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Actor_Jang_Keun-suk">Actor Jang Keun-suk helps Mongolian child get cancer treatment</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Minor_corruption_widespread">Minor corruption widespread in education sector finds Asia Foundation survey</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_New_Study_Recommends">New Study Recommends Key Actions to Improve Early Childhood Education in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_International_Children's_Book">International Children's Book Day to be celebrated on April 2</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s1600/image006-706460.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s320/image006-706460.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753025607370994" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadCulture></a><u><a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Lotus_Children's_Centre">Lotus Children's Centre to hold fundraising event on April 8</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Review:_Mongolian_throat">Review: Mongolian throat singing is unlike anything else</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s1600/image006-706460.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s320/image006-706460.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753025607370994" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadNature></a><a name=HeadSports></a><u><a href="#Sports">Sports</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_Football_Federation">Mongolian Football Federation signs contract with German head coach</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Tyrell_Corbin_is">Tyrell Corbin is on a record-breaking pro basketball adventure in Mongolia, Indonesia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s1600/image006-706460.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s320/image006-706460.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753025607370994" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadArt></a><u><a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> <b><o:p></o:p></b></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_From_Montreal_to">From Montreal to Mongolia – An Interview with 'Braids'</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s1600/image006-706460.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s320/image006-706460.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753025607370994" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadTravel></a><u><a href="#Travel">Travel</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Dornod-Manzhouli_cross_country">Dornod-Manzhouli cross country transportation service opens</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Atlas_Obscura_Places:">Atlas Obscura Places: International Intellectual and Puzzle Museum of Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_-_A">Mongolia - A Great Adventure Holiday for 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s1600/image006-706460.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s320/image006-706460.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753025607370994" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>ARTICLES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=International></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Int'l Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSE:TRQ">TRQ</a> closed +1.96% Tuesday at US$3.12<o:p></o:p></i></p><h1><a name="_Turquoise_Hill_stocks"></a>Turquoise Hill stocks pop despite narrower FY profit, lower 2017 outlook<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>VANCOUVER, March 28 (miningweekly.com) – The NYSE-listed stock of Rio Tinto subsidiary Turquoise Hill Resources rose sharply after market close Monday, gaining nearly 6% to $3.24 a share, following the company reporting a full-year profit and positive production outlook.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In 2016, the Turquoise Hill, recorded net income attributable to shareholders $210.6-million, or $0.10 a share, compared with net income of $313.3-million, or $0.16 per share, in 2015.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The company attributed the decrease mainly to fewer gold ounces sold on the back of lower output and copper prices, partly offset by cost reductions and adjustment to deferred tax assets.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Revenue of $1.2-billion in 2016 was down 26.4% over 2015, mainly reflecting the reduced gold sales and lower copper prices, which were partially offset by higher gold prices.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Concentrate sold in 2016 of 828 600 t, up 1.1% over 2015, to an all-time annual high.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Cost of sales for 2016 were $861.8-million, compared with $975-million in 2015, reflecting lower sales of metals in concentrate and reduced cost of production as a result of cost savings. Turquoise Hill said operating cash flows before interest and taxes in 2016 were $399.2-million, compared with $650.5-million in 2015. This reflected the impact of reduced gold output and lower copper prices.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>All-in sustaining costs fell to $1.90/lb, down from $2/lb in the prior quarter, and rose from $1.56/lb in the comparable period of 2015.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment was $326.3-million on a cash basis in 2016, compared with $116.2-million in 2015, attributed to both underground and openpit capital activities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Turquoise Hill's cash and cash equivalents at December 31, were $1.4-billion.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>OYU TOLGOI<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>The massive Oyu Tolgoi mine, located 550 km south of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's capital city, were said to have performed well during the fourth quarter, as openpit operations focused mainly on Phases 4 and 6.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Concentrator throughput increased 7.4% over the prior quarter, pushing the average throughput rate up to 106 700 t/d for the quarter, which was a quarterly high.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Copper production in the three-months ended December was broadly consistent with the prior period, while gold output increased 32.4% over the third quarter, owing to the final processing of Phase 2 ore. Copper grades in the fourth quarter were as expected as operations focused mainly on Phase 6 of the openpit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Oyu Tolgoi is expected to produce 130 000 t to 160 000 t of copper and 100 000 oz to 140 000 oz of gold in concentrates for 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Openpit operations are expected to mine in Phases 4 and 6 during the year, while stockpiled ore will also be processed during the year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The lower output when compared with 2016 is mainly the result of about one-quarter less copper head grade and about one-half less gold head grade. During 2016, the mine plan for Phase 4 was divided into two stages, referred to as Phases 4A and 4B, in expectation of reaching the high-grade gold zone of Phase 4 around mid-2018. Therefore, mine stripping for 2017 will focus on Phase 4A.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Operating cash costs for 2017 are expected to be about $720-million, compared with $775 -million in 2016. The reduction reflects cost improvements and the impact of lower logistics costs from decreased production.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Capital expenditures for 2017 on a cash-basis are expected to be about $100-million for openpit operations and $825-million to $925-million for underground development.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Significant underground development programmes are currently underway, including underground lateral development, sinking of Shafts 2 and 5, support infrastructure and the convey-to-surface system. At the end of 2016, the underground project workforce had grown to more than 2 000 people with continued growth expected to peak in 2018.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Rio Tinto operates the massive Oyu Tolgoi copper/gold mine, which is 66% owned by its Turquoise Hill arm and 34% owned by the Mongolian government.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.miningweekly.com/article/turquoise-hill-stocks-pop-despite-narrower-fy-profit-lower-2017-outlook-2017-03-28">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=TSE:ERD">ERD</a> closed -1.14% Tuesday at C$0.87<o:p></o:p></i></p><h1><a name="_Erdene_Provides_Project"></a>Erdene Provides Project Review and Year-End Financial Results; Announces 24,000 Metre Drill Program for Bayan Khundii and Altan Nar Gold Projects<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - March 28, 2017) -</b> <b>Erdene Resource Development Corp. (TSX:ERD)</b> ("<a href="http://www.erdene.com/"><b>Erdene</b></a>" or "<b>Company</b>"), is pleased to provide a review of its 2016 activities and an outlook for 2017, including plans for the Company's principal gold projects in southwest Mongolia. This release should be read in conjunction with the Company's 2016 Financial Statements, MD&A and AIF on the Company's website or on SEDAR.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We are very pleased with our achievements over the past several years in a very difficult commodity market. During that period, our team's disciplined spending and optimization of limited financial resources enabled the funding of high quality exploration, which led to discovery. We now enter Q2-2017 with a very strong cash position to complement the highest quality portfolio of mineral projects amassed in the Company's history. These projects, particularly Bayan Khundii and Altan Nar, have strong growth potential in the known areas of gold mineralization and tremendous exploration upside outside of those core areas within our current license boundaries," stated Peter Akerley, Erdene's President and CEO.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"With the $14.3 million of proceeds from our Q1-2017 financings, our technical team will now commence a comprehensive exploration and drilling program within this significant new gold district, covering an approximate area of 20 km by 10 km," added Mr. Akerley. "We envision a productive 2017, starting with an initial 24,000 metre drill program, balancing our dual objectives of resource definition and expansion drilling within the current target resource areas, while continuing to build up the district-scale potential at neighboring gold targets."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Project and Financial Highlights</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><u>Exploration Performance</u><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><u>Bayan Khundii Gold Project - 100% Erdene</u><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><u>Altan Nar Gold-Polymetallic Project - 100% Erdene (16 km northwest of Bayan Khundii)</u><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><u>Altan Arrow Gold-Silver Project - 100% Erdene (3.5 km north of Bayan Khundii)</u><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l9 level1 lfo5'>…<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><u>Teck-Erdene Alliance</u><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo6'>Separate from its 100%-owned gold projects, Erdene continued to be active through its Alliance with Teck Resources Limited ("Teck") in assessing regional base and precious metal opportunities in southwest Mongolia's prolific Tian Shan copper-gold belt.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo6'>With the completion of a $500,000 private placement by Teck and the renewal of the Alliance agreement on March 21, 2017, the Alliance's 2017 exploration program is expected to commence in Q2, and will consist of follow-up work to assess anomalous targets identified during the 2016 program.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo6'>The Company's Bayan Khundii, Altan Nar, Altan Arrow, and Zuun Mod projects are excluded from the Alliance.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><u>Corporate Update</u><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo7'>In 2016, the Company strengthened its Board with the addition of Dr. Anna Biolik, Canada's first resident Ambassador in Mongolia, and David Mosher, a gold mining executive with more than 35 years of international experience.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><u>Financial Performance - Year-End Financial Results Summary</u><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Erdene's year-end 2016 Financial Statements, Management Discussion & Analysis and Annual Information Form were filed with regulatory authorities on March 27, 2017 and are available on the Company's website <a href="http://www.erdene.com/">here</a>, and on <a href="http://www.sedar.com/">SEDAR</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recognized a net loss of $2,499,739, or $0.02 per share, compared to a loss of $12,607,625, or $0.14 per share in 2015.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Exploration expenditures, including capitalized costs, totaled $4,664,490 in 2016 compared with $2,404,213 in 2015, an increase of 94%. It represented the Company's largest exploration expenditure program since 2008. The Bayan Khundii project represented $3,081,269 or 66% of total 2016 exploration expenditures compared with $404,813 or 17% of the 2015 total. Together, the Bayan Khundii and Altan Nar projects represented $3,716,232 or 80% of total 2016 exploration expenditures compared with $1,169,583 or 49% of the 2015 total.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Corporate and administrative expenses were $1,446,888 for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to $745,448 in 2015, a $701,440 increase. Excluding non-cash share-based compensation and depreciation, the 2016 corporate and administrative expenses were $1,093,111 compared with $551,986 in 2015 and the corresponding cash exploration expenditures were $4,475,355 in 2016 and $2,314,214 in 2015. The corporate and administrative cash expenses represented 24% of cash exploration expenditures incurred in both 2016 and 2015, which compares favorably with our peers. Additional management services were required to manage the significant increase in exploration and evaluation programs in 2016. The Company also accordingly increased the level of its investor relations activities in order to communicate ongoing results to investors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><u>Financial Position and Financing</u><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company funded its 2016 operations as follows:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l11 level1 lfo8'>Private placements with Sandstorm Gold Ltd. ("Sandstorm") and Teck for net proceeds of $1,478,858;<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l11 level1 lfo8'>Proceeds on the exercise of warrants and options of $2,556,988;<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l11 level1 lfo8'>The granting of a 2% Net Smelter Returns ("NSR") royalty on Altan Nar and Bayan Khundii to Sandstorm for gross proceeds of $1,500,000 received in the form of common shares of Sandstorm that were sold during 2016 with the Company realizing a gain on the sale of the Sandstorm shares of $481,064. The Company has the option to reduce the NSR royalty to 1% by paying Sandstorm $1.2 million anytime before April 21, 2019;<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l11 level1 lfo8'>Subsequent to year-end, on February 23, 2017 Erdene closed a bought deal private placement financing for gross proceeds of $13.8 million, and on March 21, 2017 closed a non-brokered private placement with Teck for gross proceeds of $500,000, representing total gross financing proceeds of $14.3 million;<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l11 level1 lfo8'>The Company has a current working capital position of $13.5 million.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>Mongolia Update</b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo9'>On March 7, 2017, the Canadian and Mongolian governments formally announced their joint ratification of the landmark Canada-Mongolia Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement ("FIPA"). The FIPA is a bilateral agreement to protect and promote foreign investment in Mongolia through legally binding rights and obligations designed to strengthen the economic and commercial relationship between Canada and Mongolia. The FIPA protects Canadian investors and bolsters the predictability of Mongolia's policy framework: managing issues surrounding non-discriminatory treatment, expropriation, transfer of funds, transparency, due process and dispute settlement. The Canada-Mongolia FIPA closely follows the finalization in January 2017 the Agreement on Transparency in Matters Related to International Trade and Investment between the United States of America and Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo9'>The region hosting the Bayan Khundii and Altan Nar gold projects is one of the least densely populated areas in the world. However, infrastructure to access and develop southwest Mongolia's natural resources from China is advancing rapidly. The Company's metal projects are approximately 200 km northwest of the Nariin Sukhait/Ovoot Tolgoi coal mining district near the Mongolia-China border. . South Gobi Resources Ltd. (TSX:SGS), TerraCom Limited (ASX:TER) and Mongolyn Alt LLC (MAK) all produce coal in this region of southwest Mongolia and transport their coal through the Ceke (China) / Shivee Khuren (Mongolia) border, which includes a paved eight-lane highway and an automated railcar loading facility with three railway terminals. Coal trucked in from Mongolia can be loaded on train and shipped out over either the Jiayuguan-Ceke Railway, Ejin-Hami Railway or Linhe-Ceke Railway. Plans are underway to extend the standard gauge rail into Mongolia's coal mining districts.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo9'>In May 2016, Rio Tinto, the Government of Mongolia, and Turquoise Hill Resources approved the US$5.3 billion development of the underground portion of the world-class Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine in southeast Mongolia, one of the largest project financing facilities in the industry. The investment decision followed the December 2015 signing of a US$4.4 billion project financing agreement with international financial institutions and export credit agencies representing the Governments of the United States, Canada and Australia, along with 15 commercial banks, for the development of Oyu Tolgoi's underground mine.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/erdene-provides-project-review-year-end-financial-results-announces-24000-metre-drill-tsx-erd-2205866.htm">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1>James Kwantes' PDAC 2017 Stock Picks: Erdene, …<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Editor of Resource Opportunities' PDAC 2017 stock picks focused mainly on Yukon gold juniors<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>SmallCapPower | March 28, 2017: </b><i>Resource Opportunities</i> Editor James Kwantes, in a speech at the newsletter writers' presentations at the PDAC 2017 convention, talked about some resource juniors that speculators might want to keep an eye on. Here's a summary of what he discussed that day, including some PDAC 2017 stock picks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Erdene Resource Development Corp.</b> (TSX: ERD) – Erdene is currently exploring Mongolia, and its projects include two new gold discoveries (Bayan Khundii and Altan Nar), a molybdenum-copper porphyry resource, and an alliance with Teck Resources to fund and explore the Tian Shan Metal Belt in southwest Mongolia for copper-gold opportunities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://smallcappower.com/top-stories/james-kwantes-pdac-2017-stock-picks/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=ASX:XAM">XAM</a> trading +4.76% midday at A$0.22<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Exploration_Success_Continues"></a>Exploration Success Continues at Xanadu's Kharmagtai Project<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>HIGHLIGHTS<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Deep drilling at Altan Tolgoi has confirmed significant continuous high-grade mineralisation at depth:<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l11 level3 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]><b>Drill hole KHDDH394 intersected 646m @ 0.51% Cu & 0.87g/t Au (1.06% CuEq) from 16m, including 64m @ 1.06% Cu & 3.15g/t Au (3.08% CuEq) from 18m;<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l11 level3 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]><b>Drill hole KHDDH394A intersected 385m @ 0.52% Cu and 0.60g/t Au (0.9% CuEq) from 351m;<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>The mineralisation identified within the resource shell is better than, or similar, to the current resource estimate;<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>The high-grade breccia hosted chalcopyrite</b><span lang=JA style='font-family:"MS Mincho",serif'>‐</span><b>gold mineralisation, as identified by the current drilling results, remains open at depth;<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Widespread near-surface copper and gold mineralisation has been intersected in the bedrock drilling;<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Six potential porphyry clusters have been identified, containing 19 individual porphyry and epithermal targets;<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Additional and substantial broad zones of near-surface gold-rich porphyry mineralization was intersected at Altan Burged:<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l11 level3 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]><b>Drill hole KHDDH401 intersected 20m @ 1.73g/t Au & 0.18% Cu from 39m.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 29 -- Xanadu Mines Ltd (<b>ASX: XAM – "Xanadu" </b>or <b>"Company"</b>) is pleased to provide an update on the ongoing exploration activities at its flagship Kharmagtai project (Figure 1), where drilling is targeting the discovery of additional near-surface porphyry copper-gold deposits undercover and testing the continuity of mineralization below the current resources within this largely under-explored porphyry copper-gold district.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Xanadu's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andrew Stewart, said <i>"The intersection of highgrade breccia mineralisation at depth demonstrates the potential size and scale of the Kharmagtai mineralized system. We are yet to define the extents of the Altan Tolgoi porphyry system, and further drilling is planned below the zone of breccia hosted chalcopyrite-gold mineralisation to test whether a higher-grade bornite core is in the root zones of this large breccia system. High-grade mineralisation may be manifested as bornite-goldcemented breccia or as bornite-gold stockwork mineralisation in the causative intrusive complex at Kharmagtai."<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170329/pdf/43h3swws5vs92p.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=ASX:AKM">AKM</a> dropped 4.17% Tuesday to A$0.023, trading flat mid-Wed<o:p></o:p></i></p><h1><a name="_Aspire_Mining_highlights"></a>Aspire Mining highlights benefits to Mongolia for Erdenet to Ovoot Railway<span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>It is expected that the Northern Rail Corridor will see significant demand.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 28 (Proactive Investors) <a href="http://www.proactiveinvestors.com.au/ASX:AKM/Aspire-Mining/">Aspire Mining</a> (<a href="http://www.proactiveinvestors.com.au/ASX:AKM/Aspire-Mining/">ASX:AKM</a>) is the largest coal tenement holder in Mongolia's Northern provinces, and the key to unlocking the deposit is infrastructure.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Aspire has now, through its rail subsidiary, Northern Railways LLC, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MTGT LLC, the 100% owner of the Huren Chuulut Iron Ore Project.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Huren Chuulut is a large iron ore deposit located 50 kilometres to the north west of the Khuvsgul capital of Moron and 60 kilometres north of the approved rail alignment for the Erdenet to Ovoot Railway.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This project needs rail to Erdenet to be able to connect to customers in China.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia currently exports iron ore to Chinese customers along the Trans Mongolian Railway.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The importance of the nearby iron ore deposit is that this increases the number of other large users of rail services other than Ovoot.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If the owners of these deposits grow in confidence that infrastructure will be in place, then this could be a catalyst for development capital to flow to these projects.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>MoU details</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The MoU covers the sharing of development progress, mutual support in funding activities and the provisional allocation of 5 Mtpa of freight capacity.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This would be as soon as the rail line has been extended to the proposed connection point, which is around two thirds along the total 549 kilometre Erdenet to Ovoot Railway.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is expected that the Northern Rail Corridor will see significant demand for its freight capacity of at least 15Mtpa, growing to 30Mtpa in the long term.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>David Paull, managing director for Aspire, said that the MoU demonstrated that the Erdenet to Ovoot Railway will not only benefit Mongolia's coking coal industry.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Once completed, the Northern Rail Corridor, of which the Erdenet to Ovoot Railway is an important part, will see transport of a range of resources, agriculture and manufactured goods."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Production from the Ovoot Project can coincide with the commissioning of the Erdenet to Ovoot Railway.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.proactiveinvestors.com.au/companies/news/175499/aspire-mining-highlights-benefits-to-mongolia-for-erdenet-to-ovoot-railway-175499.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=ASX:HAR">HAR</a> last traded A$0.003 on March 23<o:p></o:p></i></p><h2><a name="_Haranga:_Paula_Cowan"></a>Haranga: Paula Cowan appointed, Matthew Wood resigns as non-executive director<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 28 -- Haranga Resources Limited ('the Company') is pleased to announce the appointment of <b>Ms Paula Cowan</b> as a Non-Executive Director of the Company with immediate effect. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ms Cowan is a finance professional with over 15 years' experience and is presently a Director of Palisade Business Consulting, a consulting and secretarial advisory firm specialising in business advisory, consulting and finance and secretarial support services to SME's and ASX listed entities. Ms Cowan is currently a Director of Valor Resources Limited (VAL). Ms Cowan previously held senior roles in advisory firms KordaMentha and Ernst and Young. Ms Cowan holds a Bachelor of Commerce/Law (Hons), is a qualified Chartered Accountant and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company wishes to advise that <b>Mr Matthew Wood</b> has resigned as Non-Executive Director of the Company effective immediately. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Board thanks Mr Wood for his contribution to the Company.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170328/pdf/43h39z6tbdp0q9.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170328/pdf/43h3b191hpqss2.pdf">Final Director's Interest Notice</a>: NIL<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170328/pdf/43h3b357v5fgfs.pdf">Initial Director's Interest Notice</a>: NIL<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_E-Commodities_Annual_Net"></a>E-Commodities Annual Net Profit $2.874B; Final Div 7.7 Cents<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 29 (AAStocks) E-COMMODITIES (01733.HK) announced the results for the year ended 2016. Net profit was $2.874 billion, against the loss of $1.723 billion in the year-ago period. EPS was $1.488. Final dividend was 7.7 cents.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.aastocks.com/en/stocks/news/aafn-news/NOW.793778/1">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2017/0328/LTN201703281138.pdf">Link to 1733 release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBv_4HY_qMjUCxc0Gqk5L_mMEYvcCNW5EFOVwq6ikQ3c74mfXgGG5a5vdclh-jb6UQRqlGXH4hJn5b96kIwbLZCbhzWevDVhYXQB-hEURT-38glAAEBz66ltrQcqYVruOqLL9Vt80E7MY/s1600/image007-710157.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBv_4HY_qMjUCxc0Gqk5L_mMEYvcCNW5EFOVwq6ikQ3c74mfXgGG5a5vdclh-jb6UQRqlGXH4hJn5b96kIwbLZCbhzWevDVhYXQB-hEURT-38glAAEBz66ltrQcqYVruOqLL9Vt80E7MY/s320/image007-710157.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753043508546850" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Local></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Local Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_MSE_Top_20"></a>MSE Top 20 +0.48%, ALL +0.32%, Turnover <span lang=MN>₮</span>30.6M Shares, <span lang=MN>₮</span>212.9M T-Bills Traded, <span lang=MN>₮</span>14.1B Issued <span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 28 (MSE) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTCVypwEY-Qe57XD530h6MLzDqnKZ2VzX4be-eME84Oz1AraNVFlR2rtF5xg-G9x1oL8sZgJkyG2aCrjujPq3gTonVFYinb8dVspYqZp-N6hXHKOkgvj_gJ-zBeQErRf2I1cv_NHmYlo/s1600/image018-714260.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTCVypwEY-Qe57XD530h6MLzDqnKZ2VzX4be-eME84Oz1AraNVFlR2rtF5xg-G9x1oL8sZgJkyG2aCrjujPq3gTonVFYinb8dVspYqZp-N6hXHKOkgvj_gJ-zBeQErRf2I1cv_NHmYlo/s320/image018-714260.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753059963206770" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/uploads/ariljaa/reports/report_en-17.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Ard_Financial_Group"></a>Ard Financial Group Issues <span lang=MN>₮</span>2.0 Billion Bonds via Private Placement<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, March 21 (Ard Holdings) In February 2017 Ard Financial Group (Ard Holdings, Group) issued MNT2.0 billion commercial bond on the market and was able to place it privately within a month, notwithstanding the difficult operating environment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <b>bond has a face value of MNT1.0 million, annual yield of 19.2 percent, maturity of 24 months</b>, and pays quarterly coupons. <b>The Group intends to use the proceeds to expand the loan portfolio of its non-bank financial institution, Ard Credit</b>, accelerating its development and enhancing its market position.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Commercial bond is a financial instrument, which enables businesses to access low-cost financing, and investors to earn high returns while directly funding companies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Ard Securities, a brokerage house of Ard Holdings, underwrote the bond</b>. The <b>company recently received a capital injection of MNT1.5 billion from its parent</b>, quadrupling its capital and positioning it for the leadership position in the market. Furthermore, <b>Ard Securities was able to raise USD600,000 for a private Mongolian airline – Hunnu Air</b> at the end of 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ard Credit is a non-bank lender of Ard Holdings, which was established in April 2011 with the purpose of providing micro and SME loans using innovative technologies. Ard Credit is licensed by Financial Regulatory Commission to engage in lending, currency exchange, financial advisory, trust deposit service and credit card issuance. The company was able to generate a profit of more than MNT390 million in 2016 despite the economic downturn and is to pay out a dividend. The company is set to obtain a full banking license in due course.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ard Financial Group is a diversified financial services holding company with an aim to increase its shareholders' value through investing in and developing leading financial services companies. Our investment portfolio consists of companies such as Mongol Post, Ard Insurance, Ard Credit, Ard Securities, Ard Life, Ard Assets, Ard Management, and Equity Investment Trust (EIT). Investor Nation is a registered marketing trademark owned by Ard Holdings.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please, feel free to contact us with further enquiries on raising capital or investing in bonds:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://ardholdings.com/en/ard-financial-group-places-mnt2-0-billion-bond/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Japan_FSA:_Amendment"></a>Japan FSA: Amendment To the Letters Exchanged with the Financial Regulatory Commission of Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 28 (Financial Services Agency of Japan) 1. On March 28th, 2017, the Financial Regulatory Commission of Mongolia (FRC) and the Financial Services Agency (FSA) agreed to amend the letters exchanged between them, concerning sharing of experience and expertise<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>*This amendment clarifies that the subject of cooperation between the FRC and FSA is not limited to capital-market related matters, but also includes issues surrounding insurance and non-banking sectors.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>2. Based on this amendment, both authorities intend to further the exchange of experience and expertise for the purpose of enhancing legal and regulatory frameworks as well as financial markets in both countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.fsa.go.jp/en/news/2017/20170328-2.html">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkjO1InVbW5zW2PgqZzYVOuGfsSW9H9dVTYiMJ_XTNMkf9RVE7b4k593zZ2dMyilQ4NQnByT09v-7dHyNIOiPG_GFE7DUptiwFftnqdw29C8Uu3YdIlFmc4YWIWPCa83UNndYnKD1dRA/s1600/image008-717890.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqkjO1InVbW5zW2PgqZzYVOuGfsSW9H9dVTYiMJ_XTNMkf9RVE7b4k593zZ2dMyilQ4NQnByT09v-7dHyNIOiPG_GFE7DUptiwFftnqdw29C8Uu3YdIlFmc4YWIWPCa83UNndYnKD1dRA/s320/image008-717890.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753077846054178" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Economy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Economy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>Reds</span> are when MNT fell, <span style='color:#00B050'>greens</span> when it rose.<b> <span style='color:red'>Bold reds</span></b><span style='color:red'> </span>are rates that set a new historic high at the time. </i><o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_BoM_MNT_Rates:"></a><span lang=MN>BoM MNT Rates: </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>Tuesday</span><span lang=MN>, </span>March 28 <span lang=MN>Close </span><o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoTable15Plain5 border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=958 style='width:718.2pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/28</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/27</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/24</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/23</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/22</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/17</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/16</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/15</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>High</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>Date</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1061" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/b27dbc49-e16d-41ae-8557-f99cdb40c367.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e147de94-098c-41fc-a613-e68b961bc287.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>USD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,456.03<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,458.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,459.18<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,459.57<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,459.38<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,457.58<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,458.10<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,457.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,454.96<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,457.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,498.75</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1062" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/bebede1f-9fde-45e8-9abf-07cee5d98010.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/7fff4ee5-d12c-4bd2-8a56-d47fa1ab5b0d.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>EUR</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,666.76<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,671.66<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,649.52<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,654.98<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,656.50<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,649.64<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,647.37<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,645.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,633.07<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,614.01<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,681.43</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/10/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1063" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/280be717-5c83-46be-b0c7-d0b2cf9575f2.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/73256f8e-4c86-438d-9d39-350646eb7f40.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>JPY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>22.19<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>22.32<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>22.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>22.11<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>22.06<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.78<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.83<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>21.68<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.68<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.42<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>23.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/9/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1064" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0e866dbf-0eff-45bc-aa83-c145b2345900.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/170ec7e9-2636-4b7d-a624-7ae9fef54841.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>GBP</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,090.42<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,089.30<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,070.04<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,068.81<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,066.97<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,038.31<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,052.47<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,033.31<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,012.73<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,005.06<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>3,183.26</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>8/13/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1065" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/33370dc8-8964-434b-8694-6462f39746fb.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a481156f-5e01-436d-b063-c22ecd3ed0dd.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>RUB</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>43.15<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>43.13<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.81<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.86<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.70<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.89<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.93<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.41<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.23<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.58<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>54.32</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>6/27/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1066" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/c37f3eb9-e9ba-4c1d-bc0f-2669bc4c1412.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/56dc9518-41a5-4bb4-9d57-167f6de07f2e.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CNY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>356.74<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>357.66<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>356.72<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>357.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>357.18<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>356.28<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>355.99<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>355.72<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>356.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>355.49<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>363.02</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/5/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1071" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e5792094-f0b8-4c3a-a82b-97ddd5401a38.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ab781b89-2767-4b9c-b3cb-b3c6cc603016.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>KRW</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.21<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.21<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.19<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.19<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.19<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.19<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.20<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.15<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.21<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>3/27/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1072" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/75233918-55b6-4977-a5ef-f682c93bbdb0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/9a4a44a5-6be7-4141-8159-5aa30a12bb45.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>SGD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,760.78<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,765.08<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,755.99<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,757.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,758.27<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,756.79<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,759.93<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,751.46<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,748.55<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,739.74<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,765.08<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>3/27/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1067" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a8311ed8-a900-4237-bf18-4ebf7b10bbf0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/53fdb4a8-f38e-4f01-b01a-c2dee4a6895d.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CAD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,833.54<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,845.01<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,840.98<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,843.69<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,839.68<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,840.95<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,843.48<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,842.20<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,845.90<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,825.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,908.84</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/18/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1068" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/5d744e37-53d2-4c10-aa04-7bc77a3c3abc.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/6ec5578f-dca9-4257-b326-e755e3b2400b.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>AUD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,866.95<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,876.23<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,872.79<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,879.36<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,886.47<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,893.32<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,902.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,885.23<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,892.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,862.87<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/16/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1069" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6f012c2-8c16-455d-b0b0-8427d7512a2b.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6b9f8ce-b8d2-4ce7-bdce-b85ce1812325.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>HKD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.20<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.57<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.60<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>316.66<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.46<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>316.53<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>316.44<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.22<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.29<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>322.21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1070" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0588bbef-101c-4211-8d37-8045475e110d.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ae638f8b-a29a-4d70-90b3-52ad2a79d482.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CHF</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,491.28<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,496.04<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,474.27<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,476.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,478.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,465.35<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,463.52<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,466.62<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,455.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,438.95<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,497.77</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/09/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:red'>Bank USD rates at time of sending</span></b>: <a href="https://www.khanbank.com/en/home/rates">Khan</a> (Buy ₮2,448 Sell ₮2,458), <a href="http://tdbm.mn/en/exchange">TDB</a> (Buy ₮2,448 Sell ₮2,456), <a href="https://en.golomtbank.com/home/citizen">Golomt</a> (Buy ₮2,448 Sell ₮2,456), <a href="http://xacbank.mn/en/calculator/rates">XacBank</a> (Buy ₮2,448 Sell ₮2,457), <a href="https://www.statebank.mn/w/en/m1">State Bank</a> (Buy ₮2,448 Sell ₮2,458)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/graphic_dailyrate.aspx">USD (blue), CNY (red) vs MNT</a> in last 1 year:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXId2mNWu_gb3g9UoLIGoLifxF_W-cLh4BE7W9gwLTAO1EEkAzUOgZ8yOP2AWV4P5NIKTT_FntiQeEgfKMQnjkn6lHAJrPNjW7JKx4oe9qzLc1S0RV_It-TR8Uq08UB82hiKRW961n2g/s1600/image021-721328.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbXId2mNWu_gb3g9UoLIGoLifxF_W-cLh4BE7W9gwLTAO1EEkAzUOgZ8yOP2AWV4P5NIKTT_FntiQeEgfKMQnjkn6lHAJrPNjW7JKx4oe9qzLc1S0RV_It-TR8Uq08UB82hiKRW961n2g/s320/image021-721328.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753091303493458" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistofficialdailyrate.aspx">Link to rates</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_declines_$0.8m"></a><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>BoM declines $0.8m bid, $11.3m ask, CNY34.5m bid, $1.5m MNT swap offers<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 28 (Bank of Mongolia) Spot trade: Commercial banks <b>bid weighted average rate of MNT2457.00 for USD0.8 million</b>, <b>asked weighted average rate of MNT2458.63 for USD11.3 million</b> and <b>bid weighted average rate of MNT353.67 for CNY34.5 million</b> respectively. The BoM did not accept the bid offers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Swap and forward trade: The BoM <b>received buying bid offers of USD1.5 million of MNT swap agreements</b> from commercial banks and the BoM did not accept the bid offers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=182">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Hogan_Lovells:_Proposed"></a>Hogan Lovells: Proposed Amendments to the 2017 State Budget and Related Laws of Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 28 (Hogan Lovells) On 24 March 2017, the Government of Mongolia submitted to Parliament proposed amendments to the 2017 State Budget Law and other related laws. The amendments are proposed in relation to the pending approval of the Extended Fund Facility for Mongolia by the International Monetary Fund.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Among others, the proposed amendment laws aim to increase state revenues and decrease expenditure. They affect the tax regime, social insurance contributions, pension ages, civil servants' benefits, social benefits and other related matters.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Parliament is expected to discuss the proposed amendment laws during its regular spring session which starts on 5 April 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During parliamentary discussions, the draft laws may undergo a number of changes. The following highlights the key changes in the proposed draft laws.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>1. Increase in Personal Income Tax<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>The draft amendment to the Personal Income Tax Law proposes to introduce progressive personal income tax. The following table sets out the proposed tax rates and bands.<o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=462 style='width:346.15pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td width=38 style='width:28.5pt;border:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Tier</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=97 style='width:72.4pt;border:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Annual salary (MNT)</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=91 style='width:67.9pt;border:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Monthly salary (MNT)</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=230 style='width:172.15pt;border:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Applicable tax rate</b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=38 style='width:28.5pt;border:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>1<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=97 style='width:72.4pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>< 18 million<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=91 style='width:67.9pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>< 1,500,000<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=230 style='width:172.15pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>10%<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=38 style='width:28.5pt;border:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>2<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=97 style='width:72.4pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>18 million -<br>30 million<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=91 style='width:67.9pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 1,500,001 - 2,500,000<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=230 style='width:172.15pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>1,800,000 + 15% of the annual income exceeding 18 million<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=38 style='width:28.5pt;border:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>3<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=97 style='width:72.4pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>30 million -<br>42 million<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=91 style='width:67.9pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>2,500,001 - 3,500,000<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=230 style='width:172.15pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>3,600,000 + 20% of the annual income exceeding 30 million<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=38 style='width:28.5pt;border:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>4<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=97 style='width:72.4pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>> 42 million<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=91 style='width:67.9pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> > 3,500,001<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=230 style='width:172.15pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 6,000,000 + 25% of the annual income exceeding 42 million <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal>Further, the draft amendment proposes to impose an obligation to withhold 20% of income earned within the territory of Mongolia by non-resident individuals. Those who remit payments to non-resident individuals will be required to withhold 20% as income tax and pay such amount to the tax authorities. The proposed amendments would take effect from 1 January 2018.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Currently, interest payments on savings not exceeding MNT 100 million are exempt from tax until 1 January 2018. The draft amendments propose to revoke this exemption effective this year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>2. Increase in Social Insurance Contributions and Pension Age<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>The draft amendment to the Social Insurance Law proposes to increase social insurance contributions as follows (in bold): <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:31.5pt'><td width=198 rowspan=2 style='width:148.5pt;border:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:31.5pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Type of insurance</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=243 colspan=2 style='width:182.25pt;border:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:31.5pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Current rates of social insurance contributions (%)</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=243 colspan=2 style='width:182.25pt;border:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:31.5pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Proposed rates of social insurance contributions (%)</b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:12.75pt'><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:12.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Employer</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:12.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Employee</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:12.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Employer</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;height:12.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Employee</b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=198 style='width:148.5pt;border:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Pension<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>7.0<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>7.0<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>9.5<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>9.5<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=198 style='width:148.5pt;border:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Social protection<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>1.0<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>0.8<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>1.0<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>0.8<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=198 style='width:148.5pt;border:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Unemployment<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>0.2<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>0.2<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>0.2<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>0.2<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=198 style='width:148.5pt;border:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Health<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>2.0<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>2.0<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>2.0<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>2.0<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=198 style='width:148.5pt;border:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Total</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>10.2</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>10.0</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>12.7</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=121 style='width:90.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:dotted #557630 1.0pt;border-right:dotted #557630 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>12.5</b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal>The proposed amendments would take effect from 1 January 2018. The increase would be implemented incrementally by means of increases of 1%, 0.5% and 1% respectively over the next 3 years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Further, the Government proposes to increase pension ages incrementally for a period of 10 years so as to increase the pension age to 65 for men and 60 for women. Further, the pension age for women would be increased incrementally to ultimately reach 65 years of age in 2037.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>3. Increase in Certain Excise Taxes<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>The draft amendment law to the Excise Tax Law proposes to increase excise tax rates for tobacco products, alcoholic beverages and imported vehicles.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In respect of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, excise tax will be increased by 10% in 2018, 5% in 2019 and 5% in 2020 respectively.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For imported vehicles, excise taxes will be increased by 3% to 15% depending on the age of the vehicle.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>4. Increase in import duties for tobacco products <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Currently, the import duty applicable to tobacco products is 5%. The Government proposes to increase the applicable import duty to 30%, the maximum permitted rate under Mongolia's commitment to the World Trade Organisation. The proposed increase would be effective from this year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>5. Conclusion<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Other amendments relate to the state and social insurance budget, social welfare, and infrastructure development under concession arrangements.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The proposed amendments would introduce progressive tax rates for individuals' income, increased costs for employers, and increased prices for alcoholic beverages, tobacco products and vehicles. The proposed tax increases will be debated in Parliament and it remains to be seen whether the changes will be approved in their current form, and to what extent they will contribute to reducing the current budget deficit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://ehoganlovells.com/rv/ff002f5dc1d48b1d8a4f16f1a4439a4a246d6aa7">Link to note</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiL4vDulM0ILKfCN2eqHdogo1EtqX5ayxq0HQAaRrzs5n8AVFd1osR1mIfd42T9esX-x70lmjncJdG7YYtKF20mMhsw1-dZRF6j1GD4rZ4p9Z-4tw3QV7DNXftzek3ALR4SrSeIzHZWBY/s1600/image004-798912.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiL4vDulM0ILKfCN2eqHdogo1EtqX5ayxq0HQAaRrzs5n8AVFd1osR1mIfd42T9esX-x70lmjncJdG7YYtKF20mMhsw1-dZRF6j1GD4rZ4p9Z-4tw3QV7DNXftzek3ALR4SrSeIzHZWBY/s320/image004-798912.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402752998693340722" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Politics></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Politics & Legal<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_Party_for_Mongolian"></a>Party for <span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>Mongolian People</span> registered as 25th political party<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 28 (MONTSAME) The Party for Human of Mongolia has been registered as the 25th political party.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yesterday, the State Supreme Court discussed the registration application by some citizens, including Kh.Bat-Yalalt and approved to register the party as the party rule, action plan and other documents have satisfied the Constitution of Mongolia, laws on Political Party and on State Registration of Legal Entities. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9370">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia's_Private_Sector"></a>Mongolia's Private Sector Joins the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 28 (UNFPA Mongolia) – In a handover ceremony held at the UN House today, the UNFPA formally received a generous in-kind donation from GurvanBileg LLC towards victims of domestic violence in the country. The renowned Mongolian manufacturing and trading company is a nationwide supplier of women's clothing, intimate apparel, cosmetics and personal care products. The donation of 750 pieces of women's underwear is worth approximately 3,966,000 MNT and will benefit the women and girls serviced by the UNFPA-supported 2 shelters and 6 One Stop Service Centers (OSSC) for victims of domestic violence in Ulaanbaatar, Zavkhan, Gobi-Altai, and Bayankhongor aimags respectively.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One OSSC alone can receive an average of 25 women and girls per month or 300 per year. These range from girls as young as 12 to women over 45. The largest percentage of women seeking help from one shelter are aged 26-35 (40% of the total clientele). It is not uncommon that some of the women are repeat visitors which reflects continuing violent home situations and an inability to change their circumstances due to a varied challenges, including economic limitations, psychological trauma and social stigmas to name a few.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The donation of women's underwear is particularly important as victims of domestic violence often arrive at these centers with little or no resources, and least of all a fresh change of clothes. They have typically fled their homes with no time to prepare for their departure in order to escape physical, sexual and verbal assault, seeking temporary sanctuary, medical attention, legal assistance and direct support. As such, OSSC and the shelters are an important mechanism in the response to victims of DV, and in combating GBV as a whole. Donations such as this help victims meet some of their very basic needs while in recovery or transition.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"UNFPA recognizes GurvanBileg LLC's contribution to victims of domestic violence as a prime example of how the private sector has the potential to make a real difference in actively combating GBV in the country by supporting safe spaces where victims can find the help they need, "says Naomi Kitahara, UNFPA Representative. "If other companies such as theirs also aim to fulfill their corporate social responsibility and can be mobilized to share their core services and unique resources, imagine the potential capacity to help more women and girls in need."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Gender-based violence (GBV), particularly Domestic Violence (DV) remains to be one of the most serious and life<span style='font-family:"Cambria Math",serif'>‐</span>threatening human rights violations in Mongolia and in the world. 1 in 3 women worldwide will experience some form of violence in their lifetime. A 2015 assessment conducted by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights revealed that GBV and DV are prevalent and widespread in Mongolia. A survey on prevalence pf GBV in Mongolia will be conducted for the first time in the country by the National Statistics Office in 2017, with the support of UNFPA and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. The results of this survey will reflect a more accurate picture of the scope of the problem. While those results are still forthcoming, national administrative data reveals an upward trend in cases of GBV based on police reports alone.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In 2016, more domestic violence crimes were reported to the police, and it was a<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo10'>6.9 % increase, compared to 2015;<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo10'>90.7 % of the victims are women and girls; and<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo10'>A total of 18 people died from domestic violence in 2016, and 1,217 people were injured.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Ms. Kitahara also emphasized that the elimination of gender-based violence is not the work of one individual entity, such as UNFPA. "It is essential that the government, MPs, CSOs, the public, international community and the private sector come together and stay committed, together." she says.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://countryoffice.unfpa.org/mongolia/2017/03/28/14363/the_private_sector_joins_the_fight_against_gender_based_violence/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Voice_of_Mongolia:"></a>Voice of Mongolia: Audio News for Mar 28<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 28 (Voice of Mongolia) Listen to the latest news summary of daily top news stories hosted by the Voice of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Today's highlights:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo13'>Mongolia and Kenya to sign MoU to promote sustainable finance<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo13'>European Union works with Mongolia on strengthening political and economic links<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo13'>Remains of god statue unearthed in western Gobi-Altai province<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo13'>Mongolia Mining 2017 expo to take place<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157910">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for March 28, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Some proposed tax increases to take effect on April 1 if approved by the Parliament<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Last Friday, Minister of Finance B. Choijilsuren submitted amendments to the 2017 state budget to Speaker of Parliament M. Enkhbold. Parliament's approval of the amendments will be followed by the IMF's Board of Directors review of Mongolia's enrollment in a extended fund facility program.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The amendments to the state budget include provisions to increase excise taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel. The excise tax on passenger cars will be increased based on the vehicle's engine capacity. The excise tax on alcohol, excise tax on cigarettes, and customs tax on cigarettes will increase. Income tax will be increased by new tiered classification based on yearly income. Savings' income tax are set to start on April 1, and social insurance fund contributions will be increased in 2018. The amendments also include decreasing the state's expenditures through making more efficient changes to state welfare programs and the pension system, and reviewing the salaries of state officials. Under the amendments, new projections for 2017's state budget will put revenue at 6 trillion MNT (23.1% of GDP) and expenditure at 8.7 trillion MNT (33.7% of GDP) with a budget deficit of 2.7 trillion MNT (10.6% of GDP). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> taxes, Ministry of Finance, IMF</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>Daily News /page 1,2/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Budget amendments at the top of Parliament's spring session agenda<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Parliament's spring session will start on April 5, but the budget amendments required by the IMF for enrollment in an extended fund facility program must be approved before April 10. According to procedures for approving amendments, there will not be enough time to meet the April 10 deadline. Discussions for the spring session will begin on April 6. Parliament must work swiftly to approve the amendments in order to qualify for the IMF's program. In addition to the budget amendments, Parliament is set to discuss 33 matters during the spring session.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> IMF, budget amendments, Parliament</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>Daily News /page 2/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>MINING<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Sharyn Gol plans to export coal<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> It is reported that some Chinese companies have requested to buy coal from Sharyn Gol. Due to a decrease in the supply of energy coal in China, China has increased its imports from Mongolia. Sharyn Gol is researching the possibility of exporting coal to China. Sharyn Gold had previously explored opportunities to export coal to South Korea through Russia, but export did not take place due to market prices for coal at that time.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> export, coal, China</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>Today /page A1/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ONLINE STORY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Oyu Tolgoi presents awards to their best suppliers<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Oyu Tolgoi (OT) held their annual Gobi Gem awards for OT suppliers in Dalanzadgad, Umnugobi Province. The awards recognized achievements in five main categories in 2016: safety, business performance, national and South Gobi suppliers, and a Grand Prix category for the overall best-performing supplier. The Grand Prix award went to Hunnu Air LLC.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In 2016, OT collaborated with around 1,200 suppliers, 62% of which were domestic companies. OT announced that 279 million USD worth of products were bought from domestic suppliers last year. OT says it is increasing the number of suppliers it will be working with that are located in Khanbogd and Dalanzadgad, and noted that it now engages in business with 90 suppliers in Umnugobi Province. In 2016, OT invested 6 billion USD in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Oyu Tolgoi, Gobi Gem</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i><a href="http://bloombergtv.mn/%D0%BE%D1%8E%D1%83-%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%B9-%D1%85%D1%85%D0%BA-%D1%88%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B4%D1%8D%D0%B3-%D1%85%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%B0%D0%BD-%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BB%D2%AF%D2%AF%D0%BB%D1%8D%D0%B3%D1%87%D0%B4%D1%8D%D1%8D-%D1%88%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%83%D1%83%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B2/?cid=1" target="_blank">www.bloombergtv.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-march-28-2017/">Link to newswire</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGXfvQ6PQby8VT1asOSOSAKu4UAbgx_zp8StuK9UV1CmeipJ8nOdBM6lcaMl_2FfZgS8sz_KoYHBvPyEnbgxvzyfdr3gfOKiB3_uepDBvAlj-uvzs6xwvMq3qUOq3hroYGj2kK2IzA-I/s1600/image005-702712.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGXfvQ6PQby8VT1asOSOSAKu4UAbgx_zp8StuK9UV1CmeipJ8nOdBM6lcaMl_2FfZgS8sz_KoYHBvPyEnbgxvzyfdr3gfOKiB3_uepDBvAlj-uvzs6xwvMq3qUOq3hroYGj2kK2IzA-I/s320/image005-702712.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753016147158530" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Business></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Business<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_Oyu_Tolgoi_Holds"></a>Oyu Tolgoi Holds Annual Supplier Recognition "Gobi Gem" Awards<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Dalanzadgad, Mongolia, 27 March 2017 (Oyu Tolgoi) We held our annual Supplier Recognition 'Gobi Gem' Awards in Dalanzadgad, Umnugobi today. The awards recognised achievements in five main categories in 2016: Safety, Business performance; National and South Gobi suppliers, and a 'Grand Prix' category for the overall best-performer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>1. Best Supplier DIFOT - SGMS LLC<br>2. Best Supplier South Gobi - Umnugobi Enterprise LLC<br>3. Best Supplier National - Erchim Electric LLC<br>4. Best Supplier HSE Performance - Gobi Gaz LLC<br>5. Grand Prix Award - Hunnu Air LLC<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The awards, in addition to recognising the five winners, celebrate the achievements of Mongolia's business and industrial community across sectors. Strong, competitive and sustainable supplier base is critical to our success! Congratulations to the winners!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://ot.mn/gobi-gem-awards/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Intellect's_debt_management"></a>Intellect's debt management platform to be used by Mongolia's Khan Bank<span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 27 (India Infoline) <a href="http://www.indiainfoline.com/Company/Intellect-Design-Arena-Ltd/54769" target="_blank">Intellect Design Arena Limited</a>, prominent name in IT software products, has announced that Mongolia's Khan Bank has selected Intellect's debt management platform to centralise operations, and digitalise its collection process.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The implementation of Intellect's platform would ensure effective collection strategies for the Bank and help build a high-performance organisation. The Khan Bank is one of the largest commercial banks in Mongolia, and provides banking services to an estimated 70% of Mongolian families. The bank has 537 branches across Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Intellect Digital Debt Management helps banks manage complex debt scenarios with appropriate collection strategies.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This new development in Intellect Design Arena Limited would surely help to strengthen its presence in the IT software products sector. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Stock View:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Intellect Design Arena Ltd is currently trading at Rs 117.8, up by Rs 1.6 or 1.38% from its previous closing of Rs 116.2 on the BSE.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The scrip opened at Rs 116.1 and has touched a high and low of Rs 119.9 and Rs 116 respectively. So far 536045(NSE+BSE) shares were traded on the counter. The current market cap of the company is Rs 1182.15 crore.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The BSE group 'A' stock of face value Rs 5 has touched a 52 week high of Rs 252.1 on 03-May-2016 and a 52 week low of Rs 107.75 on 15-Feb-2017. Last one week high and low of the scrip stood at Rs 117.6 and Rs 112.7 respectively.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The promoters holding in the company stood at 29.56 % while Institutions and Non-Institutions held 15.57 % and 53.97 % respectively.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The stock is currently trading below its 200 DMA.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news-top-story/intellect-design-arena-intellect%E2%80%99s-debt-management-platform-to-be-used-by-a-mongolian-bank-117032800303_1.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_International_property_agents"></a>International property agents now have the chance to market Olympic Residence <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 28 (OPP.Today) Mongolia is expected to be the fastest-growing economy in the world within the next decade.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>International property agents now have the chance to market Olympic Residence, which will set new standards for high-end residential and retail buildings in the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia has been among the world's best-preforming economies for the last 10 years and high GDP is forecast for the coming years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Rental yield and capital appreciation are expected to be strong, due to increasing demand and the excellent economic performance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Olympic Residence, in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, will set new standards for high-end residential and retail buildings in the country, says the developer. Agents receive competitive commission, prompt payment and the chance to market a project direct from an experienced developer, with full international sales and marketing support available. To register, go to: <a href="http://opp.buzz/product/19/?mid=41763">http://opp.buzz/product/19/?mid=41763</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.opp.today/mongolian-project-sets-new-standard/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s1600/image006-706460.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s320/image006-706460.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753025607370994" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Ulaanbaatar></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Mayor_discusses_waste"></a>Mayor discusses waste issue with district authorities<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 29 /MONTSAME/ On March 28, Tuesday, Ulaanbaatar Mayor S.Batbold met with authorities of 9 districts of the capital city and representatives of urban refurbishment companies and homeowners' associations to review activities and measures taken regarding solid waste and urban refurbishment in the districts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Governors of each district reported to the Mayor on the ongoing activities and projects in their administrative units including public cleaning campaigns forged in Nalaikh, Khan-Uul and Sukhbaatar districts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Following the reports, Mayor S.Batbold pointed out the slowness of the district authorities in solving the challenges faced by Ulaanbaatar residents, citing the solid waste issue as an example.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Instead of dodging from responsibility with justifications like my territory and your waste, public organizations must have an attitude 'my city, my district and my responsibility' in dealing with solid waste management", he said. The Mayor also instructed the governors to not avoid but face and solve the existing problems.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The capital administration will enforce its Wasteless city – Responsible governance' policy", the Mayor reiterated. The Mayor also expressed that he will be making on-site inspections on districts' waste disposal actions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The next meeting between the Ulaanbaatar Mayor and district governors will focus on infrastructure development.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9382">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_World_Bank_to"></a>World Bank to implement social accountability project in Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 28 (MONTSAME) On March 27, M.Otgonbayr, Chairman of the Governor's Office of Capital city and James Anderson, World Bank's Country Manager for Mongolia signed a memorandum of understanding on "Mainstreaming Social Accountability in Mongolia" project. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Within the framework of the memorandum, City Governor's Office and World Bank will be cooperating on implementing sub-projects in maintaining social accountability in Chingeltei, Songinokhairkhan and Bayanzurkh districts and nationally distribute the selected practice in the regions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Initiated by World Bank, "Mainstreaming Social Accountability in Mongolia" project is funded by World Bank and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation. The project aims to enhance public service access by improving social accountability between the citizens and state.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9368">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_UB_Mayor_successfully"></a>UB Mayor successfully ends working visit to Europe<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 28 (MONTSAME) A delegation headed by Mayor of Ulaanbaatar city S.Batbold paid a visit to some European cities between from March 20 to 26. UB Mayor started his European visit from the city of Warsaw, Poland and met with Ms. Hanna Gronkiewicz Waltz, Mayor of Warsaw and the sides have expressed their interests to upgrade cooperation between the two cities. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also, Ms. Hanna said she is pleased to share the experience with Ulaanbaatar and expressed her readiness to assist by giving professional training for human resource. During the visit to Warsaw, the Mongolian delegates got acquainted with the activities of the Lindley Water Filters /water treatment facility/ and Waste Water Treatment Plant Czajka /WWTP Czajka/.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>UB Mayor S.Batbold's next destination in Europe was Budapest, Hungary. The Mayor of Ulaanbaatar city S.Batbold met with István Tarlós, Mayor of Budapest and the both sides highlighted more opportunities of bilateral, particularly, in the cultural field.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After the meeting, the delegation met with Deputy Mayor of Budapest in charge of financial affairs Dr. Gabor Bagdi to exchange views on such issues as involving Ulaanbaatar specialists in short-term trainings in Budapest and getting professional support in the field of urban planning and public transportation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The cities of Ulaanbaatar and Budapest have been maintaining long-term friendly ties. I am confident that this partnership will ever grow in the future" said the Ulaanbaatar Mayor. Then, he underlined his willingness to carry on the projects that were previously discussed and enable Mongolian students in Hungary under the scholarship program of the Hungarian government to study urban planning, green development and ecology. In addition, He put forward his request on the urgent inauguration of the renovation project of Biocombinat plant. In turn, the Deputy Mayor Gabor Bagdi noted that the Hungarian side intends to start the project of Biocombinat plant renovation as soon as possible.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also, the UB Mayor met with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Dr. Laszlo Szabo. During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the challenges in the bilateral relations of the two countries, possibilities to broaden the ties as well as projects and programs to be jointly implemented. Dr. Laszlo Szabo noted that the two sides need to widen the partnership by launching and completing joint projects. UB Mayor S.Batbold expressed his willingness to cooperate with the city of Budapest on building green recreational areas and improvement of Selbe River flow as well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The same day, UB Mayor S.Batbold met with Ms. Alexandra Szalay-Bobrovniczky, Deputy Mayor in charge of Culture, Art and Sport of the Budapest and discussed about cultural cooperation. Moreover, the sides exchanged views on the participation of representatives from Ulaanbaatar city in upcoming events in Budapest, such as handcrafting festival and other international cultural events. In this regard, Ms. Alexandra Szalav-Bobrovniczky emphasized on the wider possibilities of developing cultural ties.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In Budapest, the delegation visited Evopro company, which has introduced the electric prototype of its MODULO bus family, called MODULO Medio Electric. It represents the latest milestone in the engineering company's zero-emission urban public transport concept.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After their visit to Budapest, the delegation led by the UB Mayor headed to Berlin, Germany.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>UB Mayor S.Batbold met with Ms. Sawsan Chebli, State Secretary for Federal Affairs in the state government of Berlin. "Ulaanbaatar and Budapest cities have traditional friendly ties, especially bilateral cooperation is developing in the scope of road, environment and urban development. Thus, we wish to deepen bilateral relations in the future." she said. Moreover, she noted that the Mayor of Berlin will pay a visit to Ulaanbaatar in July so, more detailed issues on bilateral cooperation would be touched on during his visit to Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In turn, UB Mayor S.Batbold expressed his willingness to strengthen bilateral relations of the two cities and cooperate on training corresponding officers in urban planning field. Also, he kindly requested professional support on urban planning and legislation from the city of Berlin. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Within the visit, the UB Mayor met with Dr. Udo Haase, Mayor of Schönefeld city.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9372">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Registration_for_ULAANBAATAR"></a>Registration for ULAANBAATAR MARATHON 2017 opens<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 28 (gogo.mn) Biggest sports event in Mongolia "Ulaanbaatar Marathon 2017" will take place at the Sukhbaatar square on May 20. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last year the marathon gathered a total of 24,383 runners from Mongolia, Austria, Japan, Bhutan, USA, and China.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The marathon has 2 categories - <b>Amateur</b> and <b>Professional</b>. Runners will start from Sukhbaatar square and after running specified routes, runners will finish back at Sukhbaatar square. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On this day, Ulaanbaatar city will hold its annual Car-Free Day on central streets of Ulaanbaatar city such as central roads from West intersection to East intersection will be closed from 8 a.m to 6 p.m. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The registration fee for all marathon categories is US$ 20 for foreign entrants, includes the pectoral number, t-shirt, napkin, introduction, and race routine. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Transfer the payment to Ulaanbaatar City Bank`s account 2611038120. Then bring the payment receipt at Physical Education and Sports Committee office, located at 3rd floor of Central Cultural Palace or relative sports committee in your district. In addition, you must fill out a registration form at <a href="http://www.ub-marathon.ub.gov.mn/content/register/id/4">www.ub-marathon.ub.gov.mn</a> to verify your registration. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>PROFESSIONAL MARATHON</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The professional category is divided into half - 21 km; and full - 42 km distances and includes both foreign and domestic professional runners above age 18. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In 2016, Mongolian State Honored athlete B.Ser-Od (2 hours 18 minutes) in male category and International Master of Sports B.Munkhzaya (2 hours 37 minutes) in female category won gold medals respectively in the full 42 km.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>PS: Registration deadline of professional half 21 km and full 42 km distances is May 18. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>AMATEURS` MARATHON</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Amateurs' marathon is divided into 3 distances with 4 age groups. Specifically, 5 km distance will include ages between 12-17, 18-35, 36-54, 55 and above; and 10 km distance includes everyone above age 18. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There is also marathon designed for families and people with disabilities for 1.5 km distance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>PS: Registration deadline of all amateur marathons is May 17. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Runners who finish in 1-10th places in any category will be rewarded with medals, certificate and cash prize. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more info, please visit at <a href="http://www.ub-marathon.ub.gov.mn/">www.ub-marathon.ub.gov.mn/ </a> or contact at (976) - 312785. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157882">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s1600/image006-706460.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s320/image006-706460.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753025607370994" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Diplomacy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Diplomacy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_Japan_to_grant"></a>Japan to grant US$850 million soft loan to Mongolia within IMF program<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 29 (GoGo Mongolia) The official visit of Mongolian parliamentarians headed by Speaker of the Parliament M.Enkhbold has commenced on March 27, 2017. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>On this day, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe received Chairman M.Enkbold. Meanwhile, he announced to grant a US$ 850 million soft loan to Mongolia, in scope of IMF`s Extended Fund Facility program. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This loan is almost equal to the total loan amount provided by the Japanese government since Mongolia`s transition to democracy and a market economy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Japan has provided a total of US$ 3 billion loan to Mongolia, of which approximately US$ 1 billion was soft loan. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>During the meeting, Speaker M.Enkhbold mentioned some of the major projects that can be implemented by two countries. He stated "Mongolia is extremely rich in solar and wind energy resources. We have an opportunity to produce clean energy using these resources and supply it to regional countries of Northeast Asia Grid Interconnection. We would like to implement this project in cooperation with your country". Moreover, he asked Japanese Prime Minister to take into account the issue of copper, iron ore and fluorite export to the Japanese market. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said "We are able to send a professional team to conduct research and conclusion when feasibility study of the coal-chemical complex project is completed. Other issues related to the export and energy should be requested through the Japanese embassy in Mongolia". <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157915">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Speaker_M._Enkhbold_1"></a>Speaker M. Enkhbold meets members of Japan-Mongolia friendship societies<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 28 (MONTSAME) Yesterday, March 27, Parliamentary speaker M.Enkhbold started his official visit to Japan by attending a meeting organized by the authorities of Japan-Mongolia friendship societies. The organizers of the event include 7 organizations, such as Japan-Mongolia parliamentary group in the House of Councillors, and Japan-Mongolia friendship group in the House of Representatives of Japanese parliament, Japan-Mongolia society, Japan-Mongolia friendship association and Japan-Mongolia women's "Rainbow" society of cultural exchange.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Japan-Mongolia friendship society head T.Yanagisawa expressed the society members' satisfaction with of successful development of bilateral relations and cooperation. The members of the friendship societies asked questions on future perspective of the bilateral ties and some of them put forward a request to increase frequency of flights by MIAT company between the two countries as current three flights in a week do not meet demand of passengers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Parliamentary Speaker M.Enkhbold said "- The Mongolian government and people appreciate contribution of the Friendship societies in Japan to cultural and people-to-people cooperation of the two countries. We are thankful for your heartiness for Mongolia. I hope that your good deed will develop further". He also noted that Mongolians never forget Japanese people's help in difficult times.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Japan-Mongolia society head J.Yoshida said "- Our society is a pioneer organization among societies, which was founded 53 years ago or earlier than the establishment of diplomatic relations of Mongolia and Japan. We will try our best to further strengthen friendly relations of the two countries".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In Japan, there are over 100 societies, associations and NGOs that have relations with Mongolia. The first, Japan-Mongolia society was established in 1959 with an initiative of Japanese, who had been under capture after the Second World War and returned home. The Japanese government officially admitted the society's activities in 1964. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9366">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Speaker_M._Enkhbold"></a>Speaker M. Enkhbold meets Speaker and President of Japanese Parliamentary Houses<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 28 (MONTSAME) Parliamentary speaker M.Enkhbold has met Speaker of House of Representatives of Japanese Parliament Tadamori Oshima and President of House of Councillors Date Chuichi. The parties discussed about inter-parliamentary relations and cooperation in other sectors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Parliamentary speaker M.Enkhbold thanked Mr. T.Oshima for his invitation for this visit and noted that strengthening the strategic partnership relations with Japan, the third neighbor and widening it to all sectors are priorities of foreign policy of Mongolia. " – This visit is a special as it being held in the framework of the 45th anniversary of Mongolia-Japan diplomatic relations. We are happy that the bilateral cooperation has been developed much more actively in short period, compared to the time of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Level of the relationship has been progressing consistently, from Comprehensive partnership to Strategic Partnership since 1996. The people of Mongolia are always thankful for constant support of Japan on transition to market economy and deepening of Mongolia's democratic reform" said Speaker M.Enkhbold.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the meetings, Speaker of House of Representatives of Japanese Parliament Tadamori Oshima and President of House of Councillors Date Chuichi noted the importance of inter-parliamentary relations alongside with Government level relations and expressed his hope that the Speaker's visit gives an impulse to the development of the inter-parliamentary relations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He also said that Japanese government, its people, specifically Parliament will help and support development of Mongolia further. "- I am from Aomori. I heard that Mongolian athletes plan to make trainings for "Tokyo-2020" Olympics there. I will ask authorities of the prefecture to provide Mongolian athletes with conditions to train successfully" he said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Speaker M.Enkhbold underlined that proper legal environment is vital to development of trade, economic and other sector's cooperation of the two countries. "- Therefore our objectives should include sharing experiences and knowledge of MPs through mutual visits and activate cooperation of Parliamentary groups and Parliamentary offices of the two countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In 2016, an 'Economic partnership agreement' was established between the two countries. The parliament of Mongolia pays attention to securing legal environment to free businessmen from double-taxation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr. Date said that House of Councillors is charged to study and make conclusions on Japanese development assistance and expressed his pleasure to hear that Mongolian people are thankful to Japan for being the biggest donor country since Mongolian transition to democracy and market economy. "- I also heard that there are many Mongolians, who are enthusiastic about Japan and Japanese language and wish to learn in Japan. I have no doubt that these people will be a bridge of the bilateral relations and cooperation" he highlighted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Speaker also expressed Mongolia's position that it backs Japan to become a permanent member of the UN's Security Council and thanked Japan for its support and appreciation for Mongolian membership in ASEM and joining up to East Asian Cooperation mechanism as well as for cooperation in establishing peace and stability in the region of North East Asia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the end of the meetings, Speaker M.Enkhbold confirmed his invitation of Mr. Oshima to Mongolia and invited Mr. Date to visit Mongolia and the Japanese side received the invitations with gratitude. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9381">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia-Japan_diplomatic_anniversa"></a>Mongolia-Japan diplomatic anniversary celebration kicks off with Kimono fashion show<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 28 (MONTSAME) A fashion show combining tradition with the contemporary designs dubbed as "UB Kimono" was held last Saturday, March 24, at the Japanese Embassy in Ulaanbaatar. The event was organized in honor of the 45th jubilee of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and Japan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The fashion show acted as an opening ceremony for the great anniversary in Mongolia. In Japan, the diplomatic anniversary celebrations were launched with "Swan Lake" ballet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>UB Kimono fashion show was divided into two sections, the first of which showed the audience four types of kimono: traditional, wedding ceremony, samurai and battlefield armors; and the second section was choreographed by Yavuutsagaan, a Mongolian designer who is well-known in Japan for her fashion line named "Yavuu".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Staff of Japan's diplomatic mission to Mongolia along with the Japanese citizens living in Mongolia participated in the show as models, making it possible to exhibit real Japanese emotions and styles on the runway.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chief of the Division of Culture and Education of the Japanese Embassy, Mr. Yamamoto Keigo gave vivid and detailed explanations on special features of Japanese traditional costumes and their expressions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The fashion show was also incorporated Japanese traditional dance by a Mongolian dancer Byambaa from the State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The next day, a cultural day-event was organized, showcasing Japanese tea ceremony and an exhibition of kimono, its parts and samurai armors. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/9369">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_First_meeting_of"></a>First meeting of Mongolian, Russian and Chinese experts takes place in Beijing<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 28 (MONTSAME) The first tripartite experts' meeting on the implementation of a program to establish Economic Corridor of Mongolia, China and Russia took place on March 24 in Beijing, China. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The tripartite meeting was chaired by V.Enkhbold, Director of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from the Mongolian side, Xiao Weiming, Deputy Director of Western Development Division of the China's National Development and Reform Commission from the Chinese side and A.V.Zelenov, Deputy Director of Department of Asia, Africa and Latin America countries of the Ministry of Economic Development from the Russian side.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The participants of the meeting discussed about measures and principles to carry out the program to establish Economic corridor, which was signed during the third meeting of the heads of states of Mongolia, Russia and China held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in June 2016. In particular, the sides exchanged mutual views and expressed their positions on projects to implement in the first place within the framework of the establishment of the tripartite mechanism.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting culminated in an establishment of a protocol on further measures and issues touched on this meeting on in the scope of the Economic corridor program.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/9361">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_peacekeepers_in"></a>Mongolian peacekeepers in South Sudan partake in fire outbreak control<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 28 (MONTSAME) During its course of mission, the UNMISS Mongolian Battalion in Bentiu has responsibly taken part in containment of fire outbreaks, and preventing deaths of civilians.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Swift, well-coordinated actions by different components of UNMISS saw two separate outbreaks of fire in the Bentiu protection of civilians site being taken care of without any resulting deaths or injuries. The fires, occurring over the weekend, destroyed a total of 117 shelters.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As soon as the fire was reported, an integrated team consisting of members of the UN Police, the Ghanaian Formed Police Unit, Mongolian and Ghanaian military troops and UN Security responded swiftly. They controlled the fire, and kept people safely away from it", reported Zenebe Teklewold and Filip Andersson on the event.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>UNMISS has started an investigation to determine the cause of the fire outbreaks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>source: unmiss.unmissions.org</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9363">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Kidnap_attempt:_Mongolian"></a>Kidnap attempt: Mongolian peacekeepers save refugees in Bentiu<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 28 (news.mn) The United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) has reported that Mongolian peacekeepers in Bentiu have saved the lives of domestic refugees during a kidnap attempt.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On 22<sup>nd</sup> of March, militants fighting the South Sudanese government beat nearly 30 displaced people in a vegetable garden near a refugee camp and tried to kidnap some of the young men. Fortunately, at that moment Mongolian peacekeepers, who were conducting a patrol in the area, arrived on the scene and saved the innocent refugees.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/328583">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s1600/image006-706460.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s320/image006-706460.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753025607370994" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HealthEdu></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Health & Education<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Actor_Jang_Keun-suk"></a>Actor Jang Keun-suk helps Mongolian child get cancer treatment<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>SEOUL, March 29 (Yonhap) -- Actor Jang Keun-suk has helped a Mongolian teenager get treatment for ovarian cancer in South Korea, his management agency said Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Tree J Company said Jang covered the cost for the patient's trip and medical treatment after he had heard that her family wasn't able to pay for the expenses. He also thought it would be better for her to receive treatment in Korea with better medical facilities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The child, who is currently in Korea and will receive treatment until May, is quoted as saying, "I was desperate after I was diagnosed and underwent my first surgery in Mongolia. Jang's support helped me recover."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In response, Jang said to her, "I know it is hard to get cancer treatment but hope you don't give up hope," according to the company.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The actor has been helping some 100 children in need through relief organization World Vision since 2009.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The hallyu star is scheduled to hold fan meetings in Tokyo, Fukuoka and Nagoya in Japan until next month.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/culturesports/2017/03/29/0701000000AEN20170329003400315.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Minor_corruption_widespread"></a>Minor corruption widespread in education sector finds Asia Foundation survey<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 28 (MONTSAME) The Asia Foundation and Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sports (MECSS) conducted a survey on "Transparency, ethics and corruption issues in Education sector" and on March 27, yesterday, they presented the results of the survey to officers of the Ministry.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The survey concluded that ethical offences and minor corruption is widespread in educational service and common cash transfer through teachers and students negatively influence their ethics and behavior. The survey also revealed that collection of donations, fees and payments, transparency and control on them and reporting were insufficient.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chairwoman of MECSS Education policy department D.Erdenechimeg noted that the ministry plans to take certain measures following the survey result.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/education/9371">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_New_Study_Recommends"></a>New Study Recommends Key Actions to Improve Early Childhood Education in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ULAANBAATAR, 29 March, 2017</span></b><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> (World Bank) </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>– A new World Bank <a href="http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/858921490620919928/%D0%9C%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%BB-%D1%83%D0%BB%D1%81%D1%8B%D0%BD-%D1%81%D1%83%D1%80%D0%B3%D1%83%D1%83%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D3%A9%D0%BC%D0%BD%D3%A9%D1%85-%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%81%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BB-%D2%AF%D0%B9%D0%BB%D1%87%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B3%D1%8D%D1%8D%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B9-%D1%85%D2%AF%D1%80%D1%82%D1%8D%D1%8D%D0%BC%D0%B6-%D1%87%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%80-%D0%B1%D0%B0-%D1%85%D2%AF%D2%AF%D1%85%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D1%85%D3%A9%D0%B3%D0%B6%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D2%AF%D1%80-%D0%B4%D2%AF%D0%BD">report</a> recommends that Mongolia expand access to preschool services in rural areas, prioritizing home-based early-childhood education for hard-to-reach populations, such as nomadic herders. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The <a href="http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/858921490620919928/%D0%9C%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%BB-%D1%83%D0%BB%D1%81%D1%8B%D0%BD-%D1%81%D1%83%D1%80%D0%B3%D1%83%D1%83%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D3%A9%D0%BC%D0%BD%D3%A9%D1%85-%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%81%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BB-%D2%AF%D0%B9%D0%BB%D1%87%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B3%D1%8D%D1%8D%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B9-%D1%85%D2%AF%D1%80%D1%82%D1%8D%D1%8D%D0%BC%D0%B6-%D1%87%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%80-%D0%B1%D0%B0-%D1%85%D2%AF%D2%AF%D1%85%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D1%85%D3%A9%D0%B3%D0%B6%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D2%AF%D1%80-%D0%B4%D2%AF%D0%BD">study</a>, launched today in Ulaanbaatar, revealed large gaps in school readiness among Mongolian children. But targeted interventions, such as special home-based learning for nomadic families' children and better learning materials and activities in kindergartens, proved effective in reducing these gaps.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"<i>Investing in early childhood education has long-term benefits for the economy and society in general. Quality education in the earliest years results in better health, less need for social services, lower criminal rates, and increased productivity</i>," said <b>James Anderson, World Bank Country Manager for Mongolia</b>. "<i>The report launched today has many important findings that will help improve people's access to, and the quality of, education services that shape Mongolia's future</i>." <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia has achieved tremendous gains in improving access to regular and alternative services for early childhood education, with the number of children enrolled more than doubling between 2005 and 2015.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Despite this success, Mongolian children in the greatest need of education – children from rural areas and those from poorer families – have significantly lower access. Among those enrolled in kindergartens, assessments of early development outcomes, including cognitive, language, and social emotional skills, show significant socioeconomic gaps. The largest share of the public subsidy to early childhood education thus accrues to the wealthy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The gap in school readiness can be remedied. The report shows that increasing family engagement with children through home activities, such as reading, singing and playing together, leads to significantly higher cognitive skills, underlining the potential for a home-based model to improve school readiness among the hard-to-reach populations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This approach proves far more effective in closing the school readiness gap than existing alternative education services, such as mobile <i>ger-</i>kindergartens for herders, because the short duration of the latter lowers the chances that enrolled children will catch up with peers in kindergarten.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The <a href="http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/858921490620919928/%D0%9C%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%BB-%D1%83%D0%BB%D1%81%D1%8B%D0%BD-%D1%81%D1%83%D1%80%D0%B3%D1%83%D1%83%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D3%A9%D0%BC%D0%BD%D3%A9%D1%85-%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%B2%D1%81%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%BB-%D2%AF%D0%B9%D0%BB%D1%87%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B3%D1%8D%D1%8D%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B9-%D1%85%D2%AF%D1%80%D1%82%D1%8D%D1%8D%D0%BC%D0%B6-%D1%87%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%80-%D0%B1%D0%B0-%D1%85%D2%AF%D2%AF%D1%85%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D1%85%D3%A9%D0%B3%D0%B6%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D2%AF%D1%80-%D0%B4%D2%AF%D0%BD">report</a> also highlights the need to expand kindergarten access in urban areas to include those not enrolled in preschool, while also easing crowding in urban classrooms. But simply enrolling children in kindergarten longer or starting at younger ages will not be enough to shrink the school readiness gap in kindergarten. The report recommends targeted investments to improve kindergarten quality, such as through better financing and the provision of better learning materials and greater variety in classroom activities. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2017/03/29/new-study-recommends-key-actions-to-improve-early-childhood-education-in-mongolia?cid=EXTEAPMonth1">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_International_Children's_Book"></a>International Children's Book Day to be celebrated on April 2<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 28 (MONTSAME) The 212th anniversary of birth of Hans Christian Andersen, who is respected as a king of fairytales, falls on April 2. The day is annually celebrated as an International Children's Book day worldwide as well as in Mongolia. Children's Book Palace of Mongolia regularly celebrates this day with its young readers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This year, the International Children's Book Day will take place on March 30 at the Children's Book Palace and will be open for all children and for their parents.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the event, a ceremony to hand over 300 books, including the best of the world classics and Chinese classic children's books, to the Children's Book Palace will be held. The books were sent from Taiwanese children. Also, children's book writers' greetings, children's puppet play and other arts performances will take place.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The opening ceremony of the event will be attended by N.Bold, Director of Culture and Art policy Department of Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sports and Huang Kuo-Jung, Representative of the Taipei Trade and Economic Representative Office in Ulaanbaatar and other officials as well as young readers and children's writers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/9377">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s1600/image006-706460.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s320/image006-706460.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753025607370994" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Culture></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Culture & Society<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Lotus_Children's_Centre"></a>Lotus Children's Centre to hold fundraising event on April 8<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 28 (gogo.mn) Lotus children`s centre in Mongolia to organize a delightful evening of fine dining and entertainment on April 8 at 7 p.m at the Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The event will feature;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo11'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Seasonal 3-course dinner (vegetarian option available), <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo11'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Complimentary wine and beverages,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo11'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>A variety of entertainment throughout the evening, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo11'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Ticket price includes a raffle ticketm, <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo11'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Raffle of excellent prizes including a night for two at the Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel and many more,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo11'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Auction of exciting items including artwork from the Valiant Art Gallery. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ticket price is MNT 95,000 per person and tables of 10 is available. All funds raised from this event will go to support the futures of the children in the centre. For more information or tickets please call 9433-7213 or email <a href="mailto:info@lotuschild.org">info@lotuschild.org</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Lotus Children's Centre is a Mongolian non-profit, non-government organisation working with vulnerable children and families to provide the basic human rights of shelter, food, and education. It was founded in 1995 by Didi Kalika, an Australian yoga teacher living in UB. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For the interview with the founder Didi Kalika, please click <a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/152077" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157907">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Review:_Mongolian_throat"></a>Review: Mongolian throat singing is unlike anything else<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 27 (The Ubyssey) <i>Khöömei</i> — the long, low overtone emanating from the singers' throats — is hypnotic and calming. Anda Union brought it from their homes in Mongolia and filled the walls of the Chan Centre with a sound the likes of which it has never played host to before. In a season that has brought us New Orleans jazz, Russian opera, flamenco dance and sweeping orchestral performances, the strange, surreal hum of these performers represented a surprising move into a previously uncharted realm of music.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This was Anda Union's first and only foray into Canada on their tour across the world, and it gave attendees on Sunday night an experience whose uniqueness and rarity would be sold short if I described it as "a once in a lifetime opportunity."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Anda Union are not just performers, they are also conversationalists. The sounds, stories and culture that they capture in their music come from a time that was at risk of being obliterated by the great upheavals that have shaped China's recent history. The group's aim is the gathering of the music that was once integral to Mongolian culture, with the aim of re-engaging fellow Mongolians who have lost their heritage while also raising the world's awareness to its existence.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Essential to the group's sound are the vocals, known as either overtone or throat singing. The technique relies on the manipulation of air passing through the respiratory system, which when done correctly produces two, distinct notes at the same time. It sounds ridiculously cool, even eerie at times and there are around six different types of overtones — <i>Khöömei </i>— used by Anda Union, each remarkably different from the others. The sheer physical strength that must be required to sustain these sounds alone is impressive, but is all the more striking when paired with the array of instruments that accompany the performance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>(PLAYLIST)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>These include an array of string instruments that will look familiar to anyone who has ever been to the symphony, though they are boxier and mostly two-stringed. The primary instrument of the show is called the <i>morin huur</i>, or horse head fiddle, which while also having an actual horse's head carved into it, can produce a sound highly reminiscent of the creature in question. These, accompanied by sheep skin drums, a lute, bass and reed flute, amounted to a performance whose sound was versatile, emotive and rich. I don't think that I've ever been so aware of how much music can encapsulate a culture as when I was watching this performance and picking up details about the origins of different aspects of the music. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>For instance, the throat singing is supposed to capture the sounds of the wind moving over the grass lands and was used by herders to call and subdue sheep. The horse heads are another example, as horses were a vital part of Mongolian culture and many of their songs used horse riding as a motif.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Every explanation only enforced the idea that what we were witnessing was not only a performance, but also a lesson in Mongolian culture. Great efforts were made to ensure that we understood what we were listening to as much as we were enjoying it. With this intention, several of the songs were accompanied by videos of Anda Union back in Mongolia, providing interesting visual context. While these videos were not always necessary and sometimes felt a bit like afterthoughts, it was still fun to see a traditional drinking song paired with a montage of Mongolian people getting wasted.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The songs were well-curated to take us through a slew of different genres and musical traditions from many of the different regions of Mongolia. There were lively "cowboy" numbers (complete with dancing), romance songs, maternal tributes and slow, solo pieces. On particularly impressive work had the performer producing sound from his throat while also playing a <i>moadin chor</i> (reed flute), creating (by my math) three notes at the same time.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The best concerts that I have seen at the Chan Centre have been not only entertaining, but also great lessons from the artists on their craft. I've seen Wynton Marsalis regale his audience with tales of jazz greats, heard Jonathan Girard happily recount details about the subtle rebellions made in the symphonies of Shostakovich and now I have heard Anda Union teaching their audience about a part of Mongolian culture that risked being lost to both its people and the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Anda Union showed their audience the sheer power and importance of simply playing music and how vital the conservation of tradition is to understanding the culture of a nation. In their songs, were were given the rare opportunity to experience not only a dying art, but also an age that has long since passed — sustained only through the remarkable efforts of people like them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.ubyssey.ca/culture/review-mongolian-throat-singing-is-unlike-anything-else/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s1600/image006-706460.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s320/image006-706460.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753025607370994" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Nature></a><a name=Sports></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Sports<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_Football_Federation"></a>Mongolian Football Federation signs contract with German head coach<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 28 (MONTSAME) The Mongolian Football Federation has chosen Mr. Hans Michael Weiss as a national league coach, in consideration of his UEFA PRO rank and experience in working with Asian players.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Coach Weiss and the MFF leaders inked the one-year agreement on Monday, March 27. Mr. Michael Weiss started coaching the Philippines football team, which ranked at the 190th place in the world ranking at that time, and elevated its rank up to the 127th place within three years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hans had worked as an assistant coach of the Chinese national league and chief coach of the national league of the Republic of Burundi, J League of Japan and the First national league of Romania.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While working here, Mr. Michael Weiss is to place focus on finding solutions to challenges faced by football teams of Mongolia of all age categories, and is to lead the team of football coaches.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr. Michael Weiss will be training the Mongolian national team for the Asian Football Championships (AFC) under 23, to be held this July in Thailand. The team will have games with Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia on July 19, 21 and 23. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9375">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Tyrell_Corbin_is"></a>Tyrell Corbin is on a record-breaking pro basketball adventure in Mongolia, Indonesia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 28 (Deseret News) Even when a career in the NBA doesn't materialize, there are plenty of other opportunities to earn a living playing basketball. And leagues in Spain, France, China and Italy don't even scratch the surface of places to play around the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Former West High School guard and 2011 Utah Mr. Basketball, Tyrell Corbin knows that first hand.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"I knew I would play basketball for a living," said Corbin. "I just didn't know where. It's a blessing that this game has taken me around the world in such a short time."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Corbin, who is in his second season of professional basketball after finishing his college career at Cal-State Bakersfield, has already made a name for himself in some far-off locales. In two short years, he has played in professional leagues in Montenegro, Mongolia (yes there is professional basketball in Mongolia) and Indonesia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"There were complications with our team to where the owner stopped paying everyone," he said. "The situation went on too long and I wanted to leave. Fortunately, another agent was in contact with me because of my play there and he was able to place me in Mongolia in January."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia was a really good fit for Corbin who enjoyed just about everything but the weather during his time there. "Mongolia was great, but it was really cold. I can remember it being below 0 degrees for the first three months," he said with a laugh. "The food was actually really good. It helped that Burger King and Pizza Hut were in my city."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>He also really enjoyed the fans.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The fans were amazing. I played for one of the top teams, and we had a great season so fans would come up to me almost every day when I would go out to the mall or to eat."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>But all the attention from fans took some getting used to.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>about as authentic a prehistoric experience as you'll find this side of the silver screen.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"It was a little shocking at first to be acknowledged in random places and asked to take a lot of photos."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>All of that recognition — along with some great play on the floor — earned him a trip to the all-star game. "The fans voted on a Facebook poll and the coaches voted me as a starter. It was big time for me because it's always nice to have your hard work rewarded."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Corbin also found plenty of team success in Mongolia as he carried SBL Hasiin Khuleguud to the league finals before losing, but his stay in Mongolia only lasted one season.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"I really enjoyed Mongolia but at the end of the day, it's a business and I have to do what's best for me. I'm just focused on getting better every season and moving my way up in every situation. I was contacted and told that I was drafted in Indonesia. Another step above Mongolia, so again I'm just happy that my game has been acknowledged and people want me to play for them."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865676551/Tyrell-Corbin-is-having-on-a-record-breaking-pro-basketball-adventure-in-Mongolia-Indonesia.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s1600/image006-706460.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s320/image006-706460.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753025607370994" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Art></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Art & Entertainment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_From_Montreal_to"></a>From Montreal to Mongolia – An Interview with 'Braids'<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>By Rosalind Perrett</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 28 (The Mongol Messenger) Canadian experimental pop band Braids, comprising Raphaelle Standell-Preston, Austin Tufts and Taylor Smith, have been creating music together since 2007. Following the success of their debut album Native Speaker, released January 18th 2011, which garnered positive reviews from the likes of Pitchfork, Spin, and Rolling Stone, the band went on to release a further two albums – Flourish//Perish, released August 20th 2013, and Deep in the Iris, released April 28th 2015, which won the 2015 Juno Award for Alternative Album of the Year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Companion, a 19-minute EP compiled from songs left off Deep in the Iris, was released May 20th 2016. Braids' 2017 tour of Asia has seen them play Beijing, Tokyo, Osaka, Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen and Shanghai, and culminated on Saturday 11th March at the Gandan View, Ulaanbaatar, to a wildly appreciative audience.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I spoke to lead vocalist, guitar and keyboard player Raphaelle, and drummer and vocalist Austin, about music, muses, and Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Q. This was your first ever concert in Mongolia. What brought you to this destination?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: We have a wonderful booking agent who booked us a tour in Asia to test out our new material. We've been trying out some new songs, and getting a chance to see the continent. It started with Japanese shows, and then Chinese shows fell in, and Mongolia was like, 'Why not?' My father had been here before, and he was always telling me, 'You have to go to Mongolia! You'll fall in love with it, it's amazing.' And it worked out! For some crazy reason we ended up in Mongolia, and it's been amazing so far.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Q. Did you know anything about the Mongolian music scene before you arrived?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: I knew some traditional Mongolian stuff like throat-singing and Morin Khuur playing, and it's incredible. It's actually some of the most emotionally-charged music I've ever heard.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: That's cool. I should listen to it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: It's so heavy. It's really amazing. But none of us knew much about the new music scene until Saturday night, when we saw a bunch of bands. It was really cool.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: Really cool.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Q. What were your first impressions of Mongolia when you landed?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: Kindness. Deep kindness.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: Absolutely. I was kind of shocked because as we were flying in from China, from Beijing, we were flying over mountains and it was clear skies the entire day, so the whole time we were flying we could see everything. We saw the mountain range, and then the Gobi desert, and then the mountains starting again, and it was like, 'Oh, this is cool! There's a little village! There's the trans-Siberian railway!' Then suddenly, the plane came around a mountain and we saw this sprawl of gers and yurts and tall buildings, and then the coal factories down-town.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: Yeah, there was a lot of stuff all at once.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: It was mayhem. Like kind of disorganised, kind of organised mayhem. Houses everywhere and animals right near the airport. We were like, 'This is so cool! This is amazing!'<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Q. I hear you've been sleeping in a ger. How has that experience been for you?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: I actually had to leave because I have really bad asthma, and I'm kind of allergic. We were in a ger that was on a farm, so I was next to all these animals. But Austin and our sound man stayed at the ger.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: It was incredible. It was such a beautiful experience. Just being out in the absolute middle of nowhere. And the ger is so comfortable. Incredibly comfortable. We put a big bucket of coal on the fire and closed it. The heat mellowed out, and then lasted until about 6:30am. At around 7am I woke up and my nose was really cold and my ears were cold, but I put on my toque and my long-johns and I fell back to sleep for an hour, so I was like completely sound asleep from 11:30pm to 8am.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: That's better than I had at the hotel!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: It was so quiet and it smelled amazing. You were just in this felt bubble! I was so happy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Q. What did you think of the food?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: I love the food here.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: It was so amazing. They made us mutton soup with vegetables and potatoes and it was really good.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: So good.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: And this morning we had fried eggs in horse fat or something, some kind of fat, and it was so good, just so good. And we had the traditional fermented horse milk (airag).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: It's crazy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: And the salted tea! The salty milk tea!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: And the vodka is like 18%. I like that it's not so heavy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: It was very nice, very herbal. Very easy to drink.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Q. The audience at the Gandan View was really responsive to your music…</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: They were really responsive!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: Yeah, they were really cool.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Q. Did you anticipate such a good reaction in Ulaanbaatar?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>BOTH: I had no expectations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: I was like, 'We are going to the farthest place that we have ever been from Canada', so I had no expectation. I was just excited to go to Mongolia. So yeah, it was nice that it was also a good show.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Q. Would you say that Mongolia is a good destination for foreign artists and groups?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: That's a hard question because there's a very small, just-starting music scene here, so it really depends if you can afford it. It's very difficult to make up your expenses by playing this market, but I think it's very important that bands start to come here, because it's very difficult for the scene to grow unless they have international role models. There was an amazing sense of 'I've never seen this before, I've never heard this before' at our concert, which I thought was so cool because you go to Europe or North America and people are like, 'Yeah this is great, I like this, but I've heard things that are wackier than this, things that are more 'vanilla' than this'. It was so cool coming here and feeling like we were playing the kind of music that the people there had maybe never heard before. I really enjoyed that. It was like when the throat-singers came to my house in Canada when my father was doing collaborations with them, and I was like, 'This is crazy.'<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Q. How old were you then?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: I was young, about fifteen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Q. And your father was collaborating with Mongolian musicians? Can you tell us more?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: Yeah. So my dad is also a drummer, he's primarily like a jazz music drummer, and that's actually how I got hooked up with the people at the Embassy, because Deb Rasmussen works here in Mongolia, and she's the singer in my dad's jazz quintet. So my dad came out to play the jazz festival and they did a week-long workshop with the jazz school here, the conservatory, and then they also played shows in Beijing. He came here twice, and the musicians that he was collaborating with here were a traditional group called Alta Hangai. They came back to Canada and recorded in Calgary with my father's group.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Q. Has your experience in Mongolia inspired you to write new music?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>BOTH: Absolutely, yeah.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: Yeah, because actually, riding the horses yesterday was one of the best experiences of my life. It was so amazing to be on an animal, to be in nature, with a horse guide who didn't speak a lick of English, but who we were able to communicate with through feelings and riding the horses together. Yeah, I think it will definitely inspire us.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Q. So nature really helps?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: Exactly. In a big way. There's something about being in the city that creates a deep anxiety in all of us, and as soon as we taste mountain air, fresh air, a cold stream or anything, as soon as we're in nature, we're so calm. It's an amazing thing and I think it allows for deep reflection and it allows for us to absorb our thoughts and to make better music.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Q. Would you play in Mongolia again?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: Absolutely.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: Yes! We're talking about maybe doing Playtime Festival this year, or maybe next year. It will be fun to come back.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Q. How do you feel about where you are as a band right now?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: So excited. But frustrated, to be completely honest.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: Yeah, frustrated.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Q. Is it too much touring?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: It's a lot of touring. I think we're kind of unappreciated as a band. We all kind of think that we should have a bit more reach than we do, but I think that will come in time. I think that we write pretty weird music and pretty heavy music that some people really want to turn off from, that requires you to think. It's not easy listening, so I think that with time...it's a very slow build for us.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: We started very young though.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: We started at seventeen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: We've already been doing this for ten years and it's like, most people when they start a band are our age now and they're touring for the first time. But we're in our mid-twenties and it's like, 'We've been touring for eight years!' We're starting to get tired. It's really difficult because the comfort level of what we're doing hasn't really moved up that much.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: It has though in comparison to Motel 6 and couch-surfing. We used to sleep in sleeping-bags on random people's floors, and then we started sleeping at Motel 6, and in the sketchiest hotels with the grossest beds. We're trying to keep our morale good, especially while the music industry is going through such a strange transition in terms of streaming services, and stuff which really devalues music and doesn't pay you enough for the hard work that you put into it. And social media is also another really weird one, for the artist to have to make a product out of their band in a very obvious way that takes up a lot of your time. That's really confusing too.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: But then the most exciting things I think for us are…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: Coming to Mongolia!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: Yeah! And that now that we are much more mature as humans and as musicians, all of our skills, our experiences, our age and our maturity, are coming to a head at the same time, and it's a very exciting thing. All the music that we've been writing in the studio now is so much better than anything we've done previously. The songs are so much stronger, more potent, and we're way more confident and sure of our sound. We're not trying to be weird and different for the sake of being weird and different. That's like a teenage thing, you know? Because we started when we were seventeen years old, we were kind of going through those growing pains, and we were going through those growing pains in the public eye, which is a very bizarre thing. We put out our first record, and it saw a lot of critical acclaim, which was amazing, but it was also very confusing because we were still developing and we didn't want to just do that sound for the rest of our lives. We wanted to change and keep growing. And so we grew and we changed, and it was a weird step.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: And people were like, 'Ugh, I don't like that.'<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: Yeah, like, 'I don't like that, why didn't you just do that again?' And I was like, 'Well, because we're nineteen years old, you know, and it's like I'm still learning how to play the drums! I don't want to just do that for the rest of my life, I want to keep growing'. And so we kept growing, and lyrically too, we changed so much. The whole thing has been such a journey. Now I feel like we're finally mellowing out, and the quality level is really rising I think because of where we're at in our personal lives.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: Yeah. We're all a lot chiller now.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: We're really ready to take that next step in terms of commitment to the art, and also realising that it all comes down to just making a great record. And I think it's taken us three albums to learn that, and that no matter how much you freak-out and worry...<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: About the music videos, the Instagram, having a manager, not having a manager...<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: Yeah, all this stuff. It's like, if you have undeniably amazing sounds that people connect with…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: Everything else will just fall into place. And that's what makes you feel the best too, because it's work that you're making, it's not something that is fleeting. You're making music that affects people, and the people you're performing to. We have to constantly keep coming back to that, because we do everything ourselves. We do all of our music videos, we are on a DIY label that Taylor, the other member, helps run. We do all of our social media. We can sometimes get a bit carried away from the actual intent of the music. These kinds of tours actually, and the kind of experiences we've had in Mongolia, like yesterday's horse-back riding, totally bring us back to like, 'Oh yeah, we're best friends, and our music has brought us to Mongolia.' It gives us that energy to go back home and to write music that's really meaningful to us.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: But being in the studio in Montreal in the winter has been very difficult.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: It is hard.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: But there's also this weird energy. You get really down and you get really upset, and we have a big fight and blow up, and then we come back together and write the best song we've ever written. So yeah, it's like this weird 'burn the forest down' kind of thing that happens in the winter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: It's really intense. I'm sure you can relate, being in Mongolia. It gets hard in the winter time.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: Where we come from, Calgary, Alberta, is almost identical to Ulaanbaatar. Geographically, it's very similar. It's very close to the mountains.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: It's not quite as close as this, but you can see the mountains in the distance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: And if you look at the weather any time of the day between Ulaanbaatar and Calgary, Alberta, it's almost exactly the same.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Q. What's the next step for Braids? Are you creating a new album?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: Yeah, we're going to go back and continue working on songs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: We're going to make a hit, basically.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: Yeah, we're going to make a hit record!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AT: That's the next stage.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>RSP: Yeah, we'll make something really good, I'm pretty sure of it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/content/montreal-mongolia-%E2%80%93-interview-%E2%80%98braids%E2%80%99">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s1600/image006-706460.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s320/image006-706460.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753025607370994" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Travel></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Travel<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Dornod-Manzhouli_cross_country"></a>Dornod-Manzhouli cross country transportation service opens<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 28 (MONTSAME) Cross country transportation service through Khavirga-Ar Khashaat border crossing from Choibalsan city of Dornod aimag to Manzhouli, China opened on March 27.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The opening ceremony was attended by Governor of Dornod aimag and officials of National Road Transport Department of Mongolia. P.Delgernaran of Road Transport Service said "As discussed during the 30th joint session between the Mongolian and Chinese delegates of road transport sector, cross country transportation between Choibalsan city and Manzhouli of Inner Mongolia, China route is now launching. This will enable safe transportation service between the designations".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Having signed a contract with the National Road Transport Department, "Tal nutgiin Kherlen" LLC and "Mongol aylal juulchlal" LLC will be responsible for the transportation service. In the designated route, large-sized bus will be available on Monday and Wednesday at the moment. By an estimate, normal-sized buses will be scheduled twice on Friday if the passengers increase. The travel expense will cost MNT 44 thousand for adult.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9373">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Atlas_Obscura_Places:"></a>Atlas Obscura Places: International Intellectual and Puzzle Museum of Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>An institution dedicated to curiosity, logic, riddles, and Mongolia's long history of puzzles. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(Atlas Obscura) <a href="http://www.atlasobscura.com/things-to-do/mongolia">Mongolia</a> has a history of puzzle-crafting, and has created some of the world's most difficult puzzles and chess sets. Shatar, a Mongolian version of chess, dates back to the Middle Ages, while more modern burr puzzles (made from interlocking pieces of wood) can be traced back throughout the 1900s.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>That history is honored at the International Intellectual Puzzle Museum, or the IQ Museum for short. The museum is the creation of Tumen Ulzii, who was born to nomadic herders and would have followed that path had he not fallen in love with logic puzzles at an early age.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>His father gave him a six-piece burr puzzle with one piece missing. After he solved the problem of the missing piece he began creating his own puzzles, founded a company to manufacture logic games for the youth of Mongolia and a museum to showcase puzzle and logic history. Ulzii's work has not gone unrecognized—he has been awarded the prizes for "Best Inventor in Mongolia" and "Meritorious Person of Culture."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The museum displays some puzzles created by Ulzii himself, as well as rare and precious puzzles from around the world. Over 5,000 toys, puzzles, and games are on view, most of which visitors are invited to fiddle with. Ulzii's inventions are usually wooden, the pieces carved into whimsical Disney characters and animals of the zodiac. Some even depict figures from Mongolian history, like Genghis Khan. The simplest are the traditional six-piece models, but some puzzles in the museum include as many as 350 pieces. There are also various puzzles made from gold, precious stones, and silver. One turtle-shaped puzzle offers a prize of $100,000 if solved within a specific timeframe. In the museum's three decades of operation, no one has ever solved it. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian chess, another of Ulzii's passions, is also featured in the IQ Museum's exhibits. Masterful wooden carving, a skill essential to crafting the intricate puzzles, is also exhibited at the museum in the traditional furniture which decorates the space. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The purpose of the museum is not just to catalogue the history of puzzles in Mongolia, but to remind visitors that curiosity and play are an important part of training the brain. Visitors to the museum are guided by a docent who will watch perform magic tricks, watch you struggle with the puzzles, then reveal their solution to you in a matter of seconds.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/international-intellectual-museum">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_-_A"></a>Mongolia - A Great Adventure Holiday for 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>Ever fancy riding horses across a beautiful scenic landscape with not a fence in sight? Then join a trip to Mongolia and experience the freedom of an open ride.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>ULAANBAATAR, ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA, March 28, 2017 /EINPresswire.com/ -- If you're looking for a great adventure travel holiday in 2017, then Mongolia is the place you want to be. Ethical Traveler, for the 2nd year in a row, reported that Mongolia is again one of the destinations that is a must see. And there is no better way to see this country than by horseback.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Keith Swenson, a U.S. citizen who first worked in Mongolia helping to improve national park management, stayed on long after his project ended to co-found <a href="https://stonehorsemongolia.com/" target="_blank">Stone Horse Expeditions & Travel</a>. As one of the top rated horse riding operations in the country, Stone Horse offers multi-day horseback expeditions across the cultural and wilderness landscapes that one client describes as "National Geographic scenery" in its breath and scope. "It's hard not to fall in love with the countryside here" says Swenson. "And our easy going horses are the best companions to help you do that". <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With vast natural areas and a variety of terrain that includes open steppe, forested mountains, rivers and desert, Mongolia is a wonderland of natural scenery. As a destination, it's fairly easy to get to, flying into the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, or for the more adventurous, taking the <a href="https://stonehorsemongolia.com/ecotourism/trans-siberian-stopover-mongolia/" target="_blank">Trans Siberian Railway</a> from Beijing or Moscow and arriving very slowly in the "Land of the Eternal Blue Sky", as Mongolia is known. Stone Horse Expeditions has been helping travelers feel at home here, learning about the culture and people for years. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"One of the things we like to do" says Swenson, "is to help our guests connect with their horses, the people we meet along the way and to get a sense of Mongolia and its history". Most famous for its founding father, Genghis Khan, Mongolia is known as a land of horse warriors who took the world by storm. Today however, the people of Mongolia, as they probably always have been, are extremely hospitable and easily welcome visitors with open arms. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Stone Horse offers a variety of trips, from it's multi-day <a href="https://stonehorsemongolia.com/expeditions/" target="_blank">horse riding expeditions</a> through the cultural and wilderness landscapes of the Khentii Mountains, a biodiversity hotspot, to Gobi desert excursions, where the desert terrain is spectacular in its sweeping vistas, as well as a very homey, traditional "herder family ger (yurt) stay", where guests get to experience herder life as it is lived today. And if you just want to walk, their autumn hiking trips take you through some colorful fall scenery.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Our horse trips are for the novice to expert rider", says Swenson. "We have horses that can accommodate most levels of experience, but it's better to have a little horse riding under your belt". Of course with the variety of trips they offer, non riders have a great choice to see the country too.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As a country, Mongolia is modernizing fast. The capital city Ulaanbaatar is now home to almost half the population, where economic opportunities can be better found. But the countryside is also seeing more and more development with a mining boom in recent years bringing new financial gains. For this reason, Mongolia is a place to see now before it changes too much. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>So, whether you looking for a great horse trekking adventure, a Gobi desert expedition, spending time with a traditional herder family ger stay and learning their way of life, or just hiking through the countryside, Mongolia is the place you want to visit, and 2017 is a good year to go. You won't regret it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.einnews.com/pr_news/373207852/mongolia-a-great-adventure-holiday-for-2017">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s1600/image006-706460.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoZ3BJLZGerdTD9Kb7ot779-lLMNqT_gQ_Pu8ZxNv-GmAhLF_g98vlSWY0u9P3hELpVEQl5jiPXzfkINxKXHuqRxevXgf8K7-zZ4Eis3ASRAXGuaLngMIzR38PCFUkiSmMaSR9RWxt80/s320/image006-706460.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753025607370994" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#365F91'>---<br></span><b><span style='color:#44546A'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKx9eTAQqMfu4lRxFiN1GZPrLjQ6d2jmOqEbWija6E1W7tx6sCb24iW7uX-Hc0vxKRGrVm0SwmNUuQEPwPbO6FnZKZh4eAP7-bGFwte9C69le3tEUNYEc8A2r5-IGsKxZjMjOP474x0tQ/s1600/image010-724778.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKx9eTAQqMfu4lRxFiN1GZPrLjQ6d2jmOqEbWija6E1W7tx6sCb24iW7uX-Hc0vxKRGrVm0SwmNUuQEPwPbO6FnZKZh4eAP7-bGFwte9C69le3tEUNYEc8A2r5-IGsKxZjMjOP474x0tQ/s320/image010-724778.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753107735869394" /></a></span></b><span style='color:#365F91'><br></span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><span style='color:#365F91;text-decoration:none'><a 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style='color:#365F91'> </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><span style='color:#365F91;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjM6IGrAo3FXfEFUF1vGCkagqEOS4agajT4LRQ5Sw4Gu25b-ISHHI5jqNV6MGHkAsAyLRKWe4lD37NRNU7NdKj9cz9CLMnL5EP4xrxSzpuDPaaS72wwQjjMUVLYstpJ0WZUjjnfScXy1s/s1600/image014-738179.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjM6IGrAo3FXfEFUF1vGCkagqEOS4agajT4LRQ5Sw4Gu25b-ISHHI5jqNV6MGHkAsAyLRKWe4lD37NRNU7NdKj9cz9CLMnL5EP4xrxSzpuDPaaS72wwQjjMUVLYstpJ0WZUjjnfScXy1s/s320/image014-738179.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753165428630194" /></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><span style='color:#365F91;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgsBxScCkHaDDU6PDndpEVlldUyXdHnuQNYj7y3bqDptJt_FBjfEj5EpSTSHbcAoM-dAYWy_2ifl5HmlUMLZs_VoR4JKNiI-7x7GwFHPtByNFYHdDVRv1rxVPenFyYA2hpray7n5fjfw/s1600/image015-741500.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSgsBxScCkHaDDU6PDndpEVlldUyXdHnuQNYj7y3bqDptJt_FBjfEj5EpSTSHbcAoM-dAYWy_2ifl5HmlUMLZs_VoR4JKNiI-7x7GwFHPtByNFYHdDVRv1rxVPenFyYA2hpray7n5fjfw/s320/image015-741500.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753177005414898" /></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'> </span><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:#365F91;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHro1OwWN9DgiZtHabg6RdN5plrNjJiTre3aOocpiBNxfwlVYHJR6-IH9BZB9MX6DeMczxdPBLnvI9JGolq9QAsGZFmDxaYYCjPwvaQM8kp1DSvDufQplGsogIx-03WFYeU97bZWGxjrs/s1600/image016-744790.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHro1OwWN9DgiZtHabg6RdN5plrNjJiTre3aOocpiBNxfwlVYHJR6-IH9BZB9MX6DeMczxdPBLnvI9JGolq9QAsGZFmDxaYYCjPwvaQM8kp1DSvDufQplGsogIx-03WFYeU97bZWGxjrs/s320/image016-744790.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402753194289182034" /></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Suite </span><span lang=MN style='color:#1F497D'>303</span><span style='color:#1F497D'>, Level 3, Elite Complex<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>14 Chinggis Avenue, Sukhbaatar District 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia<br></span><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Email</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: </span><a href="mailto:info@covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@covermongolia.com</span></a><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Website</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: <a href="http://www.covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>www.covermongolia.com</span></a></span><u><span style='color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Phone (Office)</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: +976 7711 6779</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:Webdings;color:#339966'>P</span><span style='color:#339966'> </span><span lang=EN-AU style='color:#007F00;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-60369308188732083242017-03-28T10:56:00.001+08:002017-05-11T09:56:03.729+08:00[TRQ posts profit; AKM secures rail customer; Wood resigns from WOF; MIAT opts to lease; and Speaker visits Japan]<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiICSpnhbb4Z7T-h-VeaRjhjReezU3Hqh-JlPXtYBs5d3hf_F0Dups89X5zHplP3D5wMxDZUOzEQZIj7iNMiWwnLGn9ud7N6VXa6i7R5olfY8Vdn9yk9ebXyNMIHta2eG6ecLaId1Uz8/s1600/image001-706902.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiICSpnhbb4Z7T-h-VeaRjhjReezU3Hqh-JlPXtYBs5d3hf_F0Dups89X5zHplP3D5wMxDZUOzEQZIj7iNMiWwnLGn9ud7N6VXa6i7R5olfY8Vdn9yk9ebXyNMIHta2eG6ecLaId1Uz8/s320/image001-706902.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378081833118546" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgA-gkyMGkOcJ97TX4UtqE9Y6nraDlgiJSDXgcb3fd3UIHvdFmqZEs6Vst35Hmjc8Zz3TJMe11m_4K98qDDqjp63plAR25IMGpN8yeWa8P3nwJynsMqC6zL-jenzta6v4tOuqHVx13Fo/s1600/image002-710202.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZgA-gkyMGkOcJ97TX4UtqE9Y6nraDlgiJSDXgcb3fd3UIHvdFmqZEs6Vst35Hmjc8Zz3TJMe11m_4K98qDDqjp63plAR25IMGpN8yeWa8P3nwJynsMqC6zL-jenzta6v4tOuqHVx13Fo/s320/image002-710202.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378088302588610" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Tuesday, March 28, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'>Cover Mongolia</span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span style='color:#4472C4'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></u>, <span style='color:#00B0F0'><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#00B0F0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#2F5597'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#2F5597'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span style='color:black'>, </span><span style='color:#C55A11'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><b><span style='color:#C55A11'>Instagram</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#C00000'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><b><span style='color:#C00000'>YouTube</span></b></a></span> and <span style='color:#FFC000'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><b><span style='color:#FFC000'>Blogspot</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><u>Jump to</u>: <a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> - <a href="#Local">Local Market</a> - <a href="#Economy">Economy</a> - <a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> - <a href="#Business">Business</a> - <a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> - <a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> - <a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> - <a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> - <a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> - <a href="#Sports">Sports</a> - <a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> - <a href="#Travel">Travel</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Headlines in <b><i>Italic</i></b> are ones modified by Cover Mongolia from original<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>HEADLINES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadIntl></a><u><a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Turquoise_Hill_posts">Turquoise Hill posts 4Q profit</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Turquoise_Hill_announces">Turquoise Hill announces financial results and review of operations for 2016</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Northern_Railways_Signs">Northern Railways Signs MOU to Provide 5 Mtpa of Freight Capacity on Erdenet to Ovoot Railway</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Wolf_Petroleum:_Matthew">Wolf Petroleum: Matthew Wood resigns as non-executive director</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezQvLqHE35v7k-44cwH1dW4pPiAePiKm6WKjdt7Uz3AKgmA6GAWofCZRkAGv8US7BVh9jYxs5VDuHVeti2SJS-0-R0oTWTZDEBUeLS9BeuErWsDSiZ8HCiCgxE8ahQf_HIGJTf1VQFEc/s1600/image003-713350.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezQvLqHE35v7k-44cwH1dW4pPiAePiKm6WKjdt7Uz3AKgmA6GAWofCZRkAGv8US7BVh9jYxs5VDuHVeti2SJS-0-R0oTWTZDEBUeLS9BeuErWsDSiZ8HCiCgxE8ahQf_HIGJTf1VQFEc/s320/image003-713350.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378103320960434" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadLocal></a><u><a href="#Local">Local Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MSE_Weekly_Report:">MSE Weekly Report: Top 20 -3.16%, ALL -4.44%, Turnover ₮248.1M Shares, ₮1.9B T-Bills, ₮12.8B Issued</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MSE_Trading_Report,">MSE Trading Report, March 27: Top 20 -1.02%, ALL -0.68%, Turnover ₮47.1M Shares, ₮1.6B T-Bills</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AML/CFT_working_group">AML/CFT working group of Mongolia holds regular meeting</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1s4YJq_FaiWAlEynG9T54R1_XQYxSgeG6_H_aYOyNPkJt6xVtX3-P761s4q4QRE_aslMbSsYI98qL1BsJH3GpXPQcbphhPB3SZhak3dUKxLmCvBKEfp9GGuQs5JjgKZ7sse_eT2yh9WA/s1600/image004-716176.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1s4YJq_FaiWAlEynG9T54R1_XQYxSgeG6_H_aYOyNPkJt6xVtX3-P761s4q4QRE_aslMbSsYI98qL1BsJH3GpXPQcbphhPB3SZhak3dUKxLmCvBKEfp9GGuQs5JjgKZ7sse_eT2yh9WA/s320/image004-716176.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378114255224194" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadEconomy></a><u><a href="#Economy">Economy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_MNT_Rates:">MNT gains for 2<sup>nd</sup> day against USD; USD/MNT down <span lang=MN>₮0.33</span> Monday to <span lang=MN>₮2,458.85</span></a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_issues_₮588">BoM issues ₮588 billion 1-week bills, total outstanding +21.4% to ₮1.18 trillion</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Food_prices_up">Food prices up sharply in March</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Overview:_2017_Budget">Overview: 2017 Budget Amendment Bill</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFbibVgkEkz0M5zlf0HhHJfTvLEIxqquhGYc4qY4TxJN_-ztSeA5T7jmnR_MugltIzyD6l7CkrIELunR_JrwfQ36WL91X6HB1YIFoVanaZU1M12724kzDF5o2kWS7krxdzFl1OVMl1os/s1600/image005-719568.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFbibVgkEkz0M5zlf0HhHJfTvLEIxqquhGYc4qY4TxJN_-ztSeA5T7jmnR_MugltIzyD6l7CkrIELunR_JrwfQ36WL91X6HB1YIFoVanaZU1M12724kzDF5o2kWS7krxdzFl1OVMl1os/s320/image005-719568.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378137751011922" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadPolitics></a><u><a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Defacto_Review,_March">Defacto Review, March 26: New budget, judicial independence, air pollution plan, astronaut anniversary</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_NGOs_vow_to">NGOs vow to fight for rights of child jockeys harmed during spring races</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_PM_concludes">Mongolia PM concludes working visits to western provinces</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_President_addresses_12th">President addresses 12th MONFEMNET meeting on gender equality</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_We_sat_down">We sat down with the governor of Umnugobi Province, N.Naranbaatar</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Voice_of_Mongolia">Voice of Mongolia Audio News for March 27</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_New_issue_of">New issue of Mongolia Today magazine is out</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire">AmCham Daily Newswire for March 27, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s1600/image006-723669.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s320/image006-723669.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378151054157074" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadBusiness></a><u><a href="#Business">Business</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_Mining_Journal:">Mongolian Mining Journal: 100 issues of togetherness in development</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_converts_two_1">Mongolia converts two Boeing 737 purchase orders to leasing</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_EBRD:_Sainshand_Wind">EBRD: Sainshand Wind Park Project Passes Concept Review, Pending Final Review</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Annual_Technology_&">Annual Technology & Investment to Mongolia conference and exhibition to be held in April</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_9_days_left">9 days left for "Mongolia Mining 2017" expo</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Hogan_Lovells_hosts">Hogan Lovells hosts training for women leaders on Executive Presence</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_How_To_Create">How To Create A Retail Company With A Great Future</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Time_Travel_Turtle:">Time Travel Turtle: Gobi Cashmere factory in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s1600/image006-723669.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s320/image006-723669.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378151054157074" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadUlaanbaatar></a><u><a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Ulaanbaatar_public_transport">Ulaanbaatar public transport to serve only with smart bus cards from April</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s1600/image006-723669.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s320/image006-723669.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378151054157074" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadDiplomacy></a><u><a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Chairman_of_Mongolian">Chairman of Mongolian Parliament M.Enkhbold leaves for Japan and Bangladesh</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Joint_survey_starts">Joint survey starts on China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_EU_works_with">EU works with Mongolia on strengthening political and economic links</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Embassy_in_Paris">Embassy in Paris holds book launch meeting for Mongolian author</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Peacekeeping_Leaders_Address">Peacekeeping Leaders Address Shared Challenges</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s1600/image006-723669.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s320/image006-723669.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378151054157074" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadHealthEdu></a><u><a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_to_Adopt">Mongolia to Adopt South Korean Approach to Treatment of Stomach Cancer</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_UB_Health_Department">UB Health Department to cooperate with Medical University Nursing School</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Health_Minister_meets">Health Minister meets JICA Senior Advisor on joint projects</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Exploring_space_science">Exploring space science with Mongolia's first astronaut J. Gurragchaa</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s1600/image006-723669.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s320/image006-723669.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378151054157074" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadCulture></a><u><a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Location_of_Chinggis">Location of Chinggis Khaan's military stronghold Chinhai discovered</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Nomadic_ger_innovated">Nomadic ger innovated as puzzle game, seeking crowdfunding</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Sanity_Sunday-_Music">Sanity Sunday- Music from Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Growing_up_in">Growing up in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s1600/image006-723669.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s320/image006-723669.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378151054157074" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadNature></a><u><a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_government_to">Mongolia government to intensify wildfire prevention measures</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s1600/image006-723669.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s320/image006-723669.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378151054157074" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadSports></a><u><a href="#Sports">Sports</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_D._Zagdsuren_reelected">D. Zagdsuren reelected as President of Mongolian National Olympic Committee</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_wins_four">Mongolia wins four bronze medals at Sambo World Cup 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Opening_ceremony_held">Opening ceremony held for 4th Universiade</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s1600/image006-723669.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s320/image006-723669.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378151054157074" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadArt></a><u><a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> <b><o:p></o:p></b></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Citizen_Kane_and">Citizen Kane and The Eagle Huntress in Oshawa, Ajax</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s1600/image006-723669.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s320/image006-723669.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378151054157074" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadTravel></a><u><a href="#Travel">Travel</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Russian_government_advises">Russian government advises its citizens not to shout loudly and get drunk in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s1600/image006-723669.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s320/image006-723669.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378151054157074" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>ARTICLES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=International></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Int'l Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Announcement made after Monday close. <a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSE:TRQ">TRQ</a> closed +0.99% Monday at US$3.06<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Turquoise_Hill_posts"></a>Turquoise Hill posts 4Q profit<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 27 (AP) Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. (TRQ) on Monday reported fourth-quarter earnings of $93.3 million.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Vancouver, British Columbia-based company said it had profit of 5 cents per share.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The metal and coal mining company posted revenue of $224.6 million in the period.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For the year, the company reported profit of $210.6 million, or 10 cents per share. Revenue was reported as $1.2 billion.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the final minutes of trading on Monday, the company's shares hit $3.06. A year ago, they were trading at $2.58.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/news/turquoise-hill-posts-4q-profit-214409219.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Turquoise_Hill_announces"></a>Turquoise Hill announces financial results and review of operations for 2016<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - March 27, 2017) - Turquoise Hill Resources today announced its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2016. All figures are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>HIGHLIGHTS</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Full year 2016</i></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Oyu Tolgoi achieved an industry-leading safety performance with an All Injury Frequency Rate of 0.22 per 200,000 hours worked for the year ended December 31, 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>On May 5, 2016, Oyu Tolgoi received the formal notice to proceed for underground development by the boards of Turquoise Hill, Rio Tinto and Oyu Tolgoi LLC.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>On October 21, 2016, Turquoise Hill filed the updated Oyu Tolgoi Technical Report.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>At the end of 2016, 1.6 equivalent kilometres of underground lateral development had been completed for the year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>In 2016, progress was made on the sinking of Shafts 2 and 5 with final depth for both shafts expected to be reached in 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>During 2016, the bulk excavation component of the convey-to-surface system was completed, followed by the commencement of the decline tunnel work in January 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Oyu Tolgoi recorded revenue of $1.2 billion in 2016</b> on record concentrate sales of 828,600 tonnes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>For 2016, the Company recorded <b>net income from continuing operations attributable to owners of Turquoise Hill of $210.6 million</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Turquoise Hill generated operating cash flow before interest and taxes of $399.2 million in 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>For 2016, Oyu Tolgoi's cost of sales was $2.07 per pound of copper sold, C1 cash costs were $1.02 per pound of copper produced and all-in sustaining costs were $1.48 per pound of copper produced.(1)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Operating cash costs<sup>(1)</sup> of $775.3 million in 2016 was below the Company's guidance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Turquoise Hill's cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2016 were approximately $1.4 billion.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>In June 2016, Oyu Tolgoi drew down approximately $4.3 billion of the project finance facility and used all net proceeds to pay down shareholder loans payable by Oyu Tolgoi to Turquoise Hill.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Oyu Tolgoi operated at record levels for material mined and ore treated; concentrator throughput exceeded nameplate capacity by year end.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Copper production of 201,300 tonnes</b> and <b>gold production of 300,000 ounces</b> exceeded the Company's guidance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Compared to 2015 results, material mined for 2016 increased 5.6%, concentrator throughput increased 10.5%, copper production was similar and, as expected, gold production decreased 54.1%.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Disposal of SouthGobi Resources shares</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On September 22, 2016, the Company announced it had disposed of 375,000 common shares of SouthGobi Resources Ltd. (SouthGobi) and beneficially owned or controlled less than 10% of SouthGobi's issued and outstanding common shares. On October 12, 2016, the Company completed the sale of its remaining stake in SouthGobi.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/turquoise-hill-announces-financial-results-and-review-of-operations-for-2016-nyse-trq-2205646.htm">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=ASX:AKM">AKM</a> closed +20% Monday on the announcement to +20%<o:p></o:p></i></p><h1><a name="_Northern_Railways_Signs"></a>Northern Railways Signs MOU to Provide 5 Mtpa of Freight Capacity on Erdenet to Ovoot Railway<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]><b>Northern Railways has signed an MOU with the 100% owner of the Huren Chuulut Iron Ore Project to access the Erdenet to Ovoot Railway.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]><b>Huren Chuulut development plan calls for production of 5 mtpa of magnetite concentrate.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]><b>MOU focuses on sharing information and coordinate planning to lay the groundwork for a formal rail haulage services agreement.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo3'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>•<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]><b>Huren Chuulut is potentially the first major user of the Erdenet to Ovoot Railway as it could access the rail line before construction is completed through to the Ovoot Coking Coal Project.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 27 -- Mongolian metallurgical coal explorer and infrastructure company, Aspire Mining Limited (ASX: AKM, the <b>Company </b>or <b>Aspire</b>), has, through its rail subsidiary, Northern Railways LLC ("<b>Northern Railways</b>"), entered into a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") with <b>MTGT LLC</b>, the 100% owner of the <b>Huren Chuulut Iron Ore Project</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Huren Chuulut is a large iron ore deposit located approximately 50 kilometres to the north west of the Khuvsgul capital of Moron and 60 kilometres north of the approved rail alignment for the Erdenet to Ovoot Railway. <b>This Project needs rail to Erdenet to be able to connect to customers in China</b>. Mongolia currently exports iron ore to Chinese customers along the Trans Mongolian Railway.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <b>MOU covers the sharing of development progress, mutual support in funding activities and the provisional allocation of 5 Mtpa of freight capacity</b> as soon as the rail line has been extended to the proposed connection point approximately two thirds along the total 549 kilometre Erdenet to Ovoot Railway.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is <b>expected that the Northern Rail Corridor will see significant demand for its freight capacity of at least 15Mtpa</b>, growing to 30Mtpa in the long term.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Aspire's Managing Director <b>David Paull</b> said that <b>this MOU demonstrated that the Erdenet to Ovoot Railway will not only benefit Mongolia's coking coal industry</b>. Once completed, the Northern Rail Corridor, of which the Erdenet to Ovoot Railway is an important part, will see transport of a range of resources, agriculture and manufactured goods".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170327/pdf/43h27clbr8rlwh.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=ASX:WOF">WOF</a> closed -5.4% Monday to A$0.035. Trading 5.7% mid-Tue at A$0.033<o:p></o:p></i></p><h2><a name="_Wolf_Petroleum:_Matthew"></a>Wolf Petroleum: Matthew Wood resigns as non-executive director<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 27, Wolf Petroleum Ltd. (ASX:WOF) Wolf Petroleum Limited ('the Company') announces that Mr Matthew Wood has resigned from his position on the Board as Non-Executive Director effective immediately.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Board wishes to thank Mr Wood for his contribution to the Company.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170327/pdf/43h2l5c489llfv.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170328/pdf/43h34kr1lgvbp7.pdf">Final Director's Interest Notice</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5PPF7jVin2DRDoXHfIS4ZRWsXYpwWGZ5uW2R4aAvGQiUNwrW3i4p21QJ3Eg-LvsXpw71jRTRXMH3eOeqKcLhjzRK6fJ655K2sAhkW4cujaKlOLIlBzs_zADXIGU4AHXE3BHkS-QrYVA/s1600/image007-726914.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp5PPF7jVin2DRDoXHfIS4ZRWsXYpwWGZ5uW2R4aAvGQiUNwrW3i4p21QJ3Eg-LvsXpw71jRTRXMH3eOeqKcLhjzRK6fJ655K2sAhkW4cujaKlOLIlBzs_zADXIGU4AHXE3BHkS-QrYVA/s320/image007-726914.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378161674876242" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Local></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Local Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_MSE_Weekly_Report:"></a>MSE Weekly Report: Top 20 -3.16%, ALL -4.44%, Turnover <span lang=MN>₮</span>248.1M Shares, <span lang=MN>₮</span>1.9B T-Bills, <span lang=MN>₮</span>12.8B Issued<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 27 (MSE) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsd4IYDo5NFmnbHVCjqWxT0OIjcs9s6lzotvUjs-ATOs8U_eYeTIYrJ4Vy7eokLhSzgBgJJhSpXVvGjq-FqpEKdoLFsH5tAAd7wSk372KgovTyVKazxD0YyPMQ5iH2ymGPmRRdMDFYbg/s1600/image008-729926.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvsd4IYDo5NFmnbHVCjqWxT0OIjcs9s6lzotvUjs-ATOs8U_eYeTIYrJ4Vy7eokLhSzgBgJJhSpXVvGjq-FqpEKdoLFsH5tAAd7wSk372KgovTyVKazxD0YyPMQ5iH2ymGPmRRdMDFYbg/s320/image008-729926.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378175271739810" /></a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/uploads/ariljaa/reports/report_en-15.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_MSE_Trading_Report,"></a>MSE Trading Report, March 27: Top 20 -1.02%, ALL -0.68%, Turnover <span lang=MN>₮</span>47.1M Shares, <span lang=MN>₮</span>1.6B T-Bills <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 27 (MSE) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhQatzSG1rWu5Xn8LpPxXuBgv_3KQOToRk8G1Amy4ge1Cuc6U0TNRD1mbxGBJKDHRsqmzmRfruYDQEIuzusMZL5akG0yxUOUFZIOoRymhGb5Q4N8znN-MMoB4pH9z5eOsL2-UfVaF7KA/s1600/image009-732380.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUhQatzSG1rWu5Xn8LpPxXuBgv_3KQOToRk8G1Amy4ge1Cuc6U0TNRD1mbxGBJKDHRsqmzmRfruYDQEIuzusMZL5akG0yxUOUFZIOoRymhGb5Q4N8znN-MMoB4pH9z5eOsL2-UfVaF7KA/s320/image009-732380.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378186543100338" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/uploads/ariljaa/reports/report_en-17.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AML/CFT_working_group"></a>AML/CFT working group of Mongolia holds regular meeting<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 25 (Financial Regulatory Commission) Working group in charge of the implementation of the Law on Anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing and Recommendations from Financial Action Task Force /FATF/ holds its regular meeting in order to discuss a course of activities to be conducted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia's regime on AML/CFT has been rated as partially compliant by the mutual evaluation from the Asia/Pacific Working Group on Money Laundering and report from the Mongolian officials, says Mr. Batzorig.B, Head of the Working group.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Since a significant share of the mutual evaluation conducted by the FATF's APG fall within the Financial Regulatory Commission's regulatory framework and its relevant institutions, it's the responsibility of the FRC to pay particular attention to this issue. In this respect, the FRC has developed an action plan to improve the current condition, prevent potential risks with collaboration of the law enforcement organizations and Financial Stability Committee.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://frc.gov.mn/en/news/1220">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2bSY-_XH5aDZtZD9cXITGBX261wp9PBHvfrXGYXAv6LU3IjcdTZHLIDYogScylQM3IIxy871U2u8GIyR5M-nQPBUbHo5H3SU_IzFk3dtcM3XqbYFs_lzhPz4Dof0eeKVHYgSr31UAUc/s1600/image010-735614.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh2bSY-_XH5aDZtZD9cXITGBX261wp9PBHvfrXGYXAv6LU3IjcdTZHLIDYogScylQM3IIxy871U2u8GIyR5M-nQPBUbHo5H3SU_IzFk3dtcM3XqbYFs_lzhPz4Dof0eeKVHYgSr31UAUc/s320/image010-735614.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378201757404674" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Economy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Economy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>Reds</span> are when MNT fell, <span style='color:#00B050'>greens</span> when it rose.<b> <span style='color:red'>Bold reds</span></b><span style='color:red'> </span>are rates that set a new historic high at the time. </i><o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_BoM_MNT_Rates:"></a><span lang=MN>BoM MNT Rates: </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>Monday</span><span lang=MN>, </span>March 27 <span lang=MN>Close </span><o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=951 style='width:712.95pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/27</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/24</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/23</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/22</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/17</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/16</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/15</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/14</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>High</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>Date</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1044" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/b27dbc49-e16d-41ae-8557-f99cdb40c367.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e147de94-098c-41fc-a613-e68b961bc287.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>USD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,458.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,459.18<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,459.57<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,459.38<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,457.58<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,458.10<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,457.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,454.96<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,457.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,458.38<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,498.75</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1045" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/bebede1f-9fde-45e8-9abf-07cee5d98010.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/7fff4ee5-d12c-4bd2-8a56-d47fa1ab5b0d.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>EUR</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,671.66<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,649.52<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,654.98<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,656.50<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,649.64<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,647.37<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,645.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,633.07<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,614.01<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,615.22<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,681.43</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/10/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1046" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/280be717-5c83-46be-b0c7-d0b2cf9575f2.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/73256f8e-4c86-438d-9d39-350646eb7f40.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>JPY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>22.32<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>22.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>22.11<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>22.06<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.78<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.83<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>21.68<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.68<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.42<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.35<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>23.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/9/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1047" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0e866dbf-0eff-45bc-aa83-c145b2345900.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/170ec7e9-2636-4b7d-a624-7ae9fef54841.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>GBP</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,089.30<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,070.04<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,068.81<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,066.97<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,038.31<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,052.47<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,033.31<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,012.73<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,005.06<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,983.49<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>3,183.26</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>8/13/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1048" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/33370dc8-8964-434b-8694-6462f39746fb.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a481156f-5e01-436d-b063-c22ecd3ed0dd.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>RUB</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>43.13<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.81<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.86<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.70<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.89<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.93<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.41<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.23<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.58<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>41.69<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>54.32</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>6/27/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1049" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/c37f3eb9-e9ba-4c1d-bc0f-2669bc4c1412.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/56dc9518-41a5-4bb4-9d57-167f6de07f2e.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CNY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>357.66<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>356.72<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>357.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>357.18<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>356.28<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>355.99<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>355.72<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>356.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>355.49<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>355.30<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>363.02</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/5/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1050" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e5792094-f0b8-4c3a-a82b-97ddd5401a38.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ab781b89-2767-4b9c-b3cb-b3c6cc603016.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>KRW</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.21<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.19<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.19<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.19<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.19<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.20<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.15<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.14<o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.20<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>3/20/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1051" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/75233918-55b6-4977-a5ef-f682c93bbdb0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/9a4a44a5-6be7-4141-8159-5aa30a12bb45.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>SGD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,765.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,755.99<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,757.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,758.27<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,756.79<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,759.93<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,751.46<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,748.55<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,739.74<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,737.19<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,759.93<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>3/20/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1052" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a8311ed8-a900-4237-bf18-4ebf7b10bbf0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/53fdb4a8-f38e-4f01-b01a-c2dee4a6895d.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CAD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,845.01<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,840.98<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,843.69<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,839.68<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,840.95<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,843.48<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,842.20<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,845.90<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,825.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,825.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,908.84</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/18/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1053" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/5d744e37-53d2-4c10-aa04-7bc77a3c3abc.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/6ec5578f-dca9-4257-b326-e755e3b2400b.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>AUD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,876.23<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,872.79<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,879.36<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,886.47<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,893.32<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,902.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,885.23<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,892.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,862.87<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,855.22<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/16/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1054" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6f012c2-8c16-455d-b0b0-8427d7512a2b.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6b9f8ce-b8d2-4ce7-bdce-b85ce1812325.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>HKD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.57<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.60<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>316.66<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.46<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>316.53<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>316.44<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.22<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.29<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.42<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>322.21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1055" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0588bbef-101c-4211-8d37-8045475e110d.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ae638f8b-a29a-4d70-90b3-52ad2a79d482.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CHF</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,496.04<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,474.27<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,476.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,478.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,465.35<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,463.52<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,466.62<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,455.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,438.95<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,435.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,497.77</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/09/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:red'>Bank USD rates at time of sending</span></b>: <a href="https://www.khanbank.com/en/home/rates">Khan</a> (Buy ₮2,450 Sell ₮2,460), <a href="http://tdbm.mn/en/exchange">TDB</a> (Buy ₮2,450 Sell ₮2,458), <a href="https://en.golomtbank.com/home/citizen">Golomt</a> (Buy ₮2,450 Sell ₮2,460), <a href="http://xacbank.mn/en/calculator/rates">XacBank</a> (Buy ₮2,450 Sell ₮2,459), <a href="https://www.statebank.mn/w/en/m1">State Bank</a> (Buy ₮2,450 Sell ₮2,460)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/graphic_dailyrate.aspx">USD (blue), CNY (red) vs MNT</a> in last 1 year:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkuWi06dCJfbghTL-yCTxEovf1cqpfZVUG6dcvvhuoOEatGHexZ_DmD6qZx1YKdvKRMW0gFEtWd9eijCoydHK_AhsmGves-nt7C2cbParnZoUh7wW0g5fZc1EIrGzMHlThj9IxD0m50s/s1600/image011-738353.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkuWi06dCJfbghTL-yCTxEovf1cqpfZVUG6dcvvhuoOEatGHexZ_DmD6qZx1YKdvKRMW0gFEtWd9eijCoydHK_AhsmGves-nt7C2cbParnZoUh7wW0g5fZc1EIrGzMHlThj9IxD0m50s/s320/image011-738353.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378213632347298" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistofficialdailyrate.aspx">Link to rates</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_issues_₮588"></a>BoM issues <span lang=MN>₮</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>588 billion </span>1-week bills, total outstanding +21.4% to <span lang=MN>₮1</span>.<span lang=MN>1</span>8 trillion <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 27 (Bank of Mongolia) BoM issues 1 week bills worth MNT 588 billion at a weighted interest rate of 14.0 percent per annum /<a href="http://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistcbb.aspx">For previous auctions click here/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=173">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Food_prices_up"></a>Food prices up sharply in March<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 27 (UB Post) As of March 22, prices for consumer goods increased by 0.2 percent after March 15 and have been up by slightly less than six percent since February, according to the National Statistical Office (NSO).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>MEAT</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The NSO reported that prices for bone-in mutton increased by 0.2 percent, bone-in beef was up by 0.6 percent, and filleted beef was up by 0.6 percent after March 15. Prices for bone-in goat meat fell by 2.6 percent and the price for bone-in horse meat remained the same.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Compared to February, all types of meat sold for prices at least five percent higher</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Prices for bone-in mutton increased by 9.8 percent, bone-in beef by 5.1 percent, filleted beef by five percent, bone-in horse meat by 5.4 percent, and bone-in goat meat by 7.3 percent.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On average, bone-in mutton is currently being sold for 6,620 MNT per kilogram, bone-in beef for 7,785 MNT, filleted beef for 9,010 MNT, bone-in horse meat for 4,875 MNT, and bone-in goat meat for 4,700 MNT per kilogram.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>VEGETABLES</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Prices for most vegetables have spiked since last month, except for potato prices, which fell by 1.7 percent.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The prices for carrots rose by 1.4 percent, beets rose by 5.9 percent, and onions rose by 2.8 percent in the past month, <b>while cabbage prices doubled</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On average, cabbage is being sold for 2,000 MNT per kilogram, beets for 1,400 MNT, carrots for 1,040 MNT, and potato for 750 MNT per kilogram at most large markets in Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>DAIRY PRODUCTS</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As of February 22, the price for one liter of processed milk rose by more than five percent to 2,400 MNT, and raw milk rose by 33.3 percent. The price for a half liter of packaged milk fell by 2.1 percent and is being sold for 1,100 MNT.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There haven't been any significant changes to the prices for most dairy products since March 15, apart from the price for a single liter of packaged milk, which rose by 2.1 percent.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sour cream has been selling for the same price since March 15, which was 1.1 percent higher than it was in February 22. Sour cream imported from Russia costs an average of 3,400 MNT in Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>OTHER STAPLES</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Prices for flour, sugar, vegetable oil, rice, and eggs have not seen changes in the past three weeks, but they have risen slightly since February.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Compared to February, prices for eggs rose by 7.6 percent to 320 MNT, vegetable oil by 0.4 percent to 3,700 MNT, sugar by 5.8 percent to 2,350 MNT per kilogram, and white rice rose by 0.4 percent to 2,480 MNT per kilogram. Meanwhile, the price for one kilogram of all-purpose flour rose by 2.7 percent, with most markets selling it for 1,200 to 1,300 MNT. Bread flour and unbleached flour prices rose by 2.4 percent respectively, ranging between 800 MNT and 1,300 MNT.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/27/food-prices-spike/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Overview:_2017_Budget"></a>Overview: 2017 Budget Amendment Bill<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 27 (UB Post) Minister of Finance B.Choijilsuren submitted a final draft of amendments to the 2017 state budget to the Speaker of Parliament M.Enkhbold, drafted for the implementation of an extended fund facility program from the International Monetary Fund.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The authors of the amendments believe they will help in implementing basic guidelines for 2017's socio-economic development and include measures from a program to overcome economic challenges approved by Parliament last year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The amendments focus on strengthening the state budget and the nation's financial environment, permanently reducing budget deficits, and strengthening fiscal discipline.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Minister B.Choijilsuren pointed out that the following measures are outlined in the amendments:</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>1. increasing excise taxes on alcoholic beverages and imposing a tariff on imported cigarettes<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>2. increasing excise taxes on gasoline and diesel fuel within legal limits<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>3. raising excise taxes on vehicle imports, depending on engine capacity<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>4. dividing personal income taxes into three brackets and increasing personal income tax for people with higher incomes<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>5. charging a ten percent tax on interest earned from savings accounts<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>6. raising social insurance fees<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>The Minister of Finance also noted that the following measures will be taken to reduce the government's operational expenditures and to cut spending:</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>1. increase the efficiency of tenders being carried out in the medical sector<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>2. gradually raise the retirement age every two years<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>3. promote the Meat and Milk Campaign to develop meat and dairy products, launch the Atriin 3 Campaign to improve agriculture, and support small enterprises to create more jobs<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>4. provide the state's monthly welfare allowance of 20,000 MNT for children and other state assistance only to targeted groups<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>5. repeal existing laws that put pressure on the state budget<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Under the amendments, the state will aim for revenue to reach 23.1 percent of GDP (6.015 billion MNT), expenditure to be 33.7 percent (8.789 billion MNT), and for only 10.6 percent (2.774 billion MNT) to be deficit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/27/draft-of-amendments-to-the-2017-state-budget-complete/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1s4YJq_FaiWAlEynG9T54R1_XQYxSgeG6_H_aYOyNPkJt6xVtX3-P761s4q4QRE_aslMbSsYI98qL1BsJH3GpXPQcbphhPB3SZhak3dUKxLmCvBKEfp9GGuQs5JjgKZ7sse_eT2yh9WA/s1600/image004-716176.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1s4YJq_FaiWAlEynG9T54R1_XQYxSgeG6_H_aYOyNPkJt6xVtX3-P761s4q4QRE_aslMbSsYI98qL1BsJH3GpXPQcbphhPB3SZhak3dUKxLmCvBKEfp9GGuQs5JjgKZ7sse_eT2yh9WA/s320/image004-716176.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378114255224194" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Politics></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Politics & Legal<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Defacto_Review,_March"></a>Defacto Review, March 26<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 27 (Jargal Defacto) Reviewed topics:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>1. New Budget<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>2. Judicial independence<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>3. Air pollution plan<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>4. Astronaut anniversary<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPjJan7Dp-8">Link to video</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_NGOs_vow_to"></a>NGOs vow to fight for rights of child jockeys harmed during spring races<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 27 (gogo.mn) Mongolian human rights organizations including National Center for Children's Rights, Adolescent Development Center and MONFEMENT National Network and Civil Society Network for Public Education today announced to fight for the rights of child jockeys harmed during spring horse races. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Government of Mongolia violates the law, not implementing common functions to manage economic, social and cultural organizations. The horse races held in spring revealed that the governors are not implementing the state management in their belonging aimags. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>More than 50 child jockeys fell off their horses at the spring horse races that held in Tuv, Gobi-Altai, Khuvsgul, Khovd and Dornogobi aimags. Of which 10 children received minor injuries while six of them seriously injured and one child died. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Even the court delayed the organization of the races, the Government ignored the court`s decision. Therefore Mongolian human rights organizations expressed to fight for the rights of the child jockeys against the Government.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157881">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_PM_concludes"></a>Mongolia PM concludes working visits to western provinces<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 27 (MONTSAME) Prime Minister J.Erdenebat paid a working visit to western provinces, namely Khovd, Gobi-Altai, Bayan-Khongor and Uvurkhangai on March 23-25.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The weather was bad in those days, with heavy snowfall and storm, blocking some passes. Heavy snowfall in early spring days is considered favorable for vegetative growth as Khovd, Gobi-Altai and Bayankhongor aimags had small amount of snowfall in winter, while herders of Bayan-Ulgii and Uvurkhangai aimags have had barriers to pasture their livestock.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Main principle of our Government is to meet people and hear their opinions and views. This allows us to define the needs of local people properly. I have worked in 11 aimags since my appointment. In each meeting, people ask to solve economic difficulties immediately as their lives are getting tougher. The Government is working and will continue to work hard utilizing all possibilities" said PM J.Erdenebat.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Among the requests put by local people, issues related to healthy, safe and favorable living conditions, including energy and heat supply, hygienic condition of drinking water were common.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Almost every aimag has a center of professional vocational training. The centers train professionals with the same specialization matching to training basis, equipment and facilities. "- Even though the market has sufficient professionals of that specialization, the centers continue to train with that specialization, which means a policy failure. Therefore, the centers should have united and specified structuring" said the PM.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Western provinces have problems of energy and heat supply. Due to many low-pressure stoves, air pollution has increased. "The Government will pay attention on increasing capacity of the power plants, including establishing a integrated network of heat supply of Uvurkhangai and Bayankhongor aimags, which has been under consideration for many years" said PM J.Erdenebat.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During his visit, the PM resolved some issues on the site. The major issues include:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>In Khovd aimag</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- To establish a 64 megawatt-hydro power plant with budget of over USD 260 million<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- To build 163 km paved road en route Khovd and Bayan-Ulgii and put into operation within this year (ADB financed project)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- To make renovation to the building of Western Region Diagnostic Center<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- UAZ van was granted for medical service<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>In Gobi-Altai aimag</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- 46 km long steel pipe for drinking water to be put on between Taishir soum and Altai soum (with Austrian investment of Euro14 million)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- To complete the building of 263 km paved road en route Gobi-Altai and Bayankhongor within this year<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>In Bayankhongor aimag</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- To build heating power station with finance of Ex-Im bank of Republic of Korea, to be commissioned in 2018<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Budget of MNT540 million was included in the State budget for the building of "Center of the hard workers". The center will provide over 500 persons with work place. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- To construct new building of a museum<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- A van was granted to the hospital<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>In Uvurkhangai aimag</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- To establish a united network for heating of Uvurkhangai and Bayankhongor aimags<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- To distribute 300 tons of hay free of charge and 500 tons of forage with 50 per cent discount<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- A van and 22 types of equipment with 193 pieces, worth MNT 4 billion were granted to the hospital<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9341">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_President_addresses_12th"></a>President addresses 12<sup>th</sup> MONFEMNET meeting on gender equality<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 27 (MONTSAME) MONFEMNET National Network NGO organized its annual summit 'Through the eyes of women' on March 24-26 at Chinggis Hotel, and President Ts.Elbegdorj was present to deliver an opening speech.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Since 2006, the NGO has held the summit every year on the occasion of International Women's Day, March 8, with an aim to address gender equality, and make a human rights-based and gender-responsive assessment on strategically important matters concerning Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During his speech, the President highlighted three points which included an encouragement for civil society organizations to never back down from what they mean to achieve, a reminder on what civil society organizations should focus on and structure of civil society organizations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"If the citizens are strong and ambitious, the nation will move forward", he remarked, encouraging more participation from citizens in the community.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Since 1990 when the first civil society organizations were founded, over 30 thousand civil society organizations have been formed and registered in Mongolia, and one out of every 6 organizations is actively operating today, a study reveals.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9340">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_We_sat_down"></a>We sat down with the governor of Umnugobi Province, N.Naranbaatar<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Mongolian Economy Magazine, March 2017 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 27 (Mongolian Economy) <i>We sat down with the governor of Umnugobi Province, N.Naranbaatar.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>- Umnugobi is a province with resources useful for Mongolia's development. How are you setting provincial development goals? What issues that need to be addressed are you facing?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Three of the 13 strategic deposits of Mongolia are located in our province. Furthermore, Umnugobi is the largest province in Mongolia by territory and a major tourist destination. Twenty-three large tourist camps are operating in our province, contributing to in the development of family and private businesses in the province. In addition, our province trades with China through two ports. In recent years, the Chinese side has been frequently organising exhibitions, which gives us an opportunity to people engaged in family businesses to sell their products. We need to develop our developmental policy based on these three main advantages.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Things need to be based on research, however. Thus, we reformed Umnugobi Province's socio-economic baseline studies. N.Amarzaya MP and Oyu Tolgoi provided a certain amount of funding for the initiative by the governor's office. A team of scientists from the national universities worked in our province for six months and recently handed over the study to the local authority.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>- The population of your province has significantly increased in recent years. How is the availability of jobs today?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Whether this rapid growth should continue is a population policy issue to decide. Our province has a population of about 63 thousand people. It would be more than 80 thousand if we include the people who come here to work. In the future, it will be resolved by providing jobs more for the local residents. In the past, we came to an understanding with the companies operating here that they must provide jobs to the local residents. Then, people increasingly started to transfer their residency to get jobs, and it is same for businesses. Companies affiliated in Ulaanbaatar open their branches here and then turns it to a company established in Umnugobi. This situation must also be taken care of appropriately. We are striving to get the local companies to supply more than 50 percent of OT's procurement in the next four years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>- How is life today in Umnugobi? They say that most of the herders of your province have 2-3 powerful vehicles. Are there any soums where poverty is a concern?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Levels of poverty are lower compared to other provinces as people are living in a mining region. For example, registered residents of Khanbogd, Tsogttsetsii and Gurvantes soums exceed 5,000. That figure would be 10 thousand if we included the people who go there to work. Manufacturing and service businesses are growing along with the population. Residents of soums with large mines are more than likely working in mines compared to people of other soums. Mining salary is higher than the salaries of other sectors. For example, the salary of heavy vehicle operators is around MNT 3-5 million per month.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On the other hand, it should be noted that our province has many soums that do not have a single operating mine. Threats such as soums becoming abandoned due to migration to mining areas are being observed. An integrated policy needs to be implemented. Regulations on establishing cooperation agreements with mining companies, equally distributing the funds coming from them, setting quotas within the workforce policy on the provincial level and establishing more industries in soums without mines are needed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>- Mining operations have significantly expanded within 10 years, but what changes have there been in the tourism sector? What works are planned?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Tourist camps in our province have the best service in Mongolia. Many comfortable and high-end tourist camps have been established. Some camps are even capable of receiving 1,500 people at once. However, there are a tremendous amount of problems to solve regarding the infrastructure. In particular, it is important to connect the natural sites to paved road. We are working to resolve infrastructure issues in the western part of the province as tourism is more developed there. However, this requires a huge amount of funds which our province cannot provide alone.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On the other hand, it is fully possible to develop cross-border tourism. There are huge tourism regions of China behind the two ports. The government needs to give its support to attract them and take care of the visa issue. Our tourist camps have the potential and the capacity, if there is enough support.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>- You mentioned building roads in the west of the province. People ask why such issues cannot be resolved by cooperating with the large mining companies operating in the province. What would you say about that?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Our provincial administration began construction of a paved road in the western region in 2012 at our own expense. At least MNT 300 billion will be required to pave 300 km of road leading to Gurvantes soum, the westernmost soum of the province. Currently, we have paved 80 km of road after paving 10-20 km of road per year by doing what we can. We submitted a request to the government as it would prolong the issue if it continues like this. However, our request was not included in the state budget due to the economic difficulties. Still, we will continue to do what we can.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A variety of offers come from companies. Some even propose finishing the road together, but there are many urgent issues to resolve in this mining region, including hospitals, schools, dormitories and sewage lines.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We closely cooperate with Oyu Tolgoi. The company started investing USD 5 million per year beginning last year within the cooperation agreement made with our province. This investment is dedicated to social infrastructure, especially in health and education, so those funds cannot be spent on road construction.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We are also negotiating with other mining companies to establish similar agreements. We will begin making agreements after the Lunar New Year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>- Water is scarce in the Gobi desert, and the issue has become especially important due to mining activities. Is there hope for a solution?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-Initially, large mines and mining projects were planning to use groundwater resources. The provincial authority will not support this. People are also not supportive of this because it will affect animals and vegetation and lead to desertification. Although we have groundwater resources, the provincial authority is supporting the previously discussed "Kherlen Gobi" and "Orkhon Gobi" projects. Although these projects have not been discussed much lately, the provincial administration has submitted a request to the government on restoring the projects.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>These projects will also go through the territory of other provinces such as Dundgovi, Dornogovi and Uvurkhangai in addition to Umnugobi. They would be greatly beneficial to agriculture and animal husbandry.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolianeconomy.mn/en/w/9726">Link to interview</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Voice_of_Mongolia"></a>Voice of Mongolia Audio News for March 27<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 27 (Voice of Mongolia) Listen to the latest news summary of daily top news stories hosted by the Voice of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Today's highlights:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Mongolian national dwelling Ger library opens in Taiwan<span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Heavy and light production to be promoted<span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Mongolia's water reserves considered<span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>World Bank helps Mongolia diversify exports<span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(AUDIO)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157884">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_New_issue_of"></a>New issue of Mongolia Today magazine is out<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 27 (MONTSAME) The Mongolia Today quarterly magazine is published by the English Publications Department of MONTSAME National News Agency. The Mongolia Today edition for January-April 2017 is dedicated to the Ulaanbaatar Investment Forum 2017, which took place in the capital city on February 20.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For Mongolia, 2017 will be a year of remarkable responsibility as the government has recently agreed to implement International Monetary Fund's financial program in order to overcome economic difficulties. Reviving the economy by way of boosting foreign investment is the crucial objective under the current conditions. Therefore, we focused more on the investment environment of the capital city.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Some of the article featured in the this edition covering a wide range of topics are as follows,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Review on how the development of Ulaanbaatar city can be intensified through investment<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Interviews with Ts.Sandui, Chairman of the Citizen's representative Khural and O.Amartuvshin, member Administrative Board of Directors<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Opinions of foreign investors and local businessmen on the opportunities the forum provides and the Mongolia's business atmosphere.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- History of Mongolia's Presidential Elections<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- New development projects put into operation in 2016<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Coverage from the 11th International Mongolian Studies Conference<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Introduction to the Mongolian talents famous around the world<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Reasons Mongolian people love their Tsagaan Sar<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Captivating culture of Mongolian horses - 2017 tours events guide<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Expats' life in Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- History of Ulaanbaatar architecture and many more. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Subscription to print and digital editions of Mongolia Today quarterly magazine is available.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/content/new-issue-mongolia-today-magazine-0">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for March 27, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Speaker of Parliament to pay an official visit to Japan<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Speaker of Parliament M. Enkhbold is on his way to meet with the Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, to discuss partnership between the two countries. M. Enkhbold is also expected to meet with representatives of the Japanese parliament. M. Enkhbold is set to discuss the finalization of the mid-term program for strategic partnership between the two countries. The Speaker of Parliament will meet with Japan's Minister of Finance to discuss possible loans and grant. After his visit to Japan concludes, the Speaker is scheduled to attend the 136<sup>th</sup> Inter-Parliamentary Union in Bangladesh.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> foreign relations, strategic partnership, Japan</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> </span><span lang=MN style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>| </span><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Official Gazette /page2/</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Prime Minister discusses investment in Gobi-Altai Province infrastructure<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Prime Minister J. Erdenebat continued his visit to the provinces with a visit to Gobi-Altai Province. While meeting with province residents, the PM announced that 285 billion MNT of investment will be made in the province to develop roads, steel pipes, and other infrastructure. Financing for the projects will come from the Australian government and Asian Development Bank.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Continuing his visit, the PM visited Bayankhongor Province. While meeting with province residents, the PM highlighted that the agriculture sector is key to economic development and that the government will pay special attention to its development. The PM announced that an agreement has been signed to issue low interest rate loans for the lease and purchase of 10 million USD in tractors and other farming equipment. The PM also noted that 60 powdered milk factories will be opened through cooperation with Japan.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Prime Minister, agriculture, development</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> </span><span lang=MN style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>| </span><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Century News /page 2/</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>MINING<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>New direct route opens for minerals export<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> In order to diversify Mongolia's market for international coal buyers, the first train transporting coal directly from Dornogobi Province to Tianjin Port launched last week. With direct access to Tianjin's maritime port, Mongolian coal could be exported to Russia, Indonesia, and other countries at international market prices. Minister of Roads and Transportation Development D. Ganbat stated, "Mongolia opened a new path for export and we are working toward utilizing this opportunity."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Through the Olon-Ovoo Station in Dornogobi, Chinggis' Black Gold, Friendship, and other companies will be exporting minerals from the Altantolgoi mine. The price of coal has increased since February 2016, and Mongolia exported 25 million tons of coal last year, netting one billion USD, reaching an all-time high. Three companies operating at the Altantolgoi mine have signed agreements to export 800,000 tons of coal, and have stated that it is possible to increase the amount to 4 million tons annually. With plans for further upgrades for the railway and the Olon-Ovoo station, the export amount is expected to increase. With the start of minerals transportation, Ulaanbaatar Railway is set to earn around 9 billion MNT each month. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Deputy Director of Chinggis' Black Gold, A. Davaajav, stated, "Our company plans to export 600,000 tons of coal, or 9,400 wagons, selling 28 billion MNT worth of coal and paying 9.4 billion MNT for transportation fees and 4.2 billion MNT to the state and province.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Tianjin Port, export, minerals</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> </span><span lang=MN style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>| </span><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Today /page A1,B2/</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ONLINE STORY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Non-banking financial institution assets increased by 26.3%<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The Financial Regulatory Commission announced that the total assets of non-banking financial institutions reached 787.2 billion MNT in 2016. The FRC highlighted that the sector's total assets increased by 26.3% (163.9 billion MNT). The weighted average interest rate at 454 non-banking financial institutions with special licenses stands at 4%, a decrease of 0.2% compared to last quarter. The number of non-banking financial institution has reached 518, an increase of 15.1% since the beginning of the year. The majority of non-banking financial institutions mainly focus on loans, and 27.8% of the institutions engage in foreign currency exchange. The largest 21 non-banking financial institution's total assets make up 24.5% of all assets in the sector.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> non-banking financial institutions, economy, FRC</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> </span><span lang=MN style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>| </span><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://bloombergtv.mn/%D0%B1%D0%B1%D1%81%D0%B1-%D1%83%D1%83%D0%B4%D1%8B%D0%BD-%D0%B0%D0%BA%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2-26-3-%D1%85%D1%83%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B0%D1%80-%D3%A9%D1%81%D3%A9%D0%B6-787-2-%D1%82%D1%8D%D1%80%D0%B1%D1%83%D0%BC-%D1%82%D3%A9%D0%B3%D1%80%D3%A9%D0%B3%D1%82-%D1%85%D2%AF%D1%80%D1%87%D1%8D%D1%8D/?cid=7" target="_blank">www.bloombergtv.mn</a></span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-march-27-2017/">Link to newswire</a></span><span lang=MN style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFbibVgkEkz0M5zlf0HhHJfTvLEIxqquhGYc4qY4TxJN_-ztSeA5T7jmnR_MugltIzyD6l7CkrIELunR_JrwfQ36WL91X6HB1YIFoVanaZU1M12724kzDF5o2kWS7krxdzFl1OVMl1os/s1600/image005-719568.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFbibVgkEkz0M5zlf0HhHJfTvLEIxqquhGYc4qY4TxJN_-ztSeA5T7jmnR_MugltIzyD6l7CkrIELunR_JrwfQ36WL91X6HB1YIFoVanaZU1M12724kzDF5o2kWS7krxdzFl1OVMl1os/s320/image005-719568.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378137751011922" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Business></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Business<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_Mining_Journal:"></a>Mongolian Mining Journal: 100 issues of togetherness in development<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 27 (Mongolian Mining Journal) This is our magazine's 100th issue, and we thank all our readers, advertisers and well-wishers for being with us over these 100 months on the development path. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>These 100 issues record a part of the history of Mongolian development in a period of major changes. For us, producing every month's issue is like implementing a new project, and today we at The Mongolian Mining Journal feel a sense of satisfaction that we have been successful with 100 projects. This success has been a learning process for us, and we hope you agree that our team has been doing better with every issue. Certainly we, along with the rest of the country, have seen and learnt a lot in these 100 months, spanning years when modern mining came to Mongolia, in the form of Oyu Tolgoi, Tavan Tolgoi and other such projects. Over these 100 issues we have tried to share with readers our understanding of how the mining sector is changing here, and how close we are to the wide world. That is the stuff of history. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The first issue of MMJ came in late 2008, at a time when Mongolia's mining sector was being launched on its path of intensive development. "We all wish for development and we all have our different ideas about how to hasten it. The MMJ wants to critically examine these ideas with the help of adequate and correct information." These words appear next to the Editorial in every issue. Arguing for development has been our constant principle, and to make that argument acceptable, MMJ has been trying to balance different positions and reach a national consensus.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>These 100 issues over almost nine years bear witness to honest mistakes and to worthy accomplishments. Our aim always has been to bring the most accurate mining information to our readers and our rich archives will show how we have gradually expanded our reach, through analysis, reports, interviews, photographs etc. We have followed the progress of big projects on deposit usage, and reported the results, both good and bad. We have tried to look into the future by following trends, overt or implied. We have reported on crises and recovery, on stumbles and successes, and in the process brought to you stories of hope, desperation, endurance, and triumph. A look back on these 100 issues, each a project by itself, will trace the course the Mongolian mining sector took over the years, marked by accomplishments and blunders, ups and downs, expectations and surprises, disappointments and vindications. Some of them are still fresh and might be very useful information even now for observers of the mining sector. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Another group to find these back issues useful would be students of journalism. MMJ can claim to be a pioneer in business and industrial journalism in Mongolia, creating ways of covering news and developments, especially in the mining sector.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Oyu Tolgoi and Tavan Tolgoi have become fixtures in the national psyche and almost every issue of MMJ has had something on either or both of them. A random look at our 2008 issues would show how the two projects were expected to contribute to the state budget enough revenue to fund Mongolian development for longer than an individual's lifetime. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Signing the OT agreement united the whole country in celebration and production seemed just a step away from the mine construction. As for Tavan Tolgoi, there were bids, new feasibility studies, various ideas on how to turn coal into treasure, conflicts between antagonistic political interests, the "wars over the railway", the running battle between the politics of destruction and construction, the milestone of Mongolian engineers' success in building a coal handling facility in Tsogttsetsii soum, which was to help make Mongolian coal a brand name in the global market, and endless such stories.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The optimism was soon crushed under the weight of the global recession that hit hard the mining sector, mainstay of the country's economy. We were "overthrown by ourselves", MMJ wrote. That was true, with erratic changes in the legal environment reflecting our government's inconsistent policies. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Good sense dawned. We made a U-turn, choosing new partners and learning how to make a success of partnership. Such fundamental changes do not come easy; right now, the future of our big projects is still not certain, national opinion is fractured, and the global commodity market continues to shock the Mongolian mining sector. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>All this from the last nine years, special moments and routine but no less important events, is there in these 100 issues. Having thus recorded the past, we now look to the future, when from issue to issue we shall be charting the trajectory of the Mongolian mining sector. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We thank all the professionals, researchers and academics who gave their often different views to us, allowing MMJ to stress its independence and neutrality. Our job is to give present information and clarify trends, leaving our readers to make up their mind. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Many of them have been with us right from the first issue, many advertisers have provided constant support, many sector professionals have helped us keep our focus, many academics have added value to our contents, and there are many who have preserved past issues as souvenirs of a partnership in development. We are grateful to you all and our apologies for inadvertent mistakes that crop up despite our best efforts. With all your support and best wishes, we now begin our work on the next 100 issues, project by project, month by month.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.mongolianminingjournal.com/content/64250.shtml">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Mongolia_converts_two_1"></a>Mongolia converts two Boeing 737 purchase orders to leasing<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 27 (MONTSAME) Mongolian Airlines (MIAT) has reached a lease agreement with the Boeing Company regarding 2 Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplanes starting from 2019 and for 12 years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After signing an agreement to purchase 3 airliners from the Boeing Company, Mongolian Airlines received a Boeing 767-300ER aircraft in 2013. The remaining two aircrafts were to be purchased in 2019, however, on account of the current economic difficulties, the Mongolian side has decided to lease the airplanes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As such, the purchase order has been transferred to Avolon Aerospace Leasing Limited company based in Ireland, and a trilateral agreement has been signed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplanes are expected to arrive in Mongolia in the first and second seasons of 2019.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian Airlines conducts its flights with 5 Boeing airliners which were manufactured from 2000 to 2014.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9334">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_EBRD:_Sainshand_Wind"></a>EBRD: Sainshand Wind Park Project Passes Concept Review, Pending Final Review <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal><b>Country</b>: Mongolia<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Project number</b>: 47397<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Business sector</b>: Power and energy<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Notice type</b>: Private<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Environmental category</b>: A<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Status</b>: Passed concept review, Pending final review<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>PSD disclosed</b>: 27 Mar 2017<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Project Description<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>The provision of a senior loan of up to USD 30 million to Sainshand Salkhin Park LLC (the "Company") to support the development, construction and operation of the Sainshand Wind Farm (the "Project"), a 55MW wind power plant to be located approximately 460km to the south east of Ulaanbaatar (UB) in the Gobi desert.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Project Objectives<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Sainshand Wind Farm will be the third wind energy project developed in Mongolia, following the Salkhit Wind Farm and the Tsetsii Wind Farm projects, which EBRD financed in 2012 and 2016 . The operation will contribute to reducing Mongolia's carbon intensity as well as meeting its increasing power demand. In addition, the project will also strengthen the private sector presence in the energy sector in the country and contribute to reaching the national renewable energy targets.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Transition Impact<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>The transition impact stems from the fact that (i) the Project will assist Mongolia in diversifying its coal-dependent power sector and reducing CO2 emissions by up to 5 million tons over the Project's lifetime; and (ii) the Project will result in a new private entrant in the Mongolian power generation sector, where assets are almost entirely state-owned. The Project will be in line with the Bank's Green Economy Transition approach (GET).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Client Information<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sainshand Salkhin Park LLC<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company is a special purpose limited liability company incorporated in Mongolia to be owned by Engie, the IFU, Ferrostaal Industrial Projects as well as a local partner.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>EBRD Finance Summary<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>USD 30,000,000.00<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Senior secured loan of up to USD 30.0 million (EUR 28.4 million equivalent) to the Company on a limited-recourse project finance basis.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Total Project Cost<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>USD 120,000,000.00<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Environmental and Social Summary<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.ebrd.com/work-with-us/projects/psd/sainshand-wind.html">Link to project summary</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Annual_Technology_&"></a>Annual Technology & Investment to Mongolia conference and exhibition to be held in April<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 27 (gogo.mn) "Technology & Investment to Mongolia 2017", an annual international technology conference and exhibition will take place at Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar on Apr 20-21. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The exhibition's unique mission is to introduce the cutting edge technology to Mongolian priority 10 sectors such as Mongolian infrastructure, construction industry, mining industry, city and rural planning, environmental technology, renewable energy, agriculture, industry sector, energy sector and as well as financial sector. One of the main issues for Mongolian development is financing so this exhibition would like to focus on the investment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Technology and Investment to Mongolia 2017" is offering its participants a direct access to the Government of Mongolia through its Government Hour event. The Organizing Committee will be accepting questions and comments from various participants. All questions will be directed to the respective government body in advance of the event hence giving ample time for appropriate officials to prepare to address the issue in a constructive way during the Government Hour.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Registration for the event is available on <a href="http://technologyandinvestmenttomongolia.com/visitor" target="_blank">www.</a><a href="http://technologyandinvestmenttomongolia.com/visitor" target="_blank">technologyandinvestmenttomongolia.com/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157883">Link to article</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9339">Technology exhibition to take place in April</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 27<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_9_days_left"></a>9 days left for "Mongolia Mining 2017" expo<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 28 (GoGo Mongolia) 9 days left for the annual "Mongolia mining 2017", the biggest expo in the mining industry. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The expo allows mining suppliers and their customers to attend the conference and seminars and get acquaint with the latest mining technologies which will be exhibited at Buyant Ukhaa complex. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia mining 2017 is an international exhibition. In 2016, the expo gathered 100 companies from 10 countries including;<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5'>Australia (2)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5'>Belarus (1)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5'>China (16)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5'>South Korea (1)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5'>United Kingdom (4)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5'>Mongolia (42)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5'>Netherland (3)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5'>Russia (3)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5'>Czech (2)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5'>France (1)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5'>Germany (3)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5'>Canada (1)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5'>Japan (1)<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Over 130 companies have registered to attend the expo this year. Therefore domestic manufacturers are able to get information of products from its official agents and distributors at one spot as well as to make comparisons. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157895">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Hogan_Lovells_hosts"></a>Hogan Lovells hosts training for women leaders on Executive Presence<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 27 (MONTSAME) The Hogan Lovells Office in Ulaanbaatar organized a workshop training for Mongolian women on Executive Presence and Effective Presenting, aimed at empowering women and promoting their leadership on March 24 at the Mongolian Fine Art Gallery.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>More than 40 women received the half-day training, mentored by Sally Dellow, director of Dramatic Difference. Sally Dellow has been working as a personal career coach for the past 25 years. She is a professional actor and conducts her training using participatory methods. She was invited by Hogan Lovells in Ulaanbaatar from her home in Hong Kong only to give this workshop.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When asked about her impression about Mongolian women, Sally said "Mongolia compares very favorable to many western countries, which, I think, is wonderful. Hearing Madam Oyunchimeg (a Mongolian Human Rights Commissioner)'s speech, it is interesting that, nowadays, Mongolian women are more educated than the men".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"My impression of Mongolian women is extremely good. Just this morning, I met a group of lawyers, most of whom are women. They were engaged and asking good questions, so willing to come in and absorb what anybody's bringing. My impression is just really positive", she said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>"Mongolian women have always worked even in traditional lifestyle, and women's works were acknowledged as important as men's works. In Mongolian lifestyle, as I have read, men and women have this sense of joint responsibility. In my opinion, that is what makes Mongolian women more empowered".<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>Unfortunately, Mongolian women still have to face the challenges that women face in many other countries, especially when transitioning from socialist structure to capitalist structure, such as having to step out of the workplace to have children, which makes women appear slower than their male counterparts, and being paid less for similar works, said Ms. Dellow.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"It is the glass [as invisible] ceiling that women hit before they reach up to the leadership", she told the Mongol Messenger.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hogan Lovells is an internationally renowned law firm, which has more than 40 office operating worldwide and the first international law firm to open its representative office in Mongolia. Hogan Lovells has been providing legal consulting services to the Mongolian Government, the national and international businesses, as well as the financial institutions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the margin of its Citizenship Corporal Social Responsibility Program, Hogan Lovells in Mongolia has been giving out free legal consulting to those in need, realizing environmental protection works and organizing charity events. The empowering training for Mongolian women was organized by Hogan Lovells for four consecutive years, thus far. The law firm pursues a policy, directing that each Hogan Lovells employee must dedicate no less than 25 hours to volunteering.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9337">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_How_To_Create"></a>How To Create A Retail Company With A Great Future<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 27 (Forbes) Working in retail these days can seem awfully depressing. All around you, things are glum. Fewer consumers are coming into traditional stores and the internet is chipping away many companies' performance. Fashion sales are down overall, consumer tastes have changed and consumers seem to be unreachable by traditional means.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But there is a universe of companies in retail-related businesses that are experiencing the most interesting, exciting change and growth I have ever seen. I recently attended the <a href="http://millennial20-20.com/" target="_blank">Millennial 2020 conference</a> in New York and I wish there had been more time to meet more companies. They are turning boring businesses into exciting opportunities and what they are doing couldn't be more thrilling. What do they have in common? They are offering:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6'>unique products not otherwise accessible to consumers<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6'>sales direct to consumers, no retailer in between the brand and the consumer<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6'>mostly founders who are industry outsiders, typically with a finance background<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6'>lower prices on their own branded products<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6'>emotional values like relevance, authenticity and transparency, that legacy brands don't have<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo6'>connection to consumers' lives<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>It's not likely that all of them will ultimately be successful. But they all have a great chance and the ones that fail will probably fail because of factors outside their company that they can't control.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Here are some of the companies I met with:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.naadamcashmere.com/collections/all?gclid=CjwKEAiAi-_FBRCZyPm_14CjoyASJAClUigO1H8YvENrZlEo19cv0WagKFPs7YqjQ-e1JrCd6cpAfhoCVGfw_wcB" target="_blank"><b>Naadam</b></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Naadam makes sweaters. What could be more boring than that?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Naadam founder Matt Scanlan was taking a break from his life as a venture capitalist and took a trip to Mongolia. He met some other travelers and went along with them for a drive that wound up taking 20 hours on a dirt road. When they arrived, Matt found himself stranded for a month in one of the most remote locations in Mongolia with no way of returning to a more populated place. He got to know the people who lived in the region who turned out to be wool growers. Because the location was so remote, the buyers of wool came around only once a season and dictated the price to the growers. The buyers took the wool, cashmere actually, and sold it to a daisy chain of traders and eventually it wound up in garments being sold to consumers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Scanlan thought the growers were being cheated. He saw that they had no market power and thought he could do better. He bought the wool from the growers at twice the price they were getting. Instead of reselling the wool, he had sweaters designed and had the wool made into the sweaters on his own, eliminating numerous steps in the supply chain. Then he set up a website to sell the garments direct to consumers. He also expanded what he offers to the grower – Naadam added veterinary programs, livestock insurance and breeding development for wool growers. The sweater business took off.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Today, Scanlan has a rapidly growing, high-margin business, even though he is still paying the growers twice the price they previously got. He is offering beautiful product to consumers with transparency and the ethical behavior that consumers today want. He believes there's a potential opportunity to create a similar business with vicuna and alpaca and he's exploring that.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/richardkestenbaum/2017/03/27/how-to-create-a-retail-company-with-a-great-future/#5e8ca7ee4596">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Time_Travel_Turtle:"></a>Time Travel Turtle: Gobi Cashmere factory in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 23 (Time Travel Turtle) On the freezing plains of Mongolia, animals have had to evolve over time to protect themselves. For the goats who live there, they have managed to survive by developing thick coats of wool.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Stronger and warmer than anything found on other goats around the world, this wool brings with it not just the livelihoods of the animals who grow it, but also the people who herd them. It is the foundation of Mongolia's deep connection with cashmere.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>GOBI FACTORY, ULAANBAATAR<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The machines are clattering away – it's hard to hear over the top of them. Workers in protective suits move between them, pushing large baskets. Room after room, different stages of the cashmere production line take place. The fibre is sorted in one area, then it's turned into a usable consistency. Colours are added in another section, then it's put through a machine to prepare it for the final stages.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This the factory of the Gobi cashmere company, one of Mongolia's biggest success stories. Founded 35 years ago, it was once wholly owned by the government but is now in private hands. It employs more than 1500 people and many of them are here, concentrating on their specialised tasks.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Gobi has about two thirds of the cashmere market in Mongolia and it sends its goods to distributors in more than 30 countries around the world. I get a sense of the scale of the operation as I am taken around the factory. As well as the production floors, there are rooms where people are working on designs on computers and creating bespoke products to order.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>GOBI OUTLET STORE, ULAANBAATAR<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Unfortunately, it's not normally possible to see the inner workings of the Gobi factory. I've been offered exclusive access as part of an international delegation here in Ulaanbaatar for a conference. But right next door is the company's outlet store, which is popular with visitors who want to buy some clothes right from the source.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>There's a fashion show going on when I arrive there to have a look. It's not hard to make these clothes look good – not only is the production quality world class but the designs are in line with international fashion standards.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I wander around the outlet and look at the stock on the shelves and hanging on the racks. It's also incredibly affordable – much cheaper than you would find anywhere else in the world. I guess the company saves a lot of money not having to ship the goods and deal with middlemen. I like to think it's also a bit of a reward for anyone who has made the trek all the way to Ulaanbaatar!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>MONGOLIA'S CASHMERE INDUSTRY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Cashmere is big business for Mongolia. They produce a third of the global supply and it is the country's largest export after minerals. The good news for the country's economy is that demand has risen in recent years and so has the price, making for a nice increase in Mongolia's GDP.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Unfortunately it has had a flow-on effect that the country is still coming to terms with. Most of the goats that produce the cashmere wool are tended by Mongolia's nomadic herders. (<a href="http://www.timetravelturtle.com/2017/01/nomadic-life-in-mongolia/">You can see my story here about life as a Mongolian nomad</a>). These nomads are now able to earn a lot more money by keeping goats than traditional livestock, so they're increasing the size of their goat herds.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>But the problem is that goats eat a lot more than the traditional animals like cows, sheep and yaks. And unlike those animals, they don't just eat the shoots of the grass, they also go right down and eat the roots as well. So the grasslands that are used for herding are coming under a pressure that seems unsustainable.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>If you've never been to Mongolia, let me paint a picture for you. The long stretches of the plains have very little vegetation – certainly seeing a tree is uncommon. There's not much green around, the colour is more like a struggling brown. The ground is actually really dry and it's at risk of becoming desert. So when you have animals that rip up the grass so it can't grow back, that's exactly what's going to happen.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The number of goats in Mongolia has tripled in the past 20 years and it shows no sign of abating. The best figure I've seen shows that a nomadic farmer can earn about US$7500 a year from selling cashmere – which is a lot in a country where so many live under the poverty line. So there's no desire from an economic perspective for the nomads or the government to reduce the amount of goats in the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>That's a discussion the country will hopefully have in the coming years and it's one of sustainability, not ethics. As I walk through Gobi's factory, it's clear that the cashmere industry is something that should be celebrated in Mongolia. It is directly employing thousands of people on the production and sales side and thousands more who are working the land.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The harsh weather conditions here have created many unique cultural phenomena. Cashmere is one of them. It's a part of Mongolia and learning a bit more about it shows you another layer of this fascinating country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.timetravelturtle.com/2017/03/gobi-cashmere-factory-ulaanbaatar-mongolia/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s1600/image006-723669.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s320/image006-723669.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378151054157074" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Ulaanbaatar></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_Ulaanbaatar_public_transport"></a>Ulaanbaatar public transport to serve only with smart bus cards from April <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 27 (MONTSAME) Transportation Department of the capital administration and 'Ulaanbaatar Smart Card' LLC made an announcement regarding a new public transportation policy during a press conference last Friday, March 24.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>From April 1 onwards, citizens won't be allowed to pay bus fare with cash. "Ulaanbaatar Smart Card LLC has completed its preparation for full transition to smart card system which aims to improve the standard of public transportation service in Ulaanbaatar", said R.Gan-Erdene, Head of Division of Operation at the company.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As of present, some 438 smart card recharge stations are operating in Ulaanbaatar, and by April 1, the number will have increased to 500 which will be selling 'U-Money' smart cards at the price MNT 2000.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover, Ulaanbaatar Smart Card LLC is offering unlimited cards for those who use public transport regularly; the unlimited cards will cost adults MNT 25 thousand and MNT 8 thousand for children, and holders of the unlimited cards will take buses without limit within a month.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to a relevant study, about 70 percent of bus-takers in Ulaanbaatar make cash payments which translates as 23 percent revenue decrease for the public transport sector as some people manage to deceive bus drivers and not make full payment which is MNT 500.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar Smart Card LLC offers many more opportunities and services in connection to the new public transportation policy on mandatory use of smart cards.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9327">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s1600/image006-723669.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s320/image006-723669.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378151054157074" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Diplomacy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Diplomacy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Chairman_of_Mongolian"></a>Chairman of Mongolian Parliament M.Enkhbold leaves for Japan and Bangladesh<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 27 (gogo.mn) Today on March 27, 2017, Chairman of the State Great Hural (Parliament) of Mongolia Mr. Miyegombo ENKHBOLD leaves for Japan to conduct an official visit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During his visit, Chairman M.Enkhbold to held bilateral meetings with Premier of Japan Sh.Abe, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan T.Oshima and Speaker of the House of Councillors of Japan Ch.Date respectively. Moreover, Foreign Minister F.Kishida, Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Ya.Shiozaki, Deputy Prime Minister of Japan and Minister of Finance T.Aso will be paying a courtesy call on the Chairman of Mongolian Parliament.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thereafter, Mongolian delegates headed by Chairman M.Enkhbold to continue their official visit in the People's Republic of Bangladesh to attend the 136th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Dhaka.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157878">Link to article</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9330">Parliament speaker to pay official visit to Japan</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 27<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Joint_survey_starts"></a>Joint survey starts on China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>A joint multi-disciplinary survey started Saturday on the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 25 (CCTV) The project has the participation of 13 Chinese research institutions and six research institutions from Russia and Mongolia. The survey will cover 9.2 million square kilometers of land from the borders areas of northeast and north China, Mongolia and to the East Siberia and the southern part of Far East of Russia. It will last into 2022. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The survey project will ultimately yield data and maps,build a regional resources and environment database and a transnational information sharing online platform, and submit a strategic advisory report to the relevant departments of the three countries. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Dong Suocheng, chief scientist of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor Survey Project, said:"The survey will be of great scientific and practical value for the building of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor, the EurAsia Union Strategy and Fast East Development Strategy of Russia and Mongolia's grassland silk-road strategy."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://newscontent.cctv.com/NewJsp/news.jsp?fileId=402005">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_EU_works_with"></a>EU works with Mongolia on strengthening political and economic links<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 27 (EU Delegation to Mongolia) From 27 to 31 March 2017 European Union high-level officials will visit Mongolia to support its political and economic reform path. The meetings will take stock and develop further relations, as Mongolia is a valued partner for the EU. The visit is part of regular, long-established political dialogue/cooperation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The 17<sup>th</sup> EU-Mongolia Joint Committee will meet on 31 March. It will be chaired by Foreign Minister of Mongolia Mr Tsend Munkh-Orgil and EU Managing Director for Asia-Pacific Mr Gunnar Wiegand. They will examine recent developments in EU-Mongolia relations, cooperation related to regional and global issues, the evolution of trade flows as well as the implementation of development assistance. The meeting will also consider measures that may contribute to the development and diversification of trade and economic cooperation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Joint Committee will be preceded by three different meetings on 30 March:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo7'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>The first ever <b>Human Rights Dialogue</b>, part of the EU strategy to promote respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The main purpose of the dialogue is to support Mongolia's adherence to its bilateral and international obligations in relation to human rights, rule of law and democratic principles. The Dialogue will help identify potential cooperation areas in the human rights field.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo7'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>The <b>Sub-committee on Trade and Investment</b>, which discusses the diversification of Mongolian economy and the attraction of foreign investment among other issues.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo7'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>The <b>Working Group on Development Cooperation </b>will review and discuss priorities and their implementation in the medium term.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>From 27 to 29 March meetings take place to support implementation of the <b>Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+) </b>under which Mongolian goods enter the EU market duty-free. In 2015, 20% of Mongolian goods exports, worth 16 million euro, entered the EU market duty-free under GSP+.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia joined the GSP+ scheme in 2014. This scheme aims to help Mongolia implement human and labour rights, environmental protection and good governance conventions and in return grants full removal of tariffs on over 66% of tariff lines.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The EU will engage with stakeholders, authorities, business, civil society, and international organisations, to assess developments in implementing the conventions. The EU will also inform stakeholders of the functioning and benefits of the GSP+ scheme and listen to any concerns or difficulties in its practical implementation. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Background</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The EU regards Mongolia as an important partner in the region and is involved cooperation activities on the ground. The EU actively supported Mongolia in hosting the ASEM Summit in Ulaanbaatar in July 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>EU-Mongolia's trade relations are governed by an agreement on trade and economic cooperation that entered into force in 1993. The two Parties accorded each other's exports most-favoured-nation treatment and agreed to foster trade and economic relations. The agreement is highly beneficial to Mongolia. Thanks to the most-favoured-nation treatment clause of the agreement from Mongolia's 84 million euro exports to the EU, 74% or 60 million euro entered with zero tariffs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia also benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences – special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance (GSP+) to have its goods entering the EU market duty-free. In 2015 the Mongolian clothing and apparel sector benefits the most under GSP+, exporting around 15 million euros duty-free.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This gives the Mongolian products better access to the EU market and contributes to Mongolia's economic growth and sustainable development.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For Mongolia, the EU is one of its main trading partners. In 2016, the total trade value of goods between the EU and Mongolia was EUR 380 million. Mongolia exported EUR 67 million of goods to the EU and imported EUR 313 million from the EU.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia's main exports to the EU are clothing, textiles and raw materials (especially hair of cashmere goats), EU exports to Mongolia consisted mainly of machinery, chemicals and food products.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The EU and Mongolia negotiated a new agreement to strengthen political, economic and sectoral cooperation: the Framework Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation. It will provide the basis for a broader and more effective engagement by the EU and its Member States with Mongolia moving forward. It is testimony to the importance of EU-Mongolia relations, which are based on the shared values of democracy, rule of law and human rights and respect for international commitments in this regard. On 15 February 2017, the European Parliament gave its consent to conclude the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, paving the way for its entry into force.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Factsheet on the EU-Mongolia Framework Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation<br><a href="https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/mongolia/20826/factsheet-eu-mongolia-framework-agreement-partnership-and-cooperation_en">https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/mongolia/20826/factsheet-eu-mongolia-framework-agreement-partnership-and-cooperation_en</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more information on EU-Mongolia relations please visit our website: <a href="http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/mongolia/index_mn.htm">http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/mongolia/index_mn.htm</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For press enquiries, please contact Ms Sugar OCHIR at <u><a href="mailto:eu_office@magicnet.mn">eu_office@magicnet.mn</a></u><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/mongolia/23496/european-union-works-mongolia-strengthening-political-and-economic-links_en">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Embassy_in_Paris"></a>Embassy in Paris holds book launch meeting for Mongolian author<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 27 (MONTSAME) Embassy of Mongolia to the French Republic has hosted a meeting with one of Mongolia's rising young novelists L.Ulziitugs, translator R.Munkhzul, who translated The Aquarium by L.Ulziitugs to French language, and publishing editor Emily Maj.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Aquarium is a collection of L.Ulziitugs's short stories. Mongolian nationals living in Paris have shared their thoughts and impressions on the newly published version of the book with its author and translator. The participants of this meeting applauded that this book will help French-speaking community to have more literary and brighter understanding about Mongolia, instead of receiving information through documentaries, TV programs, media and press.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Aside from this meeting, L.Ulziitugs took part in book launches in Brussels and Paris, gave interview to TV5 channel and attended radio programs, and met with the students of Mongolian language studies of the French National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilizations (INALCO), while introducing the book as well as promoting Mongolian language and culture.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Translator R.Munkhzul also translated the "Horvootoi Taniltssan Tuuh" (Comment j'ai découvert le monde) by L.Tudev into French in 2016. In recognition of her valuable contribution to presenting Mongolia to the world, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia awarded R.Munkhzul the Honorary Prize last year. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/education/9347">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Peacekeeping_Leaders_Address"></a>Peacekeeping Leaders Address Shared Challenges<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>by U.S. Pacific Command<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Nepal, March 27 (DVIDS) The STEs are designed to improve multinational readiness and coordination in the U.N. Force Headquarters operational-level environment by developing staff officers' capabilities in operations, logistics, planning and civil-military coordination. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Nations from the Indo-Asia-Pacific region currently have more than 16,000 peacekeepers deployed in support of 15 of the 16 U.N. Department of Peacekeeping Operations missions across the world. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The STEs main topics include how peacekeeping operations work, the environments in which peacekeepers operate, and the roles and tasks that a U.N. staff officer will undertake. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The STEs are designed to prepare staff officers for real-world U.N. deployments. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"One of the significant problems identified by the U.N. Department for Peacekeeping Operations is the inadequate preparation of military staff officers. These Staff Training Events, and the U.N. staff officer courses, are designed to address this shortfall," said Ian Parker, Lead STE Instructor from U.S. Pacific Command.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>During the STEs leaders also discussed threats and factors affecting the planning of peacekeeping operations, to include: cultural considerations, vast areas covered by limited numbers of peacekeepers, multinational military operations, civil-military cooperation, mission headquarters work, humanitarian components of peacekeeping missions, dealing with violent extremists and transnational threats, human rights, political agendas and more.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Participants at the STEs included officers from Australia, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cambodia, Fiji, Germany, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Jordan, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Mongolia, Nepal, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Pakistan, Paraguay, Philippines, Rwanda, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay and Vietnam. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The STEs are being held as part of exercise Shanti Prayas III, a Nepal and U.S. co-sponsored multinational training exercise conducted as part of the U.S. State Department's Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>During the Shanti Prayas III opening ceremony Admiral Harry Harris, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, emphasized the importance of partnerships, planning together and being innovative to face global challenges. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Partnerships play a critical role in meeting global challenges, from maintaining peace to providing humanitarian assistance after natural disasters," said Harris. "In addition to considering logistics, plans, and operations – take the time to think outside the box about peacekeeping and how we can use this time to enhance our collective effectiveness." <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The goals of Shanti Prayas III include building partner capacity to conduct pre-deployment training for U.N. peacekeeping operations, improve mission performance, and further enhancing military-to-military relationships and regional interoperability. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Multinational peacekeeping exercises have been conducted annually in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region supporting the GPOI since 2006. The exercises have occurred in Bangladesh (twice), Cambodia, Indonesia (twice), Malaysia, Mongolia (three times), Nepal and Thailand. The last iteration conducted in Nepal occurred in 2013.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.dvidshub.net/news/228105/peacekeeping-leaders-address-shared-challenges">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s1600/image006-723669.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s320/image006-723669.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378151054157074" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HealthEdu></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Health & Education<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_to_Adopt"></a>Mongolia to Adopt South Korean Approach to Treatment of Stomach Cancer<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>SEOUL, Mar. 27 (Korea Bizwire) —</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The Korean Gastric Cancer Association (KGCA) is helping Mongolia fight cancer through business agreements that will see advanced medical technology applied in the country with the second highest rate of gastric cancer in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The KGCA will continue its efforts to spread awareness and help teach medical technology to developing countries until all human beings are safe from stomach cancer, the organization announced in its ambitious plans at Korea International Gastric Cancer Week (KINGCA), which ended last weekend in Busan.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>While South Korea has the misfortune of having the highest rate of gastric cancer in the world, South Korean medical experts have been at the forefront of the fight against the stomach disease, and developing countries with a less-sophisticated medical system like Mongolia stand to benefit significantly from their knowledge and advice.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Last month, a number of KGCA officials visited Mongolia to meet with government officials and medical experts and discuss possible measures on a national level to prevent the spread of the deadly type of cancer both countries suffer the most from.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Kim Sung-guen, director of general affairs at the KGCA, said "The salt and butter that goes into the making of Mongol's much loved milk tea is believed to be one of the major factors behind the country's high rate of gastric cancer. However, most patients start receiving treatment in advanced stages due to their inadequate medical system.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"To solve these issues, (our committee) emphasized the importance to the Mongolian government of having a government-backed checkup service. We expect they will follow in the footsteps of South Korea," Kim added.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The KGCA also facilitated the establishment of a new collaborative gastric cancer association consisting of Mongolian and South Korean medical experts, through which medical technology and knowledge will be shared between the two countries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Enkh-Amgalan, a professor at Intermed Hospital Mongolia who attended KINGCA, said, "In Mongolia, gastric cancer patients resort to surgery as most of them present with advanced disease. However, (the convention) has been helpful since there was a lot to learn from South Korean medical experts such as laparoscopic resection."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Chairman of the board Han-Kwang Yang said, "We entered into a business agreement with Mongolia's gastric cancer association to help better their medical system by sharing South Korea's advanced medical technology in gastric cancer treatment."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Chairman Yang also made a resolution to spread South Korea's technology in gastric cancer treatment to other developing countries in the future. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://koreabizwire.com/mongolia-to-adopt-south-korean-approach-to-treatment-of-stomach-cancer/78767">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_UB_Health_Department"></a>UB Health Department to cooperate with Medical University Nursing School<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 27 (MONTSAME) Head of Health Department of the Capital administration L.Tumurbaatar and Director of Nursing School at Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences N.Naranbaatar signed an agreement on implementation of 'Comprehensive nursing capacity-2' project on March 27, Monday. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Within the framework of the agreement, sides will cooperate on the improvement of nursing service and care. The project aims to improve the access and quality of nursing care and render professional assistance to nurses and special medical care workers keep a record of medical documents and fulfill related decisions and orders.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In particular, with the help of the project professional ethics of nurses and medical care workers and their attitude and knowledge about prevention from infections will be improved in compliance with the a Health Minister's order dated 2013.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9346">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Health_Minister_meets"></a>Health Minister meets JICA Senior Advisor on joint projects<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 27 (MONTSAME) On March 24, A.Tsogtsetseg, Minister of Health received Yamashita Mamoru, Senior Advisor of JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) to exchange views on cooperation in the field of health.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the meeting, Minister A.Tsogtsetseg emphasized that projects and programs financed by the government of Japan are being carried-out successfully in Mongolia. She continued that "JICA is making contribution to the health industry of Mongolia by strengthening the capacity of medical specialists working at the first and second-phase hospitals in Mongolia, supplying medical equipment and improving professional skills of Mongolian doctors and medical staff, in particular, volunteers of JICA are working in Mongolia in an area of rehabilitation treatment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Apart from financing from the Japanese government, JICA has been co-implementing joint humanitarian projects in cooperation with professional associations, societies and non-government organizations and providing humanitarian aid for the medical sector of Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9332">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Exploring_space_science"></a>Exploring space science with Mongolia's first astronaut J. Gurragchaa<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 27 (UB Post) <i>Gurragchaa is the first Mongolian, second Asian and the 101th person to travel to space. He orbited the Earth 124 times during his trip, which lasted seven days, 22 hours and 42 minutes.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>After successfully completing his space mission on March 30 36 years ago, he served as the Minister of Defense from 2000 to 2004. In celebration of Mongolian Astronaut's Day on March 22, the Hero of the Soviet Union and living legend gave an interview about Mongolia's first satellite, which will be launched in May.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Mongolia is planning to launch its first satellite soon. Can you tell us briefly about satellites and their significance?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The satellite we're preparing to launch is actually a small cube-shaped satellite measuring 10x10x10 centimeters, which isn't suitable for long-term usage. It will probably be dispatched in mid-May with assistance from a Japanese satellite. The satellite will be sent to take some pictures of specific areas on Earth.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It will most likely become the beginning of a very wonderful research work, but it will not be practical.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A communications satellite, on the other hand, is completely different and very expensive. It relays and amplifies radio telecommunication signals via a transponder and creates a communication channel between a source transmitter and a receiver at different locations on Earth.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Does Mongolia need a communications satellite?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Without a doubt Mongolia needs a satellite. Nowadays it is impossible to live another second without space technology and information gathered from space. In fact, the government led by former Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag between 2012 and 2014 raised funds to develop blueprints for a satellite project and attract investment. Unfortunately, the nation seems to be facing financial challenges now.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There's something most Mongolians misunderstand. Satellites are actually savings, not expenditure. Our nation rents television and radio satellite channels from another country. Government bodies and private companies are all paying expensive fees to use foreign channels.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If we can grit out teeth once and launch a satellite, there's a high possibility we will recover the expenses after a couple of years and even rent the satellite to other countries to increase state revenue. Having our own satellite is beneficial not only strategically but also economically.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>There's a split in public opinion for the satellite launch. While some people commend the project, others view the launching of a satellite as superfluous spending when the public lacks money to buy food. What is your stance on the issue?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Information has become much more valuable than food right now. Just because you're starving doesn't mean you have to deprive your access to information. There's a need to have something to connect you to the world and keep you up to date with the rapid development. It could be weather forecasts, geological exploration news, telecommunications, or the internet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Satellite isn't just an item in space. Once it has been dispatched, we'll be able to build a ground station and develop space science. Eventually, the quantity of satellites will multiply and increase demand for better research centers and human resources. I'm absolutely sure that we have to take courageous steps to start this project.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>You sent the first Mongolian peacekeeping deployment in 2003 during your term as Minister of Defense, which also received a lot of negative feedback at the beginning. However, more and more people realized the significance of peacekeeping and the contribution Mongolia was making for world peace through peacekeeping missions over the years. Do you think people's opinion on the satellite project will change in the same manner?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I certainly do. We're required to participate in international efforts to ensure security to be able to keep our own country safe and secure. All our laws and operations are aimed to ensure our national security as well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I personally believe that space plays a special role in uniting every country on Earth, resolving religious disagreements, and help all sides stay peaceful. A person who wishes to see their own country from space will never want to set off a nuclear bomb.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Earth looks so much tinier, cleaner and fragile from space, and amplifies our instinct to protect our planet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>All kinds of alleged evidence are being put forward to dispute the notion that the first person to step on the moon was an American. It seems like a conspiracy, but what do Russian cosmonauts think about this issue? Have you talked about this with Russians or do you think it's so ridiculous to even bother starting a conversation on this?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Those who know the truth don't talk about such ridiculous things. This debate was started by people who are desperate to sell their magazines or publication through a new sensation. It's a fact that man walked on the moon.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Let me tell you something interesting. Mongolia's state flag has made it to the moon. American astronaut Neil Alden Armstrong landed on the moon on July 21, 1969 and spent two and a half hours outside his spacecraft, taking samples from the moon and measuring the exact distance between the Earth and the moon.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When Armstrong traveled into space, he took flags of all UN member states with him. They weren't big flags – only small ones. In any case, it means that the Mongolian state flag also reached the moon in 1969. The same Mongolian flag that Armstrong took with him on his moon landing mission is stored safely at the archives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Astronauts have to undergo a series of mental and physical training to go into space. How many people would qualify as an astronaut if 1,000 people were randomly recruited for the training? Is there any statistical data on this?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Quite a lot of people will be selected. It's not like you have to be born special to be able to travel to space. Take me for an example. I'm an ordinary person who grew up under ordinary conditions and went to an ordinary school. However, the training for turning an ordinary person into an astronaut is very special.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As a matter of fact, more than 1,000 young men and women were tested to see if they had the potential to become an astronaut. Most of those who were tested actually don't know that they participated in this type of a test. Specialists went over personal files and health and education records kept at factories and other public organizations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Who conducted the test? Are intelligence agencies involved in such measures?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Most of the people who evaluated potential candidates were doctors. Health was a very important factor and human resource departments played an important role in that test. There wasn't much involvement from intelligence agents. Overall, young men and women were evaluated based on their Russian language skills, education, health, and communication skills.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Afterwards, people were sent to learn more about the selected candidates from their colleagues and superiors. From what I heard, over 1,000 young people were tested without being told the purpose of the test. Among them, 40 people passed to the next stage. From then, the number of candidates was gradually reduced until the final two remained.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Numerous products, such as coins, carpets, candies, vodka, and leather jackets, were produced in 1981 in celebration of the first space flight by a Mongolian. Since then, many children were named Sansar or Sanchir. Can you tell us about the situation back then?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our nation wanted to provide all the supplies needed for the first Mongolian representative to go on a space mission. They prepared so many things, starting from soup made of borts (dried meat), milk with sea buckhorn, candies, photographs, and portraits. Many new products went on sale after the space flight. I guess people needed all sorts of food to celebrate the occasion. Now, only a few of these items remain.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As time passes, some things are forgotten while new things are created. Space technologies and equipment for spacecraft is developing each day, but the most amazing thing is that there are still people who are capable of going on space missions. If it were possible, I'd like to take everyone on Earth to space and let them see our planet with their own eyes. It's quite strange because once you observe the Earth from a distance, you feel much more obliged to protect and love it, as well as to help create a more peaceful world.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/27/exploring-space-science-with-mongolias-first-astronaut-j-gurragchaa/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s1600/image006-723669.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s320/image006-723669.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378151054157074" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Culture></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Culture & Society<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Location_of_Chinggis"></a>Location of Chinggis Khaan's military stronghold Chinhai discovered <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 27 (MONTSAME) Location of Chinggis Khaan's military stronghold Chinhai, set up in 1212, has been found, a research team of Mongolia-Japan Joint Expedition Project 'Inscription' announced during a press conference on March 27, Monday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The said stronghold's location has been determined to be in Sharga soum of Gobi-Altai aimag, namely a ruin named Khalzan Shireg; what's more, remains of a god statue dating back to the 13th century were unearthed at the site following an excavation conducted last September.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The 'Inscription' project has focused on the Khalzan Shireg site since 2001 to thus conclude that not only is the ruin a former military stronghold of Chinggis Khaan, but it also connected the east and west regions of Eurasia, and perhaps could have been a spiritual stronghold.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Launched in 1993, the 'Inscription' project is participated by researchers from Japanese Otani University and Ryukoku University, International Institute for the Study of Nomadic Civilizations and Mongolian University of Science and Technology.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/education/9345">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Nomadic_ger_innovated"></a>Nomadic ger innovated as puzzle game, seeking crowdfunding<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 27 (MONTSAME) Mongolian puzzle game manufacturer 'Taliin ezen' LLC created a puzzle version of Mongolian ger (Yurt).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Anyone who's been to Mongolia or is interested in the country can visit <a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/mimo-ger-nomadic-yurt-assembly#/">Indiegogo</a> and get this ger in support of the project.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This innovative product allows a journey of mysterious nomadic culture. The product can make you feel the fondness of Mongolian blue sky, the vast steppe, the mountain range, the pristine nature, the wild wind, the charming smile and the hospitality of its people. The 11 times smaller version of Mongolian ger will not only introduce you to nomadic culture, but it will also benefit children's intellectual development as a form of puzzle game.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Holding centuries of nomadic legacy, this ger can be built and moved whenever and wherever you are in the world.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/video/art-and-culture/nomads%E2%80%99-ger-innovated-puzzle-game">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Sanity_Sunday-_Music"></a>Sanity Sunday- Music from Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 26 (Nomadic Politics) This week's musical sanity break takes us far away from the dread-inspiring world of politics. And this is about as far away from that sordid mess as you can and remain on the planet. But, seriously, you all need a break.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>It's been a hellish and nerve-racking week (It did, however, have a happy ending for almost everybody.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In any event, nomads deserve nomadic music so I present to you, the music from Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>(VIDEO: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiP9WH0zN0Y" target="_blank">Mongolian Music - Healing Soul Spirit Song</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I fell in love with these rousing songs by the band.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>It is easy to see why it is <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Mongolia">said</a> that music forms such an integral part of Mongolian culture. You will find an example- a mild example of throat-singing- in the second song of this clip.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>(VIDEO: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ow-CMtctgg" target="_blank">Mongolian music NAIR band</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>And finally, there's this Mongolian orchestral music. Looking at the images of their land, I wondered what it would be like to live in such a bleak world without trees.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I am not sure if I could adapt but then Mongolians have had a quite a long time to get accustomed to a barren landscape, I guess.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>(VIDEO: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPyS4kxDpcc" target="_blank">Mongolian Music "Mongolian Steppe Melody" HD</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I hope that you enjoyed the music and that it brings you a bit of peace.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://nomadicpolitics.blogspot.com/2017/03/sanity-sunday-music-from-mongolia.html">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Growing_up_in"></a>Growing up in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>BLACKFOOT, ID, March 27 (Morning News) </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>An international flair was enjoyed by members of the Grove City Chapter of the Sons of Utah Pioneers at its monthly meeting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Davaakhu and Kevin Smith were the featured speakers. Davaakhu was born and raised in Mongolia when the country was ruled by the Soviet Union when it was part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>She described life in the harsh Mongolian climate—where it is not unusual for the temperature to stay well below zero for days on end. The harsh weather and the ruthlessness of their Russian rulers made life hard for her family.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>For the complete story, read the Tuesday, March 28, edition of the Morning News.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.am-news.com/content/growing-mongolia">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s1600/image006-723669.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s320/image006-723669.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378151054157074" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Nature></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Nature & Environment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_Mongolia_government_to"></a>Mongolia government to intensify wildfire prevention measures <span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 27 (MONTSAME) "The Ministry of Environment and Tourism is planning to work with local authorities on prevention from wildfire and raising awareness", remarked Deputy Minister Environment Ts.Batbayar at a recent meeting themed 'Some issues concerning prevention from wildfire and improvement of protective management – 2017' held at the Ministry.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Such measures are certainly necessary as a study indicates that 96 percent of wildfire in Mongolia are caused by human activities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Nine years ago, a National Council was established to manage anti-wildfire actions, and the Friday meeting was a platform for the council and its sub-councils in aimags to exchange experience and information, and familiarize with the current situation surrounding wildfire in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Statistics indicate that 138 wildfires erupted in 61 soums of 14 aimags last year, causing damage worth MNT 10.7 billion, and more seriously the loss of four lives. Compared to 2016, the report shows 2.5 times higher number of wildfire cases.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9328">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s1600/image006-723669.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s320/image006-723669.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378151054157074" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Sports></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Sports<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_D._Zagdsuren_reelected"></a>D. Zagdsuren reelected as President of Mongolian National Olympic Committee<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 27 (MONTSAME) On March 24, the 7th forum of the Mongolian National Olympic Committee (MonNOC) was held at Shangri-La Hotel in Ulaanbaatar to discuss reports of the last 4-year plan and the appointment of the next President of the Committee.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the meeting, management team to work for the next 4 years was selected as well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There were 146 representatives out of 167 voted in an election of the President of the Mongolian National Olympic Committee (MonNOC). A total of 7 people was announced as candidates for the President. However, 4 of them, including Ya.Batsuuri, President of Ankle bone shooting Association, Ch.Zorigtbaatar, General Secretary of Mongolian Athletic Federation, L.Khaltar, President of Mongolian Gymnastics Federation and Ch.Bat-erdene, General Secretary of Mongolian Draughts Federation withdrew from election respectively, leaving only 3 candidates.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the election, Committee's current president D.Zagdsuren was re-elected as the President of the MonNOC with 81 votes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9336">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_wins_four"></a>Mongolia wins four bronze medals at Sambo World Cup 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 27 (MONTSAME) The Sambo World Cup 2017 took place in Moscow, Russia on March 24-26 and 300 athletes from 29 countries participated in the competition. Mongolian athletes were trained by coach J.Bayarsaikhan and successfully competed in the tournament.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In particular, G.Munkhbat, wrestler of "Aldar" sport team won bronze medal in the 57 kg category and P.Tseden-Ish took bronze medal in the category of up to 62 kg, B.Temujin, student of Military University of Moscow won bronze medal in the category of 90kg and G.Gantulga took bronze medal as well in the category of +100 kg respectively.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the Sambo World Cup 2017, an international referee training was held and Mongolian Merit Athlete Kh.Batkhishig, coach J.Bayarsaikhan and International Master of Sports D.Ganzorig were successfully attended. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9356">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Opening_ceremony_held"></a>Opening ceremony held for 4<sup>th</sup> Universiade<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 28 /MONTSAME/ An opening ceremony was held on March 27, Monday at Central Sports Palace for Universiade - 2017 national multi-sport event of university athletes which is currently taking place.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Since 2005, the Universiade has been organized every four years in 14-18 types of sports, uniting more than 70 thousand students, and the 4th Universiade is garnering Mongolian university athletes to compete in 12 types of sports this year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As of the opening ceremony, freestyle wrestling, volleyball, ski and judo competitions had concluded, and the volleyball winners were presented with their medals during the ceremony.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In April, chess, table tennis, handball and aerobics competitions will take place at different venues. More competitions on woodball and athletics are to take place in May when the Universiade will also conclude with a closing ceremony.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9359">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s1600/image006-723669.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s320/image006-723669.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378151054157074" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Art></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Art & Entertainment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Citizen_Kane_and"></a>Citizen Kane and The Eagle Huntress in Oshawa, Ajax<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Classic film, acclaimed documentary screened<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>DURHAM, March 27 (Ajax News Advertiser) — It's been called the greatest film ever made.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Director Orson Welles hit a home run, a grand slam, with his first movie, 1941's <i>Citizen Kane</i>. The consensus is that it's largely based on American newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst. Brilliant pacing and the use of flashbacks and deep focus make it a film for the ages.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>An extraordinary and true story is up next at the Ajax Film Circuit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>The Eagle Huntress</i> is the 2016 tale of Aisholpan, a 13-year-old Kazakh girl from Mongolia aiming to become the first female hunter to compete in a Mongolian eagle festival. Aisholpan comes from a long line of eagle hunters and, with the help of her father, she eventually enters and wins the competition.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The film has a 7 p.m. start on April 7. Tickets are $10 each, available at the St. Francis Centre Box Office, the Ajax and McLean community centres, and the Audley Recreation Centre. You can also get tickets online at <a href="http://www.stfranciscentre.ca/">www.stfranciscentre.ca</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.durhamregion.com/whatson-story/7193279-citizen-kane-and-the-eagle-huntress-in-oshawa-ajax/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s1600/image006-723669.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66w4wmUxkFa9k8K2nFiqvALTm9vHn5i-jN7BVbv84so5OJdNmgxwyYIyiJ4j08cQKW3cOfLoRGHYOZ6UNtwcSBKIz_mnr4m0uxdwQ8z_bwd9CJC6PVUjza-AHsOsuAd62N5sur1ltD9s/s320/image006-723669.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6402378151054157074" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Travel></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Travel<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_Mongolia_converts_two"></a><a name="_Russian_government_advises"></a>Russian government advises its citizens not to shout loudly and get drunk in Mongolia <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing>The Russian government has produced cultural sensitivity guidelines for its citizens travelling abroad, including curbing homophobic behaviour<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 27 (The Independent) What not to say to gay people in France, where to sit on a Swedish bus, and items not to be taken into a Mongolian yurt: Russian tourists now have an online briefing on cultural sensitivity abroad. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Foreign Ministry in Moscow has published some <a href="http://www.kdmid.ru/info.aspx?lst=info_wiki&it=/Obshchiye%20elementy%20povedeniya.aspx" target="_blank">General Elements of Behaviour</a> to help Russians avoid "undesirable incidents" abroad — as well as country-specific advice, which is particularly focused less-than-enlightened attitudes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In Mongolia, "It is not appropriate to loudly shout and get drunk". Crucially, though, for anyone visiting the locals in rural areas: "Earthmoving tools introduced into a yurt are a bad omen".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In 2013, Chinese tourists were provided with a <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/revealed-how-chinese-tourists-should-behave-abroad-8853674.html">Guidebook to Civilised Tourism</a>, instructing travellers not to pick their noses in public, to keep their nose-hair neatly trimmed and never to use their fingers to pick their teeth.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/russian-tourists-etiquette-guide-greece-swearing-royalty-holland-netherlands-no-homophobia-chinese-a7650986.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span 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style='color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Suite </span><span lang=MN style='color:#1F497D'>303</span><span style='color:#1F497D'>, Level 3, Elite Complex<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>14 Chinggis Avenue, Sukhbaatar District 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia<br></span><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Email</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: </span><a href="mailto:info@covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@covermongolia.com</span></a><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Website</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: <a href="http://www.covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>www.covermongolia.com</span></a></span><u><span style='color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Phone (Office)</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: +976 7711 6779</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:Webdings;color:#339966'>P</span><span style='color:#339966'> </span><span lang=EN-AU style='color:#007F00;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-36782561104123624552017-03-27T10:23:00.000+08:002017-05-09T09:11:38.424+08:00[SMI continues to improve; MEF postponed; coal exports surge; budget bill submitted; and debt-free from Chalco 'within month']<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_PTzCHRgiUtmskw37pNFPd96A5gSeCiZ328AjBnoi_NognrRFIejx2KGXSJLHMStSBHLGT0hA1VvayM6qLHqC4j-i2N_LaPm0F9P7l5L6GlhSbE3KqmtsiFuIbeQkQVBe2meZ-punHg/s1600/image001-790178.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ_PTzCHRgiUtmskw37pNFPd96A5gSeCiZ328AjBnoi_NognrRFIejx2KGXSJLHMStSBHLGT0hA1VvayM6qLHqC4j-i2N_LaPm0F9P7l5L6GlhSbE3KqmtsiFuIbeQkQVBe2meZ-punHg/s320/image001-790178.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999186280497058" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDBH9Aj0ZF_j_jQeV16IsE_SEKsp3TimiLEefTc8eLOaaHEe7Kvps7CHx9TX_6qy-uLZeaKEY2mHBkg9MI_SrjyDqxTHw1nvQu_dgSWteaoNqTC9FsbbbgGvjpMbjuFnk6knE67Ls-8c/s1600/image002-792104.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUDBH9Aj0ZF_j_jQeV16IsE_SEKsp3TimiLEefTc8eLOaaHEe7Kvps7CHx9TX_6qy-uLZeaKEY2mHBkg9MI_SrjyDqxTHw1nvQu_dgSWteaoNqTC9FsbbbgGvjpMbjuFnk6knE67Ls-8c/s320/image002-792104.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999196454450802" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Monday, March 27, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'>Cover Mongolia</span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span style='color:#4472C4'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></u>, <span style='color:#00B0F0'><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#00B0F0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#2F5597'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#2F5597'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span style='color:black'>, </span><span style='color:#C55A11'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><b><span style='color:#C55A11'>Instagram</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#C00000'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><b><span style='color:#C00000'>YouTube</span></b></a></span> and <span style='color:#FFC000'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><b><span style='color:#FFC000'>Blogspot</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><u>Jump to</u>: <a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> - <a href="#Local">Local Market</a> - <a href="#Economy">Economy</a> - <a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> - <a href="#Business">Business</a> - <a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> - <a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> - <a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> - <a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> - <a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> - <a href="#Sports">Sports</a> - <a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> - <a href="#Travel">Travel</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Headlines in <b><i>Italic</i></b> are ones modified by Cover Mongolia from original<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>HEADLINES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadIntl></a><u><a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Wang_Tai_Soars">Wang Tai Soars 24%; Shareholding in Iron Mining International (Mongolia) Up to 96.7%</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Erdene_Closes_Private">Erdene Closes Private Placement to Teck</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_coal_miner">Mongolian coal miner posts losses, tough market conditions offset price revival</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MMC:_Cayman_court">MMC: Cayman court grants convening Cayman Scheme Meeting</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_Mining_Chapter">Mongolian Mining Chapter 15 Bankruptcy Restructuring</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Petro_Matad:_Directors'">Petro Matad: Directors' Dealings, Issue of Equity and Total Voting Rights</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Haranga_Director_Matthew">Haranga Director Matthew Wood disposes shares off-market for nil consideration</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Wolf_Petroleum_director">Wolf Petroleum director Matthew Wood disposes shares off-market for nil consideration</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Turquoise_Hill_to">Turquoise Hill to announce fourth quarter and full year 2016 financial results on March 27, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Entree_Gold_Mails">Entree Gold Mails and Files Meeting Materials for Proposed Spin-Out of U.S. Assets, Including the Ann Mason Project</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_SouthGobi_Resources_to">SouthGobi Resources to announce fourth quarter and full year 2016 financial results on March 31, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Xanadu_Mines:_2016">Xanadu Mines: 2016 Annual Report</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Xanadu_Mines:_Change">Xanadu Mines: Change of Company Secretary</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Solartech_Int'l:_No">Solartech Int'l: No large scale investment made in Mongolia mining projects, closely monitoring market risks</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_CNNC:_Resumed_negotiations">CNNC: Resumed negotiations with Mongolia government on setting up uranium JV</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Peace_Map_Holding">Peace Map Holding disposed all asses in Mongolia in 2016</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_E-Commodities:_Amended_and">E-Commodities: Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Shangri-La_Asia:_2016">Shangri-La Asia: 2016 Final Results Announcement</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Khan_Announces_Offer">Khan Announces Offer to Buy Company at $0.05 per share in cash</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQK5p5DojVv-wnh3I_J0jrHFc0-n1knsI8uJMqNme2CCnk-CrYoxm0K5qExubd6QjzrhdasAbv2_UFCe6li-xAXmixsA7UNkigwnIsuTiYacrsnOTPZve-t-3IYMJhlNcWp6RB8Q5uBo/s1600/image003-794177.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQK5p5DojVv-wnh3I_J0jrHFc0-n1knsI8uJMqNme2CCnk-CrYoxm0K5qExubd6QjzrhdasAbv2_UFCe6li-xAXmixsA7UNkigwnIsuTiYacrsnOTPZve-t-3IYMJhlNcWp6RB8Q5uBo/s320/image003-794177.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999205740680402" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a name=HeadLocal></a><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadEconomy></a><u><a href="#Economy">Economy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_MNT_Rates:">MNT ends week down 0.08% vs USD</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_issues_₮295.7">BoM issues ₮295.7 billion 1-week bills, total outstanding -3.3% to ₮970.7 trillion</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_declines_USD,">BoM declines USD, CNY bid, USD ask offers, and MNT swap offers</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_Headline_SMI">Mongolian Headline SMI Continues to Improve</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Average_monthly_salary">Average monthly salary increases to ₮942 thousand</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Bulletin:_Development_Bank">Bulletin: Development Bank of Mongolia Clears Bond Repayment Hurdle; No Rating Impact</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_to_audit">Mongolia to audit commercial banks' assets</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_Economic_Forum">Mongolia Economic Forum postponed to May 4-5</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_Feb_coal">Mongolia Feb coal exports surge 84.9pct on mth</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_After_the_IMF">After the IMF bailout package… What else?</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcdhwR7iEDNXoHJG00DPTjNbwiBoG_cICwtXlQzdesrkBZmiDnVRDmPYqmuLEBRcwDxEbiyZwACy6ClRoWJ9qPT2zTlmPbwJumPELFNACaH-HVghWIj157UW-7OWIR5uP_RMIToy4vLQ/s1600/image004-796261.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcdhwR7iEDNXoHJG00DPTjNbwiBoG_cICwtXlQzdesrkBZmiDnVRDmPYqmuLEBRcwDxEbiyZwACy6ClRoWJ9qPT2zTlmPbwJumPELFNACaH-HVghWIj157UW-7OWIR5uP_RMIToy4vLQ/s320/image004-796261.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999211810166802" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadPolitics></a><u><a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Defacto_Review,_March">Defacto Review, March 19: SGK delay; PDAC, DP, Peacekeepers</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Budget_amendment_bill">Budget amendment bill submitted by Finance Minister</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Prime_Minister_meets">Prime Minister meets with state administrative leadership</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Quote_of_the">Quote of the day: We must overcome both the economic crisis and corruption</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Fulfillment_of_2016">Fulfillment of 2016 socio-economic general guidelines at 61 percent</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Composition_of_National">Composition of National Council of border checkpoint approved</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia:_New_Poll">Mongolia: New Poll Shows Declining Optimism, Continued Economic Concerns</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolians_tell_Government">Mongolians tell Government to prioritize national interests in IRI poll</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Public_supervisory_sub-council">Public supervisory sub-council to be formed at ministries and agencies</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_ranks_136th">Mongolia ranks 136th in Happy Planet Index</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia's_Energy_Regulator">Mongolia's Energy Regulator strengthens efforts to increase energy efficiency</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Jargal_Defacto:_There">Jargal Defacto: There is no refraining from default</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Meet_the_new">Meet the new "boss"!</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia:_Electoral_Law">Mongolia: Electoral Law for State Great Hural and Presidential Elections (2016) – Unofficial Translation</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_A_Comparative_Study">A Comparative Study of Private Security Regulations of Mongolia, Belgium and the United Kingdom</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Prime_Minister_visits">Prime Minister visits Khovd Province on western aimags tour</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Single_parents_of">Single parents of Arkhangai to be backed with employment</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire_4">AmCham Daily Newswire for March 20, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire_3">AmCham Daily Newswire for March 21, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire_2">AmCham Daily Newswire for March 22, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire_1">AmCham Daily Newswire for March 23, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire">AmCham Daily Newswire for March 24, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitl741V8lNolE2-3F-kPKA3ex_1PYO_ao3jNXVwAtvg5qsw7xQKsDrL5tUAcTCcvpVpmpW-KmDdqMpv_1cjZx_ERnNgQrSqeY7fR760GVNcTGGdLFoy0vV9W5D8w4WjVQQSH7f6D84XhA/s1600/image005-798411.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitl741V8lNolE2-3F-kPKA3ex_1PYO_ao3jNXVwAtvg5qsw7xQKsDrL5tUAcTCcvpVpmpW-KmDdqMpv_1cjZx_ERnNgQrSqeY7fR760GVNcTGGdLFoy0vV9W5D8w4WjVQQSH7f6D84XhA/s320/image005-798411.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999222453830066" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadBusiness></a><u><a href="#Business">Business</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_PM:_"Government_of">PM: "Government of Mongolia to be debt-free to Chalco within this month"</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_New_exploration_licenses">New exploration licenses to be granted in April</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_New_procedure_for">New procedure for exploration licenses to be adopted</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Government_allocates_₮9">Government allocates ₮9 billion to geological survey for 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_State-owned_company_to">State-owned company to be established for construction of oil refinery</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mysterious_company_working">Mysterious company working with Bombardier has links to Mongolian rail deal, contract reveals</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Gashuunsukhait_Railway_company">Gashuunsukhait Railway company dissolved</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_launches_coal">Mongolia launches coal rail transportation to Tianjin</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Gashuunsukhait_route_freight">Gashuunsukhait route freight transport to be arranged under one control</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Olon_Ovoot_port">Olon Ovoot port expanded to increase coal export</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_New_contractor_to">New contractor to be chosen for Bayankhongor-Altai road project</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Investment_forum_seeks">Investment forum seeks possibilities to raise gold production</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_"Mongolia_Mining_2017"">"Mongolia Mining 2017" expo to highlight coal industry</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_World_Bank_Project">World Bank Project Aims to Help Mongolia Diversify Exports</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mayer_Brown_JSM">Mayer Brown JSM advises Mongolian government on US$600 M notes issuance and exchange offer</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Deputy_Minister_remarks">Deputy Minister remarks on scientific aspects of agriculture sector</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Gobi_Cashmere_opens">Gobi Cashmere opens pop-up store in Singapore</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_100_kinds_of">100 kinds of factories to open in all regions</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_APNIC:_Internet_Resource">APNIC: Internet Resource Management and Network Security Workshop, Ulaanbaatar, 14-16 June</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Financial_Industry_Leaders">Financial Industry Leaders Form AmCham's Financial Services Committee</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Kenya_and_Mongolia">Kenya and Mongolia Sign MoU to Promote Sustainable Finance</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Tunshlel_2017_Mongolian-Malaysian">Tunshlel 2017 Mongolian-Malaysian and Southeast Asia Investment Business Forum, July 4-5</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MBD_Business_Mission">MBD Business Mission to Washington DC</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Khan_Bank_Welcomes">Khan Bank Welcomes Naoto Odagiri as Independent Member of Board of Directors</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_German_government_and">German government and business delegates visit Khan Bank, hold business meeting</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Sh.Byambatsogt_talks_about">Sh.Byambatsogt talks about being TV announcer in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s1600/image006-700268.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s320/image006-700268.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999236542530578" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadUlaanbaatar></a><u><a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Protesters_demand_approval">Protesters demand approval of national anti-air pollution national program</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Air_pollution_program's">Air pollution program's initial cost totals to MNT 9.9 billion</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_to_ban">Mongolia to ban coal burning by 2021</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_China_Datang_Corp">China Datang Corp to collaborate on reducing air pollution in Ulaanbaatar</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Experts_raise_concerns">Experts raise concerns about scarce drinking water resources</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Concession_agreement_on">Concession agreement on Ulaanbaatar sewage facility to be introduced</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_EBRD_to_support">EBRD to support "Green cities" program</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_EBRD_Project_Summary:">EBRD Project Summary: GrCF Ulaanbaatar Solid Waste Modernisation Project</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_ADB_developing_feasibility">ADB developing feasibility study on Affordable Housing Program</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Ulaanbaatar_Buildings_Unable">Ulaanbaatar Buildings Unable to Withstand Earthquakes To Be Demolished</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mayor_attends_'Nauryz">Mayor attends 'Nauryz – 2017' honorary event</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_April_book_swap">April book swap event to be held on Apr 1</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Only_smart_card">Only smart card holders allowed for ride buses in UB</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_What_is_the">What is the Mongolia Capital City Tax?</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_"Ulaanbaatar_Marathon_2017" ">"Ulaanbaatar Marathon 2017" to be held on May 20</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_delegation_visits">Mongolian delegation visits "Smart Strip" of Nagpur city</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_UB_Mayor_begins">UB Mayor begins tour of Europe with Warsaw</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Speaker_M.Enkhbold_visits">Speaker M.Enkhbold visits the new airport in Khushig Valley</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_New_airport_expected">New airport expected to commence operations next year</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s1600/image006-700268.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s320/image006-700268.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999236542530578" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadDiplomacy></a><u><a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_makes_presentation">Mongolia makes presentation at UN on women's rights</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Parliamentary_State_Secretary">Parliamentary State Secretary of Germany visits Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Minister_of_Road">Minister of Road and Transport Development meets Turkish Ambassador</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Honorary_Consulate_of">Honorary Consulate of Mongolia opened in Quebec, Canada</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_Ambassador_to">Mongolian Ambassador to Czech Republic presents credentials</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Czech_Republic_threatens">Czech Republic threatens to close Embassy in Mongolia over protests</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Deputy_PM_meets">Deputy PM meets Deputy head of Russian Presidential Administrative Directorate</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_First_planning_conference">First planning conference of Selenga 2017 Russia-Mongolia exercise taking place in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Regional_partners_in">Regional partners in Guam for military seminar</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_President_Ts.Elbegdorj_meets">President Ts.Elbegdorj meets UNSG Special Envoy for Road Safety</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Malta_Foreign_Minister">Malta Foreign Minister greets new ambassadors of Mongolia and Armenia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_yurt_library">Mongolian yurt library opens in Taipei</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Dalai_Lama's_travel">Dalai Lama's travel plans ignite reincarnation row</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Thinking_outside_the">Thinking outside the Urn: China and the reincarnation of Mongolia's highest lama</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s1600/image006-700268.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s320/image006-700268.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999236542530578" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadHealthEdu></a><u><a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_to_cooperate">Mongolia to cooperate with Singapore in medical sector</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Western_Region_Diagnostic">Western Region Diagnostic and Treatment Center to be renovated</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_"Academic_Forum-59"_Medical">"Academic Forum-59" Medical Conference to take place on April 7</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Immediate_Vacancies_for">Immediate Vacancies for IELTS Teachers in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Global_Education_Expo">Global Education Expo offers free consultancy</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s1600/image006-700268.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s320/image006-700268.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999236542530578" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadCulture></a><u><a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Kazakhs'_Nauryz_holiday">Kazakhs' Nauryz holiday celebrated</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_True_and_False">True and False facts about Kazakh people</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Ornaments_and_accessories">Ornaments and accessories of a Dariganga wife</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_This_day_marks">This day marks 36th anniversary of Mongolia's space travel</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_races_to">Mongolia races to preserve two-humped camels</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Reindeer_herders_don't">Reindeer herders don't need the government to protect their land</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Museum_to_be">Museum to be established near Tonyukuk statue</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Dating_the_Petroglyphs">Dating the Petroglyphs of the Mongolian Altai</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Original_statue_of">Original statue of D.Sukhbaatar now located in Delger Monastery in Dundgobi aimag</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_UC_Berkeley_Event,">UC Berkeley Event, April 3: "Mongolian Archaeology: New Discoveries, New Concerns"</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Evil_Elsa_and">Evil Elsa and the Forgotten Gloves</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Ross_Kemp_Extreme">Ross Kemp Extreme World – Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s1600/image006-700268.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s320/image006-700268.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999236542530578" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadNature></a><u><a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_On_the_scapegoating">On the scapegoating of goat herders for urban air pollution and economic crisis</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Joint_environmental_research">Joint environmental research to be launched with Nagoya University</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_International_Day_of">International Day of Forests marked</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Wastewater_and_Water">Wastewater and Water Reserves forum kicks off</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Significance_of_cloud">Significance of cloud physics highlighted at meteorology conference</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Wonders_of_forest">Wonders of forest mirror through creative eyes</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Lost_people_successfully">Lost people successfully rescued after heavy snowstorm in western aimags</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Fossil_from_Mongolia">Fossil from Mongolia is Ancient Relative of Today's Ginkgo biloba</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s1600/image006-700268.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s320/image006-700268.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999236542530578" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadSports></a><u><a href="#Sports">Sports</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Special_Olympics_Winter">Special Olympics Winter Games 2017: S.Temuulen wins his second medal</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_secures_second">Mongolia secures second gold from Special Olympics</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_hockey_team">Mongolian hockey team wins silver medal at Asian Challenge Cup</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Runner_B.Munkhzaya_wins">Runner B.Munkhzaya wins international marathon in Taiwan</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Two_Canadians_to">Two Canadians to Contest 2017 Mongol Derby</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_The_Mongolian_marathon">The Mongolian marathon man who shone alone at Spain's 1992 Olympics</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Skier_B.Achbadrakh_perseveres">Skier B.Achbadrakh perseveres in his race to the 2018 Winter Olympic</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Breeders'_Cup_Winners">Breeders' Cup Winners Oscar Performance, Mongolian Saturday Top Stellar Roster of Nominations for Opening Weekend of Keeneland's 2017 Spring Meet</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s1600/image006-700268.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s320/image006-700268.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999236542530578" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadArt></a><u><a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> <b><o:p></o:p></b></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Tragedy_in_America:">Tragedy in America: young Mongolian contortionist dies</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Season_2_of">Season 2 of "Your Face Sounds Familiar" starts in April</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_21_poets'_creations">21 poets' creations made alive in 21 photographs</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_New_book_re-assesses">New book re-assesses 20th century Mongolian literature</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Exhibition:_'Crescendo'_at">Exhibition: 'Crescendo' at UMA</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_Folk_Metal">Mongolian Folk Metal Band 'Tengger Cavalry' Releases Cover of Avril Lavigne Song</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_ballet_celebrates">Mongolian ballet celebrates 30th anniversary</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_B.Tserendolgor's_life_gets">B.Tserendolgor's life gets a makeover after Mongolia's Next Top Model</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s1600/image006-700268.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s320/image006-700268.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999236542530578" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadTravel></a><u><a href="#Travel">Travel</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Regular_passports_to">Regular passports to be issued for five and ten years, will not be extended</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Oxford_medical_students">Oxford medical students take ambulance to Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Sophie_Howarth:_From">Sophie Howarth: From Big Day Out to Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Top_10_Shocking">Top 10 Shocking Facts About Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_The_10_best">The 10 best experiences you can't miss in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Discovering_a_Country">Discovering a Country through its Festival: The Naadam Festival, Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_National_Geographic_Adventure's">National Geographic Adventure's Mongolian Horse Trek</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s1600/image006-700268.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s320/image006-700268.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999236542530578" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>ARTICLES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=International></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Int'l Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Wang_Tai_Soars"></a>Wang Tai Soars 24%; Shareholding in Iron Mining International (Mongolia) Up to 96.7%<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 22 (AAStocks) WANG TAI HLDG (01400.HK) planned to further issue consideration shares to buy 43.7% stake in Iron Mining International (Mongolia). Ending six days of fall, it soared from the low level since listing in April 2014 to $0.285 at most; it last printed at $0.27, soaring 24%, on spiking volume of 71.53 million shares.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After agreeing to buy about 53% stake in Iron Mining International (Mongolia) with $6.36 billion earlier, WANG TAI HLDG further announced that it will buy 43.7% stake in Iron Mining International (Mongolia) at a total consideration of $5.24 billion by issuing consideration shares at $0.13 per share. Upon completion, the company will own 96.7% stake in Iron Mining International (Mongolia), and this is equal to allowing backdoor listing of Iron Mining International (Mongolia) in Hong Kong.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.aastocks.com/en/stocks/news/aafn-news/RUM.170322_104940/1">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2017/0321/LTN201703211044.pdf">Link to Wang Tai release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Erdene_Closes_Private"></a>Erdene Closes Private Placement to Teck<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - March 21, 2017) -</b> <b>Erdene Resource Development Corp. (TSX:ERD) </b>("<a href="http://www.erdene.com/"><b>Erdene</b></a>" or "<b>Company</b>"), is pleased to announce it has closed its non-brokered private placement with Teck Resources Limited ("<b>Teck</b>"). The private placement financing involved the issuance of 543,478 shares to Teck at a price of $0.92 per share for gross proceeds of $500,000 ("<b>Private Placement</b>"). This fulfils Teck's equity investment obligation pursuant to the Strategic Alliance between Erdene and Teck announced by Erdene in April 2013. Net proceeds of the Private Placement will be used for exploration of the Company's Teck-Alliance projects in southwest Mongolia. All securities have been issued pursuant to the Private Placement and are subject to a four-month hold period from the closing date.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Erdene-Teck Alliance</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Alliance with Teck was entered into on April 10, 2013, and was formed by the signing of option and private placement agreements (collectively, "<b>Agreement</b>") to fund and carry out mineral exploration in the Trans Altai region of southwest Mongolia. Under the terms of the Agreement, Teck had the option to subscribe for shares of Erdene, priced at the then current market plus 10%, until it had invested $3 million. Once the initial option agreement funding and initial program is complete, the Alliance will continue to evaluate opportunities for acquisition and, depending on certain conditions, could enter into future agreements to acquire and advance designated projects.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A multi-year program of regional exploration, designed to identify porphyry and porphyry-related mineralization, has been underway since inception. The program has provided the Alliance with a significant amount of technical information to support future acquisition and exploration.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With the renewal of the Alliance, the 2017 exploration program will consist of follow-up work on anomalous targets identified during the 2016 program, comprising surface geochemical sampling, geological mapping/prospecting, ground-verification of multispectral anomalies, and sampling of alteration zones for hyper-spectral analysis. Additional work is also planned for one of the Alliance's newly acquired exploration licenses, consisting of geochemical, geophysical, and geological work.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Excluded from the Alliance are the Company's Bayan Khundii Gold Project, Altan Nar Gold-Polymetallic Project, Altan Arrow Gold-Silver Project and the Zuun Mod Molybdenum-Copper Project.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/erdene-closes-private-placement-tsx-erd-2204283.htm">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/teck-announces-subscription-to-erdene-placement-tsx-teck.a-2204133.htm">Teck Announces Subscription to Erdene Placement</a> – </b><i>Teck Resources</i>, March 20 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_coal_miner"></a>Mongolian coal miner posts losses, tough market conditions offset price revival<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>ULAANBAATAR, March 23 (Reuters) - Mongolia Mining Corp reported losses of $154.2 million for 2016, despite a 20 percent jump in total revenue, with a resurgence in coal prices over the year unable to offset tough market conditions in the first half and high financing costs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Coal accounts for nearly half of mineral-rich Mongolia's total exports but weak infrastructure and high freight costs have forced the country to sell at discounted prices and prevented it from taking full advantage of its vast reserves.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Delays to a railway project designed to help the landlocked nation deliver coal across its southern border into China have also held back the industry and eroded MMC's profitability.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The firm reported an average selling price of $77.2 a tonne last year, 22 percent more than in 2015 after China's war on overcapacity helped cut coal supplies. But this was much lower than the average China spot price of around 946 yuan ($137). MMC's hard coking coal sales rose 29.2 percent to 1.5 million tonnes in 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian Mining runs the Ukhaa Khudag mine in the Gobi desert that shares the same coal formation as Mongolia's huge state-owned Tavan Tolgoi mine, which the country hopes will attract billions of dollars in foreign investment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian coal is shipped by trucks to the Chinese border, about 240 kilometres (149 miles) away from Ukhaa Khudag. The country has long planned to build a railway to cut down on costs, but it has struggled to finance the project.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"When MMC reaches full production rates of 7 million tonnes per year some time in 2018, it will be responsible for almost 10 percent of Mongolia's total GDP at current coal prices," said Harris Kupperman, chairman of the Mongolian Growth Group, a real estate firm that holds a stake in MMC. "MMC's future health is vital to the Mongolian economy."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia's central bank said last week that the value of the country's coal exports grew 642 percent in February, compared with the same period of last year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to data from China's customs authority this week, Mongolia overtook Indonesia to become China's No.2 source of imported non-lignite coal in February, with shipments up 211.6 percent on the year at nearly 2 million tonnes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia was also China's No.2 coking coal supplier last month, with shipments up 134 percent to 1.436 million tonnes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However, average prices of coking coal from Mongolia stood at $78.77 per tonne, far lower than the $171.2 average for all coking coal imported by China during the month.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFL3N1H02YA">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2017/0322/LTN20170322924.pdf">Link to MMC annual report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_MMC:_Cayman_court"></a>MMC: Cayman court grants convening Cayman Scheme Meeting<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 21, Mongolian Mining Corporation Ltd. (HKEx:975) -- This announcement (the "Announcement") is made by Mongolian Mining Corporation (In Provisional Liquidation) (the "Company") pursuant to Rule 13.09(1) of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "Listing Rules") and the Inside Information Provisions under Part XIVA of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company is pleased to announce that on 20 March 2017, the Cayman Court granted an order by way of consent authorising the Company to proceed with the dissemination of the Scheme Documents (as defined below) and convene the Cayman Scheme Meeting. Accordingly, copies of the Cayman Scheme, the Hong Kong Scheme, the explanatory statement (which explains the effect of the Cayman Scheme and the Hong Kong Scheme in detail) and the solicitation packet (which includes the account holder letter and form of proxy to be completed by all the scheme creditors in order to vote at the scheme meetings) (collectively, the "Scheme Documents"), together with certain other documents concerning the Debt Restructuring, are now available to access and download from the scheme website (http://www.lynchpinbm.com/project/mongolian-mining/) or by contacting the information agent on +852 2526 5406 or by email to mminfo@lynchpinbm.com.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2017/0321/LTN20170321061.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_Mining_Chapter"></a>Mongolian Mining Chapter 15 Bankruptcy Restructuring<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 23 (Bankrupt Company News) Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia-based Mongolian Mining filed for Chapter 15 protection with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Southern District of New York, case number 17-10695. The Company, which engages in mining, processing, transportation and sale of coal products in Mongolia, is represented by Timothy E. Graulich of Davis Polk & Wardwell.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company is currently operating in Provisional Liquidation by order of the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands and restructuring by way of both Cayman Islands and Hong Kong schemes of arrangement, which are materially identical. If the effective date of the restructuring has not occurred on or before May 8, 2017, the terms of the restructuring support agreements will lapse automatically.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to documents filed with the Court, "In order to mitigate decreasing profit margins, the Group made efforts to penetrate the inland China market through new sales terms from 2014 onwards which in FY15 started to produce positive profit margins. Nevertheless, the downturn in the international coking coal market has meant that revenue and sales volume for the Group decreased significantly in recent years."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian Mining's recently reported assets of $1.6 billion.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://bankruptcompanynews.com/mongolian-mining-international-bankruptcy-3-23-17/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Petro_Matad:_Directors'"></a>Petro Matad: Directors' Dealings, Issue of Equity and Total Voting Rights<i> <o:p></o:p></i></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Dealings between Concert Party members<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 24 -- Petro Matad announces that on 24 March 2017 Dr Oyungerel Janchiv, a director of Petro Matad, sold 2,500,000 ordinary shares of US$0.01 each in the Company ("Shares") to Petrovis Matad Inc. ("Petrovis"), at 25p per Share. Each of Dr Oyungerel and Petrovis are members of the Petrovis Group Concert Party, as detailed further below.<b><i> <o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Exercise of Options<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Petro Matad further announces that it has issued 429,500 new Shares pursuant to the exercise of options by certain Directors and employees on 24 March 2017. The below table sets out the changes to Directors' shareholdings following the exercise of options:<o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=536 style='width:401.95pt;margin-left:-.75pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:14.15pt'><td width=134 valign=bottom style='width:100.75pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Director<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=69 valign=bottom style='width:52.05pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Options exercised<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=52 valign=top style='width:38.8pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Exercise price per Share<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=99 valign=bottom style='width:74.25pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Resultant shareholding<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=109 valign=bottom style='width:82.1pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Percentage holding of enlarged issued share capital<o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr style='height:4.75pt'><td width=134 valign=bottom style='width:100.75pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:4.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Oyungerel Janchiv*<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=69 valign=bottom style='width:52.05pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:4.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal>62,500<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=52 valign=top style='width:38.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:4.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal>£0.11<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=99 valign=bottom style='width:74.25pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:4.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal>16,867,946<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=109 valign=bottom style='width:82.1pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:4.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal>5.86%<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:4.75pt'><td width=134 valign=bottom style='width:100.75pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:4.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Ridvan Karpuz<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=69 valign=bottom style='width:52.05pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:4.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal>75,000<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=52 valign=top style='width:38.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:4.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal>£0.0788<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=99 valign=bottom style='width:74.25pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:4.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal>2,021,209<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=109 valign=bottom style='width:82.1pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:4.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal>0.70%<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:4.75pt'><td width=134 valign=bottom style='width:100.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:4.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Amarzul Tuul<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=69 valign=bottom style='width:52.05pt;border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:4.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal>45,000<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=52 valign=top style='width:38.8pt;border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:4.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal>£0.11<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=99 valign=bottom style='width:74.25pt;border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:4.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal>583,334<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=109 valign=bottom style='width:82.1pt;border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:4.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal>0.20%<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:4.75pt'><td width=134 valign=bottom style='width:100.75pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:4.75pt'></td><td width=69 valign=bottom style='width:52.05pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:4.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal>7,000<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=52 valign=top style='width:38.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:4.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal>£0.1975<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=99 valign=bottom style='width:74.25pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:4.75pt'></td><td width=109 valign=bottom style='width:82.1pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:4.75pt'></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><i>* Dr Oyungerel Janchiv controls more than 20% of Petrovis. Her direct holding in Petro Matad of 16,867,946 Shares (following her share sale to Petrovis and exercise of options) is, for disclosure purposes, aggregated with that of Petrovis under the AIM definition of director's family. The aggregated holding of Dr Oyungerel and Petrovis is 111,552,208 Shares representing 38.74 per cent. of the Company's enlarged issued share capital. <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Concert Party holding<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Following the issue of the new Shares to Dr Oyungerel Janchiv, the Petrovis Group (being Petrovis, its underlying shareholders and their family members) will hold 144,112,822 Shares, representing 50.05 per cent. of the Company's enlarged issued share capital.<b><i> <o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Application for admission of new Shares<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Application has been made for the 429,500 new Shares, which rank <i>pari passu</i> with the Company's existing issued Shares, to be admitted to trading on AIM ("Admission") and it is expected that Admission will occur on 30 March 2017. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Total Voting Rights<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Following Admission, Petro Matad will have 287,924,275 ordinary shares in issue, which will also represent the total number of voting rights in the Company. No Share are held in Treasury. This figure should be used by shareholders as the denominator for the calculations by which they will determine if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in, the Company under the FCA's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail/MATD/13170696.html">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Haranga_Director_Matthew"></a>Haranga Director Matthew Wood disposes shares off-market for nil consideration<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 23, Haranga Resources Ltd. (ASX:HAR) -- <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoTableGrid border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr><td width=312 valign=top style='width:233.75pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>No. of securities held prior to change</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=312 valign=top style='width:233.75pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Matthew Gaden Western Wood <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- 1,952,352 Ordinary Shares <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Whistling Kite Equity Ltd <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- 8,889,157 Ordinary Shares <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- 1,000,000 unlisted options exercisable at 20 cents each, expiring 30 June 2018<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=312 valign=top style='width:233.75pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Class<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=312 valign=top style='width:233.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Ordinary Shares <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Unlisted Options<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=312 valign=top style='width:233.75pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Number acquired </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=312 valign=top style='width:233.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Nil <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=312 valign=top style='width:233.75pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Number disposed </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=312 valign=top style='width:233.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Matthew Gaden Western Wood <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- 1,952,352 Ordinary Shares <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Whistling Kite Equity Ltd <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- 8,889,157 Ordinary Shares <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- 1,000,000 unlisted options exercisable at 20 cents each, expiring 30 June 2018<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=312 valign=top style='width:233.75pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>Value/Consideration <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=312 valign=top style='width:233.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Nil <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=312 valign=top style='width:233.75pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>No. of securities held after change <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=312 valign=top style='width:233.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Nil <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=312 valign=top style='width:233.75pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Nature of change <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=312 valign=top style='width:233.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Off market transfer <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170323/pdf/43h03f8rltnjnv.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Wolf_Petroleum_director"></a>Wolf Petroleum director Matthew Wood disposes shares off-market for nil consideration<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 23, Wolf Petroleum Ltd. (ASX:WOF) -- <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='margin-left:-5.4pt;border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr style='height:67.15pt'><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:67.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> <b>No. of securities held prior to change </b><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:67.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Whistling Kite Equity Pty Ltd <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>- 15,281,472 ordinary shares <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>- 14,447,785 listed options exercisable at $0.05 on or before 31 July 2018. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Matthew Gaden Western Wood <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>- 4,000,000 listed options exercisable at $0.05 on or before 31 July 2018. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mr M Wood <Thomas Wood A/C> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>- 55,748 ordinary shares <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>- 672,415 listed options exercisable at $0.05 on or before 31 July 2018. <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:21.25pt'><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:21.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Class </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:21.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ordinary shares <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Listed options exercisable at $0.05 on or before 31 July 2018. <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:7.05pt'><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Number acquired </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Nil<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:7.05pt'><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Number disposed <o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Whistling Kite Equity Pty Ltd <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>- 15,281,472 ordinary shares <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>- 14,447,785 listed options exercisable at $0.05 on or before 31 July 2018. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Matthew Gaden Western Wood <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>- 4,000,000 listed options exercisable at $0.05 on or before 31 July 2018. <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:7.05pt'><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Value/Consideration <o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Nil <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:7.05pt'><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>No. of securities held after change <o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mr M Wood <Thomas Wood A/C> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>- 55,748 ordinary shares <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>- 672,415 listed options exercisable at $0.05 on or before 31 July 2018. <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:7.05pt'><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Nature of change <o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.05pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Off-market transfer <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170323/pdf/43h0dk0937q0m1.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Turquoise_Hill_to"></a>Turquoise Hill to announce fourth quarter and full year 2016 financial results on March 27, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - March 20, 2017) - Turquoise Hill Resources will announce its fourth quarter and full year 2016 financial results on Monday, March 27, 2017 after markets close in North America.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company will host a conference call and webcast to discuss fourth quarter and full year 2016 results on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 11:00 am EDT / 8:00 am PDT. The conference call can be accessed through the following dial-in details:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/turquoise-hill-announce-fourth-quarter-full-year-2016-financial-results-on-march-27-nyse-trq-2204125.htm">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Entree_Gold_Mails"></a>Entree Gold Mails and Files Meeting Materials for Proposed Spin-Out of U.S. Assets, Including the Ann Mason Project<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - March 24, 2017) -</b> Entrée Gold Inc. ("<b>Entrée</b> or the "<b>Company</b>") (TSX:ETG)(NYSE MKT:EGI)(FRANKFURT:EKA) is pleased to report that further to its news release of February 28, 2017, the Company has today filed and mailed the materials for its Annual General and Special Meeting (the "<b>Meeting</b>") of shareholders, optionholders and warrantholders (collectively, the "<b>Securityholders</b>") which describe, among other things, the proposed strategic reorganization of the Company's business (the "<b>Arrangement</b>"). The Company's Information Circular (the "<b>Circular</b>") and other Meeting materials are available on SEDAR at <a href="http://www.sedar.com/">www.sedar.com</a> and on the Company's website at <a href="http://www.entreegold.com/">www.entreegold.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>The Arrangement</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the Meeting, among other items of business including the annual election of directors, shareholders of Entrée ("<b>Shareholders</b>"), as well as Securityholders voting together as a single class, will be asked to consider and, if thought fit, to pass, with or without variation, a special resolution to approve a statutory plan of arrangement (the "<b>Plan of Arrangement</b>") under Section 288 of the <i>Business Corporations Act</i> (British Columbia). It is intended that, as part of the Arrangement, Shareholders will receive common shares of newly incorporated Mason Resources Corp. ("<b>Mason Resources</b>") by way of a share exchange, pursuant to which each existing share of Entrée is exchanged for one "new" share of Entrée and 0.45 of a Mason Resources common share (the "<b>Consideration</b>"). Entrée will transfer to Mason Resources all of the issued and outstanding shares of Entrée U.S. Holdings Inc., which indirectly holds the Ann Mason copper-molybdenum project in Nevada (the "<b>Ann Mason Project</b>") and the Lordsburg copper-gold property in New Mexico, along with US$8.75 million in cash.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There will be no change to Shareholders' existing interests in Entrée.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Plan of Arrangement calls for Entrée warrantholders to exchange their warrants for replacement warrants to acquire the same number of Entrée shares and 45% of that number of Mason Resources shares. Similarly, Entrée optionholders will exchange their options for replacement options to acquire the same number of Entrée shares and 45% of that number of Mason Resources shares. The exercise prices of the replacement warrants and options will be determined in accordance with the Plan of Arrangement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>The board of directors of Entrée (the "Board") has unanimously determined that the Plan of Arrangement is fair and in the best interests of Entrée and its Securityholders and recommends that Securityholders vote FOR the Plan of Arrangement.</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>The Meeting</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Entrée Shareholders, warrantholders and optionholders as of the record date of March 16, 2017 have the right to vote by proxy or in person at the Meeting to be held May 1, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. PDT at the offices of Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, 1200 Waterfront Centre, 200 Burrard Street, Vancouver, British Columbia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Benefits of the Arrangement</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/entree-gold-mails-files-meeting-materials-proposed-spin-out-us-assets-including-ann-tsx-etg-2205320.htm">Link to full release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_SouthGobi_Resources_to"></a>SouthGobi Resources to announce fourth quarter and full year 2016 financial results on March 31, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>HONG KONG, CHINA--(Marketwired - March 21, 2017) -</b> SouthGobi Resources Ltd. <b>(TSX: SGQ)(HKSE:1878)</b> (the "<b>Company</b>") announces that the board of directors (the "<b>Board</b>") of the Company will meet on Friday, March 31, 2017 to consider and approve the fourth quarter and full year 2016 financial results of the Company and its subsidiaries. These financial results will be released on March 31, 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/southgobi-resources-announce-fourth-quarter-full-year-2016-financial-results-on-march-tsx-sgq-2204374.htm">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Xanadu_Mines:_2016"></a>Xanadu Mines: 2016 Annual Report <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 24, Xanadu Mines Ltd. (ASX:XAM) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170324/pdf/43h125v2l15z1p.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Xanadu_Mines:_Change"></a>Xanadu Mines: Change of Company Secretary<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 22 -- Xanadu Mines Ltd (ASX: XAM – "Xanadu" or "Company") advises that Janine Rolfe will step down as Company Secretary, effective 31 March 2017. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Nathan Bartrop, a colleague of Janine's from Company Matters Pty Limited, has been appointed Company Secretary, also effective 31 March 2017. For the purposes of ASX Listing Rule 12.6, Nathan is also the person responsible for communications between the Company and ASX.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170322/pdf/43gz2tw3tft0gf.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Solartech_Int'l:_No"></a>Solartech Int'l: No large scale investment made in Mongolia mining projects, closely monitoring market risks<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing>2016-2017 Interim Report<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 20, Solartech International Holdings Limited (HKEx:1166) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Mining <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Group's mineral resources are concentrated in Dundgobi Aimag and Bayan-Ulgii Aimag, Mongolia. As there are still many uncertainties in the Mongolian and international mineral markets, besides carrying out a small amount of additional exploration work and the necessary work to maintain the mining rights, no large scale capital investment was made during the period under review. The management will closely monitor the market risks of Mongolia and make adjustments to investment strategies accordingly.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2017/0320/LTN20170320265.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_CNNC:_Resumed_negotiations"></a>CNNC: Resumed negotiations with Mongolia government on setting up uranium JV<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Final Results Announcement for the Year Ended 31<sup>st</sup> December, 2016<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 20, CNNC International Ltd. (HKEx:2302) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The application of the mining licenses of the Mongolian uranium resources project has been delayed due to the changes in the relevant Mongolian government officials during the Year. New officials have been appointed in 2016 and the Group has resumed negotiations with the officials for setting up a joint venture company with the Mongolian government for the project and finalising the application procedures for the mining licenses.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2017/0320/LTN20170320932.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Peace_Map_Holding"></a>Peace Map Holding disposed all asses in Mongolia in 2016<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Results announcement for the year ended 31 December 2016<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 23, Peace Map Holding Ltd. (HKEx:402) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Discontinued Operation <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Mining and Exploration Business in Mongolia <o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the year, the Group disposed of all its assets in Mongolia, including four coal mining licences covering a 1,114-hectare coal mine at Tugrug Valley and three exploration licences in respect of coal deposits in DundGobi (14,087 hectares) located in Mongolia at a consideration of approximately HK$7.3 million. The <b>disposal of assets contributed a gain on disposal of approximately HK$74.5 million to the Group</b>. The Group did not hold any assets in Mongolia as at 31 December 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2017/0324/LTN20170324003.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_E-Commodities:_Amended_and"></a>E-Commodities: Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 23, E-Commodities Holdings Ltd. (HKEx:1733) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2017/0323/LTN20170323293.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Shangri-La_Asia:_2016"></a>Shangri-La Asia: 2016 Final Results Announcement<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 23, Shangri-La Asia Ltd. (HKEx:00069) --<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Segment income statement<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>For the year ended 31 December 2016 and 2015 (US$ million)</i></b><o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoTableGrid border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr><td width=132 valign=top style='width:99.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></td><td width=188 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:140.9pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>2016<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=184 colspan=2 valign=top style='width:138.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2015<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=132 valign=top style='width:99.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></td><td width=83 valign=top style='width:62.6pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>Sales<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=104 valign=top style='width:78.3pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>Profit/(Loss) after tax<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=94 valign=top style='width:70.2pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Sales<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=90 valign=top style='width:67.8pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Profit/(Loss) after tax<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=132 valign=top style='width:99.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Hotel ownership</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=83 valign=top style='width:62.6pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p></td><td width=104 valign=top style='width:78.3pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b><o:p> </o:p></b></p></td><td width=94 valign=top style='width:70.2pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><o:p> </o:p></p></td><td width=90 valign=top style='width:67.8pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><o:p> </o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=132 valign=top style='width:99.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Hong Kong <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=83 valign=top style='width:62.6pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>258.2 <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=104 valign=top style='width:78.3pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>58.3 <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=94 valign=top style='width:70.2pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>264.0 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=90 valign=top style='width:67.8pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>62.7<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=132 valign=top style='width:99.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Mainland China <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=83 valign=top style='width:62.6pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>751.7 <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=104 valign=top style='width:78.3pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>(12.5) <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=94 valign=top style='width:70.2pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>780.5 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=90 valign=top style='width:67.8pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>(55.8)<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=132 valign=top style='width:99.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Singapore <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=83 valign=top style='width:62.6pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>198.1 <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=104 valign=top style='width:78.3pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>23.7 <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=94 valign=top style='width:70.2pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>218.9 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=90 valign=top style='width:67.8pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>29.9<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=132 valign=top style='width:99.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Malaysia <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=83 valign=top style='width:62.6pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>115.5<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=104 valign=top style='width:78.3pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>13.9 <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=94 valign=top style='width:70.2pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>121.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=90 valign=top style='width:67.8pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>17.6<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=132 valign=top style='width:99.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>The Philippines <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=83 valign=top style='width:62.6pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>189.7 <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=104 valign=top style='width:78.3pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>5.6 <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=94 valign=top style='width:70.2pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>199.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=90 valign=top style='width:67.8pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>16.2<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=132 valign=top style='width:99.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Japan <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=83 valign=top style='width:62.6pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>62.6 <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=104 valign=top style='width:78.3pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>0.8 <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=94 valign=top style='width:70.2pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>56.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=90 valign=top style='width:67.8pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>(0.7)<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=132 valign=top style='width:99.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Thailand <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=83 valign=top style='width:62.6pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>60.4 <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=104 valign=top style='width:78.3pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>8.8 <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=94 valign=top style='width:70.2pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>67.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=90 valign=top style='width:67.8pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>12.4<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=132 valign=top style='width:99.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Australia <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=83 valign=top style='width:62.6pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>95.9 <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=104 valign=top style='width:78.3pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>3.9 <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=94 valign=top style='width:70.2pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>92.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=90 valign=top style='width:67.8pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>(0.1)<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=132 valign=top style='width:99.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>France <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=83 valign=top style='width:62.6pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>41.0 <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=104 valign=top style='width:78.3pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>(16.3) <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=94 valign=top style='width:70.2pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>48.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=90 valign=top style='width:67.8pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>(22.4)<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=132 valign=top style='width:99.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>United Kingdom <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=83 valign=top style='width:62.6pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>47.6 <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=104 valign=top style='width:78.3pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>(18.6) <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=94 valign=top style='width:70.2pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>51.7 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=90 valign=top style='width:67.8pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>(21.7)<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=132 valign=top style='width:99.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=83 valign=top style='width:62.6pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>14.3 <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=104 valign=top style='width:78.3pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>(7.1) <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=94 valign=top style='width:70.2pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>7.8 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=90 valign=top style='width:67.8pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>(6.3)<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=132 valign=top style='width:99.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Sri Lanka <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=83 valign=top style='width:62.6pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>4.4 <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=104 valign=top style='width:78.3pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>(7.9) <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=94 valign=top style='width:70.2pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>– <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=90 valign=top style='width:67.8pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>–<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=132 valign=top style='width:99.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Other countries <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=83 valign=top style='width:62.6pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>78.7 <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=104 valign=top style='width:78.3pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><b>(6.8) <o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=94 valign=top style='width:70.2pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>89.8 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=90 valign=top style='width:67.8pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>(4.6)<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Profit before non-operating items<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>– poor occupancies at the Sule Square and the Shangri-La Centre, Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Mongolia <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar (opened for business in June 2015) <b>recorded an increase in ADR of 25%.</b> This, <b>together with a 2 percentage point increment in occupancy, led to an increase in RevPAR of 32%.</b> However, completing a full year of operation in 2016, the Group's effective share of depreciation charges increased to US$5.7 million in the current year compared to US$3.3 million in 2015. As a result, the amount of net loss shared by the Group increased by US$0.8 million for the year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Other Countries <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>In Myanmar, the Shangri-La Residences in Yangon (55.86% owned by the Group) registered further growth in yields of 3% after a 67% increase in 2015. <b>Due to the slowdown of the local economy, yields of the office and commercial spaces at the Central Tower, Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia (51% owned by the Group) were down by 25% and 26%, respectively</b>. The Group's share of net profit from the investment properties in other countries for the year decreased by US$4.0 million for the year largely as a result of the start-up losses of the newly opened Sule Square in Yangon and Shangri-La Centre, Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2017/0323/LTN20170323498.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Khan_Announces_Offer"></a>Khan Announces Offer to Buy Company at $0.05 per share in cash<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>TORONTO, March 22, 2017 /CNW/ - Khan Resources Inc. ("<b>Khan</b>" or the "<b>Company</b>") (CSE: KRI) announces that it has entered into a definitive agreement (the "<b>Arrangement Agreement</b>") with Arden Holdings Ltd., ("<b>Arden</b>") a private Turks and Caicos company and Arden's wholly-owned subsidiary ("<b>Arden BidCo</b>") whereby Arden BidCo has agreed to acquire all of Khan's outstanding shares by way of plan of arrangement (the "<b>Arrangement</b>"). Under the Arrangement, Khan's shareholders will receive cash of C$0.05 per share. The transaction is subject to Khan shareholder approval, court approval and other customary closing conditions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The annual and special meeting of shareholders (the "<b>Meeting</b>") to vote on the Arrangement and other matters will be held on May 5, 2017. The record date for determining shareholders entitled to receive notice of and vote at the Meeting has been set as April 5, 2017. Based on the recommendation of a special committee formed for the purpose of considering the proposed Arrangement, and advice from its advisors, Khan's Board of Directors recommends that shareholders vote in favour of the Arrangement at the Meeting. Blair Franklin Capital Partners Inc., the financial advisor to the Company has provided an oral opinion that the consideration to be offered under the Arrangement is fair, from a financial point of view, to Khan's shareholders.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company is currently in the process of liquidation, as approved by 99.9% of the common shares voted at a meeting of shareholders held November 10, 2016 (the "<b>Liquidation Approval</b>"). On November 29, 2016, the Company made an interim distribution to shareholders of $0.85 per share, by way of a return of capital. Following the interim distribution, the Company has been pursuing the liquidation, including the orderly winding up of its one remaining subsidiary, Khan Netherlands BV ("<b>Khan Netherlands</b>"). As previously announced, Khan Netherlands received a preliminary tax assessment from the Dutch tax authority in the amount of €11.4 million (later amended to €3.3 million). Khan Netherlands has formally disputed the assessment, and proposes to file a tax return on the basis of no taxes being payable. If the Dutch tax authority continues to assert that Dutch tax is payable by Khan Netherlands in connection with its share of the settlement proceeds received from the Government of Mongolia, the matter could take a significant amount of time and resources to resolve. This would further delay the completion of the liquidation of the Company and impact the amount and timing of the final distribution of the Company's remaining cash to the shareholders.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Management Information Circular for the November 10, 2016 shareholders meeting disclosed that the amount of funds available for distribution to shareholders would depend upon a number of factors and would be in the range of $0.01 to $0.08 per share with distribution occurring after receipt of tax clearances estimated to be obtained in 2018. Under the Liquidation Approval, the Board of Directors of Khan was authorized not to proceed with the liquidation of the Company in its current form if it determines in its discretion that doing so is no longer in the best interests of the Company or its shareholders. The Board has considered the alternatives available to the Company and has determined that in light of the Netherlands tax dispute and the fact that the Arrangement provides an opportunity for shareholders to receive a certain amount of cash now for their shares, the Arrangement is in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders. If the required shareholder approval is not obtained at the meeting, the Board will continue to proceed with the liquidation of the Company currently underway.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Arrangement Agreement is subject to certain customary conditions, including court approval and the approval of not less than two-thirds of the votes cast at a meeting of shareholders to consider the Arrangement, and the satisfaction of certain other customary conditions. The Arrangement Agreement provides for, among other things, customary Board support and non-solicitation covenants subject to customary "fiduciary out" provisions and a right in favour of Arden to match any superior proposal. The Arrangement Agreement also provides for a termination fee of $175,000 payable by Khan to Arden if the Arrangement is not completed in certain circumstances. An equally valued reverse-termination fee is payable by Arden to Khan if the transaction is not completed in certain circumstances.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Directors, officers and major shareholders holding approximately 38.9% of the 90,166,482 issued and outstanding Khan common shares, have indicated their support of the Arrangement and their intention to vote in favour of the Arrangement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr. Grant Edey, Chairman and CEO of Khan, commented "We believe that this offer gives the opportunity to all shareholders to sell their Khan shares at a fair price in the near term rather than holding the shares for a distribution of the remaining funds after the completion of an uncertain liquidation process in terms of time and cost." <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The terms and conditions of the Arrangement Agreement will be summarized in the Company's management information circular which will be filed with the Canadian securities regulators and will be available under Khan's profile on SEDAR at <a href="http://www.sedar.com/" target="_blank">www.sedar.com</a> and on Khan's website at <a href="http://www.khanresources.com/" target="_blank">www.khanresources.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/khan-announces-offer-to-buy-company-at-005-per-share-in-cash-616884254.html">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcp7ezywlwNypCloQKEN0UXBDiebsk6_P7bG6W9EOgioVwABIw64h7ep2oLCODLXM0dpBY70B7likxA1ePOaIXeKs-zWlqc9Mjz32tkNfz-4Q33I0J7y6advsyfkZALxAOoubSss6ES68/s1600/image007-703182.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcp7ezywlwNypCloQKEN0UXBDiebsk6_P7bG6W9EOgioVwABIw64h7ep2oLCODLXM0dpBY70B7likxA1ePOaIXeKs-zWlqc9Mjz32tkNfz-4Q33I0J7y6advsyfkZALxAOoubSss6ES68/s320/image007-703182.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999244654029714" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Local></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Local Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>No trading reports since March 21<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWr_5zWu0Cm1C5odnrx_LQorZRMZP7sudMDybA3K6nu_NUsVhC095cLxYqIHLZShudK4uNxuBXeaVz1HJ7GrAyQ4nZOPNYVC2s7qfmdYxLhGbqGTlPpfhxINwOhBvg75kjwo-YCJjaYOw/s1600/image009-705058.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWr_5zWu0Cm1C5odnrx_LQorZRMZP7sudMDybA3K6nu_NUsVhC095cLxYqIHLZShudK4uNxuBXeaVz1HJ7GrAyQ4nZOPNYVC2s7qfmdYxLhGbqGTlPpfhxINwOhBvg75kjwo-YCJjaYOw/s320/image009-705058.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999252192060322" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Economy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Economy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>Reds</span> are when MNT fell, <span style='color:#00B050'>greens</span> when it rose.<b> <span style='color:red'>Bold reds</span></b><span style='color:red'> </span>are rates that set a new historic high at the time. </i><o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_BoM_MNT_Rates:"></a><span lang=MN>BoM MNT Rates: </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>Friday</span><span lang=MN>, </span>March 24 <span lang=MN>Close </span><o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoTable15Plain5 border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=952 style='width:713.7pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/24</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/23</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/22</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/17</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/16</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/15</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/14</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/13</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border-top:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;border-right:none;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>High</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>Date</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1074" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/b27dbc49-e16d-41ae-8557-f99cdb40c367.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e147de94-098c-41fc-a613-e68b961bc287.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>USD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,459.18<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,459.57<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,459.38<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,457.58<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,458.10<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,457.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,454.96<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,457.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,458.38<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,458.80<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,498.75</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1073" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/bebede1f-9fde-45e8-9abf-07cee5d98010.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/7fff4ee5-d12c-4bd2-8a56-d47fa1ab5b0d.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>EUR</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,649.52<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,654.98<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,656.50<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,649.64<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,647.37<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,645.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,633.07<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,614.01<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,615.22<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,629.93<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,681.43</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/10/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1072" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/280be717-5c83-46be-b0c7-d0b2cf9575f2.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/73256f8e-4c86-438d-9d39-350646eb7f40.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>JPY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>22.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>22.11<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>22.06<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.78<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.83<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>21.68<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.68<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.42<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.35<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.44<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>23.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/9/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1071" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0e866dbf-0eff-45bc-aa83-c145b2345900.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/170ec7e9-2636-4b7d-a624-7ae9fef54841.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>GBP</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,070.04<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,068.81<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,066.97<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,038.31<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,052.47<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,033.31<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,012.73<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,005.06<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,983.49<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,005.02<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>3,183.26</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>8/13/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1070" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/33370dc8-8964-434b-8694-6462f39746fb.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a481156f-5e01-436d-b063-c22ecd3ed0dd.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>RUB</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.81<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.86<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.70<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.89<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.93<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.41<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.23<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.58<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>41.69<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>41.61<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>54.32</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>6/27/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1069" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/c37f3eb9-e9ba-4c1d-bc0f-2669bc4c1412.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/56dc9518-41a5-4bb4-9d57-167f6de07f2e.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CNY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>356.72<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>357.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>357.18<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>356.28<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>355.99<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>355.72<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>356.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>355.49<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>355.30<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>356.03<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>363.02</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/5/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1068" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e5792094-f0b8-4c3a-a82b-97ddd5401a38.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ab781b89-2767-4b9c-b3cb-b3c6cc603016.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>KRW</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.19<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.19<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.19<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.19<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.20<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.15<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.14<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.14<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.20<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>3/20/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1067" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/75233918-55b6-4977-a5ef-f682c93bbdb0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/9a4a44a5-6be7-4141-8159-5aa30a12bb45.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>SGD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,755.99<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,757.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,758.27<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,756.79<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,759.93<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,751.46<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,748.55<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,739.74<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,737.19<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,741.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,759.93<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>3/20/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1066" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a8311ed8-a900-4237-bf18-4ebf7b10bbf0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/53fdb4a8-f38e-4f01-b01a-c2dee4a6895d.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CAD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,840.98<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,843.69<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,839.68<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,840.95<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,843.48<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,842.20<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,845.90<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,825.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,825.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,827.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,908.84</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/18/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1065" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/5d744e37-53d2-4c10-aa04-7bc77a3c3abc.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/6ec5578f-dca9-4257-b326-e755e3b2400b.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>AUD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,872.79<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,879.36<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,886.47<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,893.32<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,902.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,885.23<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,892.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,862.87<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,855.22<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,862.05<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/16/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1064" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6f012c2-8c16-455d-b0b0-8427d7512a2b.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6b9f8ce-b8d2-4ce7-bdce-b85ce1812325.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>HKD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.60<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>316.66<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.46<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>316.53<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>316.44<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.22<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.29<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.42<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>322.21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1063" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0588bbef-101c-4211-8d37-8045475e110d.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ae638f8b-a29a-4d70-90b3-52ad2a79d482.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CHF</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,474.27<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,476.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,478.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,465.35<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,463.52<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,466.62<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,455.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,438.95<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,435.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,431.45<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,497.77</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/09/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:red'>Bank USD rates at time of sending</span></b>: <a href="https://www.khanbank.com/en/home/rates">Khan</a> (Buy ₮2,450 Sell ₮2,460), <a href="http://tdbm.mn/en/exchange">TDB</a> (Buy ₮2,450 Sell ₮2,458), <a href="https://en.golomtbank.com/home/citizen">Golomt</a> (Buy ₮2,450 Sell ₮2,460), <a href="http://xacbank.mn/en/calculator/rates">XacBank</a> (Buy ₮2,450 Sell ₮2,460), <a href="https://www.statebank.mn/w/en/m1">State Bank</a> (Buy ₮2,450 Sell ₮2,460)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/graphic_dailyrate.aspx">USD (blue), CNY (red) vs MNT</a> in last 1 year:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlMigNuj6Brt8O3WN5Pbtl7QA9kgzzFIomhKrvbUvztYcGYJsHIbkPY5SNXbk8DQyI8xgU5ZFGbh9aWLgSKFe8lPuU7mtuva_tt69GF_M6uCHpGVgeBp6_AVNHm8A52x4cMkYeuhHxJs/s1600/image018-707209.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrlMigNuj6Brt8O3WN5Pbtl7QA9kgzzFIomhKrvbUvztYcGYJsHIbkPY5SNXbk8DQyI8xgU5ZFGbh9aWLgSKFe8lPuU7mtuva_tt69GF_M6uCHpGVgeBp6_AVNHm8A52x4cMkYeuhHxJs/s320/image018-707209.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999261637125298" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistofficialdailyrate.aspx">Link to rates</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_issues_₮295.7"></a>BoM issues <span lang=MN>₮</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>295.7</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'> billion </span>1-week bills, total outstanding -3.3% to <span lang=MN>₮970.</span>7 trillion <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 24 (Bank of Mongolia) BoM issues 1 week bills worth MNT 295.7 billion at a weighted interest rate of 14.0 percent per annum /<a href="http://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistcbb.aspx">For previous auctions click here/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=173">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_declines_USD,"></a>BoM declines USD, CNY bid, USD ask offers, and MNT swap offers<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 23 (Bank of Mongolia) Spot trade: Commercial <b>banks bid weighted average rate of MNT2460.70 for USD22.2 million</b>, <b>asked weighted average rate of MNT2459.55 for USD7.5 million</b> and <b>bid weighted average rate ofMNT354.67 for CNY58.0 million</b> respectively. The BoM did not accept the bid offers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Swap and forward trade: The BoM received buying bid offers of USD3.5 million of MNT swap agreements from commercial banks and the BoM did not accept the bid offers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=182">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_Headline_SMI"></a>Mongolian Headline SMI Continues to Improve<o:p></o:p></h1><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><b>Market Growth Index up 26% year on year</b><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><b>Prices charged for goods and services continue to grow</b><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><b>Job losses evident</b><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>The Headline Mongolian Sales Managers' Index (SMI) was 41.7 in March, an improvement from the level of 40.4 in February. The Market Growth Index, when compared the same month in 2016, represents a 26% increase, which indicates the steady progress that the Mongolian economy is making from the low in 2016. The private economy is still suffering from severe recession, data suggests that the economy is gradually emerging from the recessionary phase, and may emerge soon into a period of growth. All sub index components of the SMI, with the exception of the staffing index; registered improving levels in March. The Sales Growth Index is still in contraction territory but there has been a continuation of the improving trend, with the rate of negative growth slowly dropping off. Prices charged for sales of goods and services are continuing to grow which suggests higher price inflation is to follow at a modestly increasing rate. Managers' report that the price increases have had a minimal impact on profit margins, indicating higher input costs are the driving force. The mild winter weather has given businesses a slight respite over the past few months but challenging conditions persist.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Sales Managers' Indexes Trends</b><o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=314 style='width:235.5pt;background:white'><tr><td width=160 style='width:120.0pt;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border-top:solid silver 1.0pt;border-left:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;border-right:none;background:#F8F8F8;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Direction<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;background:#F8F8F8;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Condition<o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td width=160 style='width:120.0pt;border-top:solid silver 1.0pt;border-left:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>SMI<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border-top:solid silver 1.0pt;border-left:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Falling<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Improving<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=160 style='width:120.0pt;border-top:solid silver 1.0pt;border-left:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Business Confidence<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border-top:solid silver 1.0pt;border-left:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Falling<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Improving<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=160 style='width:120.0pt;border-top:solid silver 1.0pt;border-left:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Market Growth<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border-top:solid silver 1.0pt;border-left:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Falling<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Improving<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=160 style='width:120.0pt;border-top:solid silver 1.0pt;border-left:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Sales Output<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border-top:solid silver 1.0pt;border-left:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Falling<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Improving<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=160 style='width:120.0pt;border-top:solid silver 1.0pt;border-left:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Prices Charged<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border-top:solid silver 1.0pt;border-left:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Growing<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Slower<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=160 style='width:120.0pt;border:solid silver 1.0pt;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Staffing Levels<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border:solid silver 1.0pt;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Falling<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border:solid silver 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Worsening<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.worldeconomics.com/SMI/Mongolia-SalesManagersIndex.efp">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Average_monthly_salary"></a>Average monthly salary increases to <span lang=MN>₮</span>942 thousand<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 21 (gogo.mn) As of 4Q of 2016, average monthly salary of Mongolia reached MNT 942.9 thousand which increased by MNT 75 thousand compared with the same period last year. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Total of 557.9 thousand employees of 37.3 thousand companies have been included in the Social Welfare General Authority report. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to the data provided, average monthly salary of small companies with few employees is approximately at MNT 610 thousand while company with 200 and up to employees is at MNT 1.3 million. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Based on the general classifications of all economic activities<span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'></span>, average monthly salary of the mining and exploration sector is ranging at MNT 2.3 million, considering as the highest. Meanwhile salary of accommodation and food service sector employees paid the minimum salary of MNT 599 thousand. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to the professions, machine operators and machine assemblers have the highest average monthly salary of MNT 1.1 million while certified staffs in agriculture, forestry and fishing paid the minimum salary of MNT 514 thousand. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to the National Statistics Office data as of August 2015, the average salary in Mongolia nationwide differs greatly by regions. While national average reaches MNT 853.9 thousand.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157783">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Bulletin:_Development_Bank"></a>Bulletin: Development Bank of Mongolia Clears Bond Repayment Hurdle; No Rating Impact<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>HONG KONG (S&P Global Ratings) March 21, 2017--S&P Global Ratings said today that its ratings on Development Bank of Mongolia (DBM: B-/Stable/B) are unaffected after the bank successfully settled its sovereign guaranteed bonds of US$580 million due March 21, 2017. This was achieved with the Mongolian government issuing US$600 million bonds in exchange for DBM's US$476 million worth of bonds at par with the remaining balance paid out to those investors that elected not to exchange. We do not view this settlement to be a distressed one because the exchange was at par and investors had the option to be paid out. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We believe the bond exchange and repayment further deleveraged DBM's balance sheet, following an earlier substantial reduction from the government's equity injection toward the end of 2016. We view this as positive for DBM's financial standing for now. However, effects from the revision of a DBM-related law remain to be seen, including its influence on the bank's business growth and strategy, and in turn the impact on its long-term financial profile.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In February 2017, Mongolia revised a DBM-related law to reposition the bank to focus on commercially driven projects, and carve out its government loan book and associated government funding from the bank's balance sheet. We expect DBM to maintain its critical function in developing the country's energy, mining, transport, and manufacturing sectors. That said, we will continue to assess how the bank's focus on purely commercially driven projects would affect its policy role and the level of extraordinary government support it could receive.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.standardandpoors.com/en_US/web/guest/article/-/view/type/HTML/id/1817969">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_to_audit"></a>Mongolia to audit commercial banks' assets<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 22 (news.mn) In the framework of implementing the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Mongolia is planning to audit the financial assets of its commercial banks. A leading international company will undertake this task. According to the plan, the task of evaluating the value of the commercial banks' assets will be finished by end of the year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Depending on the results of the audit, Mongolia will decide what can be done to improve its banking sector.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/328112">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_Economic_Forum"></a>Mongolia Economic Forum postponed to May 4-5<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 22 (Mongolian Economy) "Sudden surprises" from the government to the investors continue. The government decided to postpone this year's Mongolia Economic Forum from March 30-31 until May 4-5.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The government explained that the postponement is due to the wait regarding whether the IMF will agree to provide Extended Fund Facility, which is to be decided by the IMF's board meeting on April 10.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Such regular, sudden decisions however do not contradict the government's words saying it will support foreign investment by all means. Traditionally taking place at the end of each May, the Mongolia Economic Forum is going to be organised for the 8th year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The unexpected decision has caused complications for the organiser which has been preparing the forum, and is also a risk concern for foreign investors, main speakers and guests, making them lose time and travel costs. In addition, domestic investors and businessmen have surely been preparing and planning for the forum.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover, a roundtable discussion between foreign investors organised by the Ministry of Mining and Erdenes Mongol LLC under the topic "Why should investors pay attention to Mongolia?" was postponed two days before the scheduled date as that date was declared as Republic's Day, a public holiday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is understandable that some now have doubts on whether if the forum will be held in the rescheduled month of May. An influential government authority needs to address this question.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Stability and continuity is most important for investors and entrepreneurs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolianeconomy.mn/en/i/9713">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_Feb_coal"></a>Mongolia Feb coal exports surge 84.9pct on mth<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 24 (sxcoal.com) Coal-rich <b>Mongolia exported 4.86 million tonnes of coal in February, surging 84.9%</b> from 2.63 million tonnes in January, and up from 0.28 million tonnes in February 2016, showed data from the Mineral Resources Authority of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>For more details, please visit</i> <a href="http://www.sxcoal.com/data/view/346/en" target="_blank">http://www.sxcoal.com/data/view/346/en</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Exports of washed coking coal increased 31.55% from a month</b> earlier to 0.43 million tonnes in February, while that of <b>raw coking coal dropped 24.28% from January to 0.83 million tonnes</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <b>country exported 0.66 million tonnes of thermal coal in the month</b>, down 5.28% month on month.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>In February, Mongolia produced 8.43 million tonnes of coal, increasing 490% year on year</b> and up 55.28% month on month.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Last year, the country's coal output increased 44.01% from a year ago</b> to 35.19 million tonnes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>In February, coal sales increased 84.15% month on month to 6.66 million tonnes</b>, with domestic sales up 82.07% from January to 1.8 million tonnes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.sxcoal.com/news/4553889/info/en">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_After_the_IMF"></a>After the IMF bailout package… What else?<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Why the bailout?</i></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 2 (Institute for National Strategy) The Mongolia government has jointly announced with the IMF that it will implement the politically difficult – but inevitable – rescue package, and avoid becoming a delinquent international debtor. Let's be clear – this is an aid package, at very low interest rates. It is also coming from long-term friends of Mongolia – the IMF/World Bank, ADB and with support from Japan and other bilateral partners. The Chinese government will reportedly extend the term of the US$2.2B Yuan swap facility (due in August) by three years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This multi-party package will only come into being because the Mongolian government has agreed to a structural reform of government finances and processes. Signing up to the US$440m IMF package has opened the door to a larger US$5B plus support and debt restructuring package.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The IMF $440m package by itself will make little up-front difference to Mongolia's plight, being drawn down over 3 years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This larger package will also make easier the refinancing of existing government debts. Just recently DBM's bonds of 580 million USD (issued at 5.75% for 5 years) were exchanged for the new 600 million USD Khuraldai government bond (issued at 8.75% for 7 years). The new Khuraldai bond is 52% more expensive than the DBM bond raised 5 years ago. However it is a 2.1% lower interest rate than the last 500 million USD bond raised just 12 months ago – representing a 20% reduction in borrowing costs. This reflects a first benefit from the proposed IMF deal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However the lenders are also saying, "if we are to help you then you must also help yourself". The restructuring of government revenues and expenditures is required "with or without bond repayment" and "with or without IMF bailout".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>By the end of 2016, the budget deficit reached 15% оf GDP and public debt reached 78% of GDP (<a href="http://unuudur.mn/article/94871)">http://unuudur.mn/article/94871)</a>. Effectively government expenditures have grown at a far faster rate than its revenues. At the peak of commodity prices the government were running large deficits and borrowing internationally to fund this. With the downturn in commodity prices the debt situation has become chronic.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fiscal restructuring has to take place, with or without IMF bailout, but with IMF bailout at least the country will receive fiscal support from donor community. So the main culprit is not just a temporary fall in mining products prices, its the underlying fiscal structure and policies which created the unsustainable budget deficit and inefficiency.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Some economists claim that the bailout package is either unnecessary or it's terms are unfair – or both.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But we ask you – what do individuals, families and companies do when they fall on tough times? They restructure to survive. If they don't this quickly their relatives, shareholders and trading partners quickly cut financial support. They restructure or fail – simple as that. For companies, you restructure or go bankrupt.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Officially governments do not become bankrupt – look at Zimbabwe for instance. However, where lending countries and major lending institutions see an economy and government finances being mismanaged or in very poor condition, they quickly reduce their support, and demand action before support is re-instated.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are also notable examples of countries like Venezuela where political leaders prolong their own country's agony. They pretend the crisis does not exist, or waste time placing the blame on other parties. They often continue to print money to pay their own bills and make debt repayments. They do this for personal survival (or benefit) – but economic recovery does not occur and the catastrophe moves closer because the underlying economic structure itself is erroneous.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Government leaders may take actions within their own country that defy commercial logic. In recent years, despite being in economic crisis, Mongolia failed to support implement a number of large investment projects which could deliver billions of US dollars in FDI and tax revenue. Projects like the Tavantolgoi coal deal, Power plant No 5 and Gobi power plant could bring in at least 5 billion of dollars in FDI. However, due to domestic politics it so far hasn't happened. Unfortunately, No minister in Mongolia resigns when he or she pursues wrong policies and can't work with investors (ie get projects to the starting line).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However, when governments borrow from international markets to fund domestic projects they ironically expose themselves to the reality of being a "commercial borrower" – where government must repay its debt on time or face significant consequences.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We know from limited experience that when your economy is strong your exchange rate is strong. This occurred during the OT stage one construction and the peak of the commodities boom when coal and iron ore prices were very high.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But now we, Mongolians also know from much longer experience that when your economy is weak, your exchange rate diminishes and interest rates climb to high levels. And critically the cost of repaying your international debt increases significantly in local currency terms. When government revenues have fallen and government costs are not reduced at the same rate, then a bad problem is made worse.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>All of these factors are in play in Mongolia – and the only realistic option is to accept the IMF remedy. While it is bitter to swallow, it is better to face reality sooner rather than later. Without the remedy a declining future and financial disaster comes much closer. A mega-commodities boom is not around the corner – and is not our savior.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Let us be clear again – the current level of Mongolian government debt is not sustainable and Mongolia has significant international debts due for payment soon. Refinancing, on good terms, when you have already high debt levels and a weak economy is extremely difficult.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The current success of Khuraldai bonds was only possible because investors thought that the country is serious in its intent to rebuild its own troubled finances with the help of IMF.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The INS supports the IMF bail-out package and the co-commitment measures being put into place by the government. INS realises there will be hardships, but INS also wants a better future for Mongolia, and the bailout package is a first step towards this future.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However, INS states the long-term solution is not the bail-out package per se. We need our government to put in place "economic stimulation policies and programs" that ultimately provide better government services, higher incomes and more jobs for all Mongolians. Restructuring the fiscal system to make it sustainable is a precursor to recovery.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Support ourselves through a strong economy</i></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Restructuring and repaying old debts is not enough. Cutting government expenditures and raising more tax is not enough. It is critical that Mongolia's government deliver a strong engine room – that is a "strong and growing economy" to provide the things that other country's citizens take for granted. Government needs to deliver the economic growth, solve escalating health issues and take real steps to actually improve the business climate.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We are all sick from pollution and anti-sanitary conditions. We need our government to deliver healthy cities and towns for our citizens, young and old, to live in. Health wise, and politically, this is not negotiable. The IMF bail-out package is not going to deliver clean cities..<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We also need to remember that for every significant social problem (like pollution) not fixed – there is an ongoing and growing public cost. To government it is growing health budgets, for the business community it is lower productivity and absences, and for Mongolians specifically it is chronic illness and reduced life expectancy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We absolutely need strong businesses, both domestic and international, that make profits, pay Mongolian taxes and provide well paid jobs. The current government has stated that the state should not play a role in business going forward. However, the jury is out here – where we see SOE's reverting back to large panels of ministry representatives on their boards.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Both sides of parliament recognise the failure of our state-owned and state-run enterprises. They clearly do not deliver efficient business organisations or outcomes. They borrow from government, make very small profits and pay little tax. They also have higher levels of employment than would be the case in privately run companies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our government must solve (for themselves) the riddle of how to attract the next wave of foreign investment and international finance. Last three years have witnessed falling amount of investment of all kinds, from 6.57 trillion MNT in 2013 to 4.754 trillion in 2015 (NSO), which includes all kinds of investment. It is not just foreign investment that's falling – public and private Mongolian domestic investment is also falling.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mongolian banks – standing alone – do not have the capacity to service the needs of local businesses. Attracting investors (and finance) to Mongolia is critical for Mongolia's economy. Lowering the cost of borrowing capital for businesses – to be profitable – is critical. Both are essential if we are going to invest in new and efficient power and heating stations and smarter living technologies, to solve Ulaanbaatar's pollution problem. Again, here the long term commitment to restructure and improve public finance is crucial.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The government urgently needs to accelerate the next stage of economic recovery. We need to harness the business sector and excite international financiers, promoters and investors about the prospects and returns from establishing business in Mongolia. This cannot be done on a basis of IMF bailout alone. Real and credible actions are needed to kick start the key projects.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia's natural endowments are minerals and agriculture. Mongolians have a rich culture and the world shares a curiosity in Mongolia's history. Mongolians in general are not isolationists. However, Mongolia does not have a large population so we must be smart in how we build external markets to attract and underpin new business ventures. We need to be even smarter in how we attract and retain our future business partners and those who will fund future grand enterprises.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Initiating large-projects (whether in mining, energy, infrastructure or agriculture) is the quickest way to stimulate economic growth, but this does not always have a broad impact on incomes or employment. Mongolian officials have unfortunately struggled in building good relationships with in-country investors and building confidence with offshore investors. The Prime Minister has stated that addressing this is a key focus for this government.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia needs to build a strong and credible case for "why business should focus on investing in Mongolia" – as opposed to other countries with similar opportunities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The much-needed private sector investment will come when the correct conditions are in place. If these conditions are not attractive – compared to our competitors – the level of incoming investment will not be large.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This must be the next most critical task rapidly advanced by the government. It is not easy work, but critical to get right<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://nationalstrategy.mn/?p=3737&lang=en">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcdhwR7iEDNXoHJG00DPTjNbwiBoG_cICwtXlQzdesrkBZmiDnVRDmPYqmuLEBRcwDxEbiyZwACy6ClRoWJ9qPT2zTlmPbwJumPELFNACaH-HVghWIj157UW-7OWIR5uP_RMIToy4vLQ/s1600/image004-796261.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcdhwR7iEDNXoHJG00DPTjNbwiBoG_cICwtXlQzdesrkBZmiDnVRDmPYqmuLEBRcwDxEbiyZwACy6ClRoWJ9qPT2zTlmPbwJumPELFNACaH-HVghWIj157UW-7OWIR5uP_RMIToy4vLQ/s320/image004-796261.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999211810166802" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Politics></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Politics & Legal<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Defacto_Review,_March"></a>Defacto Review, March 19<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 20 (Jargal Defacto) Reviewed topics:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>1. Parliament delays bailout session<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>2. New mining investments<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>3. DP faces headwinds<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>4. Mongolian peacekeepers rescue<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3B7y7xc6DZU">Link to video</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Budget_amendment_bill"></a>Budget amendment bill submitted by Finance Minister<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 24 (MONTSAME) Today, March 24, Finance Minister B.Choijilsuren submitted a bill on 2017 Budget Amendment to Parliament Speaker M.Enkhbold. The budget amednment has been developed within the framework of policy measures to realize IMF's Extended Fund Facility program.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Some policy measures are reflected in the bill on budget adjustment as planned in the scope of the program, stated Finance Minister B.Choijilsuren. Those include:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>1. Excise tax on cigarettes, tobacco, vodka and alcoholic beverages and similar items as well as customs duty on imported cigarettes will be increased<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>2. Excise tax on petroleum and diesel will be up within limits indicated in relevant law.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>3. Excise tax on passenger car will be up. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>4. Individual Income tax will have tax brackets.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>5. Start enforcement of tax on savings interest<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>6. Social insurance contributions will be raised. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>In reducing budget expenditure, the Ministry adhered to principles to have social welfare focus on targeted group with low income, to lower additional loads to the budget caused by changes in population structure and legal reform, to renew pension system, to link salary to budget capability and improve efficiency of expenditures.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>1. Efficiency of procurement of medicine and medical materials should be improved.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>2. Retirement age will be raised in stages in line with changes in formation of population age and senior employment will be supported.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>3. To increase the number of small and medium enterprises to back economic activation and to provide people with jobs; to start meat and milk campaigns in agriculture and continue 'Cultivation-III' campaign<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>4. Current salary level of state employees will be kept till the end of 2018 in order to avoid discharging public employees in time of economic and financial difficulties and new appointments should not be made to replace the released employees from public service according to their rights till the end of 2019.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>5. Child allowance will be distributed only to targeted group and the allowance will not be refunded.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>6. Families of targeted group will be supported with food supply and social welfare programs will be merged and actions to make them proper will be started.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>7. Some new laws will be changed as they would influence to increase budget expenditure.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As a result of these measures, total revenue of the 2017 state budget will be MNT6.015.7 billion or equal to 23.1 per cent of GDP and expenditure will be MNT8.789.8 billion or equal to 33.7 per cent of GDP, making the budget deficit MNT2.774.1 billion or equal to 10.6 per cent of GDP, introduced Finance Minister B.Choijilsuren.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/9317">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/328328">Budget amendments to raise taxes</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 24<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Prime_Minister_meets"></a>Prime Minister meets with state administrative leadership<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 22 (UB Post) On Monday, Prime Minister J.Erdenebat met with heads of state administrative organizations and state-owned enterprises to discuss strengthening discipline. The Prime Minister pointed out that the new Cabinet has been working to bring about a consolidated state budget.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He told the state administrators, "We have uncovered a number of cases involving illegal budget spending by evaluating projects being implemented through concession agreements and bond financing."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He noted that regaining the trust of foreign investors is a positive result of the work the new Cabinet has carried out over the past several months. He added that the current economic challenges arise from unregulated spending, so avoiding the repetition of past mistakes is important.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The PM stressed that state officials should always remember that the government is not an institution that should make an official's business successful and help them make more money. He said that if someone views the government in this way, that person should resign immediately.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Prime Minister J.Erdenebat said that when heads of state administrative organizations and state-owned enterprises go on working visits abroad, they must travel by economy class, which Cabinet Secretariat J.Munkhbat will monitor.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The PM added that he has instructed the Cabinet Secretariat to make sure that visits are less expensive, and noted that the salaries of the heads of state administrative organizations and state-owned enterprises have been decreased by 30 to 60 percent.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He also instructed the Head of the Government Agency for Policy Coordination on State Property to cut state spending without cutting necessities. For example, all the heads of state administrative organizations in districts, provinces, and soums have been prohibited from organizing ceremonies for the presentation of official seals and for when officials leave office.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Premier called on state officials and the public to tighten spending. He added that the state will provide targeted groups with welfare distribution through a transparent system as other countries do.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The PM stated that the International Monetary Fund has offered the Government of Mongolia the chance to harness its financial discipline, but that it will be impossible to practice financial discipline without political discipline. He noted, "Maintaining friendly relations and political stability will be of great importance to overcoming the nation's economic difficulties, so we will fight activities that are against national interests and justice."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/22/prime-minister-meets-with-the-states-administrative-leadership/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Quote_of_the"></a>Quote of the day: We must overcome both the economic crisis and corruption<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 21 (Mongolian Economy) Prime Minister J.Erdenebat met with the authorities of public administrative bodies and state-owned enterprises to give assignments. It has been eight months since the PM's appointment and seven months since Mongolian People's Party's government was established. The prime minister said that this government worked like "volunteer workers" that do not earn anything at all after reviewing the works done to date. Hence, we are highlighting some of the tough words he said during the meeting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-When we took up the job, many countries took Mongolia's budget deficit as a bad example.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-Now, Mongolia does not have bond debt that needs to repaid urgently, and USD 580 million debt issue was fully resolved. The economy which was spiraling out of control is now in control, and we were able to ignite a spark for the foreign investors who were leaving and losing faith in our country.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-The economic difficulties are not over, although it has been transferred from the intensive care unit to a normal ward.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-As of today, only the mining sector is capable of attracting foreign investment into Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-I feel as a prime minister as well as a citizen that the Mongolian people want a just society and a strong government more than any amount of money.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-Let me say it again: the main burden of the economic recovery policy and programs to handle the crisis will fall on us, public officials.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolianeconomy.mn/en/i/9705">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Fulfillment_of_2016"></a>Fulfillment of 2016 socio-economic general guidelines at 61 percent<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 21 (MONTSAME) Around 61 percent of the "General Guidelines for Socioeconomic Development of Mongolia for 2016", which reflects 5 policies, 22 objectives and 158 measures are fulfilled by the end of 2016. Out of the 158 measures, 19 were fully completed, while 39 were at 90 percent, 23 were at 70 percent, 33 were at 50 percent and the rest were under 30 percent.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The report indicated that realization of macro-economic policy was at 64.3 percent, policy to spur economic development at 52.5, policy of local and regional development and environment was at 59.6 percent, human and social development policies were at 67.9 percent and policies concerning the governance and legal reforms and foreign and defense sector were at 64.6 percent.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Cabinet gave some orders to reflect assets and funding needed for the achievement of objectives and measures of the General Guidelines in the State Budget, demanding the government budget administrators to formulate detailed plans for objectives they are responsible and to set realistic goals in the given year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9253">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Composition_of_National"></a><span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828;letter-spacing:-.75pt'></span>Composition of National Council of border checkpoint approved<span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828;letter-spacing:-.75pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 21 (MONTSAME) During its regular meeting held on March 21, the Cabinet approved members of the National Council of the border checkpoint. Minister of Finance was assigned as a head of the council and its members consist of Minister of Justice and Home Affairs, Minister of Foreign Affairs and heads of Customs, Border Protection, Professional Inspection and Immigration agencies, National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Mongolian Logistics Association.<span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828;letter-spacing:-.75pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>The council has authority to establish and expand border ports, draw up proposals on the solution to infrastructural matters, issue recommendation on border inspection and activities of border checkpoints and approve guidelines and regulations on improvement and development of border checkpoints and investment plans. The council should submit certain issues to the Cabinet for discussion if necessary, and is obliged to report to the Cabinet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9255">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia:_New_Poll"></a>Mongolia: New Poll Shows Declining Optimism, Continued Economic Concerns<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, March 22 (IRI)</b>—A nationwide <a href="http://www.iri.org/sites/default/files/2017-3-22_iri_mongolia_poll_-_march_2017.pdf"><b>poll</b></a> released today by the International Republican Institute's (IRI) Center for Insights in Survey Research reveals a decline in the optimism reflected in IRI's August 2016 survey, and reinforces public concerns over the economy and corruption.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"IRI's previous poll appeared to reflect good will towards the newly-elected government following the parliamentary election in June 2016," said Derek Luyten, IRI regional director for Asia. "This poll indicates that the honeymoon period is over. Now more than ever, the government must be responsive and craft policies that address the concerns of the Mongolian people."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Respondents who feel that the country is headed in the wrong direction jumped 10 points to 57 percent, while the number who said the country is headed in the right direction dropped nine points (from 31 to 22 percent). Thirty-nine percent of respondents who feel the country is headed in the wrong direction cited the reasons are, "economic instability and income inequality."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Survey respondents continue to express dissatisfaction with the economy: a combined 82 percent describe the economic situation as either "bad" (52 percent) or "very bad" (30 percent). Corruption is also consistently cited as an issue of concern, with 72 percent describing it as a "major problem," and 27 percent reporting that they or someone they know had been asked for a bribe by a civil servant.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Although a majority of respondents agree that women are equally represented in political decision making in Mongolia, 63 percent of respondents either "strongly" (21 percent) or "somewhat" (42 percent) agreed that political parties should be doing more to promote women to positions of leadership.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Methodology</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This survey was conducted on behalf of IRI by the Social Policy Development Research Institute (SPDRI) under the supervision of Chesapeake Beach Consulting between January 23 and February 5, 2017. The project is funded by the Government of Canada.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Data was collected through in-person, in-home interviews from a sample of 5,000 respondents aged 18 and older, with a response rate of 97.2 percent. The sample was stratified by 13 of Mongolia's 21 <i>aimags </i>(provinces) and Ulaanbaatar and then subdivided by <i>soum</i> (town) or district. Interviews were conducted in both urban and rural locations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The margin of error does not exceed plus or minus 1.4 percent at the mid-range with a confidence level of 95 percent. This data has been compiled in accordance with international standards for market and social research methodologies. Figures in charts and tables may not add up to 100 percent due to rounding.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.iri.org/resource/mongolia-new-poll-shows-declining-optimism-continued-economic-concerns">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolians_tell_Government"></a>Mongolians tell Government to prioritize national interests in IRI poll<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 24 (MONTSAME) 54 percent of Mongolians believe that Mongolia is headed in a wrong direction and identify wrong economic policy as main reason, reveals International Republican Institute's most recent nationwide poll conducted in cooperation with the Embassy of Canada in Mongolia to ascertain public opinion following the 2016 General Elections.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>82 percent of the 5000 participants of the poll chosen from 21 aimags and 9 districts rated current economic conditions of the country 'bad' and 'very bad', which is a similar stance showed by IRI's previous poll. Similarly with the previous one, the recent poll indicates that the Mongolian people are deeply concerned with corruption which they believe to be spreading in private sectors as well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>IRI's previous poll conducted prior to the Elections reflected optimism and hope in democratic system. "The last poll disclosed that Mongolians considered poverty, unemployment and increase in commodities price to be major problems. Interestingly, we found that some people consider air pollution and foreign debt to be the most urgent problems after this poll", said Ashleigh Whelan, IRI's Resident Representative to Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mongolian people also expressed their approval on increased women participation in politics. Majority of the participants conveyed to the Government to prioritize the national interests of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Canada has actively contributed to development of democratic values in Mongolia for the last 25 years", said Canadian Ambassador to Mongolian Ed Jager during a press conference held on March 23 to publicize the results of the poll. He also appreciated the increasing representation of women in Mongolian Parliament. The current Parliament has the highest representation of women.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>IRI plans to conduct another poll after the Presidential Election which is to take place in June.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9303">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Public_supervisory_sub-council"></a>Public supervisory sub-council to be formed at ministries and agencies<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 21 (MONTSAME) A public supervisory sub-council was established with a composition of three members, adhering to a 'National program on combating corruption' approved by Parliament. The sub-council should be formed under branches of Coordinating Council for Crime Prevention at the ministries and agencies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The sub-council's goal is to increase public involvement in activities for corruption prevention and to supervise government organizations' activities and officials' ethics. Moreover, they will control whether public officials have claimed their declarations on personal interest and income correctly and make the declarations transparent in accordance with the law.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>People, who are interested in being a member of a Public supervisory sub-council should meet several criteria, including having high education and work experience in finance, economy, accountant or property assessment. He/she also should have not worked in the organization, which he/she was going to conduct supervision, under labor agreement or outcome agreement for the last two years. Interested persons without political party membership and who is not under any legal punishment, should apply to the Independent Authority Against Corruption.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9248">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_ranks_136th"></a>Mongolia ranks 136th in Happy Planet Index<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 23 (gogo.mn) Mongolia, a landlocked country with a population of around 3.2 million people achieves a Happy Planet Index Score of 14.3 and ranks 136th out of the 140 countries analysed at its 2016 edition. The country lists in the top 10 unhappy countries, "Bottom 10" and "Bottom in Region" awards. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Happy Planet Index measures what matters: sustainable wellbeing for all. It tells us how well nations are doing at achieving long, happy, sustainable lives. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In this calculation, the most successful countries are those where people live long and happy lives at little cost to the environment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to the index, life expectancy in Mongolia is 68.6 years which ranked 95th while well being in Mongolia scored 4.9 out of 10. Moreover scores for eco-foorprint is 6.1 global hectares per person and inequality in the country is 22 percent which might due to human rights abuses. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But at the other side, Costa Rica tops the ranking for the third time. It is the happiest and most sustainable country on Earth, according to the Happy Planet Index.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157841">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia's_Energy_Regulator"></a>Mongolia's Energy Regulator strengthens efforts to increase energy efficiency<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ULAANBAATAR – March 20, 2017 (Global Green Growth Initiative) – GGGI and the Energy Regulatory Commission of Mongolia (ERC) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on green growth cooperation. The ERC is cooperating with GGGI in implementing Mongolia's Energy Conservation Law and unlocking green growth opportunities through targeted energy savings.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>During the MoU signing ceremony, Mr. Tleikhan Almalik, Director-General of the ERC, highlighted the potential advantages of energy savings for businesses, households, and government entities alike.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"International cooperation with GGGI and other development partners has the potential to accelerate Mongolia's implementation of energy saving measures, while avoiding the challenges faced in other countries," stated Mr. Almalik. "Every energy user has the potential to put money back in their pockets through targeted energy upgrades to buildings and equipment as well as simple behavior changes."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In December 2016, ERC announced the first batch of so-called "designated entities" whose consumption of heat and, or electricity exceeded the threshold set by the government for conservation potential. Under the Energy Conservation Law, the ERC is responsible for monitoring the efforts of designated entities to undergo energy auditing and report on energy reduction measures implemented.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Under Mongolia's Green Development Policy, State Policy on Energy, and INDCs to the Paris Agreement, Mongolia has targeted 40% reductions in building heat loss and 43% reduction of electricity transmission losses by 2030.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Under the MoU, GGGI will support the ERC through technical and advisory services across four key areas, including:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Formulation of the National Energy Conservation Programme 2017-2020 (NECP);<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Preparation of bankable green energy projects, beginning with industrial energy efficiency;<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Development of incentives for renewable energy, energy conservation, and energy efficiency; and<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Sharing and dissemination of institutional knowledge and experience.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The NECP is a first-of-its-kind policy instrument in Mongolia intended to increase the competitiveness of industry as well as generate savings for small businesses and households. Critically, energy efficiency measures are an important component of the Government's efforts to reduce urban air pollution, stemming largely from the combustion of raw coal for household and small business heating.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>To highlight the multi-stakeholder effort to tackle Mongolia's air pollution crisis and shift to a green growth model, GGGI in collaboration with the Government of Mongolia produced a short-film. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgvGQC1zzDg&t=16s">Mongolia's Stories of Change film showcases</a> how the landlocked nation is working to transform its economy for sustainability and inclusion. The Mongolia Transition to Green Development film is the seventh in <a href="http://gggi.org/news-events/video/">GGGI's Stories of Change series</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://gggi.org/mongolias-energy-regulator-strengthens-efforts-to-increase-energy-efficiency/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Jargal_Defacto:_There"></a>Jargal Defacto: There is no refraining from default<span style='font-size:24.0pt;font-family:"Noto Serif",serif;color:#111111'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 26 (UB Post) The entire world can see that Mongolia's government is unable to move, shackled by its internal and external debts. Our government has barely managed to avoid declaring default by negotiating with investors and basically replacing the Development Bank loan of 580 million USD with the long-term Khuraldai bond, which has a higher interest rate.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The key to avoiding a significant crisis was the agreement on our participation in an extended fund facility program, made at an operational level between Mongolia and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, the plan to approve the IMF deal during a special session of Parliament this month, required to get approval for enrollment from the IMF executive board, has changed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The executive committee of the Mongolian People's Party (MPP) made a political decision, and said, "The parliament will not have an extraordinary session. It will be discussed during the parliamentary session scheduled for April along with budget amendments."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The reason why they made this decision is connected to their expectation that the IMF's conditions to increase taxes and reduce budget expenditure will not be favorable in the opinion of voters. This is a political concern in light of the presidential election being held in three months' time.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also, demand for the Khuraldai bond was five times higher than what was expected. It got our politicians' heads spinning, the same ones who are now thinking of backing out of the IMF deal. What will this lead to? How can Mongolians break free from the debt chain?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>DE FACTO INSOLVENCY</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There is a strong likelihood that the reckless MPs from the MPP, who believe that the economy can be repaired by political means, will refrain from approving enrollment in the extended fund facility (EFF) program. They are increasingly thinking about the upcoming presidential election and taking into account the end of mining's downturn with an outlook for a growth period, an increase in gold extraction, and the extension of the currency swap agreement with China. Also, they tend to believe that there is strong demand in the external market if the government issues new bonds.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It would have been impossible to issue the Khuraldai bond if the government had not reached an agreement on the EFF program with the IMF at an operational level. The Khuraldai bond, worth 600 million USD, sold out quickly only because investors estimated that Mongolia would improve its financial and economic situation by participating in the IMF program and meet its debt obligations with 5.5 billion USD coming into the country.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There was an order to buy 3.3 billion USD in bonds only because banks such as JP Morgan and Credit Suisse, who worked as underwriters for the Khuraldai bond, guaranteed that Mongolia would be able to successfully issue it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If Parliament refrains from enrolling in the EFF program, Mongolia's reputation will be completely tarnished on the international scene, and the government will never be able to raise capital from foreign markets again. It will then cause Mongolia to declare a de facto default when the time comes for the government to pay off the 500 million USD debt for the Chinggis bond in January next year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Withdrawal would also embolden the investors who purchased Khuraldai bonds to sue the Mongolian government and the underwriting banks for giving false information and misleading investors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The people must know what the consequences will be if the country declares default. The consequences are grave, and would slow down our development for decades. First, the country would completely lose its reputation, resulting in no one being able to trust the government again. There is also a risk of capital and cash abroad being impacted, and state-owned aircraft would be the first state property to be impounded. Second, the country would become fully isolated from the international financial market. Neither the government nor the private sector would be able to raise loans from abroad if the sovereign credit rating hit the floor.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If the flow of foreign capital into Mongolia stops, the tugrug will weaken and lose its value. People would start taking their savings out of banks before their cash became worthless. It would trigger the government to exact capital control, restricting the business hours of banks and limiting the amount of cash an individual could withdraw from the bank per day. When people start racing with each other to turn their cash into goods, there will be shortage of goods and materials on the market, which will result in price increases and a hike in inflation. Soon, the government would have no choice but to print money. For example, Zimbabwe printed so much cash that they produced a 100 billion note. When the government starts printing more money, we will be carrying our cash in wheelbarrows instead of wallets, and it won't be enough to buy a loaf of bread. It would start monetary reform, marking the beginning of a new economic cycle. While all this happens, the corrupt will put their foreign currency into offshore accounts. Everyone will be trying to get their cash for an escape abroad. The poor would be supporting some type of dictator and spending the rest of their lives begging for foreign aid.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>HOW TO BREAK FREE FROM THE GREAT DEBT CHAIN?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian political parties have spent years promising people non-existent wealth, distributing cash, and buying votes. As mining income increased, they kept acquiring more loans, and the government became corrupt. Because of corruption, the powerful few were the only ones to gain and become wealthier from natural resources, and they borrowed more and more money. It appears that when the time comes to pay off the debt of the wealthy, the people are the only ones left standing for accountability, while the politicians who benefitted from the loans are nowhere to be found. It looks like the current government will be closing one debt by taking on another loan, sending the country deeper into a bottomless swamp.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In order to break free from the chains of huge debt, we have no option but to stop corruption and free our economy. Mongolia has become a bucket with holes. When there are holes, the bucket will never become full, no matter how much water is poured into it. Similarly, Mongolia's economy will not recover as long as there is corruption – regardless of how much foreign capital and loan financing flows in. Therefore, our top priority must be fixing the nation's holes and getting rid of corruption. The deep-seated corruption in all government institutions traces back to our political parties. In a country where the people cannot oversee the government they have elected at all levels, public governance becomes corrupt and the country will face demise.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The experiences of some countries suggest that there are three phases to stopping corruption. First of all, you must catch the corruption "tigers", hold them accountable under the law, seize their properties, and pay back the damage that was done to the public. This helps scare the "flies", and government officers would start avoiding bribes and corruption, which will send the right message to the people. The next step is to set up capable institutions that prevent corruption. Such institutions would ensure that even if a government officer wants to receive a bribe, it is not possible. The third phase is to achieve a state where government officials cannot fathom engaging in corruption and do not feel the need to commit the act. While our southern neighbor is already in its second phase, Mongolia has not even really started its fight against corruption, despite being full of words and promises. Our people are frustrated about the current situation and have started expressing it in various ways.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As we fight corruption, we need to fully transition our economy to market principles. We should free up all the prices that we can, ensure that the market sets prices, direct social care to those who do not have purchasing power, privatize state-owned companies, reduce the expenditures of public governance, and increase the effectiveness of our government institutions. When doing all these tasks, the latest technology should be deployed creatively. Mongolia can pay its debt back fully only when we stop corruption and make our economy competitive. But can Mongolians do it? Dear MPs, you might be able to avoid the IMF's EFF deal, but you can never avoid imminent default.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/26/there-is-no-refraining-from-default/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Meet_the_new"></a>Meet the new "boss"!<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 20 (Sodon blog) Former communists are back! Unfortunately. They won the Parliament's election last year securing <b>65</b> seats of 76 in the Parliament. As soon as they got to the power, they began to position their party-members for the important government jobs based on how much they contributed to the party. An audio record has leaked to the media during the election campaign- a conversation of three high-ranking members,talking about the scheme how they have planned to raise money and how they would distribute the jobs after the victory. They were:<b> M.Enkhbold</b>, the Chairman of the Mongolian People's Party (MPP) , now Chairman of the Parliament, (more <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miyeegombyn_Enkhbold">here</a>), <b>Ts.Sandui</b>, the head of the Capital city MPP branch (more <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/Tsendsuren.SANDUI/about/?ref=page_internal">here</a> ), now the Chairman of the Citizen's Council of the Capital city, and A.Ganbaatar, Ts.Sandui's aide. They planned to "raise" <b>90 billion MNT</b> (Mongolian Turgik-official currency of Mongolia) by requiring everybody to donate certain amount of money depending on what job they will get after the election. Literally everybody the party has planned to fill the position, from the senior rank to the head post. That way they put price tags to every leading postion in the government agencies and organisation. In other words, they sold government jobs. MPP members who paid the money are 100 percent sure that they can multiply that amount later on once they get the job by taking bribes and selling their signatures.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>MPP has fired thousands of former government employees after their victory to hire their own people. That means lot of people lost their jobs because of their party affiliation or being not a member of this political party. The <i>"boss"</i>, M.Enkhbold became the Chairman of the Parliament,as mentioned above, but not the Prima Minister as he should be, and Ts.Sandui became the number One person of the Capital city. They chose <b>J.Erdenebat</b> , former Finance Minister (2014-2015), to become the new Prime Minister, but now it has surfaced that he was not free from sin when he was Finance Minister back then. He signed and made decisions which harmed Mongolia, especially the one concerning the over-expenditure of 2 billion USD by Oyutolgoi company.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ironically enough, MPP appointed<b> B.Choijilsuren</b> as the new Finance Minister who is a mechanic by profession. He managed to get elected twice from his countryside district by handing out cash money to the voters in the previous elections. There is even a video on YouTube where he is handing cash to people who gathered together in a meeting hall during his election campaign.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The new Deputy Prime Minister <b>U.Khurelsukh</b> lived in Australia for a long period of time and came back to be awarded with this "present". He didn't risk to run for MP , maybe he wasn't sure that his party would win, but he got his piece of cake anyway. One time he punched a MP from the Democratic Party back then when he was MP once, taking him out to the hallway inside the Parliament after an argument and knocked him down with his "iron fist". It seems like he loves to boast of his physical strenghth. Recently he posted a video on Facebook showing him performing a bench press, lifting 200 kg.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The new Foreign Minister's name is <b>Ts.Munkh-Orgil</b> who should be held responsible for the death of 5 men killed during the after-election-riot in 2008, allegedly by the police shooting. He was then the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs. The Prime Minister then was S.Bayar about whom we are going to talk here more. But both S.Bayar and Ts.Munkh-Orgil got away without any punishment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The new Deputy Minister of Education, Culture and Science is <b>Yo.Otgonbayar</b> who was once the head of this Ministry some years ago. Rumor says that he used to take bribes for giving permissions when he was the head of this Ministry himself. He hired even some guys to intimidate a man once because he refused to bribe Otgonbayar for a permission. When Otgonbayar was the Minister, his wife was arrested and questioned for suspicious transactions from many bank accounts which she owned. The number of accounts were significant as well as the number of transactions and the amount of money. Soon they let her go and this case became silent since then. She had many MNT and USD accounts, and since she was not a big businesswoman running a big profitable company or something like that, the sources of her money are very questionable . One would logically suspect that her husband could be the source of her "wealth".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Just recently the new Ambassador of Mongolia to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland presented his diplomatic credentials to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, as 13th Mongolian Ambassador.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>His name is <b>Bayar Sanjaa</b>. He served once as Mongolia's Ambassador to the Russian Federation (2001-2005) and worked as Prime Minister of Mongolia (2007-2009). Born 1956, he is divorced three times and has 6 children from 3 women. For more information, please check <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanjaagiin_Bayar" target="_blank">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>When Britain's Queen Elizabeth greeted him, he was attended by his 4th wife, Suvd Erdenebileg. Mongolians detest if one marries a woman of much younger age, 12 or more years younger.<br>So our "Don Juan" has a "brand new" wife who is the same age as his middle daughter. Just saying.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>There is a TV talk show in Mongolia called <i>"Chat without censorship"</i> and S.Bayar was once asked on this show about allegedly his <b>seven (7)</b> houses (apartments) in the US but he denied that he owns any property in the States. Now it became clear that two of those 7 properties were registered on his new wife's name. Suvd also owns three (3) companies in the US. Remarkable, isn't it? She is born in 1981, so at a age of 36 she's got lots of money! How could she became a dollar-millionaire when nobody knew her? The logical answer would be: Thanks to her lover, now husband!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Now, we should ask this question , "Where the hell S.Bayar got all that money to buy 7 houses in the US, when his income was not more than 100 thousand dollars per year? He only can answer this question. Everybody else suspects that he's got the money the wrong way, like many other Mongolian corrupt politicians. Let's get some details.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>It is possible that those 3 companies ("Nebo", "Voda", "Gundel") owned by Bayar's new wife and the one ("Dechin) owned by one of Bayar's daughters are being used for money laundering because the use of LLC is one of the methods to "clean" the dirty money. And of course buying such properties with cash money is also an another way to "shake off" any traces. Even though Suvd E. was registered as "manager", those companies were created by her, so it may be very possible that those companies are owned by this woman. The name "Nebo" means "Sky" and "Voda" means "Water", both in Russian. Since S.Bayar is fluent in Russian and as a Russian-educated person, he is very fond of Russia and that may have influenced to suggest his new wife to give her companies Russian names.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Thanks to the open public records which one can obtain online , all properties were or are still registered on either his ex-wife's name or his daughters' names. Let's see what houses or apartments we are talking about:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Some Mongolia's politicians opened offshore accounts abroad and thanks to "John Doe" we know now who they are. Bayar's daughter Badamkhand Bayar is among those people. The understanding is that offshore accounts can be used as the safe heaven to hide the dirty money and that is why one can be suspect that these accounts could be connected to S.Bayar.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>That is how it looks like with the new, or what our communists praise- the "professional" Government. They are in the first year of their 4-year term but what they do now is mostly to defame the former Government, the predecessor, formed by Democratic Party which lost the last election.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Time will show how they can manage it to run the country. The history in the past 25 years where they had mostly the power in the most of the years shows that they were incapable or were not willing to do it good for the country instead of getting rich personally. The proof is today's mess they created and problems they failed to address or were unable to fix in the past. I don't expect a better picture too, this time, but if that is what we have to go through, then just be it. Things are learned sometimes the hard way and that is what we are experiencing now. Sadly.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://mayaguais.blogspot.com/2017/03/meet-new-boss.html">Link to full post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia:_Electoral_Law"></a>Mongolia: Electoral Law for State Great Hural and Presidential Elections (2016) – Unofficial Translation<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>(ACE Electoral Knowledge Network)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/asia/MN/mongolia-electoral-law-for-state-great-hural-and/at_download/file">Link to translation</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_A_Comparative_Study"></a>A Comparative Study of Private Security Regulations of Mongolia, Belgium and the United Kingdom<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>by Galbat Lkhagvamaa, Julak Lee</span></i></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>January 13 (Asian Journal of Social Sciences and Management Studies) -- <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Abstract</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Regulation of the private security industry in Mongolia is relatively recent with the first specific legislation dating back to 2000. In 2000, the State Great Hural (Parliament of Mongolia) passed the Law on Contracted Private Security Service and has been revised twice, by which 'modern' private security was legally born. The aim of this study is to compare and evaluate the regulation of private security in the Mongolia, Belgium and the United Kingdom. In particular, this study illustrates the differences which exist in the level of regulation governing the operation of the industry in these countries in four areas such as areas covered private security companies, entrance requirement for companies, restriction on the background of owner/management, restriction on the background of employee, training/education. The comparative study of the three countries shows an imperative need to make further amendments to the Law on Contracted Private Security Service. According to the findings, this study proposes the direction for constructive amendments to strengthen the Law on Contracted Private Security Service.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Full Text: </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>| <a href="http://www.asianonlinejournals.com/index.php/AJSSMS/article/view/436/pdf" target="_parent">PDF</a> |<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Authors & Affiliations<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Galbat Lkhagvamaa</span></i></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | Professor, Law Enforcement University Mongolia<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Julak Lee</span></i></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | Professor, Kyonggi University Korea, Republic of<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.asianonlinejournals.com/index.php/AJSSMS/article/view/436">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Prime_Minister_visits"></a>Prime Minister visits Khovd Province on western aimags tour<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 24 (UB Post) On March 23, Prime Minister J.Erdenebat arrived in Khovd, the capital of Khovd Province, one of the key stops on his tour through the western provinces.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The PM and his accompanying delegation of Cabinet and Parliament members met with Khovd's residents to talk about the implementation of the government's action plan and the nation's overall economic situation, and to listen to residents' opinions on the government's operations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>PM J.Erdenebat noted that the new Cabinet has executed a number of initiatives and activities to promote national manufacturing and to deal with the country's economic challenges since July, and, as a result, foreign investors are trusting in Mongolian investment again.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He added that coal exporting companies were not carrying out consistent policy in practices and trade, so the new government started working to bring them together under a united yet competitive policy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Coal exporters are now selling coal at higher prices in foreign markets, indicating a positive result of the work of the new Cabinet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Prime Minister pointed out that the Government of Mongolia will pay off its debt to Aluminum Corporation of China Limited (CHALCO) soon. He added that the government is holding a strict stance on tightening spending, and noted that he has gone abroad only once since entering office.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The residents of Khovd said that promoting the agricultural sector, increasing the import of livestock products, and maintaining welfare programs are important to the public. Prime Minister J.Erdenebat noted that the government is working to support the agricultural sector in producing organic food, to increase livestock product export, and to produce energy in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Prime Minister visited the Western Regional Center for Medical Diagnoses and Treatment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During his visit to the medical center, he highlighted that Asian Development Bank will help providing financing for the expansion of the center, which has become critical to providing residents of the western provinces with access to medical treatment using modern medical equipment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He also noted that the Belgian government will provide Mongolia with a soft loan to carry out the two-year Western Region Diagnosis and Treatment Center Enhancement Project in Khovd Province.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Khovd Province's leadership introduced the Prime Minister to projects being implemented in the region. They noted that mining companies are operating at the Khushuut coal mine in Tsetseg soum, and that gold mining companies are operating at three different mine sites. The province's leadership asked the Prime Minister to help the region's gold miners take part in the government's Gold-2 Program.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>PM J.Erdenebat underlined that construction of a 260 kilometer road from Khovd to Govi-Altai and Bayankhongor provinces will be complete this year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/24/prime-minister-visits-khovd-province/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Single_parents_of"></a>Single parents of Arkhangai to be backed with employment<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 22 (MONTSAME) A project to support single mothers, named "Bright future" has launched in Arkhangai aimag with financing from the Government of Finland and Foreign Affairs Ministry. The project of MNT667 million will be implemented in 2017 and 2018 by FLOM international organization in 7 soums of the aimag, namely Erdenebulgan, Tsengher, Khotont, Khashaat, Tariat, Ikhtamir and Chuluut soums.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The project aims to make single mothers with low income have financial guarantee, support their employment through providing them with more access to the labor market. Even though focus will be single mothers, the project also involve single fathers, young couples and junior girls. According to statistical data, Arkhangai aimag has a total of 2780 single parents, 1329 out of them in the 7 soums. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9270">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire_4"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for March 20, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Cabinet Secretariat says certain social welfare programs will not be cut<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Cabinet Secretariat J. Munkhbat met with residents of Bayangol District and introduced the implementation of government programs and the current economic situation. J. Munkhbat noted that the when the new government took office, the economy was in a very difficult situation and the state's budget deficit was high. Due to the economic situation, the government negotiated with the IMF through more than 10 meetings and was able to reach an agreement on a financing program. By implementing the program, the financial health of the state budget and of the private sector are expected to recover and fiscal discipline will be put in place. With the implementation of the IMF program, Mongolia is set to receive a 5.5 billion USD foreign financing package, and in order to effectively implement the program, Mongolia is required to make amendments to decrease the state's expenditure and increase revenue. Cabinet supported increasing taxes on alcohol, cigarettes, and luxury items, such as the purchase of automobiles with a value of more than 100 million MNT. The government successfully negotiated the retention of programs that grant state aid to seniors and new mothers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Cabinet, social welfare, state budget</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Official Gazette /page 2/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ECONOMY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Bank of Mongolia to maintain its monetary policy rate <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The Monetary Policy Committee of Bank of Mongolia convened and voted to keep its monetary policy rate at 14%. The inflation rate revealed in the Consumer Price Index is 2.1% on a national level and 1.4% in Ulaanbaatar. The committee stated that the inflation level is expected to rise slowly, but that it will not exceed target levels. Short-term loan debt decreased due to the exchange of Development Bank's 580 million USD Euro bond for the new government-backed Khuraldai bond and the successful extension of the local currency swap line agreement with the People's Bank of China. Bank of Mongolia stated that even though there are positive developments in the economic and financial markets, the position of the nation in the foreign market and its 2017 budget are still unclear. After Parliament discusses 2017 budget amendments and the Board of Directors of the IMF approves Mongolia's participation in an extended fund facility program, Bank of Mongolia is expected to revisit the nation's monetary policy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Bank of Mongolia, monetary policy</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Century News /page 1/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Commercial bank assets increased in February<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The total assets of 16 commercial banks reached 25.1 trillion MNT in February, an increase of 223 billion MNT compared to January. Commercial banks granted 12.5 trillion MNT in loans, 10.1 trillion MNT and the equivalent to 2.4 trillion MNT in foreign currency. Around one trillion MNT in loans were categorized as non-performing. The total reserve assets of the banks was 2.5 trillion MNT. The central bank's securities were 0.6 trillion MNT and its foreign assets were 2 trillion MNT, while the government's securities reached 3.4 trillion MNT. The personal assets of the commercial banks increased to 3.1 trillion MNT and collective profits reached 66 billion MNT.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> banking, assets</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>Today /page B1/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Import of automobiles increases<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> In the first two months of 2017, Mongolia imported 31.5 million USD in automobiles, an increase of 18% compared to last year. Mongolia's vehicle imports from Japan increased by 4 million USD compared to 2016. Automobile imports from South Korea and Germany increased, while imports from the U.S.A. and Great Britain decreased. The import of trucks doubled compared to last year, and the import of public transportation vehicles also showed an increase. Around 7,400 vehicles were imported in January and February, an increase of around 1,800 compared to the same period last year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> automobiles, imports</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>Today /page B1/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ONLINE STORY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Golomt Bank to cooperate with EBRD to offer business consulting services<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> In order to support businesses and help them to develop by providing consulting services and introducing customers to the importance of the service, Golomt Bank cooperated with European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and organized the Business Consulting Services Forum. Golomt Bank is partnering with EBRD to provide consulting services to around 100,000 registered business and 50,000 active business to help them develop assessments of the domestic and international business environments, financing options, human resource management, and the other challenges that businesses face.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Golomt Bank, EBRD, business development</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i><a href="http://www.ikon.mn/n/yq6" target="_blank">www.ikon.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-march-20-2017/">Link to newswire</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire_3"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for March 21, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Prime Minister says economic recovery is coming<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Prime Minster J. Erdenebat met with government officials and introduced recent developments and legislation. The PM highlighted that there is one consolidated budget to maintain fiscal discipline to prevent any fiscal irresponsibility and the confusion caused by multiple budgets. The PM announced the results of the government's measures to revitalize the economy through cutting expenditures from the budget and supporting domestic companies. He highlighted that for the first time since 2012, in preliminary performance estimates, state revenue exceeded 504 billion MNT, the trade deficit turned into foreign trade with revenue of 1.6 billion USD, and for the first time in four years, the foreign currency reserve increased.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The PM noted that Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi's debt to Chalco will be fully repaid this month and future revenue from the East Tsankhii Mine will go to the state. The price of Tavan Tolgoi's coal was 27 USD per ton, but with the government's call for transparency, the price rose to an all-time high of 72.5 USD per ton. The PM also highlighted that Mongolia was able to clear the expectation of default by swapping Development Bank's 580 million USD Euro bond, and was successfully able to green light the recovery of the economy and give the go-ahead for investors to return.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Prime Minister strongly reminded government officials to keep tight budgets and not to spend capital on unnecessary expenditures and celebrations. He noted that during these hard times, it is essential for officials to get back on track and for the government to maintain frugality. The PM warned the directors of state-owned companies to keep their businesses profitable, and if they are unable to do so, they should resign and appoint someone who can. The government reduced the salaries and bonuses of executives at state-owned companies. He also encouraged citizens to keep a frugal budget and maintain monetary discipline.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Prime Minister, economy</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Official Gazette /page 2/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>State-owned factory to be built to process crude oil<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Cabinet convened and voted to establish a state-owned factory to process crude oil. Mongolia imports 100% of its oil and other petroleum products, spending around 1 billion USD annually to import 1-1.2 million tons of fuel. Within the general agreement on a loan between Export-Import Bank of India and Government of Mongolia, the project is to be implemented. The Prime Minister called for a working group to be established to research the technical and financial aspects of the project, as well as the proposed structure and by-laws of the state-owned company that would be established to oversee the factory's operations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> crude oil, factory, Cabinet</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>National Post /page 1/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ECONOMY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>3.9 million Mongolian debit cards in circulation<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> On average, there are 179,700 transactions conducted with debit cards each day, adding up to 7.7 billion MNT. According to the central bank, in 2016, 65.6 million card transactions for 2.6 trillion MNT between banks took place. On a national level, there are 3.9 million debit cards in circulation, with 70.5% in Ulaanbaatar and 29.5% in the provinces. At the end of 2016, 2.7 million people were using mobile banking (67% of all debit card holders), and internet banking was used by 1.1 million people. As the number of users of internet and mobile banking increases, internet sales are also increasing. In 2016, 278,000 transactions worth 24.7 billion MNT took place. In 1995, Mongolia created a legal framework for non-cash payments, and in 1999, the first Mongolian debit card service was introduced.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> debit cards, commercial banks, banking system</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Official Gazette /page 11/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Exports and imports increased in January and February <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> According to statistics released by Bank of Mongolia, in the first two months of 2017, exports increased by 34.6% to reach 212 million USD compared to the same period last year. The increased export of minerals was the main factor behind the increase. In the same period, imports increased by 39.5%, equaling 138.9 million USD. The increase was primarily impacted by an increase in the import of oil products. The import of consumer products decreased slightly compared to the same period last year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> import, export, Bank of Mongolia</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>Century News /page 5/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ONLINE STORY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The remaining debt for Development Bank's bond has been paid<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The repayment of Development Bank's five-year 580 million USD Euro Bond has been paid. Last month, 475.9 million USD of the 580 million USD bond notes were exchanged for the government-backed Khuraldai bond. Repayment for the remaining debt was made with 124 million USD raised from the Khuraldai Bond, 104 million USD and around 3 million USD in interest. The demand for the Khuraldai bond is high on the secondary market and the price stands at 108 USD with expectations that it will continue to increase.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Now, the Samurai bond has to be repaid. The Samurai bond is a 10-year bond with an interest rate of 1.52%. It was valued at 30 billion CNY (around 300 million USD) and has to be repaid in 2023. As of March 17, the bond price stood at 10.34 USD. The next major bond repayment due is for the 500 million USD Chinggis bond, set to be repaid on January 2018.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The successful release of the Khuraldai bond is expected to increase Mongolia's chance of enrollment in the IMF's extended fund facility program, which will aid in the repayment of the Chinggis bond. Analysts say the postponement of Parliament's discussion of the IMF program and amendments required by the IMF for enrollment might damage investor confidence. Parliament is expected to discuss the budget amendments as soon as the regular spring session begins.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Development Bank, bonds</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i><a href="http://bloombergtv.mn/580-%D1%81%D0%B0%D1%8F-%D0%B0%D0%BC-%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%8B%D0%BD-%D0%B5%D0%B2%D1%80%D0%BE-%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%8B%D0%BD-%D1%8D%D1%80%D0%B3%D1%8D%D0%BD-%D1%82%D3%A9%D0%BB%D3%A9%D0%BB%D1%82-%D1%85%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%B3%D0%B4%D0%BB%D1%8D%D1%8D/?cid=1" target="_blank">www.bloombergtv.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-march-21-2017/">Link to newswire</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire_2"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for March 22, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Deputy Prime Minister discusses bilateral relations with a Russian delegation<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The Deputy Prime Minister and Mongolian Chair of the Mongolia-Russia Intergovernmental Commissions, U. Khurelsukh, met with Deputy Head of the Administrative Directorate to the Russian President Pavel Michailovich Fradkov to discuss the political relationship between the two countries, the recent visit to Russia of the Mongolian Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the upcoming visit of Prime Minister J. Erdenebat. Fradkov noted that issues concerning Mongolian real estate in Russia should be resolved under Mongolian law and through negotiations. The two sides discussed ways to further develop the political and economic partnership between the two countries, and noted that carrying out agreements reached during the 20th meeting of the Mongolia-Russia Intergovernmental Commission on Trade, Economy, Science and Technical Cooperation is essential.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In addition to the Prime Minister's visit to the Russian Federation, the Speaker of Parliament is set to pay an official visit to Japan on March 27 to discuss the Mongolia-Japan strategic partnership.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> foreign relations, Russia, Japan</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>Today /page A2/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Minister of Roads and Transportation Development meets with UN Special Envoy for Road Safety<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Minister of Roads and Transportation Development D. Ganbat received the United Nation's Special Envoy for Road Safety Jean Todt. The Minister presented Todt with the road safety measures and policies currently being implemented in Mongolia, and highlighted that the Government of Mongolia has approved 146 resolutions to improve road safety. Minister D. Ganbat also noted that motor sports are still developing in Mongolia, but they are limited by poor infrastructure. Many rally races and long-distance races are organized in Mongolia, due to its vast, undeveloped territory. The Minister noted that, in the future, it is possible to organize more races at an international level.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> United Nations, infrastructure, development</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>National Post /page 1/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>MINING<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Teck Resources purchases 9.1% of Erdene Resource Development Corp.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Toronto Stock Exchange listed Erdene Resource Development Corporation announced that Teck Resources has acquired 543,300 company stocks at .92 CAD each. Now the company owns 9.1% (13.2 million stocks) of Erdene Resource Development. Erdene Resource Development holds gold exploration licenses in Altan Nar and Bayan Khundii and has successfully raised 13.8 million CAD in financing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Erdene Resource Development</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Official Gazette /page 11/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ONLINE STORY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>S&P says Mongolia's repayment of Development Bank's bond debt will not affect the bank's credit rating<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> International financial services and intelligence provider Standard & Poor's (S&P) announced that Mongolia's successful repayment of Development Bank's 580 million USD Euro bond debt will not affect the bank's sovereign credit rating. At the end of 2016, Development Bank started lowering the amount of government securities it held, and S&P notes that in the short term, the successful repayment will have a positive effect on the bank's balances. In the long term, with the approval of amendments to the Law on Development Bank, banking operations and the growth of the bank must be monitored. Under the amended law, Development Bank is set to focus on commercial businesses, but S&P hopes that the bank will continue to support the mining, energy, transportation, and manufacturing sectors.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Development Bank, credit ratings, S&P</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i><a href="http://bloombergtv.mn/sp-%D1%85%D3%A9%D0%B3%D0%B6%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BA-%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%8B%D0%BD-%D1%82%D3%A9%D0%BB%D0%B1%D3%A9%D1%80%D3%A9%D3%A9-%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B6%D0%B8%D0%BB%D1%82%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%B9-%D0%B3%D2%AF%D0%B9%D1%86%D1%8D%D1%82%D0%B3%D1%8D%D1%81%D1%8D%D0%BD-%D0%BD%D1%8C-%D0%B7%D1%8D%D1%8D%D0%BB%D0%B6%D0%B8%D1%85-%D0%B7%D1%8D%D1%80%D1%8D%D0%B3%D0%BB%D1%8D%D0%BB%D0%B4-%D0%BD%D1%8C-%D0%BD%D3%A9%D0%BB%D3%A9%D3%A9%D0%BB%D3%A9%D1%85%D0%B3%D2%AF%D0%B9/?cid=10" target="_blank">www.bloombergtv.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-march-22-2017/">Link to newswire</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire_1"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for March 23, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>State-owned companies experienced 7.9 billion MNT in losses<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> In accordance with a recommendation from Parliament's Economic Standing Committee, the Government Agency for Policy Coordination of State Property conducted an audit of state-owned and state regulated companies in 21 provinces. The companies audited earned 105.6 billion MNT in revenue, but had 111.9 billion MNT in expenditures, resulting in 7.9 billion MNT in losses. Of the 160 companies audited, 94 businesses operated with a deficit.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> state assets, economy, fiscal discipline</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Century News /page 1/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>National air pollution program to cost 9.9 trillion MNT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Cabinet approved the National Program to Combat Air Pollution and Minister of Environment, Green Development and Tourism D. Oyunkhorol and Acting Head of the Green Development and Air Pollution Department at the Mayor's Office J. Batbayasgalan gave reporters additional information about the program. D. Oyunkhorol noted that due to poor infrastructure, city planning, and human factors, Ulaanbaatar's air, soil, and water pollution levels have reached critically dangerous levels. In order to prevent additional damage, the program was drafted and approved. The program will be implemented in two stages, from 2017-2019 and from 2019-2025, and is aimed at updating and developing urban planning and increasing the efficiency and quality of infrastructure. The program will also raise public awareness about pollution levels, support the participation of citizens and business in combating pollution, and work to effectively implement laws that are already in place. Government officials believe that by implementing the program, pollutants will be reduced by 80%, the use of coal will be banned with the exception of thermal power plants, and air pollution will be reduced by at least 50%. The program will require 9.9 trillion MNT in financing for its implementation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> environment, Cabinet, air pollution</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Official Gazette /page 2/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ECONOMY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Confidence in the MNT grows<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The Bank of Mongolia reported on economic data, the financial market, and measures being taken for economic recovery. According to the central bank's data, public and commercial confidence in the MNT saw an increase. Assets in saving accounts in foreign currency decreased by 5.5% and savings in MNT increased by 6.7%. In quantitative terms, savings accounts in MNT rose by 395.9 billion MNT, deposit accounts in foreign currency fell to 68 billion MNT, and savings in foreign currency decreased by 38.9 billion MNT. Bank of Mongolia announced that a new special company will be established to lower the number of non-performing loans. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Bank of Mongolia, currency</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>Today /page A1/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Fuel imports increase <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Prices for oil products at the border reached 602 USD per ton last month, increasing steadily for the last five months. In the first two months of the year, Mongolia imported 176,000 tons of oil products, an increase of 58% compared to the same period last year. As the price of raw materials increase and the mining sector's output increases, the import of diesel fuel increases accordingly. Mongolia imported 37 million USD in vehicle fuel and 99% of the imported gasoline came from Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> import, fuel </span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>Today /page B1/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ONLINE STORIES<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Financial Industry Leaders Form AmCham's Financial Services Committee<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Mongolia convened the inaugural meeting of its new Financial Services Committee. As part of AmCham's larger efforts to promote greater access and opportunities for financing as outlined in its 2017 Roadmap for Growth, the Financial Services Committee will focus on further strengthening Mongolia's financial sector and working toward supporting the implementation of international standards and practices in the industry<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Committee is comprised of key industry representative AmCham members including executives from Xac Bank, Khan Bank, Golomt Bank, State Bank, Trade and Development Bank of Mongolia, PwC Mongolia, Ernst and Young, Deloitte Onch, ARD Financial Group and Tenger Insurance. In particular, AmCham's Financial Services Committee will work toward creating a cross-functional platform for leading representatives of Mongolia's financial sector, formulating and applying international best practice to all segments of the financial industry and providing advice for constructive reform to regulators and policymakers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> AmCham, Financial Committee</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i><a href="http://www.ikon.mn/n/yv1" target="_blank">www.ikon.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolian Banking Association reports on performance of commercial banks<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The Mongolian Banking Association (MBA) presented the financial reports of the nation's commercial banks, and as required by the Bank of Mongolia, the capital adequacy ratio (CAR) of the banks meet the central bank's requirements. The central bank set the required CAR at a minimum of 12%, and at the end of 2016, it was 14.2%-25.3% for major banks that have an impact on the banking system. CAR is the ratio of a bank's capital and its risks, and one of the main indicators of a bank's ability to tolerate risk. The average liquidity ratio of Mongolia's commercial banks stands at 42.7%, 18% higher than prudential ratios highlighted by the MBA. Before Mongolia is able to fully implement the IMF's extended fund facility program, independent organizations must conduct a full evaluation of the nation's commercial banks. The central bank believes that the result of the evaluations will not greatly differ from internal audits.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> commercial banking, Bank of Mongolia, MBA</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i><a href="http://bloombergtv.mn/%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B6%D0%B0%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%8B-%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BA%D0%BD%D1%83%D1%83%D0%B4-%D3%A9%D3%A9%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D1%85%D3%A9%D1%80%D3%A9%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D1%85%D2%AF%D1%80%D1%8D%D0%BB%D1%86%D1%8D%D1%8D%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B9-%D1%85%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%8C%D1%86%D0%B0%D0%B0%D0%B3-%D0%B1%D2%AF%D1%80%D1%8D%D0%BD-%D1%85%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%B0%D0%B6-%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%BD%D0%B0/?cid=1" target="_blank">www.bloombergtv.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-march-23-2017/">Link to newswire</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for March 24, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Speaker of Parliament affirms Mongolia will implement IMF program<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The Speaker of Parliament, M. Enkhbold, met with residents of Zuun Mod and spoke to them about the legislation Parliament has been working on. The Speaker said,"In order to overcome the nation's economic difficulties, the government had been negotiating with the IMF since last August, resulting in a staff-level agreement on an extended fund facility program that is set to be implemented. The Cabinet has drafted amendments to the state budget and they are ready to be reviewed by Parliament. As soon as the spring session of Parliament kicks off, the budget amendments will be discussed. Since the economy is in a very difficult situation, there is no other path for recovery. We must make the amendment to the law on excise tax on gasoline and diesel fuel, passenger cars, alcohol, and cigarettes. Even though taxes will increase, the burden will not affect the majority of citizens."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> IMF, Speaker of Parliament, economy</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>Daily News /page 1,2/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>PM discusses the nation's economic situation with Khovd Province residents<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Prime Minister J. Erdenebat visited Khovd Province and introduced residents of the region to the measures being taken by the government to revive the economy. The PM noted that the even though times are difficult, there is light at the end of the tunnel. He said that the election promises of the MPP are included in the government's action plan and will be carried out. The PM added that it is useless to talk about overcoming economic difficulties without supporting and developing domestic manufacturers. In order to regain investor confidence, Prime Minister J. Erdenebat said that the government must maintain fiscal and monetary discipline, which will be put into place by cooperating with the IMF.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Prime Minister, economy, </span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Official Gazette /page 2/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>MINING<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>MMC's price for coal increased by 90% in 2016<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Hong Kong Stock Exchange listed Mongolian Mining Corporation (MMC) released their 2016 annual report. In the last half of 2016, their sales of coking coal doubled in comparison to the first half of 2016, reaching 1.5 million tons at the end of the year. In 2015, they sold 1.2 million tons of coal. In the first half of 2016, their price for coal stood at 52.2 USD, but in the second half of the year, the price rose by almost 90%, reaching 98.2 USD. At the end of 2016, the price rose to around 110 USD per ton. MMC's total losses in 2015 were 105 million USD, but their deficit decreased to 29.8 million USD in 2016. MMC stock stood at .238 HKD yesterday, and a year ago the stock was valued at 0.046 HKD. In one year, the value of MMC stock rose by 417%.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> MMC, coal</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>Today /page A1/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ONLINE STORY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>World Bank and GoM to cooperate on a project to develop exports<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The Government of Mongolia and World Bank are set to cooperate on the Developing Export Project. The Minister of Finance highlighted that the project will be focused on diversifying Mongolia's export products, and that it will have a critical effect on employment and production. In accordance with financing negotiations, Mongolia will use 30% of a 20 million USD soft loan to develop the exports of SME's operating in sectors other than mining. Half of the soft loan will be used to develop new financial products for exports, implement export insurance, and support competition. Seven percent of the total financing for the program will go toward the financial sector, 50% to non-bank financial intermediaries, and the remaining 43% will go toward developing domestic and foreign trade.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> World Bank, exports</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i><a href="http://bloombergtv.mn/%D1%8D%D0%BA%D1%81%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%82%D1%8B%D0%B3-%D0%B4%D1%8D%D0%BC%D0%B6%D0%B8%D1%85-%D1%82%D3%A9%D1%81%D3%A9%D0%BB-%D0%BD%D1%8C-%D1%85%D3%A9%D0%B4%D3%A9%D0%BB%D0%BC%D3%A9%D1%80-%D1%8D%D1%80%D1%85%D0%BB%D1%8D%D0%BB%D1%82-%D0%B1%D2%AF%D1%82%D1%8D%D1%8D%D0%BC%D0%B6%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%B3-%D0%B4%D1%8D%D1%8D%D1%88%D0%BB%D2%AF%D2%AF%D0%BB%D1%8D%D1%85%D1%8D%D0%B4-%D1%87%D1%83%D1%85%D0%B0%D0%BB-%D0%BD%D3%A9%D0%BB%D3%A9%D3%A9%D1%82%D1%8D%D0%B9/?cid=7" target="_blank">www.bloombergtv.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-march-24-2017/">Link to newswire</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitl741V8lNolE2-3F-kPKA3ex_1PYO_ao3jNXVwAtvg5qsw7xQKsDrL5tUAcTCcvpVpmpW-KmDdqMpv_1cjZx_ERnNgQrSqeY7fR760GVNcTGGdLFoy0vV9W5D8w4WjVQQSH7f6D84XhA/s1600/image005-798411.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitl741V8lNolE2-3F-kPKA3ex_1PYO_ao3jNXVwAtvg5qsw7xQKsDrL5tUAcTCcvpVpmpW-KmDdqMpv_1cjZx_ERnNgQrSqeY7fR760GVNcTGGdLFoy0vV9W5D8w4WjVQQSH7f6D84XhA/s320/image005-798411.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999222453830066" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Business></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Business<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_PM:_"Government_of"></a>PM: "Government of Mongolia to be debt-free to Chalco within this month"<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 20 (MONTSAME) Prime Minister of Mongolia J.Erdenebat met with the leaders of the administrative organizations under the government to give some directions. He also reflected on actions taken by his cabinet for the last seven months since formation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>J.Erdenebat was appointed as the Prime Minister eight months ago. In a month in the Premier's office, J.Erdenebat formed his cabinet, hailed as "professional".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"To look back on the works done by our cabinet, I would call it a "cleaning" cabinet", said the Premier and provided examples to back his argument.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At first, he said, our cabinet has sophisticated the budgetary system and commenced the action for applying discipline in public expenditures. "We were greeted by an economy that had one of the world's most critical government budget balance in terms of deficit. The budget deficit was a consequence of careless spending of taxpayers' money", he added.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Secondly, the new cabinet has successfully captured opportunities and put an end to the impeachment, which was about whether the Mongolian government would announce a default or not due to the outstanding debt from the government bonds. This government has settled the issue of USD 580 million debt, and shed a light on investors' confidence.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He went on to say "This is not any kind of political advertisement. The fact that foreign investors offered USD 3.3 billion bid for the recently-issued government bond of USD 124 million can back up the accomplishments of this government".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last but not least, Mongolia will be free of debt owing to Chalco Company of China within this month. Thanks to this, the East Tsankhi pit of the coal giant Tavantolgoi mine is finally getting into Mongolian people's full ownership after seven years. In other words, profit from coal mining in East Tsankhi will go directly to the Mongolian government budget.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We decided not to just watch what happens with the coal price in the world. This government launched an open auction for Tavantolgoi's coal and sold at the highest ever price – 72.5 USD per ton" he said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Although, some of the above mentioned works have been already initiated under the previous governance, our cabinet pushed forward the stagnated processes, added the Prime Minister. "Mongolia's economy has so much more work. The difficult part is not over yet. Mongolia has just stepped up to the threshold of many decisive steps". <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Source: <a href="http://www.zasag.mn%20/">www.zasag.mn </a></i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9226">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_New_exploration_licenses"></a>New exploration licenses to be granted in April<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 23 (MONTSAME) The Government of Mongolia has planned 20.9 percent of the land for exploration through licensing and selection processes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Currently, a work to grant licenses for some 1.6 million ha land through selection process has commenced and grants of exploration licenses for 13 million ha land is scheduled to commence in April. Some 44 percent of a total of 3546 licenses available are for operational use, while 55.6 percent are for exploration only. Also, the 34 percent of the operational and 55.7 of the exploration licenses are specifically for gold deposit. Copper sites for exploration are mostly located in the northern region of the country.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On that note, Mongolian Society of Economic Geologists are organizing the 9th annual "Mongolian Geology and Exploration 2017" meeting at the Corporate Convention Center on March 23-26. The event will include training on exploration method, various exhibitions and discussion on mining projects in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/mining/9293">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_New_procedure_for"></a>New procedure for exploration licenses to be adopted<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 24 (MONTSAME) On March 23-24, the annual 'Mongolian Geology and Exploration' conference, initiated by the Society of Economic Geologists is gathering geologists for the 9th time this year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Attended by representatives of mining companies, international associations, investors and the Mongolian Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry, the conference serves as a platform for discussion on geology, mining, legal environment surrounding and government policy on minerals at Corporate Hotel & Convention Center.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In his opening speech, Deputy Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry D.Zagdjav defined the purpose of the conference as introducing the output of the works of Mongolian geologists, strengthening cooperation between government and private sectors, and attracting foreign and domestic investment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry is also planning to begin following a new procedure for the issuance of exploration licenses which will introduce new policies such as giving special permissions based on the exploration plans and amount of investment and allowing both domestic and foreign entities to submit applications.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Presently, some 15 geological research works are ongoing as MNT 9.3 billion was allocated from the 2017 state budget for basic geological researches.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Compared to last year, investment in mining is increasing, and it has been estimated that mining sector will accumulate MNT 13.3 billion in state budget this year", said M.Enkhjargal, Deputy Director of Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In conjunction with the 'Mongolian Geology and Exploration' conference, side events like announcement of mineral exploration and exploitation projects, business meeting of investors, 'Mongolian landscape through the lenses of explorers' photography exhibition and 'The finest of minerals and rocks' exhibition are also being held.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Organizers of the annual conference include the Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry, Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority, General Authority of Specialized Inspection, Mongolian University of Science and Technology and National University of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/mining/9301">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Government_allocates_₮9"></a>Government allocates <span lang=MN>₮</span>9 billion to geological survey <span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>for 2017<o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 20 (gogo.mn) This year the Government of Mongolia allocated MNT 9.3 billion to geological survey. In regards, 38 project to be implemented including city geo-ecological survey. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In recent years, air and soil pollution of the city has increased dramatically. Thus the survey aims to measure pollution and concentration of heavy metals in the capital. City geo-ecological survey was conducted in 1997 and 2009. Also the survey is able to determine the cause of increased earthquake activity. The survey will be conducted for three years. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Meanwhile exploration licenses are granted based on the geological survey results.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157761">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_State-owned_company_to"></a>State-owned company to be established for construction of oil refinery<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 21 (MONTSAME) During its regular meeting on March 20, Monday, the Cabinet resolved to form a 100 percent government-owned company to handle the construction of an oil refinery plant in the country. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fully supplying its oil demand with import, Mongolia spends about USD 1 billion on the annual import of 1-1.2 million tons of fuel.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Therefore, it was decided that a 'Oil refinery establishment' project will be realized in the frameworks of a loan agreement between Mongolian Government and Export-Import Bank of India.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In this scope, a Prime Ministerial ordinance has thus been issued to form a working group which has responsibilities to establish the government-run company on the basis of technical and economic assessment for the 'Oil refinery establishment' project, and frame the structure, organization and regulations of the company.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/9235">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mysterious_company_working"></a>Mysterious company working with Bombardier has links to Mongolian rail deal, contract reveals<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Swedish authorities believe shell company was set up to help transfer bribes to officials in Azerbaijan<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 22 (CBC News) A mysterious and controversial intermediary company with business links to Bombardier appears to be involved in a new project in Mongolia, according to an investigation by CBC's French-language service, Radio-Canada, in collaboration with Swedish, Russian and Bosnian journalists.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The company — Multiserv Overseas — is at the heart of a Swedish investigation into alleged bribes related to the awarding of a railway contract in Azerbaijan. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On March 10, the Swedish National Anti-Corruption Unit announced it had detained a senior Bombardier official with the Quebec company's Swedish branch in connection with a contract for the modernization of Azerbaijan's railway system.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Authorities also suspect two other Swedish Bombardier executives accepted to provide bribes to officials in order to influence the tendering process.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Some of the bribes are believed to have been transferred by Multiserv, a British shell company.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Now Radio-Canada's investigative program <i>Enquête</i> has revealed that Bombardier appeared to be planning to use the same intermediary for a railway project in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Journalists with Swedish public television, SVT, and the Swedish news agency TT obtained a contract which reveals several similarities to the Azerbaijan case.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The contract is for supplying railway equipment to Mongolia at a cost of about $10 million.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The year-old document, dated February 2016, indicates that the Swedish branch of Bombardier Transportation would sell the equipment to Multiserv.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Questions about Multiserv Overseas<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Multiserv Overseas has been making the news for nearly a year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <a href="https://www.occrp.org/" target="_blank">Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project</a>, a collective of journalists specialized in investigating corruption, drew attention to the company's existence with the publication of the Panama Papers in April 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Documents from the legal firm Mossack Fonseca show that equipment manufactured by Bombardier was involved in a transaction between Multiserv Overseas and Rambo Management, a firm in the British Virgin Islands.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last December, <a href="http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/bombardier-and-the-putin-connection/article33354878/" target="_blank">the Globe and Mail revealed Multiserv's involvement</a> in 100 transactions involving Bombardier Transportation in Russia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Quebec transportation giant has defended Multiserv, saying it's a business in good standing and that it supplied the company with equipment delivery logistics.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A visit to Multiserv's listed address in London earlier this month revealed there was no office nor people working for Multiserv at that address.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the U.K., companies are expected to report any changes, including the company's location, shareholders and directors, and provide statements confirming that all their filings are up to date.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to the U.K.'s company registry, Multiserv's annual confirmation statement is overdue, as of Feb. 9.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Swedish National Anti-Corruption Unit contends that Multiserv is nothing more than a shell company involved in millions of dollars in transactions surrounding the Azerbaijan project.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We think they used false invoices to make it possible to hide at least $85 million, to use for whatever purpose they want. For example, giving bribes to people who have influence on this procurement and this contract," said Thomas Forsberg, the prosecutor for the Swedish National Anti-Corruption Unit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Bombardier conducting internal review<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>The call for offers to modernize the Azerbaijan railway was won by a consortium of companies, led by Bombardier.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In a statement released after multiple media outlets, including CBC, reported on allegations about that contract, Bombardier said it won the contract "after a fair and open competition."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Our bid, which was accepted by Azerbaijan Railways ADY in co-ordination with the World Bank, was deemed the most technically sound and priced lower than our global competitors," it said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Radio-Canada made multiple requests for an interview with Bombardier but was unable to obtain the company's version of the facts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In a news release, Bombardier said it takes any allegation of unethical behaviour very seriously.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It also said it is assisting Swedish authorities with their investigation into the Azerbaijan project and is conducting its own internal review, as well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bombardier said if it discovers any improper activity, it will take whatever steps are necessary to set things right. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/canada/montreal/bombardier-mongolia-railway-multiserv-1.4034769">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Gashuunsukhait_Railway_company"></a>Gashuunsukhait Railway company dissolved<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 21 (MONTSAME) During its regular meeting on March 20, Monday, the Cabinet instructed the Board of Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi JSC to dissolve Gashuunsukhait Railway LLC which was established to invest in, construct and operate the narrow gauge railway between Mongolian Gashuunsukhait and Chinese Gantsmod ports.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In relation with the decision, corresponding Ministers and authorities were ordered to oversee the company's expenditures through external audit and take measures concerning payment for the expense of the company using the foreign investment made into TavanTolgoi–Gashuunsukhait railway project.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Cabinet Resolution No. 268 issued in 2016 reflected that Nariinsukhait-Shiveekhuren railway construction will begin within the first half of 2017. Therefore, the Cabinet agreed that construction of 267 km railway connecting Tavan Tolgoi with Gashuunsukhait will be executed under the same authority with the construction of 45.3 km railway connecting Nariinsukhait with Shiveekhuren. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Although Gashuunsukhait Railway company had finalized the technical and economic assessment, layout and geological and geodetic surveying for the narrow gauge project, Tavan Tolgoi-Gashuunsukhait railway was decided to be built with standard 1435 mm gauge in accordance with the 2014 Parliament Resolution on 'Ensuring implementation of Government policy on rail transport'.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9243">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_launches_coal"></a>Mongolia launches coal rail transportation to Tianjin<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 24 (news.mn) A new rail route to transport coal from Olon-Ovoo station in the Dornogobi province to China's port city of Tianjin started operation on 23rd of March. Tianjin is the closest sea port to Mongolia's southern border and the most important logistics hub in the north of China.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The staff of the Ulaanbaatar Railway Joint Venture completed the first phase of the terminal within 20 days which has a capacity to offload coal from 100-150 rail trucks daily. As a result, coal export to China expects to rise by 200 tonnes per month and 2.5 million tonnes a year. Coal loaded from Olon Ovoot will be transported in open rail trucks directly to Tianjin through the Erlian (Erenhot) border crossing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Terminal logistics project has been implemented in partnership with the private sector with a total investment with MNT 1.4 billion (approximately 57000 USD). Olon Ovoo station was established in 1974. As of today, the station, located in the heart of the Gobi Desert is operating with a loading capacity of 170 rail trucks of coal per day.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia's economic slump has been largely caused by the deflated world market for coal and copper; this tough period seems to be coming to an end as demand picks up. For example, during the whole of 2016, Mongolia transported a total of 189 thousand tonnes coal to China; but in the first three months of 2017 alone, this has increased to 249 thousand tonnes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/328319">Link to article</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/9298">Olon Ovoot port expanded to increase coal export</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 24<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Gashuunsukhait_route_freight"></a>Gashuunsukhait route freight transport to be arranged under one control<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 24 (MONTSAME) The National Road Transport Department of Mongolia organized a discussion under the theme "Improving operations of international freight transport" on March 23. The event focused on the improvement of public and private partnership and government policy on international transport as well as tackling issues arose in the freight transports in routes from deposits of Ukhaa Khudag and Tavantolgoi in Umnugobi aimag to the port of Gashuunsukhait-Gants mod.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Currently, about 4500 vehicles from 71 entities are carrying freights and Mongolia has imported 4.2 million tons of coal in 2017, which shows growth of 81.6 percent compared to the same period of previous year. Moreover, over 2000 vehicles are reported to be engaged in illegal freight transport activities. Therefore, government authorities introduced during the discussion that the Ministry of Road and Transport Development is working to formalize companies carrying-out freight transport in this route, issuing daily plans and arranging freight transport properly.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The participants of the discussion underlined that correspondence of activities and cooperation between companies are significance to the arrangement of the activities of freight companies on the Gashuunsukhait route under one control.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9321">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Olon_Ovoot_port"></a>Olon Ovoot port expanded to increase coal export<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 24 (MONTSAME) "The expansion of Olon Ovoot border crossing station will help increase income from coal and employment in Mongolia", remarked Mr D.Ganbat, Minister of Road and Transport Development when he attended on Thursday an official inauguration ceremony of an expanded terminal built at Olon Ovoot border crossing station in Dornogobi province.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia had begun testing rail transport of coal from the Olon Ovoot station to Tianjin port, the seaport in China closest to Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In response to increased coal demand from China, Ulaanbaatar Railway Joint Venture in cooperation with the Ministry of Road and Transport Development expanded the Olon Ovoot station by building the first unit of its terminal within 20 days, making possible to load coal into 100-150 wagons a day. It would increase Mongolia's coal export to its southern neighbor by 200 thousand tons a month and 2.5 million tons a year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The second rail line will be constructed from April to June this year, and when in full operation, the Olon Ovoot terminal will be capable of transporting 300 wagons or 19,500 tons of coal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Olon Ovoot station in Dornogobi province was set up in 1974.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/video/economy-mining/olon-ovoot-port-expanded-increase-coal-export">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_New_contractor_to"></a>New contractor to be chosen for Bayankhongor-Altai road project<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 21 (MONTSAME) During the Cabinet's regular meeting on March 20, Monday, Head of Cabinet Secretariat J.Munkhbat reported on the progress of 126.7 km Bayankhongor-Altai road project which is listed among state-owned concession items approved by the 2013 Cabinet resolution No 317.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The concession agreement to build the road, worth USD 76.9 million, was signed with Energy Construction Company LLC on June 5, 2015. Sides agreed that repayment must be made from 2017 to 2019, and the road must be operational before September 1, 2017. But another company, Erdene Zam LLC established a duplicate concession contract because of which a legal case has been created.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Therefore, the Cabinet resolved to nullify the contract of Erdene Zam LLC, and ordered Minister for Road and Transport Development D.Ganbat to settle the case in compliance with the concerning laws and regulations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover, the Cabinet also decided to nullify the original concession contract with Energy Construction Company LLC, and assigned National Development Agency to select a new entity to establish a direct contract on construction of the 126.7 km road project and introduce its report.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/9237">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Investment_forum_seeks"></a>Investment forum seeks possibilities to raise gold production<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 20 (MONTSAME) "Mongolia Gold 2017" investment forum was held on March 17 at the Chinggis Hotel, gathering some 300 domestic and international delegates from government, private sector and investors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Mongolian Mining Exchange" company organized the event with aims to improve legal environment, stabilize it, solve financing, introduce gold projects and advanced technologies, expand business ties and cooperation, share international experiences and bring exploration works into a new level.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Gold production of Mongolia makes up 2.6 per cent of GDP or 9.1 per cent of export revenues. Gold export is planned to be increased consistently by 2-3 tons each year and is expected to reach USD 1.2 billion in 2020 and USD 1.6 billion in 2025, increasing export revenues from gold by 26,7 per cent and 68.4 per cent respectively, compared with gold exports in 2015.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As of last November, a total of 17.6 tons of gold in value of USD680 million was sold to the Bank of Mongolia. The number of companies, which are running business in the gold industry, and gold production has been increasing year by year. Now, gold miners occupy 45 per cent of mining companies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry is working to make a list of gold mining license holders, which needs additional financing. To boost gold industry, the Government approved "Gold-2" program, the main goal of which is to give financial support to gold miners in order to increase their operational capacity and to mine 25 tons of gold by 2020, increasing gold reserves by 100-150 tones. Funding, needed for the program, will be covered jointly by the Government and the Bank of Mongolia, according to Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry Ts.Dashdorj. "Gold" and "Gold 2000" programs were implemented in 1992-2000.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are 1642 registered gold licenses, out of which 542 for mining and 1100 for exploration, covering 46.3 per cent of all mining licenses, informed Deputy Chair of Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority M.Enkhjargal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"-"Gold-2" program targets to ensure sustainable development of gold production in short and middle terms, increase geological research and exploration works, raise gold production consistently through utilizing placer and other metal deposits containing gold and to introduce best technology, equipment and management in gold mining, processing and rehabilitation, which are eco-friendly, has low negative effect to human health and supportive to sustainable development" noted the Deputy Chair.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/9222">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_"Mongolia_Mining_2017""></a>"Mongolia Mining 2017" expo to highlight coal industry<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 21 (MONTSAME) Mongolia Mining 2017, one of the biggest and most significant events in Mongolian mining industry is to be held on 5-7 April at Buyant Ukhaa Sports Palace, Ulaanbaatar city. We interviewed with T.Battulga, CEO of Minex Mongolia, the general organizer of the expo. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>-What is the meaning of motto "World technologies come close"? It is quite interesting. </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-This motto has given after 4-3 years of its establishment. We intended to use the motto for one expo. But today the motto has became the main motto of the "Mongolia Mining" expo. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The country itself cannot handle and manage all activities of mining sector including attracting investment, expanding cooperation and supplying necessary equipment. All activities should be done at international levels. In other words, all companies operating in Mongolian mining sector cannot collect all required equipment, services, products, materials and supplies from Mongolian market. In order to provide them all, the company needs to go to other countries. Meanwhile "Mongolia Mining" expo aims to bring demand and supply together at one spot, saving people`s time and money. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We bring the latest technologies in our country which used in world mining sector. That is why we chose that motto. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>-"Mongolia Mining" expo highlights a particular industry each year. What about this year?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-The expo covers the entire mining sector. But every year the expo highlights a particular mineral industry and promotes it. This year the expo highlights coal industry. The organizers of the expo are cooperating with coal industry businesses. Also many companies which supply equipment to coal deposit are introducing their products. Major companies successfully operating in coal industry to give seminars. The expo aims to provide information on state policy of coal industry, market trends, investment and implementation of projects. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We submitted request to experts of the Ministry of Mining and Mineral Resource Authority of Mongolia to give information on current situation of mining industry and its prospects. All companies of Mongolian coal industry will attend the expo. Also daughter companies of Erdenes Mongol SOE including Baganuur JSC, Shivee-Ovoo JSC and Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi JSC will participate the expo. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>-What is the feature of 7th annual expo?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-"Mongolia Mining" expo aims to keep its tradition. Mining industry has faced instability and collapse in the last 2-3 years. This year commodity prices are rising in the world market while the main export commodity prices in Mongolian mining industry has increased by 20-60 percent. As manufacturing and production increases, demand for production equipment rises. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Therefore number of participants to "Mongolia Mining 2017" has risen sharply which considered as the feature of the expo. In regards, we are planning to organize special reception aiming to introduce participants, establish live communication and exchange information. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition, administrators of Geology and Mining School, University of the Science and Technology are cooperating with us. In regards, main museum exhibits of the Geology school to be showed at the expo providing information on geological surveys of Mongolian mineral resources sector to both foreign and domestic participants. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>-How many companies have registered to attend the expo?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-This year more than 130 best mining supplier companies from China, Russia, USA, Japan, Netherlands, Sweden, Kazakhstan, Czech, Australia, Belarus, Germany, Korea and France to attend the expo. Every participant from foreign countries will exhibit their country pavilions. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Exhibitors are mostly producers and communications, logistics, catering, camping and rehabilitation service providers including mining suppliers, crushing plant equipment, oil and lubricants, power generator, mining cables and lighting system. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>-Organization of any events could not be imagined without sponsors and supporters? </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-We are happy for "Transwest Mongolia", an official distributor of Komatsu which taking part in the 7th edition of Mongolia Mining expo for the first time as a general sponsor. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Wagner Asia Equipment LLC, the Dealer of Caterpiller Inc. in Mongolia serves as our gold sponsor. Moreover many companies are actively working as sponsors to our event. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>-Minex Mongolia, the general organizer of the Mongolia mining expo organizes other cooperation events in mining sector. More on that, please?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-Our company runs cooperation activities in mining industry. In recent years, investment has lowered in accordance with foreign and domestic economic growth and the decline. However, our company attracted Chinese investors to Mongolian mining projects in scope of partnership agreement with Tianjin Mining Exchange. Some projects have halted due to collapse of commodity market. Also there are projects which being successfully implemented. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Minex Mongolia LLC has successfully organized "Oil & Oil Shale Mongolia" conference in 2014. The conference has set to be held in every two years. However Parliamentary election 2016 delayed the second edition of the conference. Thus, in Sep, 2017, we are planning to organize the second edition of the "Oil & Oil Shale Mongolia" conference. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>-Thank you for the interview.</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/mining/9252">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_World_Bank_Project"></a>World Bank Project Aims to Help Mongolia Diversify Exports<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>ULAANBAATAR, March 24, 2017</b> (World Bank) – The Mongolia Ministry of Finance and the World Bank today launched the Export Development Project aimed to help small- and medium-sized enterprises in non-minerals sectors strengthen their export capabilities and boost their access to export markets.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The project, to be implemented by the government of Mongolia in the next 4 ½ years, will support Mongolia's economic diversification by providing those firms with training, matching grants and access to export credit-insurance products.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>"In an economy where exports are heavily dominated by mining commodities, export diversification will boost productivity, overall entrepreneurship, and employment,</i>" said <b>James Anderson, World Bank Country Manager for Mongolia,</b> at the project's launch event. "<i>This project also complements other efforts by the World Bank to support inclusive economic growth and livelihoods in Mongolia</i>."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>"Through the project, existing and future SME exporters in Mongolia's non-minerals sector will have broader and easier access to export credit insurance, learn practical knowhow, and receive financial support to improve their export quality and competitiveness,</i>" said <b>Minister of Finance Choijilsuren Battogtokh</b>. "<i>The agricultural Reinsurance Joint Stock Company, private insurance companies and other financial institutions will learn to provide export-oriented financial products and services to the Mongolian SMEs</i>."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In 2015, 87 percent of Mongolia's exports consisted of mining commodities, while making up only 4 percent of the nation's jobs. By contrast, agriculture employs nearly 30 percent of the total workforce, with livestock providing subsistence, income, and wealth for nearly half of Mongolia's population.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The project is funded with a $20 million credit from the International Development Association, the World Bank's fund for the poorest.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2017/03/24/world-bank-project-aims-to-help-mongolia-diversify-exports">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mayer_Brown_JSM"></a>Mayer Brown JSM advises Mongolian government on US$600 M notes issuance and exchange offer<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 20 (Mayer Brown) Mayer Brown JSM advised the Government of Mongolia on its recent issuance of US$600 million 8.75% notes due 2024. The transaction included an exchange offer for the US$580 million 5.75% notes due 2017 issued by Development Bank of Mongolia LLC, as well as a new money component. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jason T. Elder, lead partner of the transaction said, "This transaction represents a significant achievement for our long-term client, the Government of Mongolia. We are honoured to have advised the Ministry of Finance on this landmark transaction, which marks a new stage in the evolution of the Mongolian capital markets and extends the sovereign debt profile as new mining projects increase production domestically." <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The transaction formed part of larger discussions with the International Monetary Fund related to its staff-level agreement to provide a three-year extended fund facility to Mongolia in response to the country's challenging economic conditions. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Credit Suisse and JPMorgan acted as joint lead managers and joint bookrunners for the deal, and SC Lowy acted as financial advisor for the Government of Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With market-leading experience in cross-border international capital markets transactions involving Mongolia, Mayer Brown JSM has advised on other milestone transactions in the country, including the Government of Mongolia's issuance of US$500 million 10.875% notes due 2021, and multiple issuances for Trade and Development Bank of Mongolia and Development Bank of Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mayer Brown team was led by Hong Kong-based Corporate & Securities partner Jason T. Elder and included Corporate & Securities partner Thomas Kollar in Hong Kong, Tax Transactions & Consulting partner Jason Bazar in New York, and Financial Services Regulatory & Enforcement partners David R. Sahr and Donald S. Waack in Washington D.C.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mayerbrown.com/Mayer-Brown-JSM-advises-Mongolian-government-on-US600-million-issuance-of-notes-and-exchange-offer-03-20-2017/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Deputy_Minister_remarks"></a>Deputy Minister remarks on scientific aspects of agriculture sector<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 22 (MONTSAME) "There are over 200 technologies and products that can immediately find their application in production", remarked J.Saule, Deputy Minister for Food, Agriculture and Light Industry during a meeting of the Ministry's sub-council on science and technology.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting was held last Friday to discuss economic and technological aspects of animal husbandry, veterinary, farming, plant protection, food, light industry and agriculture sectors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"About 30 percent of seed sorts, 100 percent of potato sorts, 60 percent of vegetable sorts and 70 percent of fruit sorts studied and certified by scientists are being planted in Mongolia", she said. Moreover in animal husbandry sector, 1 horse breed and 3 varieties, 3 camel breeds, 3 cattle breeds, 22 sheep breeds and 4 goat breeds and 5 varieties have been newly certified.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Deputy Minister continued on her report, "4 discoveries of Mongolian veterinary researchers have been internationally acknowledged, and 64 animal vaccinations and 72 drugs and supplements have been invented".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In 2008-2016, 72 science, technology projects and 5 innovation projects were implemented in the science & technology areas of food, agriculture and light industry sectors, using MNT 5.5 billion fund from the Science and Technology Fund. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"As such, we can tackle our challenges relying on the intellectual capacities of our scientists", the Deputy Minister noted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/agriculture/9257">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Gobi_Cashmere_opens"></a>Gobi Cashmere opens pop-up store in Singapore<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 23 (MONTSAME) The Mongolian "Gobi" Cashmere has opened its first pop-up store in Singapore, at the invitation of Mongolian Ambassador to Singapore T.Lkhagvadorj.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Special fairs were organized for products of Gobi Organic Cashmere and Gobi's new luxury brand Yama on March 14 and 17 at the Mandarin Gallery and Tanglin Mall, standing in a row with the retail stores of the world famous fashion lines such as Michael Kors and MaxMara.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Discounted by 30 percent, the Gobi cashmere products captivated the shoppers. Launch of the first pop-up store expressed the relatively high demand for Mongolian cashmere products in Singapore and the Southeast Asian region. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9292">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_100_kinds_of"></a>100 kinds of factories to open in all regions<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 24 (MONTSAME) The Government of Mongolia, regardless of the current economic difficulties, is to maintain consistency of the "21:100" program on building new factories. This means that factories of 100 kinds of heavy and light production for substituting imports will be built in all 21 provinces of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Studies have been conducted for the factories, and their results will be discussed by the cabinet for approval, reports the Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Within this program, a major national manufacturer APU Company has set a goal to increase investment for dairy production in 2017. APU has constituted 21.4 percent of the milk market in 2016, and has been exporting its products to Russia, South Korea, and Hong Kong, China.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>As for heavy industry, the Government has named four major projects, including a oil processing plant in Sainshand and Ferrous Complex in Darkhan-Selenge region.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>A bid has been announced for companies that are interested in preparing the feasibility study and consulting for the oil processing plant project. Four India-based companies have taken parts in the bid, two of them were selected. The final results will come out by April 15.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The feasibility study of the Ferrous Complex of Darkhan –Selenge region is projected to complete within July.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Another heavy industry project on coal gasification plant is expecting a complete feasibility study in the near future. The coal gasification plant project is funded by World Bank.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Government has set to forward a project on copper concentrate plant.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9309">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_APNIC:_Internet_Resource"></a>APNIC: Internet Resource Management and Network Security Workshop, Ulaanbaatar, 14-16 June<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 24 (APNIC) APNIC will deliver a three-day Internet Resource Management and Network Security workshop from 14 to 16 June 2017, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://training.apnic.net/events/2017-06-14-internet-resource-management-and-network-security/" target="_blank">Register now</a> and pay before 24 May 2017 to get the early-bird rate.</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This intermediate-level workshop is designed for network engineers, managers and operators, as well as security policy makers interested in network security, understanding threats and how to mitigate them.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Topics covered will include:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo5'>Network Security fundamentals, including cryptography and RPKI<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo5'>Attack identification and mitigation<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo5'>Security protocols<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo5'>Network analysis and forensics<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo5'>Host protection and server hardening<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Participants are encouraged to bring their laptops to practice the hands-on lessons learned using the APNIC virtual lab.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For further details, and to register, please visit the <a href="http://training.apnic.net/events/2017-06-14-internet-resource-management-and-network-security/" target="_blank">APNIC Training website</a> and be sure to join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/243176199488248/" target="_blank">Facebook event</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We look forward to seeing you there!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blog.apnic.net/2017/03/24/register-mongolia-workshop-june/">Link to event</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Financial_Industry_Leaders"></a>Financial Industry Leaders Form AmCham's Financial Services Committee<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia, March 23 (AmCham Mongolia) – The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Mongolia convened the inaugural meeting of its new Financial Services Committee on March 22, 2017. As part of AmCham's larger efforts to promote greater access and opportunities for financing as outlined in its 2017 Roadmap for Growth, the Financial Services Committee will focus on further strengthening Mongolia's financial sector and working toward supporting the implementation of international standards and practices in the industry<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Committee is comprised of key industry representative AmCham members including executives from Xac Bank, Khan Bank, Golomt Bank, State Bank, Trade and Development Bank of Mongolia, PwC Mongolia, Ernst and Young, Deloitte Onch, ARD Financial Group and Tenger Insurance. In particular, AmCham's Financial Services Committee will work toward creating a cross-functional platform for leading representatives of Mongolia's financial sector, formulating and applying international best practice to all segments of the financial industry and providing advice for constructive reform to regulators and policymakers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In 2017, AmCham will mainly focus on four strategic areas: facilitating greater access for businesses to competitive financing; encouraging economic diversification through the promotion of renewable energy and agriculture, as well as U.S. franchising; working to develop a well-planned, strong, consistent, transparent, and enforceable legal and regulatory environment; and advocacy for and promotion of AmCham members' success stories to attract foreign investment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Erik Versavel, Country Representative of ING Bank in Mongolia, Board member of AmCham and elected Chairman of the Committee, said during his keynote remarks at the inaugural meeting, "AmCham Financial Services Committee will work toward benefiting AmCham members and financial sector companies in creating a better and more comprehensive financial industry with international best practices and strong policy recommendations in further improving the industry as a whole."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://amcham.mn/financial-industry-leaders-form-amchams-financial-services-committee/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Kenya_and_Mongolia"></a>Kenya and Mongolia Sign MoU to Promote Sustainable Finance<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Nairobi, Kenya, March 17, 2017 (IFC) — Kenya Banking Association (KBA) and the Mongolian Bankers Association (MBA), members of the IFC-supported Sustainable Banking Network (SBN), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance environmental and social risk management and sustainable financing practices for the Kenyan and Mongolian banking sector. The signing ceremony took place during the sustainable finance related learning visit of the MBA representatives to Nairobi, facilitated and supported by the Dutch development bank FMO and IFC. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia and Kenya have both launched national policies or voluntary principles on sustainable finance. National sustainable finance guidelines and principles define how financial institutions can manage environmental and social risks and meet growing financing needs for green and inclusive economic growth. The Kenya-Mongolia cross border exchange is an example of peer knowledge exchange and learning visits conducted by SBN members. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As one of the founding members of SBN, the MBA has successfully positioned itself as a consensus builder, mobilizing the entire banking community to jointly develop, adopt and implement the Mongolian Sustainable Finance Principles. Both IFC and FMO have been supporting this initiative since 2013. Mongolian Bankers Association forged a strong public-private partnership with the Bank of Mongolia and Mongolian Ministry of Environment and Tourism and the Mongolian Sustainable Finance Principles have become the key component of the Mongolian Government's Green Development Policy. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Kenya banking industry, through the KBA, adopted the Sustainable Finance Guiding Principles in March 2015. KBA, with the support of DEG and FMO, has developed a capacity building program for banks, including an innovative e-Learning platform. KBA is working with the industry to develop a green bonds market with the objective of having individual bank issuance. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We plan to share and learn best practices on the implementation of sustainable finance principles, developing our secretariats as centers for knowledge sharing in our respective regions," said Tumurkhuu Davaakhuu, Vice President of the Mongolia Banking Association. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Knowledge sharing topics will include work on capacity development, knowledge sharing, directives, policy documents and toolkits, as well as reporting, monitoring and evaluation sustainable finance performance. Mongolia and Kenya will also discuss the Green Bond related subjects that are being actively pursued by the both associations. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"At KBA, we are pleased to see the tremendous interest and support from FMO and IFC in advancing Sustainable Finance practices between our two associations. We look forward to the learning partnership" said Habil Olaka, CEO of KBA. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"FMO is proud to be a founding partner of the sustainable finance initiatives of both the MBA in Mongolia and KBA in Kenya. Over the past years, we have seen the banking sector of both countries develop and embrace sustainable finance principles. The strong local ownership demonstrated by the KBA and MBA is the way forward in continuous advancement of such initiatives. We believe connecting both partners is of great value to advance global cooperation and further develop a sustainable banking sector." said Huib-Jan de Ruijter, Director Financial Institutions at FMO, The Netherlands. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"IFC is proud to connect Mongolian and Kenyan banks, as part of the wider SBN network, to share experience in this shared journey toward sustainable finance," said Tuyen D. Nguyen, IFC Resident Representative in Mongolia. "Higher standards of environmental and social risk management by financial institutions are a powerful way to manage concrete business risks, increase market trust, and attract investment, especially toward green financing."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://ifcextapps.ifc.org/IFCExt/pressroom/IFCPressRoom.nsf/0/B87A7220102ED33B852580E90008960D">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Tunshlel_2017_Mongolian-Malaysian"></a>Tunshlel 2017 Mongolian-Malaysian and Southeast Asia Investment Business Forum, July 4-5<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>"Tunshlel 2017" Mongolian-Malaysian and Southeast Asia investment business forum is planned to organized on 4,5th July 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During this business forum you have a vast possibility to promote your activity, expand your business and introduce your investment needed projects and take necessary investments from the Southeast Asian 5 country investors as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Brunei. This business forum will become gate of one year Investment Consulting Activity. Investment Consulting Activity includes: attendance in business forum, register in the server for investment needed projects, bridge projects with interested investors and consult until investment materializes. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Business Council of Mongolia is supporting the event and 15% special discount is provided to our members registered before 31st of March. To register with the discount, discount code should be obtained from <a href="mailto:saruul@bcmongolia.org">saruul@bcmongolia.org</a>. If you're interested in participating, please fill out the factsheet <a href="http://bcmongolia.us8.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=40a8c9d9270c1af2237f2a8aa&id=4a5bfd5a1e&e=128ab52ccd">here</a> and send it to <a href="mailto:saruul@bcmongolia.org">saruul@bcmongolia.org</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For detailed information regarding the program and forum, click <a href="http://bcmongolia.us8.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=40a8c9d9270c1af2237f2a8aa&id=19fe20f31e&e=128ab52ccd">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://bcmongolia.org/news/detail/tunshlel-2017-malaysia">Link to event</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_MBD_Business_Mission"></a>MBD Business Mission to Washington DC<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>27th Annual NAMBC AGM & Investors Forum, April 27-28<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian Business Database MBD (www.mongolianbusinessdatabase.com) is starting to register the business participants to the 27<sup>th</sup> NAMBC Annual General Meeting & Investors Forum which will be held in April 27-28, 2017, at the Residence Inn Arlington Pentagon City, adjacent to Reagan National Airport in Washington DC. The second day, April 28, will feature door-knock meetings with US government officials and on Capitol Hill. The program will commemorate the 30<sup>th</sup> anniversary of US-Mongolia diplomatic relations by presenting program segments on future investment opportunities in Mongolia, prospects for US-Mongolia and US-Asia engagement under the Trump Administration, and other matters. Speakers will include Mongolian and US officials and business leaders.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please visit to following link for information in details and contact at contact@mongolianbusinessdatabase.com e mail, 77109911, 98994787 for the registration and inquiry.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Registration will close in March 29th, 2017 (Wednesday).</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mongolianbusinessdatabase.com/base/eventsdetails?id=12">Link to event</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Khan_Bank_Welcomes"></a>Khan Bank Welcomes Naoto Odagiri as Independent Member of Board of Directors<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 17 -- Khan Bank has appointed Naoto Odagiri as an Independent Member of its Board of Directors starting from 7th March, 2017.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Naoto Odagiri is a seasoned banker with over 25 years of experience working for top-tier international financial institutions. He is well versed in various finance businesses, including risk management, investment banking, equity and debt analysis, middle and back office operations, and more. He served as a Director of Credit Risk Management at Barclays Bank, Tokyo and held the several top managerial positions at the BNP Paribas Tokyo. He has analyzed Japanese and non-Japanese financial institutions as a credit risk analyst and stock analyst for over 20 years. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mr. Odagiri currently sits on the advisory board of Pacific Tech Bridge, a U.S.-based consulting firm in international relations, strategy, and finance. Pacific Tech Bridge is the organization and make an important contribution to matters of diplomatic relations between the United States, Japan, China and other Asian countries. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>He is a regular contributor to The Weekly Economist, one of the most highly regarded business weeklies in Japan. He teaches a financial management course for the MBA program at Meiji University Global Business School. Mr. Odagiri's expertise and understanding of finance, economy, and international affairs is well recognized in the Japanese business community. His insights are often quoted by such global media outlets as Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal, and CNBC.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Naoto Odagiri's wealth of professional, academic, and analytical experience are a welcome addition to Khan Bank's esteemed Board of Directors. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.khanbank.com/en/news/show/328">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_German_government_and"></a>German government and business delegates visit Khan Bank, hold business meeting<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 17 -- Delegates from the German Government and private sector, led by Parliamentary State Secretary of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) Mr. Hans Joachim Fuchtel, visited Khan Bank on March 16, 2017, and held a business meeting. Khan Bank executive managers, led by CEO John Bell, introduced the bank and exchanged opinions with the German delegates. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Khan Bank, a leading organization in Mongolia's banking and financial sector, has been collaborating with the German Investment Development Corporation (DEG) since 2012, and the DEG has issued a total of 12 million USD through long-term facilities to promote small and medium-sized enterprises and another 12 million USD in subordinated debt to support the business and financial capacity of Khan Bank's customers. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A subsidiary of Development Bank of Germany (KfW), DEG is a large, well-recognized financial institution with the mission to promote business initiatives in developing and emerging market countries, and to contribute to sustainable economic growth and improved living conditions in these countries. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Khan Bank collaborates with a number of German banks, including Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, and BHF, in the areas of foreign settlement and trade finance facilities. With support from these German institutions, Khan Bank offers its customers flexible, transparent, and competitive trade finance products and service solutions tailored to their foreign trade business needs. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.khanbank.com/en/news/show/327">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Sh.Byambatsogt_talks_about"></a>Sh.Byambatsogt talks about being TV announcer in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 23 (UB Post) <i>Mongolian television announcer Sh.Byambatsogt received the State Honored Cultural Worker title earlier this year. He currently works at the MM agency of the Mongolian National Broadcaster (MNB). He spoke about what it's like to be a television announcer in Mongolia in the interview below.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Congratulations on being awarded the State Honored Cultural Worker title. When were you informed of the good news?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I received a phone call from the President's Office at 5:28 p.m. on February 22. The caller told me that I was receiving the State Honored Cultural Worker title and congratulated me. The news choked me up. I couldn't separate from the tissue box for probably around five minutes afterwards. My tears were pouring out. It was obviously because I was so happy. I mean, I was getting such a prestigious state title after working in this sector for 26 years. I wouldn't have been that excited had I been working here for only around 10 years and not accomplished much. I was so grateful that my colleagues, friends, engineers, technicians, cameramen, reporters, editors, the audience, and everyone else recognized my efforts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I assessed that I haven't lived in vain. The root of all of this is the 50-year-old MNB and 80-year-old Mongolian national radio, and everyone who gave their best in this line of work all these years. I was able to come thus far thanks to them. I believe that this title is the state's acknowledgement of television staff of all times. I can never fully express how grateful I am to my peers and listeners. I will continue the legacy of announcers, the voices of the Mongolian state, and pass it onto the next generation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Can you tell us how you first entered MNB? Why did you decide to join the television sector?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>MNB was called the State Committee of Radio and Television when I first joined it in 1987. I used to repeat after radio personalities even when they said difficult and long titles such as Deputy Speaker of Parliament of the Mongolian People's Republic Bayanmunkh Khorloo and Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party's Central Committee secretary. I liked hearing these titles. Moreover, I really enjoyed arts and culture classes, and especially liked singing and dancing when I was in school. Seeing these interests, my father thought I would make a good television presenter and took me to the State Committee of Radio and Television. Back then, I had just finished high school. A lot of people brag about how they were selected from 300 or 400 applicants. But it wasn't like that in my case. I went along with my father because I was purely interested in this career. I think my father tried to find connections at the company. I'm from Khentii Province. State Honored Cultural Worker Jargal, who was the director of the State Committee of Radio and Television at the time, journalist Jagaa and TV announcer Khartsaga were from Khentii Province as well. They auditioned me and were pretty impressed. They told me I had a good voice and hired me.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>So you found a job right after high school?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>That's right. I graduated from a school in Bor-Undur soum of Khentii Province. Since then, I've been working in the television industry. I was first assigned to help the assistant director. I was later promoted to an assistant director and then, intern announcer. I got my announcer's license in 1993. I tried to learn as much as possible from everyone, but announcer Khartsaga was the one from whom I learned the most. I had many good seniors who gave me advice like State Honored Cultural Worker Tsendkhand, Chuluunbat, Batbayar, Dorjbat, Jantsan, Khishigeer and Ragchaa.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>How nervous were you on your first broadcast as an announcer?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Going on air was my biggest aspiration. Just by saying "Hello" through broadcasting seemed like a huge deal for me. I feared doing a live broadcast – probably because I was still young. I was finally going to be seen by viewers on television after working for years at the television station. The last step of broadcasting is presenting news. Announcers receive the latest and hottest news from journalists and newsrooms. Announcers are supposed to deliver that news to the audience while it's still "hot" and untouched. We must give facts as we're the bridge connecting the state and public. It's an important responsibility so I feel quite proud but also pressured to be more responsible.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In my opinion, MNB is a more traditional television compared to others. It states the truth without exaggeration or falsification. A whole team of journalists, editors, cameramen, directors, technicians and more prepare each news story. Some television broadcasts seems to share news prepared by only a cameraman and reporter. I believe that news can be more professionally prepared by a whole team.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Is it true that your father was an artist? Can you briefly talk about your parents?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>My father is called Shagdarjav. He worked as a music conductor for the Khan Khentii ensemble before he retired. My mother, on the other hand, was a doctor. She also retired now. They're looking after their grandchildren back in our home place – Khentii Province.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>My wife is an English teacher. I have three beautiful daughters. The oldest has gone abroad to get her master's degree. My second child is studying in middle school. My wife and I had our youngest daughter quite late. My daughter entered school this year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Would you say you're a good father? How much time do you spend with your family?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I try to make as much time for my family as possible. I like to cook whenever I have free time. I try to cook the cuisines I had in restaurants. Sometimes, I like to make my own recipes and cook new dishes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To be honest, I pushed back family time when I was young. But in the last three to four years, I've been increasing the time I spend with my family. At least, that's what I think. Before, I was devoted to my work. It was for my sake actually. If I work harder, I can earn more money. As hard as I work, I strive to deliver good programs and shows to the audience. I worked day and night without sleep or food and even ignored illnesses. I didn't care about celebrations and holidays. On the first day of Tsagaan Sar, I reported to work instead of greeting my parents. I haven't greeted them during Tsagaan Sar for a couple of years now. My parents come to me. I never asked for a day off to greet my parents on holidays. I seem to be very old-fashioned – I follow socialist views. I think this drives me to work harder.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Do people recognize you on the street? How do they react?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>My current job and career is wonderful. Everyone treats me so well. People are really friendly when I go to the countryside. They seem to mistake me for their relative at first. They ask my wellbeing which gets me confused. I used to try to remember who they are but no one would come to my mind. Nowadays, I'm more used to it. Since they see my face and hear my voice on the television and radio often, they mistake me for their acquaintance or distant relative. After a while, most people remember that I'm an announcer. Similar incidences occur all the time. The public trusts that I will give them accurate information so in return, I try to do a better job.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>There are many children and young people aspiring to become television and radio stars. What would you advise them?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Media and press organizations have increased in number. Of course, I would listen to young journalists. I don't really like to blatantly criticize. I share some of my know-hows when I meet a young journalist. Instead of harshly criticizing their work, I try to find their good sides, advise them on improving that area and give them some suggestions. It's better to talk while looking at the other person's eyes. You shouldn't look down as if you've done something bad. I often tell announcers to correctly take breaks in between sentences and breathe correctly while interviewing people.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When you're on live broadcast, you can't do well if you worry about your clothes, accessories, tie or outfit. You can't reach the audience or viewers. I try to imagine that I'm talking with a close friend when I'm interviewing people so I don't feel shy and everything we discuss is understandable for anyone. Nobody stutters when speaking with their parents. I hope I can continue working in the media sector for a long time. I hope that media representatives don't become acquainted with politicians and work with integrity as journalists.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/23/sh-byambatsogt-talks-about-being-tv-announcer-in-mongolia/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s1600/image006-700268.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s320/image006-700268.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999236542530578" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Ulaanbaatar></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Protesters_demand_approval"></a>Protesters demand approval of national anti-air pollution national program<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 21 (UB Post) Around 300 people demonstrated at Sukhbaatar Square on March 18 to demand that the state adopts a national program on air pollution reduction by the end of March.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On National Soldiers' Day, protesters got in formation to spell "Utaag Shiid" (resolve smog) and "Emnelgee Bari" (build hospitals) with green cards held above their heads, and expressed their frustration with the government's slow efforts to improve air quality and eliminate air pollution-related diseases in Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Air pollution-related diseases are the top three causes of premature death in adults in Mongolia. Pneumonia accounts for 15 percent of deaths among children and can be attributed to poor air quality. It's common for hospitals in Ulaanbaatar to become overwhelmed during the winter as the number of sick children admitted for care drastically increases.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last year, UNICEF announced that Ulaanbaatar was one of the 10 most polluted cities in the world. Studies found that the lungs of children living in districts with the highest recorded levels of pollution did not function as well as those of children living in rural areas, putting them at risk of chronic respiratory diseases as they age.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On multiple occasions this winter, pollution readings in some ger areas were nearly 30 times higher than levels considered safe by the World Health Organization.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>City residents said they would hold more demonstrations if the government continued to prolong the approval of the national anti-air pollution program and ignore their demand for the disclosure of government spending and other details on air pollution reduction projects carried out over the last 15 years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Air pollution is addressed only during winter and forgotten about during the rest of the year. To ensure this doesn't happen again, public measures to combat air pollution will be organized every month," said a member of Moms and Dads Against Smog (MDAS), a grassroots group of concerned citizens who have been organizing demonstrations against air pollution in Ulaanbaatar since last December.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Concerned Mongolians, from five to 80 years old, have been standing in frigid weather to call attention to this public health issue through three previous demonstrations. Their efforts to fight for the right to breathe fresh air have resonated worldwide, as people have supported their cause with demonstrations held in New York, Illinois, New Jersey, and Virginia in the United States and in Budapest, Hungary.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/21/protesters-demand-approval-of-national-anti-air-pollution-national-program/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Air_pollution_program's"></a>Air pollution program's initial cost totals to MNT 9.9 billion<span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828;letter-spacing:-.75pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 24 (MONTSAME) The National Program on Reducing Air and Environmental Pollution is the key solution to the pressing issues of Ulaanbaatar, which a half of the country's population call home, said a government official on Thursday during a meeting with journalists.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting took place among media representatives and officials of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and Ulaanbaatar Mayor's Office. Present were also, Minister of Environment and Tourism D.Oyunkhorol and Deputy Mayor of Ulaanbaatar in charge of Green Growth and Air Pollution J.Batbayasgalan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The city administration and the government have been fiercely criticized for the past several year that they have been making the issue of air pollution fade away as the climate gets warmer and the smog level decreases naturally.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The city administration has been doing its best to satisfy its residents on this problem. However, we need journalists' support on introducing and implementing this nationwide program targeted to reducing air pollution", said J.Batbayasgalan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The national program was approved on March 20 by the cabinet of ministers, with five key objectives to be realized in 2017-2019 (Phase I) and 2020-2025 (Phase II). Total initial cost will be MNT 9.9 billion.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Minister D.Oyunkhorol informed: the Key Strategic Objectives include Sophistication of urban planning; Decentralization; Improving infrastructure; Curbing pollution and Shaping eco-friendly lifestyle among citizens and ensuring people's right to secure and healthy living environment, as set out in the Constitution of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Within the First Objective, the program actions will be directed at gradually reducing usage of raw coal for fuel by introducing households to latest environmentally friendly technologies. Decentralization, the Second Objective, is to be mobilized through adequate urban planning and infrastructure policies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Raising public's awareness of pollutants and establishing an merit and incentive-based system for curbing air pollution are also important factor in making the objective come in life, said the Minister. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9306">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_to_ban"></a>Mongolia to ban coal burning by 2021<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 21 (news.mn) While most of the year Ulaanbaatar's skies are clear, between November and March, visibility beyond a few blocks is nearly impossible in many parts of the city. Coal burning by the 175,000 households in the ger districts, for cooking and heating, contributes to the severity of air pollution in wintertime – summer air pollution is much lower. Ulaanbaatar's "harmful dust" is 6-7 times higher than the most lenient World Health Organization standards.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A national programme for fighting air-pollution was approved by Mongolian Parliament at a meeting on 20<sup>th</sup> of March. The programme has two parts; the short term 2017-2018 and the medium term 2018-2021. The Government intends to totally ban using coal in ger districts after implementing the 59 measures contained in the programme. It is expected that it will be possible to decrease the source of air-pollution by 80%, dust and CO2 by 50%.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to the survey, 697 in each 10,000 residents of Ulaanbaatar were sick primarily due to the effects of pollution in 2005, however, it reached 1730 in 2014. This last winter's ratio is expected to be higher still.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327992">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_China_Datang_Corp"></a>China Datang Corp to collaborate on reducing air pollution in Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 20 (MONTSAME) On March 17, Prime Minister J.Erdenebat received a visiting delegation to Mongolia of China Datang Corporation at the latter's request. China Datang expressed interest in investing in Mongolia's energy and heating system.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the beginning of this meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted that investment to energy and heating will be supported in Mongolia by all means, mentioning the Mongolian and Chinese sides have agreed on building joint regional energy generator during the visit of China's Prime Minister Li Keqiang to Mongolia, took place last September.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>China Datang has abundant expertise in coal liquefaction and air pollution reduction approaches. The delegates shared that the company has been participating in Beijing's projects on air pollution, as its fuel technology maintains the lowest amount of toxic smog emission.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A pivotal part of Ulaanbaatar's air pollution is caused by chimney smoke from <i>Ger</i> households, said PM J.Erdenebat in response. What Ulaanbaatar needs first is a comprehensive project on expanding the reach of electric power network, ensuring reliability of energy resources and extending the heating system to ger areas. "We will be willing to consider cooperation with you in the presence of such a comprehensive project", he underlined.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>President of China Datang, Mr Chen Jinhang pledged to submit a proposal for a package of project directed at tackling Ulaanbaatar's air pollution. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9213">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Experts_raise_concerns"></a>Experts raise concerns about scarce drinking water resources<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 23 (UB Post) Mongolian hydrogeology experts urged the nation to protect and conserve underground water due to high risks of contamination.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia uses 600 to 700 million cubic meters of water every year on average and more than 90 percent of the domestic drinking water is drawn from underground reserves, according to experts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Executive Director of the Mongolian Association of Hydrogeologists G.Batjargal highlighted that the main sources of water for Ulaanbaatar are likely to be exposed to contaminants, during a press conference on Monday. The conference was held in an attempt to tackle water challenges through World Water Day.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Latest studies show that the large amounts of contaminants were found at the bottom of large rivers that supply water to Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We must monitor water bodies to prevent contamination in the main source of drinking water. Mongolia hasn't conducted environmental monitoring in recent years. Honestly, hydrogeologists failed to determine the exact level of groundwater contamination with the previous monitoring survey. We're only able to measure the level of water in rivers and other bodies of water," urged G.Batjargal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Experts say that Mongolia will be unable to recover lost sources of water as it is a land-locked country and pointed to growing industrialization and urbanization as the main causes of water contamination.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A recent research showed that Mongolia's water reserves decreased by approximately 30 percent since 1980.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hydrogeologists recommended taking measures to increase public awareness about water and further research water conservation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>N.Buyankhishig, the vice dean of the School of Geology and Mining Engineering of the Mongolian University of Science and Technology, said, "All 17 goals of the UN Sustainable Goals are connected to water. It's impossible to achieve sustainable development without resolving water challenges. We don't provide water related education in Mongolia. Locals don't have access to information about where water comes from, what it compromises of, and how it should be used. It's especially important to improve children and young people's knowledge about water."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>World Water Day is annually observed on March 22. This year's World Water Day will focus on wastewater.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A research, conducted by the Public Health Center on the consumption of water in 2016, show that households in ger areas use 15.6 liters of water per person a day while households in apartments use 90 liters per person. Though water consumption of apartment residents is nearly six times higher than people in ger areas, their consumption doesn't exceed water limits specified by WHO.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/23/experts-raise-concerns-about-scarce-drinking-water-resources/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Concession_agreement_on"></a>Concession agreement on Ulaanbaatar sewage facility to be introduced<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 21 (MONTSAME) During the Cabinet's regular meeting on March 20, Monday, Head of Cabinet Secretariat J.Munkhbat reported on the conclusion of a working group which was designated to implement Ulaanbaatar Sewage Facility Construction project and discuss the conditions of concession contract with proposed entities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The working group suggests the partnership of Bogda JSC and Jinhua LLC which has made a proposal inclusive of technical and economic assessment and technological solution recommended by the Ministry of Construction and Urban Development and a corresponding Parliamentary Standing Committee.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The partnership offers to fund 30 percent of the project with its own investment, and the remaining 70 percent with a 10-year loan which has 4-year grace period and 5 percent annual interest.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National Development Agency was tasked to reach consensus on a build-operate-transfer type of concession contract to realize the Ulaanbaatar Sewage Facility Construction project, and report to the Cabinet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/9239">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_EBRD_to_support"></a>EBRD to support "Green cities" program<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 22 (MONTSAME) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Capital City Governor's Office have signed a memorandum of understanding on implementation of "Green cities" program.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The MOU was signed by Natalia Khanjenkova, the Managing Director for Central Asia and Russia at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and J.Batbayasgalan, Deputy Mayor of Ulaanbaatar for Green Development and Air Pollution.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>J.Batbayasgalan remarked" In line with rapid expansion of Ulaanbaatar city, air, water and soil pollutions are getting urgent problems. ''Green Cities'' program will be carried out to deal with a number of challenges including waste water treatment, green infrastructure development and solid garbage removal /recycling/. Furthermore, Ulaanbaatar is facing the drinking water reserve scarcity and in this regard, we are looking forward to implement a number of projects on development of green cities with EBRD in the future. World countries having joined the UN Convention are making efforts to tackle with climate change especially in reducing greenhouse emission by raising significant funds. This memorandum will be an important push to launch a fundraising event for carrying out projects and programs forward at green development.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In turn, Natalia Khanjenkova, the Managing Director for Central Asia and Russia at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) said" Preparation works for recycling and waste water treatment projects are basically completed. We will financially support above mentioned projects. For instance, the Global Climate foundation is affordable to finance the projects. We expect positive outcome from the implementation of the projects for development of Ulaanbaatar".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9269">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_EBRD_Project_Summary:"></a>EBRD Project Summary: GrCF Ulaanbaatar Solid Waste Modernisation Project<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>Country</b>: Mongolia<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Project number</b>: 46581<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Business sector</b>: Municipal and environmental infrastructure<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Notice type</b>: Public<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Environmental category</b>: IESE<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Target board date</b>: 21 Jun 2017<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Status</b>: Passed Final Review, Pending Board Approval<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>PSD disclosed</b>: 20 Mar 2017<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Project Description<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>The provision of a senior loan of up to USD 8.1 million (EUR 7.6 million) to the City of Ulaanbaatar (the "City" or "Ulaanbaatar"), the largest city in Mongolia, to finance the City's Priority Investment Programme ("PIP"). The PIP includes investments designed to expand the City's landfilling capacity and build a Construction and Demolition Waste ("CDW") plant. Additionally, the machinery and equipment necessary for the landfill and CDW plant operations will be purchased. It is expected that the Project will be co-financed by a concessional loan of USD 3.5 million (EUR 3.3 million) and investment grants of USD 3 million (EUR 2.8 million).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Project Objectives<o:p></o:p></b></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo6'>Decrease pollution: the City's existing landfilling capacity is limited, and the quality of the existing landfill sites is sub-standard. The construction waste increasingly generated by the growing City is dumped into the existing landfills or elsewhere, without being crushed or recycled. The Project's objective is to help avoid environmental pollution related to the lack of landfilling capacity and introduce proper management practices in relation to construction waste. The Project's substantial environmental benefits include reduction of CO2 emissions (on average 18 thousand tonnes per annum or 300 thousand tonnes by 2037). <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo6'>Prepare the City for a Green City Action Plan ("GCAP"): the Project will be one of the first subprojects under the Bank's Green City Framework ("GrCF"). The comprehensive GCAP will be developed for the City to identify priority environmental challenges and suggest corresponding green investments. With a number of environmental issues and under-developed infrastructure, Ulaanbaatar is an appropriate candidate for practical launch of the GrCF. <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo6'>Test the structure of direct lending to the City: this is envisioned to be the first sub-sovereign project in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>Transition Impact<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.ebrd.com/work-with-us/projects/psd/grcf-ulaanbaatar-solid-waste-modernisation-project.html">Link to project</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_ADB_developing_feasibility"></a>ADB developing feasibility study on Affordable Housing Program<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 24 (MONTSAME) Deputy Governor of the capital P.Bayarkhuu met with a working group of the Asian Development Bank to develop a feasibility study on "Affordable housing program". The working group introduced principles of the program planning and working plan to the Deputy Governor. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The program targets at ger districts, aiming to establish different types of apartments that match income classes. The apartment towns should have public and government services, including schools, kindergartens, shopping and service centers and public facilities, complying with standards that reflected in Ulaanbaatar city master plan. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/9307">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Ulaanbaatar_Buildings_Unable"></a>Ulaanbaatar Buildings Unable to Withstand Earthquakes To Be Demolished <span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 21 (UB Post) Nearly 100 buildings failing to meet seismic resilience standards will be demolished according to a new order issued by the Ulaanbaatar Mayor's Office.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The General Agency of Specialized Inspection evaluated 566 buildings in Ulaanbaatar and assessed that only 172 of them were earthquake resistant, 75 buildings could be retrofitted, and 319 buildings would be unable to withstand a major earthquake. The report concluded that of the 319 buildings determined to be unsafe, it was dangerous to allow 172 of the buildings to remain operational.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After discussing earthquake risk and preparedness with Deputy Prime Minister U.Khurelsukh last week, Mayor S.Batbold decided to develop new architectural plans for 98 of the buildings that will be condemned.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Deputy Prime Minister and the Mayor emphasized that improving the disaster preparedness of the public will considerably reduce the risk of disaster in the event of a major earthquake. In addition to ordering the demolition of unsafe buildings, they ordered city and province emergency departments to focus on raising public awareness about earthquake readiness.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Around 200 earthquakes occurred near Ulaanbaatar in 2000, but the number of earthquakes rose to some 1,800 in 2016. I believe that our first priority is teaching the masses how to prepare for earthquakes and how to protect themselves when an earthquake occurs," noted U.Khurelsukh. Approximately 28,000 quakes were recorded in Mongolia last year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Pursuing cost-effective interventions, such as retrofitting public buildings to resist largerearthquakes, was strongly recommended by representatives from the National Emergency Management Agency, Ministry of Construction and Urban Development, Ulaanbaatar City Council, the World Bank, and civil society organizations. The recommendation was made during a consultative workshop on the seismic resilience of public schools in Ulaanbaatar held on March 16.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The workshop's participants said that retrofitting could become an anchor for a broader disaster risk reduction program and prevent the collapse of buildings.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They also highlighted the need to start earthquakу preparedness programs in other densely populated areas along fault lines, and recommended retrofitting for other types of older public buildings with high occupancy, such as hospitals.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/21/buildings-unable-to-withstand-earthquakes-to-be-demolished/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mayor_attends_'Nauryz"></a>Mayor attends 'Nauryz – 2017' honorary event<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 20 (MONTSAME) "Kazakhs living in Mongolia have successfully kept their culture and tradition in its original form for generations, and it's due to their efforts and the right policy pursued by Mongolian Government on minority", remarked Ulaanbaatar Mayor S.Batbold as he attended 'Nauryz – 2017' honorary event which was held on the occasions of the 25th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and Kazakhstan and Nauryz festival of the Kazakhs which falls on March 22.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The event was attended by Member of Parliament Kh.Badelkhan, former Members of Parliament A.Tleikhan and A.Bakei, Deputy Minister for Food, Agriculture and Light Industry J.Saule and citizens of Kazakhstan residing in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mayor also said, "The interpretation and significance of Nauryz festival is broadening in Mongolia, with the Kazakhs in Bayan-Ulgii, Khovd, Darkhan-Uul and Orkhon aimags celebrating the festival widely", and conveyed his greetings for the festival.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Mongolia Kalybek Koblandin was present at the event and emphasized on how bilateral relations were upgrading in a 'reliable partnership' level between Kazakhstan and Mongolia which 'share a same history and destiny'.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9232">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_April_book_swap"></a>April book swap event to be held on Apr 1<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 21 (gogo.mn) Book swap event will take place at Sukhbaatar square on Apr 1 (Saturday) at 12 p.m - 01 p.m. The event is set to be held on the first Saturday of every month. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The book swap event aims to bring city central public library services to residents, make friendship through books and swap books with others. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157775">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Only_smart_card"></a>Only smart card holders allowed for ride buses in UB<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 24 (gogo.mn) Only smart cards will be used for payment for a bus ride starting Apr 1 (Saturday). In other words, cash payments will not be accepted, reports City Transportation Department. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Currently there are 480 Smart Card purchase and recharge spots are available nearby the bus stops at the trade and service centers. "U money" bus smart card price is decreased to MNT 2000 with no expiration date.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover monthly bus passes will be purchased at government civil centers located at Dunjingarav, Misheel and Dragon from next Monday (Mar 27) at a rate of MNT 25,000 per adult and MNT 25,000 per child. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Replacement passes for lost passes can be issued at MNT 3000. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Passengers will be fined with MNT 5000, if they do not use smart cards for payment for a bus ride.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157859">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_What_is_the"></a>What is the Mongolia Capital City Tax?<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 22 (Lehman Law) As we have discussed in the past, the Law on Capital City Tax was approved by the Parliament and new law has come into valid since October 1, 2015. Regulations dealing with procedures to register a tax payer, removal from registration and receipt of information was also approved in order to implement the law.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to the law, the Capital City Tax is imposed on entities providing four special services including <u>bars</u>, <u>restaurants,</u> <u>hotels</u> and <u>resorts</u>. Other type of entities are exempt from the Capital City Tax.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However, retailers of all types of alcoholic beverages (including vodka, wine, whiskey, cognac, champagne, beer and airag /horse milk/ etc) and cigarettes (cigar, pipe and tobacco), which are operating on the premises of the Capital City are also considered tax withholders under the law.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The tax rate can be determined around 0-1.0 percent by the Citizens Representative Khural of Capital City based on the location and concentration of the population of particular area in Ulaanbaatar. Thus, the Resolution No 29/19 of Citizens Representative Khural of Capital City, September 29, 2015, set the Capital City Tax at 1 percent for above mentioned services and products in Capital City.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As for improving the Capital City Tax and taxation system, the Mayor of Ulaanbaatar, S. Batbold, and Head of the General Taxation Department L. Zorig signed recently a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Under this document The General Taxation Department will collaborate with the Mayor's Office to monitor the implementation of tax laws and regulations, and continue the implementation of the law on Capital City Tax and the VAT.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://lehmanlaw.mn/blog/what-is-the-mongolia-capital-city-tax/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_"Ulaanbaatar_Marathon_2017""></a>"Ulaanbaatar Marathon 2017" to be held on May 20<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 22 (gogo.mn) Opening ceremony of the "Ulaanbaatar Marathon 2017" will take place at the Sukhbaatar square on May 20. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The event is organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, City Governor`s Office, City Tourism Department, Mongolian National Olympic Committee and Mongolian Marathon Association. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The main purpose of the event is to develop marathon sports, advertise Ulaanbaatar city to the world, increase the number of residents interested in running, provide physical and mental education to youths. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The professional category is divided into semi - 21 km; and full - 42 km distances. Amateurs' marathon is divided into 3 distances with 4 age groups. Specifically, 5 km distance will include ages between 12-17, 18-35, 36-54, 55 and above. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There is also marathon designed for families and people with disabilities for 1.5 km distance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Runners who finish in 4-10th places in any category will be rewarded with medals, certificate and cash prize.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Entrants may register at <b><a href="http://www.ub-marathon.ub.gov.mn/">www.ub-marathon.ub.gov.mn</a></b> online or go to relative sports committee in your district or capital city sports & physical culture office. Registration fee is US$ 20 for foreign participants.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157795">Link to article</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9261">Ulaanbaatar Marathon organizers aim for expansion</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 22<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_delegation_visits"></a>Mongolian delegation visits "Smart Strip" of Nagpur city<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Nagpur, March 21 (Nagpur Today):</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> A delegation from Mongolia and members of GIZ Nexus on Monday arrived in the city and inspected the "Smart Strip" being developed under 'Smart City' project. The delegation will visit Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) Project in Bhandewadi and Mahagenco on Tuesday (March 21).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Soon after their arrival in city at 11 am, the Mongolian delegation and GIZ members paid a visit to NEERI and held a meeting with senior scientists. In the afternoon, the dignitaries visited Shankarnagar Square on West High Court Road which is aptly called 'Smart Strip' for being under CCTV monitoring and extending Wi-Fi facility to public. The delegation also inspected a Ward where 24X7 water supply is being ensured. Deputy Engineer of NMC Dupare and other officials updated the delegation about the ambitious scheme.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The visiting dignitaries include Project Director of GIZ Nexus Ruth Erlbeck, Technical Expert Olf Tross, Mongolia's National Convener S Tiseredas, Chief of Staff in office of Ulan Bator Mayor and Ulan Bator City Project General Manager T Guntumur, and other officials. Nagpur Mayor Nanda Jichkar, Municipal Commissioner Shravan Hardikar, and other senior officials were present on the occasion.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.nagpurtoday.in/mongolian-delegation-visits-smart-strip-of-city/03201547">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_UB_Mayor_begins"></a>UB Mayor begins tour of Europe with Warsaw <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 24 (MONTSAME) The Mayor of Ulaanbaatar city S.Batbold paid a visit to Warsaw, Poland in the scope of his working visit to Europe on March 22.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The visiting delegation includes Ch.Gantulga, Representative of City Council \Citizen's Representative Khural\ and Mongolian Honorary Consul in Hungary, D.Munkh-Erdene, Senior advisor to the UB Governor, Sh.Sukhbaatar and other officials. The visit aims to study to introduce European standards and set up cooperation with some major European cities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the course of the visit, the delegates will be getting acquainted with the best solution of sewage treatment facilities and waste management and progressive achievements made in the public transportation sector of European cities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The city of Warsaw shares a lot of similarities with Ulaanbaatar, including a number of population. In this regard, there are a wide range of possibilities to learn from Warsaw experience on urban planning in Ulaanbaatar city.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In Warsaw, UB Mayor met with Ms.Hanna Gronkiewicz Waltz, Mayor of Warsaw and the sides have expressed their interests to upgrade further cooperation of two cities. Also Ms. Hanna said she is pleased to share experience with Ulaanbaatar and expressed her readiness to give professional support to public transportation planning of Ulaanbaatar city.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In response, S.Batbold, UB Mayor expressed his satisfaction with the strengthening of bilateral cooperation of the two cities, while highlighting the long-term diplomatic relations and cooperation of Poland and Mongolia. In conclusion of the meeting, he invited the Warsaw Mayor to pay a visit to Mongolia at her convenient time.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The next stop of the Mongolian delegation is Budapest, Hungary.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9304">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Speaker_M.Enkhbold_visits"></a>Speaker M.Enkhbold visits the new airport in Khushig Valley<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 24 (UB Post) On March 22, Speaker of Parliament M.Enkhbold visited the site of the New Ulaanbaatar International Airport, which is being built with Japanese financing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When Speaker M.Enkhbold asked the airport's Project Director, B.Enkhbat, why power supply infrastructure for the airport has been delayed, B.Enkhbat said that the airport's emergency generator and power transmission lines from the Songino-Tuul hydroelectic power plant have been installed, but completion has been delayed because of financial challenges facing the power plant.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He reported that the power plant is at nearly 90 percent completion, and that it is being designed to be the airport's main source of power, but the project has exceeded its budget.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>B.Enkhbat added that he has informed Mayor of Ulaanbaatar S.Batbold of the financial issues and asked for assistance, as the power supply project is being financed by the city.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Speaker of Parliament said, "Mongolia has the responsibility to carry out some construction projects, but some of them have been stopped due to a lack of financing. We must resolve this financial problem quickly to complete this megaproject."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Speaker M.Enkhbold underlined that the project will be completed by instructing the heads of the state agencies involved in the airport to resolve financial challenges quickly.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A state-appointed airport review commission requested the resolution of 1,160 works in progress, and the airport's management team reports that approximately 1,000 works have been completed to meet the commission's standards.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After another 200 of the commission's requests are fulfilled, the new airport will be ready to launch its first flights. The new airport is expected to begin official operations in May 2018, and its opening is expected to create nearly 300 new jobs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Employees of Chinngis Khaan International Airport will be transferring to the new airport in advance of its opening.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/24/speaker-m-enkhbold-visits-the-new-airport-in-khushig-valley/">Link to article</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Similar:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/9297">Satellite town to be built near new airport</a></b> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 23<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_New_airport_expected"></a>New airport expected to commence operations next year<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 20 (MONTSAME) The new airport in Khushig Valley, Tuv aimag is expected to begin full operations by May 2018, officials report.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the frameworks of New Ulaanbaatar International Airport (NUBIA) project, more than 30 facilities will be put into operation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Earlier this year, the completed constructions were handed over to the Ministry of Road and Transport by the main contractor, Mitsubishi-Chiyodain Joint Venture of Japan in compliance with the concerning contract. And technical and State Commission inspections were launched to detect some violations. Corrections of some violations are being delayed due to weather conditions, the officials noted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Preliminary estimate by the Ministry of Road and Transport Development indicates that the Khushig Valley airport is to begin fully operating in 2018.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9217">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s1600/image006-700268.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s320/image006-700268.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999236542530578" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Diplomacy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Diplomacy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_makes_presentation"></a>Mongolia makes presentation at UN on women's rights<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 22 (news.mn) Mongolia gave a presentation at a Conference of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) of the United Nations Economic and Social Council on 17<sup>th</sup> of March. The conference is being held in New York. The Mongolian delegation gave a presentation entitled 'Challenges and Achievements of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) for women and girls in Mongolia'. The presentation was prepared by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection and outlined the many activities which have been achieved since the 2005, when the State Great Khural (Parliament), endorsed the national MDG's and 2008, when the MDG-based 'National Development Strategy' was launched.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/328106">Link to article</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9272">Mongolian delegates present voluntary national report</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 22<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Parliamentary_State_Secretary"></a>Parliamentary State Secretary of Germany visits Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 20 (MONTSAME) Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic cooperation and development of Federal Republic of Germany Hans-Joachim Fuchtel paid an official visit to Mongolia on March 16-18.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He visited German-Mongolian Institute for Resources and Technology to get introduced to projects and research works by professors of the institution. Mr. Hans-Joachim Fuchtel pledged to introduce the importance of '<i>Ger </i>districts with Clean Air" project to the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development of Germany and seek possibilities to support the project as a model project. The joint Institute for Resources and Technology was established in 2013.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Governments of the two countries successfully completed the first-stage agreement on the development of the institute and agreed to continue the second stage in 2016-2019 as an actual support of cooperation in education and mining sectors, noted State secretary of Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sports B.Bayarsaikhan. The state secretaries planted trees outside the university.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/education/9230">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Minister_of_Road"></a>Minister of Road and Transport Development meets Turkish Ambassador<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 20 (MONTSAME) On March 16, D.Ganbat, Minister of Road and Transport Development received Ahmet Yazal, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Mongolia to exchange views on Mongolia-Turkey bilateral cooperation in the transport sector.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the beginning of the meeting, Minister D.Ganbat congratulated the Turkish Ambassador on his prestigious and responsible appointment in Mongolia and then expressed his confidence in the Ambassador for his contribution to strengthening the bilateral relations and collaboration.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Minister said that partnership in the transport sector plays main role in the bilateral economic collaboration between Mongolia and Turkey and mentioned that the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA) has been cooperating with Mongolia since 1994. He further noted that bridges under and over the Bosphorus and railway tunnels built by Turkey is a huge development and asked the Turkish side to share its experiences in this direction with Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the meeting, Ambassador Ahmet Yazal expressed his willingness to actively cooperate in the development of road and transport. "Historical relations between Mongolia and Turkey have been further intensified presently. 'Mongolians are the beginning of history'. Long-time friends Mongolia and Turkey still maintain a great relationship in the politic and social areas. Thus, it is necessary to enhance trade and economic ties with a view to increase the number of tourists to travel from Turkey to Mongolia".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He continued that Turkey is ready to cooperate in an area of investment and will help Mongolia to promote development projects and programs to be carried-out by the Ministry of Road and Transport. In addition, the Turkish Ambassador met with the specialists of the Ministry of Road and Transport Development and received information about projects and programs to be implemented in the future and informed about the opportunities to collaborate on capacity building and domestic management.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9218">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Honorary_Consulate_of"></a>Honorary Consulate of Mongolia opened in Quebec, Canada<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 21 (Embassy of Mongolia to Canada) The opening ceremony of the Honorary consulate of Mongolia with its seat in Quebec province held on March 21, 2017 in Montreal. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The opening ceremony was attended by Ambassador Radnaabazar Altangerel, Deputy Minister for international relations and the Francophonie Mr.Jean-Stéphane Bernard, Mr. Henri-Paul Normandin, city of Montreal Director for International Relations, General and Honorary Consuls of foreign countries, authorities of Government of Quebec, municipality, delegation of Mongolian community in Quebec, business and press delegations. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Ambassador Radnaabazar Altangerel Deputy Minister for international relations and the Francophonie Mr.Jean-Stéphane Bernard, Mr. Henri-Paul Normandin, city of Montreal Director for International Relations delivered an opening remarks and Ambassador officially handed the Honorary consul's seal and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia's Note verbale and exequatur of the Canadian side to Mr.Paul. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Ambassador emphasized that the Honorary Consul's priority is to support the legal rights of the Mongolian citizens and highlighted the importance of enhancing the extended partnership relations between Mongolia and Canada, mediate Mongolian culture, develop business to business relationship and wished Mr. Paul every success for his future endeavour. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Deputy Minister for international relations and the Francophonie Mr.Jean-Stéphane Bernard, Mr. Henri-Paul Normandin, city of Montreal Director for International Relations congratulated Mr. Paul for his appointment as Honorary Consul of Mongolia in Quebec, one of the important trade, economic and cultural provinces of Canada and expressed their interest of cooperation for the cause of furthering the already existing the friendly relations between two countries. They also expressed their belief that Honorary Consul's post will bring fruitful outcome for the bilateral relations between two countries. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>About 500 Mongolians are living in Quebec and Mongolian community, Mongolia-Canada Educational and cultural center, Mongolian language courses are successfully operating in Montreal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://ottawa.embassy.mn/index.php?moduls=101&id=324">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_Ambassador_to"></a>Mongolian Ambassador to Czech Republic presents credentials<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 20 (MONTSAME) Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the Czech Republic N.Naranbat presented his diplomatic credentials to President of Czech Republic Milos Zeman on March 15.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After conveying greetings from Ts.Elbegdorj, President of Mongolia to the President of Czech Republic, Ambassador N.Naranbat expressed his willingness to work towards intensifying traditional and friendly relations between Mongolia and Czech in all spheres, especially the people-to-people ties.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In turn, Czech President Milos Zeman congratulated Ambassador N.Naranbat on presenting the credentials and expressed his satisfaction with the productive development of bilateral relations, yielding significant benefits. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the ceremony of presenting diplomatic credentials, Jindrak Rudolf, Director of Foreign Affairs Department of the Office of the President of the Czech Republic and Mr. Lukáš Kaucký, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic were in attendance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9228">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Czech_Republic_threatens"></a>Czech Republic threatens to close Embassy in Mongolia over protests<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 23 (news.mn) Nearly 30 Mongolians have been protesting outside the building of the Czech Embassy to Ulaanbaatar over visa requirements. The demonstration took place on 22nd of March and results from the fact that Mongolians have had to wait for between 1-2 years imply to make an appointment to apply for a Czech long-term work visa. Some people made an appointment before Tsagaan Sar, the Mongolian traditional spring festival (27-30th of February), but for some reason the Czech Embassy subsequently cancelled their appointments. Making an appointment is only the first step in applying for a visa at the Embassy. The protestors said 'Each of the visa applicants has had to pay Euro 650 to the Czech Embassy simply for making an appointment'.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Officials from the Czech Embassy explained that they hadn't deliberately removed them from appointment list. They have proposed jointly negotiating this matter. Furthermore, if the Mongolians don't stop their demonstration, they will close their Embassy and to stop issuing visas entirely.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/328208">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Deputy_PM_meets"></a>Deputy PM meets Deputy head of Russian Presidential Administrative Directorate<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 21 (MONTSAME) On March 21, Deputy Prime Minister and head of the Mongolian Group of the Intergovernmental Commission of Mongolia and Russia U.Khurelsukh met with Deputy Head of the Administrative Directorate of the President of the Russian Federation Pavel Michailovich Fradkov. The sides exchanged views on expanding bilateral friendly relations and cooperation and noted the importance of complete realization of measures and actions, which were mutually agreed during 20th meeting of the Intergovernmental commission of Mongolia and Russia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mongolian Prime Minister is planning to pay a visit to the Russian Federation soon, therefore, the officials discussed issues making the visit efficient, as the visit will be vital stimulus to advance the friendly relationship and cooperation of the two countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Russian side expressed its position on resolving issues regarding immoveable properties of Russia in Mongolian territory systematically within the framework of Mongolian laws and regulations as well as relevant bilateral agreements.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9256">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_First_planning_conference"></a>First planning conference of Selenga 2017 Russia-Mongolia exercise taking place in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 21 (Ministry of Defence of Russian Federation) First planning consultations of the Selenga 2017 Russia-Mongolia exercise took place in Ulan Bator.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Delegations of the Eastern military district and Mongolian Armed Forces discussed organization of the exercise. The exercise will take place in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>More than 1,000 servicemen from both countries will participate in the Selenga 2017 exercise. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://eng.mil.ru/en/news_page/country/more.htm?id=12115217@egNews">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Regional_partners_in"></a>Regional partners in Guam for military seminar<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 22 (Guam Daily Post) Regional military partners are in Guam this week to improve cohesion and build relations as the U.S. continues its power shift into the Asia-Pacific region.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Guard's State Partnership Program pairs 79 partner countries, 15 of which are in the Asia-Pacific region, with National Guard forces across the U.S.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This week's training involves six member countries partnered with their U.S. counterparts:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'>Alaska and Mongolia<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'>Hawaii and Indonesia<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'>Idaho and Cambodia<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'>Guam and the Philippines<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'>Nevada and Tonga<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'>Oregon and Bangladesh<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>This is also the first time the seminar is being held in Guam since the program was established over 20 years ago.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The idea is to take advantage of our geographic location as a central meeting ground for participating countries," said Guam National Guard spokeswoman Maj. Josephine Blas on Tuesday after the conference commenced.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The benefit to Guam's forces, Blas said, is that it "ensures the safety of Guam and the region."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We have good relationships, all of us in this room – we're friends," Lt. Gov. Ray Tenorio said. "And we're here to learn how to forecast emergency response, instead of being reactive to it."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Array of topics</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The seminar covers a broad spectrum of professional development and skill-building topics.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Over the course of this week, participants will cover Development In Vulnerable Environments and Joint Humanitarian Region Specific Engagement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to Blas, DIVE emphasizes post-disaster response and rebuilding.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We're going to take a look at how we can bounce back more effectively after a disaster hits."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Blas also said relationship building is about "give and take," and that Guam soldiers "benefit whenever we get to learn and apply skills internationally."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Building a safer region</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>She recalled the extensive humanitarian assistance the Guam National Guard provided to post-Super Typhoon Haiyan recovery efforts in Tacloban, Philippines, in 2014.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"In just a few days, I remember we provided dental and medical treatment to almost 4,000 civilians," Blas said. "This is just one of the ways improving civil relations helps to build a safer region."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the same time, Blas said Guam guardsmen regularly participate in training operations in the Philippines to "discover different ways of doing things and share knowledge."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The seminar is funded through, and administered by, the U.S. Pacific Command in Hawaii.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.postguam.com/news/local/regional-partners-on-island-for-military-seminar/article_f215deaa-0df5-11e7-a683-5795f97f9e78.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_President_Ts.Elbegdorj_meets"></a>President Ts.Elbegdorj meets UNSG Special Envoy for Road Safety<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 23 (MONTSAME) On March 22, the President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj welcomed Jean Todt, United Nations Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Road Safety and President of the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). During his visit to Mongolia, Mr. Jean Todt worked at the Ministry of Road and Transport and the Traffic Police Department. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr. Jean Todt met with the authorities of the organizations and exchanged views on road and traffic safety issues.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The UN proclaimed the period 2011–2020 as a Decade of Action for Road Safety. At the meeting with the President of Mongolia, Mr. Jean Todt expressed that UN will support Mongolia's effort to join the UN road safety conventions. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="http://www.president.mn/">www.president.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9291">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Malta_Foreign_Minister"></a>Malta Foreign Minister greets new ambassadors of Mongolia and Armenia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 23 (Malta MFA) Minister for Foreign Affairs George W. Vella held meetings with the new ambassadors-designate of Mongolia and Armenia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Meeting with the Ambassador-designate of Mongolia <b>Jambaldorj Tserendorj</b>, Minister Vella underlined the potential for increased cooperation between both countries, despite the geographical distances. This was particularly relevant in the <b>finance, tourism, investment and education sectors</b>. In highlighting the need for increased people-to-people contact, the Minister encouraged the further exchange of students and academic staff, particularly in the tourism and medical fields. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Minister Vella also remarked that Malta's EU membership facilitated contact with Mongolia through inter-regional fora such as the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM). In this regard, the Minister recalled with satisfaction his visit to Mongolia for the 11<sup>th</sup> ASEM Summit on the 15<sup>th</sup> and 16<sup>th</sup> of July 2016, as part of the Malta delegation led by Prime Minister, Dr Joseph Muscat. On the margins of this summit, two important agreements were also signed by both countries - the Air Services Agreement and the Visa Waiver for Diplomatic Passports Agreement. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ambassador-designate Tserendorj agreed with the points raised by the Minister, and noted that the EU-Mongolia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement facilitates trade, dialogue and cooperation in various sectors. In this regard, the Ambassador-designate expressed his commitment to take the ties between Mongolia and Malta to the next level.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://foreignaffairs.gov.mt/en/Government/Press%20Releases/Pages/Minister-Vella-greets-the-new-ambassadors-of-Mongolia-and-Armenia.aspx">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Related:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://president.gov.mt/media-all/ambassador-mongolia-presents-credentials-president-malta-marie-louise-coleiro-preca/">The Ambassador of Mongolia presents his credentials to the President of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca</a> </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>– <i>President of Malta</i>, March 23<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_yurt_library"></a>Mongolian yurt library opens in Taipei<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>TAIPEI, Taiwan, March 26 (The China Post) -- Taiwan's first library taking the form of a Mongolian yurt was inaugurated on Saturday on the 11th floor of the National Immigration Agency (NIA) building in Taipei, allowing second-generation Mongolian children to enjoy the experience of reading Mongolian books in a yurt.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, NIA director general Ho Jung-chun (</span><span lang=ZH-CN style='font-family:"MS Mincho",serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>何榮村</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>) said that the Mongolian yurt library was the brainchild of Lin Tsai-lin, an immigrant from Mongolia who married a Taiwanese man, in the hopes of helping Mongolian children in Taiwan learn more about Mongolian culture by reading Mongolian publications in a yurt and also allowing people in Taiwan to better understand Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Over the past three months, Lin has successfully collected around 300 Mongolian-language children's publications, all donated by Mongolian families, friends, bookstores and international organizations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>To celebrate the inauguration, Mongolian dancing, contortionist performances, and a "catwalk show" of children wearing traditional Mongolian costumes took place at the ceremony.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Among VIPs present at the ceremony were Hai Chung-hsiung, director of the Mongolian Affairs Department under the Mongolian & Tibetan Affairs Commission, and representatives from Mongolia's Ulaanbaatar Trade Representative Office in Taipei and Taipei City Library.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/national/national-news/2017/03/26/494288/Mongolian-yurt.htm">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Dalai_Lama's_travel"></a>Dalai Lama's travel plans ignite reincarnation row<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Trip to Tibetan community in India angers China as it seeks to control succession<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>by Lucy Hornby<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 24 (FT) The ageing Dalai Lama's upcoming trip to a Himalayan settlement under Indian control has angered China just as its Communist rulers seek to exert control over the mystical process of reincarnating a successor to the Tibetan Buddhist leader. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The Indian government allowing the Dalai Lama to visit Tawang is not friendly to China," Lian Xiangmin, director of the Institute of Contemporary Tibetan Studies at the China Tibetology Research Centre, told journalists in Beijing on Thursday. "Only bad can come of the Dalai Lama going to Tawang, nothing good." <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In Tibet's unique strain of Buddhism the succession of senior lamas, who also wield temporal power, is determined by reincarnation. The 81-year-old <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/d49d13aa-4749-11e3-b4d3-00144feabdc0">Dalai Lama</a>, who has gained global celebrity during a life in exile, is the 14th of his lineage. He has said he will not be reincarnated in territory controlled by China, while the officially atheist Communist government in Beijing has declared that he will. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>His planned trip in early April to Tawang, a Tibetan community in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh in the eastern Himalayas, has raised alarm in Beijing. It follows his visit in November to Mongolia, which practises a similar form of Buddhism. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>China's foreign ministry said this month it had expressed "grave concerns" to India about the Tawang visit. The Asian giants have a prickly relationship, although <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/d6aaa68e-5fbb-11e6-ae3f-77baadeb1c93">ties have warmed</a> under Narendra Modi, India's prime minister.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Disputed borders in the Himalayas were roughly agreed in the late 19th century between the Qing dynasty in Beijing and the British in India, before being reset during brief border wars between China and India in the 1960s. China claims Arunachal as part of Tibet, which it invaded in 1950, and also vociferously objected to a recent visit by Richard Verma, former US ambassador to India.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In Tawang, the Dalai Lama will be met by Kiren Rijiju, Indian home minister, who is himself a practising Buddhist and comes from Arunachal. Mr Rijiju said the Tibetan spiritual leader's followers in Tawang had requested his visit, and there was no reason not to permit it. Asked if the move would antagonise China, he said India would not capitulate to foreign pressure.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We are neither going to be dominated by anyone nor shall we dominate any of our neighbours," he said. "We give prime importance to India's interest."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A senior Indian official in New Delhi told the Financial Times that the Dalai Lama "is a respected religious leader, and he is free to choose where he wants to travel. He is a guest here. No political connotation need be attached to any of his activities."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Robbie Barnett, Tibet scholar at Columbia University, said the visits opened the possibility that the successor could be sought in India or Mongolia. That is a problem for Beijing's efforts to stifle separatist sentiment among the 6m Tibetans who inhabit the Tibetan plateau, source of most of China's major rivers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"China's Dalai Lama watchers are trapped in a reincarnation sandwich nightmare," Mr Barnett said. "This is deeply worrying to the Chinese. They're caught in a pincer movement of the metaphysical."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.ft.com/content/52f9edd4-cc6c-11de-8e30-00144feabdc0%20">Tawang</a> happens to be the birthplace in 1683 of the sixth Dalai Lama, whose sensuous love poems have become popular among Chinese today. The Dalai Lama's previous visit in 2009 also triggered friction between Beijing and New Delhi.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tibet was an ally of the Qing dynasty and "liberated" by the Chinese army after the Communists won the Chinese civil war in 1949. The Dalai Lama fled Lhasa along with 70,000-80,000 refugees after a failed Tibetan uprising in 1959 at the height of China's forced collectivisation drive. Chinese scholars estimate there are now <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/ce7f8328-f157-11e3-9fb0-00144feabdc0">200,000 Tibetans in the diaspora</a>. Some boys born outside Tibet have already been identified as reincarnations of minor lineages.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In 1995 Beijing selected the 11th Panchen Lama, the second-most important figure in Tibetan Buddhism, after a failed attempt by senior Tibetans within China to anoint a mutually agreed choice. The <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/bb31c4e2-546c-11e5-8642-453585f2cfcd">six-year-old boy</a> who was the Dalai Lama's selection disappeared and has never been heard from again. That experience hardened the Dalai Lama's desire to keep his succession out of Chinese hands. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However, the Mongolian option seems impractical given China's economic dominance. The Dalai Lama's visit there coincided with an <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/8da50a38-b83a-11e6-ba85-95d1533d9a62">indebted Chinese border town</a> raising fees on copper and coal trucked from Mongolia's biggest mines. The Mongolian foreign minister agreed that the Dalai Lama would not visit again before the Chinese reopened the border, a concession that many Mongolians, devout or not, regarded as a violation of their sovereignty.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>China last year created an online database of <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/bfd3fcc0-be5e-11e5-846f-79b0e3d20eaf">government-certified reincarnations</a> to solidify its "undeniable endorsement right over the reincarnation system" before the Dalai Lama's death. The move to regulate reincarnations came after a Han Chinese actor declared himself a "living Buddha" and began collecting donations from Chinese attracted to Tibetan spirituality. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.ft.com/content/40b8ff9c-102b-11e7-b030-768954394623">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Thinking_outside_the"></a>Thinking outside the Urn: China and the reincarnation of Mongolia's highest lama<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Written by Jichang Lulu<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 21 (China Policy Institute: Analysis) The Chinese government's prerogative to manage the rebirths of incarnate lamas is being tested in Mongolia. One of the highest lineages covered by the Qing's 'Golden Urn' system at the basis of PRC reincarnation law is passing to its next holder, with the Dalai Lama's involvement. Despite clear signs that China cares, no public position has emerged so far. To determine what China's approach to the reincarnation issue might be, we have to go through some Mongolian history and a bit of leaf-reading. The very relevance of state management of rebirths to China's foreign relations indicates to what extent Qing imperial thought permeates PRC policy. Reincarnation diplomacy is real and has an impact on Chinese policies towards its closest neighbours.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>On the last day of his ninth visit to Mongolia last November, the Dalai Lama <a href="http://www.dalailama.com/news/post/1496-meeting-with-the-press-before-returning-to-japan" target="_blank">announced</a> that the tenth reincarnation of the Jebtsundamba </span><span style='font-family:"Microsoft Himalaya";mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>རྗེ་བཙུན་དམ་པ་</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Khutugtu, the highest Mongolian lama, had been found as to be a Mongolian boy. However, this boy would not be publicly enthroned because of his young age. China certainly objected to the Mongolia visit and responded to it with sanctions. As I have discussed in a <a href="https://cpianalysis.org/2017/02/22/the-costs-of-normalisation-norway-and-mongolia-respond-to-chinese-sanctions/" target="_blank">recent piece</a>, China only showed a will to normalise relations after the Mongolian government produced a 'non-apology' that regretted the "misunderstanding" and stated an assumption that the Dalai Lama would not visit again under during the current parliament. Although China's protests didn't mention the reincarnation issue, China's interest in it is revealed by its mention in the various Chinese and Mongolian versions of the Mongolian position. To quote from the most explicit ones: the <a href="https://dnn.mn/%D1%86-%D0%BC%D3%A9%D0%BD%D1%85-%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B3%D0%B8%D0%BB-%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B1%D0%B0%D1%80-%D1%85%D1%8D%D0%BC%D0%BD%D1%8D%D0%BB%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D0%B3%D0%BE%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B4-%D1%88%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B6%D0%B8%D0%B6-%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%BD%D0%B0/" target="_blank">public</a> announcement of the new Jebtsundamba (and, in one version, <a href="http://medee.mn/main.php?eid=87160" target="_blank">his</a> education) will be the responsibility of Mongolian monks, without "outside participation." The implication being that, as the process is a strictly religious matter, it falls beyond the government's purview. So far, that seems consistent with the plans of Mongolian clergy, who <a href="https://www.news.mn/content/print/321334" target="_blank">said</a> in January the tenth reincarnation would be enthroned by Mongolian lamas, and that the process had not started yet.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The rebirth lottery</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The first Jebtsundamba was the Mongolian polymath Zanabazar (1635-1723), the second son of the Tüsheet Khan Gombodorj, who ruled over one of the Mongolian polities of the time. His recognition as the reincarnation of a major Tibetan lama was likely intended to buttress the Tüsheet Khans' primacy among the Khalkha (eastern) Mongols and help them match the status of the other centres of Mongol power: the Dzungars in the west and the southern Mongols, already allied to the Manchus' emerging Qing dynasty. Zanabazar's later role the Khalkhas' submission to Kangxi, key to the Qing's eventual defeat of the Dzungars and conquest of much of Central Asia, made Mongolian nationalist historiography blame him for the subsequent centuries of Chinese rule. Chinese scholars praise him, for much the same reasons.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>After an anti-Qing rebellion among the Khalkhas in which the second Jebtsundamba had an ambiguous role (his brother was executed for cooperating with its leader), emperor Qianlong ordered subsequent reincarnations to be born in Tibet, in what would later become part of the Golden Urn (</span><span lang=ZH-CN style='font-family:"MS Mincho",serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>金瓶</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>) selection system, a Qing-managed 'reincarnation lottery' that gave imperial authorities control over the highest religious figures in Tibet and Mongolia. Qing-approved high lamas, who would recognise the emperor as a Buddhist ruler (<i>cakravartin</i>, 'turner of the wheel'), rather than locally-born leaders who could help catalyse challenges to imperial power, were key to Beijing's Central Asian policy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>For the next five reincarnations, the Urn lottery worked as expected, providing empire-friendly, purely religious figures who spent their short lives (only one lived into his thirties) as Tibetan-born foreigners in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Then the Empire lost at its own rigged raffle. Although also from Tibet, the Eighth Jebtsundamba adapted well to life among the Khalkha. He learnt the language, and his popularity and political savvy made him the centre of Outer Mongolian politics, culminating in his proclamation as theocratic ruler of independent Mongolia when the Qing fell in 1911. By the time he died in 1924, the Communists were in power and decreed the end of the lineage. Although there were <a href="http://www.budda.mn/news/692.html" target="_blank">attempts</a> to install a Mongolian boy as ninth reincarnation, they couldn't get Tibetan approval and were eventually suppressed. The government later launched a brutal suppression of Buddhism that precluded any further efforts to revive the lineage.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Meanwhile, in Tibet, a boy born in 1933 was secretly identified as the 9th Jebtsundamba reincarnation. He left Tibet in 1959 and lived, mostly in poverty, in Nepal and India, until being announced as 9th Jebtsundamba by the Dalai Lama after the end of Communism in Mongolia in the early 1990s. He first visited Mongolia in 1999, among Chinese protests, and had to wait until 2010 to be allowed in again and made a Mongolian citizen. He died in Ulaanbaatar in 2012. The Mongolian public would likely only accept the next reincarnation to be born in Mongolia, and indeed that's where the Dalai Lama says he <a href="http://www.gyalwarinpoche.com/node/309" target="_blank">told</a> the old 9th Jebtsundamba to go in his next life. That's why there was an expectation that the reincarnation would be announced during last November's visit.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Remarkably, Qianlong's Urn lottery is still running. The continuity of Qing-inherited control over reincarnations is central to the justification of the PRC's prerogative to appoint the most senior Tibetan Buddhist clergy. Current PRC <a href="http://www.gov.cn/gongbao/content/2008/content_923053.htm" target="_blank">reincarnation law</a> explicitly refers to the Golden Urn system, as did its <a href="http://www.mtac.gov.tw/monchang_rule/showraw.php?type=R&rule_no=5s" target="_blank">ROC precedent</a> in 1936. Incarnate lamas <a href="http://www.cnki.com.cn/Article/CJFDTotal-ZTAY201001002.htm" target="_blank">continue</a> to play a key role in Tibetan society, and government control over this hierarchy is meant to help legitimise Beijing's right to rule Tibetan Buddhists, precisely as devised by 18th-century emperors. The Urn system, embedded in Chinese law, sits at the top of this structure. The current Dalai Lama's assertions that it will be up to him to decide where to reincarnate next, if at all, were strongly <a href="http://www.sara.gov.cn/xwzx/szyw/315389.htm" target="_blank">attacked</a> by Chinese officials, indeed on grounds of historical continuity centred on the Urn system. The PRC has used it exactly once, selecting its 11th Panchen Lama in 1995 after detaining the candidate approved by the Dalai Lama. Given how invested PRC discourse is in the legitimacy of the Urn system, an outside-the-Urn Jebtsundamba can be perceived as a challenge to imperial continuity, and a '<a href="http://calhoun.nps.edu/bitstream/handle/10945/3399/07Jun_Otgonbayar_Sarlagtay.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y" target="_blank">rehearsal</a>' of a more serious one, the Dalai Lama's own succession outside China.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>What does China think?</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Despite the challenge to PRC religious policy implied by an outside-the-Urn reincarnation, China hasn't published any statements on the 10th Jebtsundamba, and the only public evidence of its concerns is its reflection in the Mongolian response.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>To try and guess what Chinese officials think about the Jebtsundamba reincarnation, we can look for views on the previous lineage holder, recognised without Chinese consent. A <a href="http://www.cqvip.com/QK/91439X/200906/32256149.html" target="_blank">2009</a> article by <a href="http://nmgshkxy.nmgnews.com.cn/system/2009/06/25/010241498.shtml" target="_blank">Selengge</a> </span><span style='font-family:"Mongolian Baiti";mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ᠰᠡᠯᠡᠩᠭᠡ</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> </span><span lang=ZH-CN style='font-family:"MS Mincho",serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>斯林格</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>, head of the Russia and Mongolia Research Institute at the Inner Mongolia Academy of Social Sciences, is sceptical about his legitimacy. The paper examines the "complex and sensitive problem" of the 9th Jebtsundamba reincarnation, highlighting the involvement of pro-Japanese Mongolians in his recognition process, and the role of the "Dalai clique" (</span><span lang=ZH-CN style='font-family:"MS Mincho",serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>达</span><span lang=ZH-CN style='font-family:"Microsoft JhengHei",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>赖</span><span lang=ZH-CN style='font-family:"MS Mincho",serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>集</span><span lang=ZH-CN style='font-family:"Microsoft JhengHei",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>团</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>, Party-speak for the Dharamsala-based Tibetan government in exile) in his 1999 Mongolia trip. Selengge's views, coming from a senior researcher who has been involved in exchanges with Russia and Mongolia, are significant, and consistent with the idea that Chinese authorities consider the Jebtsundamba lineage to have finished with the 8th reincarnation. Although, as I will discuss in an expanded version of this piece, the PRC actually <a href="http://www.jstor.org/stable/41928266" target="_blank">allowed</a> the 9th Jebtsundamba to lecture and perform rituals at his ancestral monastery, the <a href="http://www.doncronerblog.com/2011/03/tibet-takten-damcho-ling-taranatha.html" target="_blank">Püntsokling</a> </span><span style='font-family:"Microsoft Himalaya";mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ཕུན་ཚོགས་གླིང་</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> <a href="http://www.xzlaz.gov.cn/cgly_3874/201511/t20151129_947596.html" target="_blank"><span lang=ZH-CN style='font-family:"MS Mincho",serif'>彭措林</span></a> in Lhatse, Tibet, after his enthronement by the Dalai Lama, the very 'sensitivity' attached to that visit, which was hard to arrange, cut short, and omitted in official information about the monastery, shows that the PRC authorities were uncomfortable with the ninth reincarnation. If the ninth reincarnation was unacceptable to China, so should be the tenth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A more explicit discussion of the Jebtsundamba issue, complete with policy recommendations, appeared in a <a href="http://www.cefc-ngo.co/expert.php?cid=20&act=con&id=634" target="_blank">2011</a> article published by the China Energy Fund Committee (</span><span lang=ZH-CN style='font-family:"MS Mincho",serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>中</span><span lang=ZH-CN style='font-family:"Microsoft JhengHei",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>华</span><span lang=ZH-CN style='font-family:"MS Mincho",serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>能源基金会</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>, CEFC), a think tank with <a href="https://southseaconversations.wordpress.com/tag/china-cefc-energy-company/" target="_blank">PLA</a> links established by energy company CEFC (</span><span lang=ZH-CN style='font-family:"Microsoft JhengHei",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>华</span><span lang=ZH-CN style='font-family:"MS Mincho",serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>信</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>). The article calls the restoration of the Jebtsundamba lineage in Mongolia "a great victory and a breakthrough for the Dalai clique" that can sow discord in Tibetan Buddhism by challenging the reincarnation system "unified" by Qianlong's Golden Urn procedure. "The Indian government and the CIA" were involved. The Chinese government should foster religious exchanges with Russia and Mongolia, dispatching "virtuous and respected high monks" and using "social and economic methods" to compete with the Dalai clique. Finally, China should take the lead to coordinate the establishment of a "unified system for the search, recognition and final announcement" of incarnate lamas in the three countries, in order to restrict Dharamsala's influence. Though unofficial, such advice is consistent with China's current approach to Mongolian Buddhism, that involves cultivating ties to Dalai-unfriendly Mongolian monasteries and seemingly exploiting, as elsewhere, the <a href="http://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/china-dalailama/" target="_blank">Dorje Shugden</a> controversy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>After such efforts didn't prevent the Dalai Lama's participation in, at least, the announcement of the new reincarnation, they might now be focused on trying to isolate him from Dharamsala, especially during his training years. Mongolia's response to Chinese protests does suggest China privately requested that no exile Tibetan lamas anoint or tutor the future Jebtsundamba. Precedent for 'tolerated' reincarnations, although none as senior as the Jebtsundamba, exists. Indeed, China didn't object to, for example, the Dalai Lama's 2004 recognition of the <a href="http://news.gogo.mn/r/19269" target="_blank">Jalkhanz</a> </span><span style='font-family:"Microsoft Himalaya";mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>རྒྱལ་ཁང་རྩེ</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Khutugtu, the latest representative of what is likely the oldest lineage of Khalkha Mongolian incarnate lamas. As Johan <a href="http://faculty.smu.edu/johan/Books.html" target="_blank">Elverskog</a>, known for his work on the Mongols and the Qing, puts it, the PRC "recognise they don't need to control all the reincarnations, especially those outside the 1949 borders, and don't care about Nyingma or Sakya incarnations – or [<a href="http://www.rigpawiki.org/index.php?title=Tert%C3%B6n" target="_blank">Treasure Revealer</a> (</span><span style='font-family:"Microsoft Himalaya";mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>གཏེར་སྟོན་</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>)] <a href="http://www.palyul.org/docs/statement.html" target="_blank">Steven Seagal</a>."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>At any rate, a Mongolian, but China-friendly, Jebtsundamba without Dharamsala ties is probably the most ambitious goal China can attain: trying to enforce the Golden Urn procedure would amount to imposing, or vetting, a religious leader on Mongolia, and the backlash could seriously hurt Chinese interests there. A subtler, longer-term approach, such as that which appears to be underway, can find allies within Mongolia's political and religious establishment, and still succeed at a degree of extraterritorial enforcement of the PRC's Qing-inherited religious policies. Such a senior outside-the-Urn reincarnation might be hard to accept for the would-be <i>cakravartins</i> (Buddhist rulers) at the 'relevant departments,' but it seems they'll have to live with it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Jichang Lulu is an independent researcher and <a href="https://jichanglulu.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">writes frequently</a> on China's interests in the Arctic. Image Credit: <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/" target="_blank">CC</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/johnpannell/" target="_blank">John Pannell</a>/Flickr. An extended version of this piece can be found <a href="https://jichanglulu.wordpress.com/2017/03/21/urn/" target="_blank">here</a> at the author's blog.</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://cpianalysis.org/2017/03/21/thinking-outside-the-urn-china-and-the-reincarnation-of-mongolias-highest-lama/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s1600/image006-700268.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s320/image006-700268.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999236542530578" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HealthEdu></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Health & Education<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_to_cooperate"></a>Mongolia to cooperate with Singapore in medical sector<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 24 (MONTSAME) During her working visit to Singapore, Deputy Health Minister L.Byambasuren met with Chee Hong Tat, Minister of State, Ministry of Communication and Information and Ministry of Health of Singapore and exchanged views on bilateral relations and cooperation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting was attended by T.Lkhagvadorj, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to Singapore and other officials. At the beginning of the meeting, the Deputy Minister of Mongolia expressed her gratitude for the development of bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries in the medical industry to a certain level. The Deputy Minister also highlighted the successful implementation of a project carried-out with Nanyang Polytechnic University of Singapore from 2011 to 2013 with funding of the Temasek Holdings.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Within the project, some 100 nurses and were involved in training in Singapore, which was the most beneficial training ever" she emphasized. She then expressed her confidence that mutual projects to be implemented reciprocally to prepare social health workers will contribute greatly to the development of health industry of Mongolia as the Ministry of Health of Mongolia announced 2017 as a year of promoting social health.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the meeting, the sides discussed about the challenges faced by the medical sectors of the two countries, measures to be taken to overcome them, as well as achievements in this field.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover, they highlighted the similarities and differences of the two countries, such as a geographical location, population, territory and climate conditions, which are enabling the two countries to collaborate and learn from each other.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting concluded with Deputy Health Minister L.Byambasuren expressing a satisfaction with the support and collaboration of the Singaporean side on the implementation of projects aimed at strengthening the capacity of medical workers of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9326">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Western_Region_Diagnostic"></a>Western Region Diagnostic and Treatment Center to be renovated<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 23 (MONTSAME) Prime Minister J.Erdenebat and some members of cabinet have gotten familiarized with the operations of the Center for Medical Diagnosis and Treatment in the Western Region, located in the center of Khovd aimag.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The%20Premier%20delivered%20the%20good%20news%20that%20the%20Government%20will%20be%20assisting%20in%20resolving%20the%20problems,%20such%20as%20the%20lack%20of%20required%20medical%20equipment.%20http://en.montsame.mn/node/9286">The Premier delivered the good news that the Government will be assisting in resolving the problems, such as the lack of required medical equipment.</a> Extension for the diagnostic and treatment centre's building and renovation of medical equipment will be completed with funding of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Also, framework of renovating equipment will take place with financing by the Government of Belgium. However, the Government of Mongolia must settle the funds of USD 2.5 billion to secure the international financing. "It is possible to reflect this issue in the Budget Clarifications, to be passed by the parliament", said the Prime Minister.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Diagnostic and Treatment Center for Western Region was commissioned in 1987, when Khovd aimag had slightly over 50 thousand population. Today, the aimag's population has exceeded 80 thousand people. In 2016, about 6,700 patients visited from Bayan-Ulgii, Gobi-Altai and Zavkhan aimags for diagnosis and treatment. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9286">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_"Academic_Forum-59"_Medical"></a>"Academic Forum-59" Medical Conference to take place on April 7<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 23 (MONTSAME) On April 7, "Academic Forum-59" medical conference will be organized with a view to introduce and present research works and advanced technology of medical science by professors and scholars of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The forum aims to encourage best works that are able to be put into practice, develop medical science and learn from international experiences. Participants are expected to present their research works as well as touch upon occurrences of rare diseases and prevention, diagnosis and treatment of those diseases. Organizers of the event are confident that the conference will be competitive and fruitful as a large number of people have already submitted their works carried-out on an international level.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9296">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Immediate_Vacancies_for"></a>Immediate Vacancies for IELTS Teachers in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia<span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Posted By: Santis Educational Services <<a href="mailto:mongolia@santis.mn?subject=Immediate%20Vacancies%20for%20IELTS%20Teachers%20in%20Ulaanbaatar,%20Mongolia">mongolia@santis.mn</a>></span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 22 (ESL Café) Santis Educational Services in Ulaanbaatar have immediate vacancies for IELTS teachers at their Schools in the heart of the City.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>No better time than now to act, Mongolia is in need and waiting for you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>You will be a native English speaker, with an academic degree or suitable business experience or CELTA/TESOL qualification or similar, or even both. Your English speaking proficiency will be native to those countries who speak English as their first language. You will be capable of teaching international students of mixed ages to a high level of IELTS language proficiency. You will be enthusiastic, be open to learning new teaching techniques, be flexible and motivated. You may young or mature but not retired, with initiative to perform the task in hand in a professional manner. You will be of reasonable health. You will be a professional trainer, with leadership qualities. You will be able to start immediately, or very soon.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>You will need to be available for at least 1 year without restriction. You will also have at least 18 months before the expiry of your current passport.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In summary suitable applicants will be: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.eslcafe.com/joblist/index.cgi?read=42553">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Global_Education_Expo"></a>Global Education Expo offers free consultancy<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 24 (MONTSAME) Edu-Line LLC is organizing its annual education fair 'Global Education Expo' for young people interested in studying abroad at Blue Sky Hotel for the 9th time this year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This year's expo is offering free consultancy on studying and getting scholarships in 14 universities from countries like the US, Australia, Canada, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines and newly this year Austria.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The 3-day event usually attracts over 1000 aspiring students who are looking for opportunities to acquire quality education overseas, according to D.Munkhtsetseg, a representative of Edu-Line company who also believes that more and more young Mongolians study abroad these days.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Her assessment was confirmed with the number of people arriving to the expo shortly after its opening. "I want to study abroad, especially in the US or the Philippines", says E.Otgonjargal, 17, who studies at the No.2 secondary school. "Proficiency in English language is a minimum standard for an educated young person in this era, and that's why I want to earn a degree in English language". The young man also added that he aspires to be an influential person in the future.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Black Hills State University, a public university from South Dakota, the US is participating for the first time in the fair, and Katherine L.Wildman, Director of International Relations & Global Engagement Department traveled to Mongolia to represent the university which has a memorandum of understanding with Global Leadership University of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We are delighted to be here not only to strengthen our ties with the Global Leadership University, but also to recruit students seeking opportunities to study in the US", she said. "We've had a Mongolian student at our university who had a wonderful experience and also suggested that we come here", she added.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"He was a wonderful champion in lots of things; most students in campus would know him. He was very friendly and hospitable. He participated in a number of our programs including our Intensive English program and was a wonderful asset to have on campus", she described the Mongolian student who has just acquired a Bachelor's Degree in business.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Katherine said that she was seeing tons of students interested in studying in the US and especially the Black Hills State University as the university's specialization in business and Mongolians' keenness to study business concur.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The expo will close on March 26<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/education/9320">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s1600/image006-700268.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s320/image006-700268.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999236542530578" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Culture></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Culture & Society<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Kazakhs'_Nauryz_holiday"></a>Kazakhs' Nauryz holiday celebrated<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 23 (MONTSAME) Three occasions coincide on March 22 for Mongolians such as World Water Day, First Space Flight Anniversary and Kazakhs' Nauryz (Nowruz) holiday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With Nauryz being an international holiday, Mongolian Kazakhs living in western parts of the country have grand celebration of the traditional holiday which symbolizes goodness and wealth, happiness and love and friendship. Nauryz means a 'new day', and it represents New Year to the Kazakhs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to a demographic report issued by the National Statistical Office on the Kazakh minority in Mongolia, there are 114,506 Kazakhs, constituting 3.9 percent of Mongolia's population and mostly living in Bayan-Ulgii, Khovd, Selenge and Tuv provinces and Ulaanbaatar city.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/video/society-art-and-culture/kazakhs%E2%80%99-nauryz-holiday-celebrated">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_True_and_False"></a>True and False facts about Kazakh people<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 22 (gogo.mn) Kazakh is one of the ethnic groups inhabiting Western part of Mongolia, the Bayan-Olgii aimag. Kazakh people have different language, culture, religion and even appearance. Approximately 150 thousand Kazakhs are residing in Mongolia today. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>True or false rumors related to Kazakh people are common among the public, making them doubt. Therefore we at GoGo Mongolia aimed to deliver the facts about Kazakh people. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition Nawryz (Nowruz), a traditional holiday of Kazakh people is celebrated on Mar 22 when the length of the day and night are almost equal. Happy Nawryz!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>BAYAN-OLGII AIMAG IS AN INDEPENDENT COUNTRY</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>FALSE. </b>People argue about Bayan-Olgii aimag will be part of Kazakhstan. Bayan-Olgii is an integral part of the Mongolian territory. Even Nursultan Nazarbayev, the president of Kazakhstan can not seperate Bayan-Olgii aimag from Mongolia. Also Kazakh people living in Bayan-Olgii aimag never talk about being independent. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>"OUR PRESIDENT IS NAZARBAYEV"</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>FALSE. </b>Social media rumors that Bayan-Olgii children will answer the question "Who is the president of Mongolia?" as N.Nazarbayev, and the question "What is the capital city of Mongolia?" as Astana. It is completely false rumor as power and internet is well developed in Bayan-Olgii, people are exposed to new information and news about Mongolia in due time. Thus every Kazakh youth and child knows that the president of Mongolia is Ts.Elbegdorj. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>BAYAN-OLGII IS JUST LIKE A FOREIGN COUNTRY </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>FALSE. </b>People say that residents of Bayan-Olgii aimag do not speak Mongolian which makes us feel like traveling in a foreign country. Even Bayan-Olgii has only one Mongolian language secondary school, other secondary schools teach Mongolian language at third grade. Every Kazakhs living in Bayan-Olgii can speak Mongolian free. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>KAZAKHS WILL LEAVE MONGOLIA TO KAZAKHSTAN </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>FALSE.</b> In the beginning of 90s<b>, </b>the president of Kazakhstan appealed Kazakhs living in every corner of the world to come to Kazakhstan. As a result, many Kazakh families of Bayan-Olgii moved to Kazakhstan. Remained elders say "Nazarbayev can not gather all Kazakhs. We will never leave Mongolia. My four generations of ancestors were buried in this land".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>All Kazakhs living in Mongolia were born in Mongolia. They consider that they have mother and child connection between them and Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>KAZAKH PRACTICE ISLAM </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>FALSE</b>. Islam is not a religion. Word "islam" translates as infidel in Tibetan language. Kazakhs practice the Islamic religion. People who practice Islam are called Muslims.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>KAZAKHS DO NOT EAT PORK </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>TRUE</b>. Muslims do not eat pork and people who violate this rule is considered to commit a great sin. Because pigs are very dirty animals as they eat everything even their dropping and offspring. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>KAZAKH WOMEN DO NOT MARRY MONGOLIAN MEN</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>TRUE</b>. The reason why Kazakh women do not marry Mongolian men is difference in religions. Kazakh women should not marry man who practice a different religion. However they can marry a man of different religion only if he agrees to take Muslim. Therefore there is no rule prohibiting Kazakh women to marry with Mongolian men. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>KAZAKHS ONLY SPEAK KAZAKH WITH EACH OTHER </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>TRUE</b>. Have you ever seen that the Buryats or Bayads speak in English or Russian to communicate with each other? Similarly Kazakhs speak Kazakh. However official documents should be written or spoken in Mongolian language as the official language practiced in Mongolian territory is Mongolian.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>KAZAKH CIRCUMCISE BOYS </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>TRUE</b>. Muslims must circumcise boys. Circumcision is an important ritual aimed at improving cleanliness and is considered to prevent men from sexually transmitted diseases and various inflammatory diseases.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157778">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Ornaments_and_accessories"></a>Ornaments and accessories of a Dariganga wife<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 21 (MONTSAME) Belongings and accessories of a married Dariganga woman made by the Dariganga ethnical subgroup of Mongolia are kept at the Ethnographic Museum of Sukhbaatar province.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The set is one of the distinguished pieces of the museum, which has over 2500 showpieces, and is made of a cap, deel, uuj, head ornaments, accessories and boot used by Dariganga wives. The peaked top of the cap symbolizes a mountain, and the circling 32 tacks represent the ethnicities in Mongolia. The red tassels symbolize sun rays. The cap maintained by the museum was owned by Ichinkhorloo, resident of Dariganga soum. The slim, circle-shaped head ornament is decorated with elegant gold and silver patterns embedded with coral stone. Dariganga head ornament is made of three parts – forehead, sanchig (temples) and sagaldarga and earring.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A silver-chained net is inserted in the fore part of the head ornament, and beads are hanged from its edge. A patterned silver plate is embedded with coral stone to look precious. The coral and bead danglers below chin are called sagaldarga. The sleeves of wives' deel are multi-colored, attached to the main body, have nudarga(sort of traditional cuff), high collar and single hem. The long garment worn on top of deel is called uuj. The uuj has equal length with deel, no sleeves, with straight placket and front and back vents on waist. The uuj is made by a different fabric than the deel, and its collar and placket are hemmed with wide brocade. The deel kept at the museum is made of silk and sewn by hands.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/video/art-and-culture/ornaments-and-accessories-dariganga-wife">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_This_day_marks"></a>This day marks 36<sup>th</sup> anniversary of Mongolia's space travel<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 22 (MONTSAME) On this day 36 years ago, a Mongolian flew into space. Jugderdemidiin Gurragchaa along with the Soviet cosmonaut V.A.Janibekov took off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 14.58 of March 22, 1981.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In eight days of space travel, the two have circled the earth for 124 times and landed back on their home planet on March 30.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thus, Mongolia became the 10th country in the world to send off a cosmonaut to space, 5th country to test its technology in space and 20th to create space equipment, which was tested in space.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia's first and only space traveler J.Gurragchaa was born on December 5 of 1947 in Gurvanbulag soum of Bulgan aimag. After graduating from a local high school, Gurragchaa went to serve in the army in 1966. In 1971, he studied in the aviation academy of the former Frunze of USSR, modern-day Bishkek, the capital city of the Kyrgyz Republic.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>J.Gurragchaa graduated in 1973 from Jukov's Air Force Academy in Moscow.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>From 1978, he had begun training as cosmonaut along with his Mongolian colleague M.Ganzorig at the Space Training Centre named after Yurii Gagarin. At the time, he was a Captain in the Mongolian People's Army.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Between 2000 and 2004, he was the Minister of Defense and a member of the cabinet headed by Nambaryn Enkhbayar. In 2004, he was elected to the State Great Khural (Parliament). He was not re-elected. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9267">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_races_to"></a>Mongolia races to preserve two-humped camels<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 19 (Al Jazeera) The two-humped Bactrian camel helped people settle and adapt to life in the Gobi desert of Mongolia, but their numbers have rapidly decreased in the last few decades. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Gobi desert is also home to the only surviving species of wild camel in the world. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Conservationists say preventing crossbreeding with domestic Bactrian camels is critical for preserving both species. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Al Jazeera's Pearly Jacob reports from Gobi-Altai in southwest Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Rer0cW9ohM">Link to video</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Reindeer_herders_don't"></a>Reindeer herders don't need the government to protect their land<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 24 (UB Post) The Dukha people of northern Mongolia represent the most southern reindeer herders of Siberia. They are the only reindeer herders in Mongolia and live in the northern forests and mountains with their reindeers, moving all year round. The Dukha people originally came from Tuva in early 1940s and became citizens of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Today they are in a transition period, still trying to maintain their traditional way of life while their children go to schools in cities and adapt to the urban way of life. Most Dukha families own 10 to 40 reindeers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Despite relying on the reindeers for a living, the Dukha do not slaughter their reindeers unless a reindeer is too old or in times of food shortage and difficult natural conditions. They use reindeers mainly for transport and for their milk because horses cannot survive in the taiga in winter. That is why the reindeers of the Dukha are very precious to the people and rarely slaughtered for food.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Dukha believe that their ancestors domesticated reindeers hundreds of years ago but the current Dukha are not able to domesticate reindeers from the wild anymore and rely heavily on domesticated breeds. The Dukha have established a relation with their reindeers that supports partnership instead of ownership and they look after their reindeers as if taking care of children.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If they lose their reindeers, they cannot stay in the taiga because it is the only animal that can walk on deep snow and find food buried beneath it. The Dukha are traditionally hunters. They hunt wild animals such as muse, wild boar, bear, wild reindeer, deer, and rabbit from the nature and collect wild potatoes or berries in spring. In the cold places they live in, there are hardly any plants that grow in the area, meaning that they rely heavily on hunting for food.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Recently, the area they inhabit, northern territories of Khuvsgul Province including Shishged and Tengis River regions, has been declared a special protected zone, which means that hunting has been banned since 2013. They also have limitations on where they can migrate to. They are not allowed to go to the faraway camps they used to inhabit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Today, the Dukha make living by selling souvenirs to tourists and receive some help from the government as hunting has been banned in the region. They purchase meat from sheep and goat herders near them and buy necessities such as flour and rice with the money they receive from the local government through benefits.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Most people think that hunting is just a way of finding food, however for indigenous people like the Dukha, it is much more. It is their way of life and the central characteristic of their culture.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>First of all, the Dukha live in a harsh geographic condition and they need to migrate far away from their camps to reach their reindeers, which can take many hours or days. Hence they cannot just go to the market to buy meat when they need it. It is not realistic or practical for them.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Secondly, hunting is an old tradition that is directly related with many of their practices and ancestral roots. The Dukha practice animistic and shamanistic rituals. They believe that all animals and nature have spirits so they respect all living organisms. Dukha men pray to the nature before going on hunting trips and they apologize to the soul of the animal after hunting and killing an animal. They never hunt more than their necessities and consumption, and always share their game meat among all families.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Because they are hunters, they know that their own survival is directly related with the survival of animals. This makes them dependent on wild animals and very careful about protecting animals and nature. That is why the Dukha do not need laws to protect their homeland; they already have ancient rules to protect the animals and nature. For example, they do not hunt young or pregnant animals, do not cut trees and do not put a dirty thing into a river.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They try to shoot mostly male animals so that females can give birth and continue the species. When they are hunting a bear, they do not even shoot the bear from behind. They respect the bear so much that they shout at the animal first and then shoot it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We live in a world in which technology is developing fast, while global warming and environmental degradation puts our planet at risk. People are consuming so much that the natural balance of the world is dramatically changing – natural disasters are becoming more common, and as a consequence, it presents a danger to people.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thus, the few remaining traditional nomadic people like the Dukha are very precious as they teach us the core values of humanity. Their lifestyle and practices are extremely valuable to all of us.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Although nomadic tribes are few in the world, reindeer herding is an even rarer way of life. There are approximately 15 reindeer herding communities in the world and it makes Mongolia all the more special for having an important cultural heritage of the world.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Dukha do not see themselves as the owners of the universe, they are just a part of it. People relate to their environment through the land spirits and serve as mediators between all living things to maintain justice and harmony.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Today the traditional Dukha way of life has been put at a risk because of the government's decision, and their old traditional values and modern legacy are suffering. An old Dukha man said that the hunting ban makes him feel like a prisoner in his home land.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To help the Dukha maintain their lifestyle, the government of Mongolia could issues a hunting quota and some special rules can be applied to them. Commercial hunting is very harmful for the environment but the Dukha do not hunt for money. They can protect animals and their land from those who seek to exploit them. For example, in Canada, commercial whale hunting is forbidden but the Inuit people are allowed to hunt whales under a strict quota because it is an important tradition for them. Like this, they can maintain an important way of life.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The government can also find similar solutions for the Dukha and keep this culture, which is a world heritage, while protecting the nature. The Dukha people already take care of their nature and animals because it is an important part of their culture. They just need the government to understand this and cooperate with them to sustain their way of life and protect the environment at the same time.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Turkish anthropological research Seljen Kuchukustel studying for PhD in Central Asian studies at Humboldt University in Germany pointed out that helping maintain the traditional way of the Dukhas and promoting their nomadic form are of significant importance to keeping their local environment safe and healthy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>She said that when she stayed with the Dukha for 10 months during her research, she felt that the Dukha are the best protectors of their environment as the forests, animals, and plants living with them are vital for their life.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Kuchukustel added that the Dukha protect their local areas from bushmeat hunters who cause severe environmental damage to protected areas. The government, especially the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, is hoping to develop tourism in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Most tourists visiting Mongolia are interested in the Dukha culture and traditional way of life. In recent years, a large portion of the tourists visiting Mongolia spent time in the tents of the Dukha, tried to ride their reindeers, drank reindeer milk, and stayed with them for a while to observe their way of lives.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia's nomadic culture and lifestyle are a great attraction for tourists, and reindeer herders are also a piece of our culture. We do not need to spend more money developing an attraction based around the Dukha people; just promoting their precious culture to foreign tourists through policy and support is enough to bring tourists to Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/24/reindeer-herders-dont-need-the-government-to-protect-their-land/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Museum_to_be"></a>Museum to be established near Tonyukuk statue<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 24 (MONTSAME) On March 22, D.Oyunkhorol, Minister of Environment and Tourism received Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) representative in Ulaanbaatar Veysel Çiftçi. At the meeting, the two sides discussed a number of issues, such as elimination of air and soil pollution, training Mongolian media specialists in Turkey and development of tourism infrastructure.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They also exchanged views on such matters as co-implementing projects of tourism near the area the monument of Tonyukuk located in Erdene soum of Tuv aimag or projects to protect forests from insect pests and improve management of special-purpose hunting areas of wild sheep, wild goat and red deer, empower sides in charge of management and making the areas model hunting areas.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The TIKA has carried-out archeological excavation near the monument of Tonyukuk and taken the area under protection. The resident representative of TIKA in Ulaanbaatar said that the Turkish side is planning to build a museum in the area and requested the Minister of Environment and Tourism of Mongolia to provide support on solving some difficult issues in this regard. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Over the last two decades, TIKA has implemented a myriad of activities, such as introducing Turkish experiences to Mongolia, protecting monuments erected in Mongolia, which date back to the Turkic era and excavating and performing research, building a museum in Khushuu Tsaidam, Arkhangai, building an auto road, supporting reindeer herders and building capacity regarding the education, health, water hygiene sectors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9308">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Dating_the_Petroglyphs"></a>Dating the Petroglyphs of the Mongolian Altai<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The history of man and climate, written into the bedrock of Mongolia.</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 23 (Pacific Standard Magazine) The geologist crouches before the surface of a boulder, his finger hovering over an image of two ibex butting heads. "Where the horns converge, there is a beautiful symmetry to them," he says. He indicates the half-circle curl of the horns; the wild goats' legs are straight thin lines. Petroglyphs like this one have been here for many thousands of years, since Stone Age people first began gouging the rock. In the light of a Mongolian summer, the images seem to be suspended in air.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The glacial geologist, <a href="http://climatechange.umaine.edu/people/profile/aaron_putnam" target="_blank">Aaron Putnam</a> of the University of Maine, runs his hands along the greywacke sandstone, a common bedrock in this part of the Altai Mountains, on the shared border of Russia and China. With the rock's original dark polish chipped away, the fresh stone makes a pointed contrast, helping the petroglyphs to stand out</span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>—</span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>a sort of picture frame.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The petroglyphs are difficult to date precisely. Over the past 15 years, <a href="http://www.etsu.edu/cas/philosophy/faculty_staff/kortumr.php" target="_blank">Richard Kortum</a>, a professor of philosophy and humanities from East Tennessee State University, has catalogued roughly 12,000 petroglyphs here, in Mongolia's Altai Tavan Bogd National Park. He's been determining their approximate age by correlating cultural clues with records of archaeology and paleoecology. "It's like piecing together a complex jigsaw puzzle," Kortum says.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The oldest images are jagged and include deer and stick-figure humans. There are also petroglyphs of bulls and yaks, but these have clean edges and are more anatomically correct. Kortum says they are likely from the Neolithic period. The majority of the rock art comes from the Bronze and Iron Ages: clear and precise images of chariots, and animals with beautifully curled antlers that come to a sharp edge.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Putnam's here to study climate change and to develop a chronology of glacial retreat, taking samples from granite boulders that were once suspended in ice. Analyzing the petroglyphs is important for understanding the culture and movement of ancient people, but, when joined with a geologic examination, it can tell us a lot about the history of climate. Images of horses and camels, for example, indicate the domestication of animals and suggest an abundance of grassland in the area</span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>—</span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>which scientists can confirm by analyzing pollen that</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>'</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>s enclosed in sediment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Back in Maine, Putnam will measure the accumulated cosmogenic radiation on the surface of granite boulders scattered in this area. These data points tell the story of a process that began the moment the rocks were first dropped out of glaciers and onto the landscape. From this information, Putnam can derive a date for the end of the Ice Age, which is his primary interest: A clear chronology of glacial recession can help us improve scientific models that predict how anthropogenic climate change will affect future societies. The dates also approximate when the first people could have lived here, but Putnam thinks there's another technique to determine when the rock art was actually made.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>He points to long white lines etched by massive chunks of glacial ice that existed here during the Ice Age, roughly 20,000 years ago. Back when the glaciers receded, the ice carved wide valleys in the hills, and these became pathways for the first people to enter the highlands. They took up sharp stones and pecked the smooth rind of glacially polished rocks</span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>—</span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>not knowing that, eventually, every detail would be scrutinized.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>When it rains, a black mineral accumulates on the rocks</span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>—</span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>manganese oxide, sometimes called desert varnish. It builds up in layers, and Putnam thinks he can analyze them, like tree rings, to get an approximate date for when the images were actually made</span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>—</span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>not just when people could have first come. Kortum is not certain it will succeed, but he has said it would be "a revolutionary result"</span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>—</span><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>a climatological revelation accidentally inscribed in the art of Mongolia</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>'</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>s earliest peoples.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://psmag.com/dating-the-petroglyphs-of-the-mongolian-altai-6aa8bf24b4dd#.vuyxwypa2">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Original_statue_of"></a>Original statue of D.Sukhbaatar now located in Delger Monastery in Dundgobi aimag<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 24 (MONTSAME) The original statue of General D.Sukhbaatar which stood at the central square of Ulaanbaatar city over 70 years, is now located in Delger's choir monastery in a Delgertsogt soum of Dundgobi aimag. The monument was removed from the square three years ago by a decision of the Citizens Representative Meeting of the capital to re-erect it with bronze.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The removed statue had been kept in a yard of one company waiting to be crumbled and Khamba Lama of the Delger's choir monastery Luvsandarjaa Rinnpoche asked to have it. Since then the statue had been stored at the monastery. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"- Any statue or monument possesses historical and cultural values as people dedicate their heart, mind and skills to making it. General Sukhbaatar was a historical figure, who brought peace to the people of Mongolia. Therefore, I wanted to safeguard the statue" said the Khamba Lama once.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Luvsandarjaa Rinpoche is planning to open a new monastery building with unique architecture during the 150th anniversary of famous enlightener Zava Damdin Rinpoche.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The original statue of D.Sukhbaatar on his horse was created in 1946 with granite by the sculptor Sonomyn Choimbol and was inaugurated on the 25th anniversary of Mongolian People's Revolution. Original 14 sculptures of lions, which are used to be placed surrounding the statue, are also now with the original statue at the monastery.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/9314">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_UC_Berkeley_Event,"></a>UC Berkeley Event, April 3: "Mongolian Archaeology: New Discoveries, New Concerns"<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Conference/Symposium | April 3 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | 180 <a href="http://www.berkeley.edu/map/googlemap/?doe">Doe Library</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Sponsors</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>: <a href="http://ieas.berkeley.edu/">Institute of East Asian Studies (IEAS)</a>, UC Berkeley Mongolia Initiative, Smithsonian Institution, <a href="http://www.arf.berkeley.edu/">Archaeological Research Facility</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The ancient cultural interactions of Northeast Asia have left a now-imperiled record in stone across the steppes and forests of Mongolia. The historical implications of the archaeological record, and the race not only to study but to preserve this record in the face of growing threats from development, tourist access, and an insatiable art market, are the focus of this symposium, organized jointly with the Smithsonian Institution.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Participants include:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Jeffrey ALTSCHUL, Statistical Research, Inc.<br>John Vincent BELLEZZA, University of Virginia<br>Richard CIOLEK-TORELLO, Statistical Research, Inc.<br>Julia Kate CLARK, Northern Mongolia Archaeology Project<br>D. ERDENEBAATAR, Ulaanbaatar City College<br>William FITZHUGH, Smithsonian Institution<br>William HONEYCHURCH, Yale University<br>Esther JACOBSON-TEPFER, University of Oregon<br>Richard Dennis KORTUM, East Tennessee State University<br>Daniel ROGERS, Smithsonian Institution<br>Joan SCHNEIDER, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians<br>William TAYLOR, Max Planck Institute<br>Joshua WRIGHT, University of Aberdeen<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://events.berkeley.edu/index.php/scet.berkeley.edu?event_ID=106017&date=2017-04-03&tab=academic">Link to event</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Evil_Elsa_and"></a>Evil Elsa and the Forgotten Gloves<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>by Khishigjargal Enkhbayar, UN Youth Advisory Panel in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 22 (Voices of Youth) I forgot my gloves again. It's too late to go back home because the well is closing in a few minutes and I need to hurry. The weather report that my grandmother was watching before I left said that it was -28 degrees Celsius in Sharhad area of Ulaanbaatar, the place where I live. Even without the weather report I can tell that it's close to -30 degrees from the way the wind slashes my face again and again.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>My throat aches from the cold and polluted air. I try to make smoke from my mouth just like the men smoking cigarettes in the movies, but it's blurred from all the smog. Everyone in the "ger districts" uses coal or wood to fire their homes. The smog from the coal makes my eyes water and throat dry. I remember how some kids at school were wearing masks. I would love some but they're too expensive to keep using throughout the winter. It's best to go to the well quickly and come back.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I take my empty buckets and rush down through the narrow dark alleys. Even though it's only 6pm, it's pitch black. There are no street lamps here. It's not safe for twelve year old girls like me to go through here. But since my mother is currently working, my grandmother bedridden, and my little brother is not old enough to lift heavy objects, it's up to me to save the day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>With renewed courage in these dark alleys I quicken my pace. Ow! My buckets fall to the ground with a loud clang as I slip on ice! I hadn't seen that in the darkness. I slowly get up and pick up my buckets. I feel a slight burn in my right hand but everything else seems okay.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I envy the girls whose families have their own private well in their garden. They don't have to go so far out in the dark and in the cold to get water. I have seen them sell their water as well. Mother says many privately owned wells have not been tested for safety. I heard on the news that from the 5331 deep and shallow water wells in Ulaanbaatar, <a href="http://baigal.ub.gov.mn/wp-content/uploads/gunii_khudgiin_2013_onii_toollogo_ulaanbaatar_2013-11.pdf">almost half of them</a> do not have permits. Apparently this is a big safety hazard, because children and adults could get sick drinking from those wells.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I get a lot of information from watching the news with my grandma. I would much rather watch cartoons, but grandma prefers to watch the news and her wishes must be respected above all. Someday I will have a warm house with indoor heating and plumbing and my very own TV and computer! I can watch anything I want. Mother says I will have to study well to get into a good university and get a good job. Oh how I wish to have a bed and a room of my own! Right now my mother, little brother and I sleep in one bed. Sometimes I even sleep on the floor. Sometimes when we don't have heating I find that my bed sheets have frozen to the wall. My mother works hard to provide a warm house for us, that's why I have to do my part in doing anything I can.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As I turn onto the 5th narrow street I see a small brick structure with a single window and a single lamp. People have already lined up. There are ten people in front me. I hope I can make it to the end of the line before the operator of the well decides to close. As I stand in line I shiver. I shall have to make some hot tea with the water when I get back home.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I finally come to the small window that issues the water. Placing my metal buckets on the ground, I try not to slip on the vast amount of ice that covers that area. Because the operator cannot see the buckets from inside the little brick house, a lot of water is spilled on the ground, creating layers of ice. Looking at the ice, I am reminded of princess Elsa and her ice kingdom from the movie "Frozen". The well operator lady is like Elsa living in her brick castle and surrounded by ice. Only the operator is bigger and scarier.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I give the operator my money and take the hose, which is on a hook. The hose is frozen and burn my bare hands. I cringe at the numbing cold and swear I will take my gloves with me next time. If only our teacher had let us go earlier, instead of making us clean the classroom.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As I am waiting for my ten liter buckets to fill up I read the notice on the brick house. I can barely make out the letters on the worn paper in the dim light. It asks citizens to use safe water buckets and containers. Most of the buckets and containers we use are cheap and the smell of chemicals stay for years. I could even taste the plastic from our water container. Unfortunately the safer containers cost as much as my mother's monthly salary. We simply cannot afford it, so we keep on using the plastic funny-smelling containers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>With the water filled, I tell the operator to stop the water, but she didn't hear and the water spilled all over my hands and onto the ground. The operator then yelled at me that I should have told her to stop sooner. Evil Elsa is at it again. I apologize to keep her from yelling further.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I pick up my water buckets with my wet hands and proceed down the icy roads back home. My hands are soon numb from the cold air and the weight of the buckets. I have to make at least five stops on the way home because of the heavy buckets. My friends and I used to compete with each other over who would have the least stops on the way home. I wish the wheels of our water cart were not broken. Then I wouldn't have to suffer as much.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Twice I almost spilled my water. The first time when I slipped on ice and the second time when a stray dog suddenly jumped out and started barking at me. I pray for summer to come sooner.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I finally make it back home. My grandmother and little brother welcome me with open arms. They are always worried about me when I go to the well in the evening. I transfer the water from the bucket to the container and warm my completely numb hands near the fire. I apologize to my hands and gently kiss them. Never again shall I forget my gloves, I say to myself.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.voicesofyouth.org/en/posts/evil-elsa-and-the-forgotten-gloves">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Ross_Kemp_Extreme"></a>Ross Kemp Extreme World – Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyXIBqSV1C4">Link to video</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s1600/image006-700268.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s320/image006-700268.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999236542530578" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Nature></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Nature & Environment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_On_the_scapegoating"></a>On the scapegoating of goat herders for urban air pollution and economic crisis<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>By Marissa J. Smith and Andrei Marin<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 22 (UB Post) In the United States, "goat herder" is a stock phrase of sorts denoting the poorest, most marginalized people on the planet. Goats and goat herders are very often blamed unfairly for pastureland degradation in many parts of Africa and Asia, where herders in these areas often refer to goats as "poor man's cattle". So goats do hold a central place both in pastoral systems' functioning and in our stereotypes about them. As Mongolia's economic situation remained dire this winter, we have been dismayed to see Mongolia's poorer and more marginalized people positioned increasingly as scapegoats. In conversations about air pollution and economic reform, accusations against herders and people connected with the Mongolian countryside have stepped up.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When the ban on new registrations in Ulaanbaatar was announced <a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/01/12/ub-mayor-restricts-rural-to-urban-migration-until-2018/">in January</a>, we were surprised (and again dismayed) to hear and read support for the measure (thankfully not in The UB Post, however, but pieces printed here are discussed below). Much of this was in line with stories about rural to urban migration that have been carried by Western English-language media such as <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/05/mongolian-herders-moving-to-city-climate-change">The Guardian</a>, which forward the story that herders are migrating in order to access new economic opportunities, in some connection with having lost their animals. We know from numerous studies of people who migrate from rural to urban areas that this decision is based on a complex mesh of push – and pull – factors that vary greatly with age, gender, or economy. In our studies of Mongolian herders during the past ten years, the motives for migrating to "the City" are equally complex as they are fluctuating.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Nevertheless, media accounts simplify these stories and propose, in turn, a simple story; one in which herders are openly accused of mismanaging their animals and coming to the capital for "handouts". In this simplified story, there are too many animals for the pastureland available, therefore, herders do not manage to save their weak herds during dzuds and droughts and will increasingly be bound to do so as they are overgrazing and destroying the rangelands that "belong to the nation". This narrative has been used for portraying pastoralists for centuries. The Tunisian historian Ibn Khaldūn mentioned it about the Berbers in the 14th century. In Mongolia, this narrative ignores the fact that the available scientific evidence about pasture degradation is based on data that cannot separate the effects of grazing from those of climate on these ecosystems, and the fact that even these data show just as much improvement or no change as they do deterioration. What these stories also do not discuss is the how the poor quality of basic infrastructure in the countryside, particularly schooling, healthcare, and veterinary services act as push-factors for the herders. These are, of course, the very valuables that an Ulaanbaatar-based registration is required to access. The recent measure to stop access of new rural migrants to these services may stop some, but will likely not end the trend. Migrants will continue to stay in the city and work, most likely in badly substandard housing and labor conditions, often to the benefit of other urbanites. If we look at the demography of UB, the official numbers (National Statistical Office 2015) show an increase in resident population of nine percent between 2012-2015, which might be considered high but definitely not unique (during 2002-2005 the corresponding increase was 14 percent). So, one obvious question is why has the rhetoric against herders in UB increased recently? Winter has, of course, brought the return of some of the world's worst air pollution, but the deepening economic crisis faced by all Mongolians is also in play.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With the bust of the mining economy, Mongolia has been looking to increase exports of meat and other livestock products. As issues with the quantity of demand for these products in other countries and international and national regulatory frameworks over which Mongolians have little control are little discussed, blame is again often cast upon herders and others in the countryside. If there are so many animals, why is the nation not benefiting? Logics include that Mongolian meat is not good enough because herders use too much, not enough, or the wrong medications (see <a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/01/26/rich-in-livestock-poor-in-regulation/">this piece published by The UB Post in January</a>). Like the stories about migration to Ulaanbaatar, these again downplay the lack and loss of infrastructure – veterinary services, means of transport.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While conducting field research in the Mongolian countryside, Ulaanbaatar, and Erdenet this past summer, one of the coauthors, Marissa Smith, heard assertions by urban-based Mongolians that herders should be taxed, even while she encountered and spent time with the most impoverished herders she has ever met over a decade of working in Mongolia. With the announcement of the recent IMF package, a key type of anxiety that has emerged has been the introduction of graduated income taxes in Mongolia. Most lately, <a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/07/privileged-herders-and-penalized-workers/">The UB Post printed a piece</a> bemoaning that herders are being exempted from such measures and the recipients of disproportionate benefits from the state, while castigating pastoral production "industry" as "the least economically productive". This piece again misses that herders, even the wealthiest herders, do not enjoy access to much of the infrastructure that many residents of Ulaanbaatar do, and pastoral production is not the product of herders' efforts alone, including infrastructures that urban residents find it difficult to imagine and take into account. As the Mongolian state has retreated from involvement in pastoral governance, herders also have been the target of numerous reforms of questionable benefit for herders spearheaded by international financial institutions and development agencies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>All these recent developments can also be seen in a context of changing cultural markers and identity. As Mongolians in UB are increasingly signaling their modernity, the newly arrived herder is increasingly seen as a "traditional" misfit. Surely the long-standing rhetoric of "nomads" and "nomadic culture" and its essentialist reduction of modern-day rural residents (many with bank accounts, mobile phones, and Facebook accounts) to timeless postcard-versions of themselves is showing its effects.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The problems faced by urban residents and workers are indeed serious. However, before casting blame on an "other", we urge us all to consider shared challenges and solutions. We may find out that the troubles of urban residents are intimately bound to the reasons why some herders are sometimes forced to migrate to the city. The solution then may be a broader gaze at the reasons why herders leave their homelands, and a "country project" for reforming the social and economic realities in the countryside. We suggest that we review and support continued research and inclusive work on these very complicated social issues.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/22/on-the-scapegoating-of-goat-herders-for-urban-air-pollution-and-economic-crisis/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Joint_environmental_research"></a>Joint environmental research to be launched with Nagoya University<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 21 (MONTSAME) On March 20, the Ministry of Environment, Green Development and Tourism of Mongolia and Nagoya University of Japan signed a memorandum on launching joint research. The memorandum was signed by State Secretary of the Ministry of Environment Ts.Tsengel and Vice President of Nagoya University Katsuya Ichihashi.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>State Secretary Ts.Tsengel remarked "It is a pleasure that a new opportunity has been made available for Mongolian specialists in the environmental field to be trained at the Nagoya University, which has a history of 140 years. Learning from Japanese culture and creative and diligent mindset of the Japanese people, the joint research will certainly contribute to the development of Mongolia".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Katsuya Ichihashi, Vice President of Nagoya University signified the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and Japan and noted "Our university has collaborated with Mongolian universities numerous times in the past. The establishment of a field research center with Mongolian the National University of Science and Technology in 2009 is a fine example. By signing this memorandum with the Ministry of Environment of Mongolia, the friendly relations of the two countries will definitely expand further".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/education/9242">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_International_Day_of"></a>International Day of Forests marked<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 21 (MONTSAME) March 21, International Day of Forests is being observed throughout the world under the theme "Forests and energy". The Day, proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, raises awareness of the importance of all types of forests. The Second National Forum with theme 'Forest policy of Mongolia, science and technology" was held at Tuushin Hotel. Some 240 delegates from government organizations, universities, institutes, NGOs and private sector attended the forum.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>About 50 percent of global wood production or around 1.86 billion cubic meters of wood are used as energy for cooking, heating, and electricity generation, while in Mongolia, 80 per cent of wood production or 547.2 thousand cubic meters of wood is used for this purpose. The National Forest Census in 2016 revealed that forest of Mongolia has become old-growth forest with low density and their regeneration capacity is insufficient.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>The attendants of the forum noted the importance of renewing forest resources with trees, which are adaptable to climate change and highly efficient, ensuring realization of State policy on forests.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>" - Using trees for fuel means burning national wealth into ashes. Therefore, we are discussing how to make trees more valuable instead of using a huge amount of trees just for fuel and how to support local people with forest income. The state policy on forests is based on sustainable forest management, which is accepted internationally. As Mongolia has a vast territory and small population, we are realizing this management using a model of collaborative involvement. A total of 1281 forest cooperatives, over 40 forest units and some 800 professional institutions are operating within the framework" said M.Tungalag, Director of the Department of Forest Policy and Coordination of the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the forum, the best scientific works by students of forest science and forest engineering were announced and an exhibition was held to introduce the activities in the forest sector conducted by international projects, programs and private companies. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9251">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Wastewater_and_Water"></a>Wastewater and Water Reserves forum kicks off<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 26 (UB Post) The Ministry of Nature, Environment and Tourism (MNET) organized the Wastewater and Water Reserves forum on March 22 as part of Mongolia's engagement in World Water Day.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The event was joined by representatives from the Ministry, Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mining Infrastructure Investment Support Project for Mongolia, World Wildlife Fund, Joint Commission International, and Mongolian Environmental Civil Council.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Minister of Nature, Environment and Tourism D.Oyunkhorol gave an opening speech highlighting the importance of World Water Day.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated March 22 as World Water Day. On this day, Mongolia organizes measures to promote the proper use of water, the significance of water, and ways to conserve water, as well as encourage private and public sectors to actively participate in these measures. We're holding Wastewater and Water Reserves forum under this year's theme – wastewater," she said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Minister D.Oyunkhorol thanked everyone who attended the forum and contributed in efforts to exploit wastewater and resolve related problems. She resumed her speech saying, "Wastewater is considered a lost opportunity and experts worldwide are seeking solutions for water scarcity. A total of 5.5 billion cubic meters of wastewater is discharged across the world every year, whereas in Mongolia, we use up to 600 million cubic meters of water and 470 million cubic meters are turned to wastewater. We must protect this valuable resource and conserve it by increasing water recycling and safe reuse."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Melting of polar ice caps and glaciers attributed to climate change and global warming is causing significant reduction in water resources. Experts noted that Ulaanbaatar and other large cities in desert climate are facing mild water shortage problems due to sudden increase in water consumption related to urbanization and industrialization. There's a requirement for Mongolia to increase its water resources through the conservation of flood water so that it can meet drinking water demands in the future using surface water, according to experts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Water specialist of the Ministry L.Erdenebulgan warned that Mongolia will have to deal with serious water shortage by 2021 if wasteful water consumption continues. She recommended promoting the conservative use of water among the public, increase water recycling and reuse, and building a standard wastewater treatment facility to tackle water problems.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Six domestic wastewater treatment facilities and an industrial wastewater treatment plant operate in Ulaanbaatar. Reportedly, the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant receives 190,000 to 210,000 cubic meters of wastewater a day and discharge it into Tuul River after biological and mechanical treatments, and ultraviolet disinfection treatment. Due to the workload at the plant, wastewater level and water contamination has increased in recent years along with sludge processing problems. Addressing the urgent issue, Head of Engineering Policy Department of the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority N.Odkhuu advised building a new treatment facility during his speech at the forum.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the forum, the MNET presented certificates of appreciation to five companies which promote water conservation, namely MCS Coca Cola LLC, Loro Piana Mongolia LLC, NST LLC, the National Center for Mental Health, and Future Holding LLC.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Water Conservation, Protection and Technology" exhibition was also held as part of the event by 18 companies that recycle and reuse wastewater.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/26/wastewater-and-water-reserves-forum-kicks-off/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Significance_of_cloud"></a>Significance of cloud physics highlighted at meteorology conference<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 24 (MONTSAME) Importance of cloud physics and its insufficiency in Mongolia was discussed during an academic conference held in the building of National Agency of Meteorology and Environment Monitoring on March 23, Thursday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Themed 'Studying Clouds', the conference addressed water resources and wastewater, quality of surface water of Mongolia, satellite observation of cloud, ceilometers device and future prospect for native range through 5 presentations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Clouds have been comparatively less studied in Mongolia. Study of the type and characteristics of clouds is crucial in calculating the development stages and transition of a meteorological phenomenon, and balancing regional energy and precipitation", noted G.Sarangerel, Director of the Information and Research Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Environment in her opening speech.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9299">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Wonders_of_forest"></a>Wonders of forest mirror through creative eyes<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 22 (MONTSAME) Refreshing manifestations of the simple yet breathtaking beauty of forest, its greenery and life amid the trees reimagined by the inquisitive and imaginative minds of children are what await nature lovers at 'Wonders of Mongolian Forest' exhibition.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The geographically diverse and vast territory of Mongolia is home to more than 140 types of trees and bushes covering about 7.85 percent of the whole territory.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>84.7 percent of the total forest cover is coniferous and deciduous forest whereas the remainder area is layered with saxaul forest. The total growing stock is 1.2 billion cubic meters with 78.9 percent constituted by larch alone.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>These important facts and figures supplement the painting and photography exhibition currently open at Fine Arts Gallery. The 'Wonders of Mongolian Forest' exhibition is co-organized by UN-REDD Mongolia and the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in dedication to International Day of Forests which is annually marked on March 21.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The exhibition features the best works selected from painting contests themed 'Wonders of Forest' and 'Green Future begins with me', organized among students of primary and secondary schools last December and select works of a photography contest that challenged photography lovers to capture forest at its most beautiful, intriguing and vulnerable.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hopefully inspiring its visitors to take many treks and trips to the wilderness and deep inside of forests which can be very mysterious and attractive, the exhibition closes on March 23, Thursday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/9271">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Lost_people_successfully"></a>Lost people successfully rescued after heavy snowstorm in western aimags<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 23 (MONTSAME) Several people including 3 children went missing in the heavy snowstorm that hit western aimags starting on March 21, and National Emergency Management Agency was conducting search missions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We previously reported that emergency servicemen were searching to rescue 8 persons: 33-year-old and 50-year-old men in Ulaangom soum of Uvs aimag, three children of age 10-15 in Tarialan soum of Uvs aimag, a physician and a driver who went to Kholboo soum of Umnugobi aimag on an emergency call and went missing and a 50-year-old man from Altantsugts soum of Bayan-Ulgii aimag.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On March 22, yesterday, National Emergency Management Agency reported that the missing people were found safe and sound.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As such, the heavy snowfall that covered the territories of Uvs, Zavkhan, Khuvsgul, Bayan-Ulgii, Gobi-Altai, Khentii, Bayan-Khongor and Khovd aimags has sadly taken one life, that of a 62-year-old man who originally went to help someone stuck in snow in Zavkhan aimag.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9284">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Fossil_from_Mongolia"></a>Fossil from Mongolia is Ancient Relative of Today's Ginkgo biloba<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>Exceptionally well-preserved specimens unearthed in Early Cretaceous sediments of Mongolia belong to an ancient, dinosaur-era relative of the living plant <a href="http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/ginkgo-biloba" target="_blank">Ginkgo biloba</a> (today is native only to China).<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 24 (Sci-News) An international team of paleontologists led by <a href="https://environment.yale.edu/profile/crane" target="_blank">Yale researcher Peter Crane</a> discovered the fossils — from the extinct plant <i>Umaltolepis mongoliensis</i> — in ancient peat deposits at the Tevshiin Govi mine in the steppes of central Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The stems and leaves are similar to the <a href="http://www.sci-news.com/genetics/genome-ginkgo-biloba-04388.html" target="_blank">ginkgo tree</a>, but the seeds, and especially the structures they are born in, are unlike any other known plant, living or extinct. Finding something like this does not happen very often," said team member <a href="https://www.chicagobotanic.org/research/staff/herendeen" target="_blank">Dr. Patrick Herendeen, from the Chicago Botanic Garden</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Paleontologists had previously uncovered fossils of <i>Umaltolepis</i>, but those were in poor condition, making them difficult to study.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hundreds of better-preserved new specimens show that features of the stems and leaves are similar to those of <i>Ginkgo biloba</i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"However, the seed-bearing structures are not like those of today's ginkgo tree," Dr. Herendeen said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Ginkgo has large seeds with a fleshy outer covering, but <i>Umaltolepis mongoliensis</i> has small, winged seeds."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"As they developed, <i>Umaltolepis mongoliensis</i> seeds were protected inside a tough, resinous, umbrella-like outer covering, which stayed almost completely closed, opening only to release the seeds."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The key to determining how <i>Umaltolepis mongoliensis</i> is related to other seed plants lies in understanding its strange seed-bearing capsules.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While the <i>Umaltolepis mongoliensis</i> seeds are dissimilar to those of any other living or extinct plant, preliminary comparisons connect them with the seed-bearing structures of two groups of extinct plants that may be part of the ginkgo lineage.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>These comparisons and the unique features of <i>Umaltolepis mongoliensis</i>indicate that ginkgo is the last living member of a group of plants that was much more diverse and important in the past.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"<i>Umaltolepis mongoliensis</i> provides new data for understanding relationships among living and fossil seed plants and supports previous ideas that <i>Ginkgo biloba</i> may be the sole surviving relict of a once very diverse group of Mesozoic seed plants," the researchers said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Research describing <i>Umaltolepis mongoliensis</i> is <a href="http://www.pnas.org/content/114/12/E2385.abstract" target="_blank">published online in the <i>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</i></a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.sci-news.com/paleontology/fossil-relative-ginkgo-biloba-mongolia-04730.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s1600/image006-700268.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s320/image006-700268.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999236542530578" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Sports></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Sports<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Special_Olympics_Winter"></a>Special Olympics Winter Games 2017: S.Temuulen wins his second medal<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 24 (MONTSAME) Mongolian athlete S.Temuulen scoops bronze medal from Special Olympics World Winter Games Austria 2017 in 50M Snowshoeing race category held on March 23. Adding another medal to their collection, Mongolian team secures 2 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze medals from this year's Special Olympics Winter Games.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the history, 14 Mongolian athletes attended the Special Olympics Summer Games for the first time and competed in 4 categories, winning 4 gold, 4 silver and 4 bronze medals on July 25, 2015 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This year, the Mongolian team of 14 athletes under the guidance of 3 coaches participated in the Special Olympics Winter Games 2017. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Special Olympics, the sports event for adults and children with intellectual disabilities takes place every two years and around 1.5 million volunteering employees and students help organize the event from around the world.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Almost 81000 Special Olympics games are held each year, which is approximately 222 games a day. More than 3000 athletes and 1100 coaches from 107 countries are participating in this year's Winter Games in 10 sports categories.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian athletes are participating in 3 categories, as Cross Country Ski race, Snowshoeing race and floor ball in the Special Olympics World Winter Games Austria 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9316">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_secures_second"></a>Mongolia secures second gold from Special Olympics<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 23 (MONTSAME) World's largest winter sports event for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, "Special Olympics World Winter Games Austria 2017" is taking place from March 17 to March 24. As of today, 14 Mongolian participants have won 2 gold, 4 silver and 1 bronze medals.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>M.Gantumur, the third place winner in Cross Country 50M race, won 100M race in the same category yesterday, March 22 and became the second Mongolian to ever win a gold medal in the Special Olympics. Mongolian first gold medalist in Special Olympics was N.Uyanga, who triumphed over the 50M race for the very first gold and came out second in the 100M race for the silver medal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As for the Snowshoeing Race, B.Oyunbileg secured silver medals in both 200M and 100M races. Meanwhile, S.Temuulen also scooped silver medal in 25M race. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Special Olympics World Winter Games take place every two years and involves adults and children with intellectual disabilities who can range from gifted, world-class competitors to average athletes to those with limited physical ability. The athletes are matched up according to their ability and age.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9290">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_hockey_team"></a>Mongolian hockey team wins silver medal at Asian Challenge Cup<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 24 (gogo.mn) The Mongolian national hockey team won silver medal from "Asian challenge cup-2017" which held in Bangkok, Thailand.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Team Mongolia secured the silver medal defeating Singapore by 13:0, Thailand by 5:4 and Malaysia by 10:5. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the final, team of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) won over Mongolian Team by penalty after 4:4 draw. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This year`s main contest was between the two runner-ups from last year, Mongolia and the UAE. Previously, Team Mongolia grabbed bronze medal in the last four years from Asian challenge cup.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157857">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Runner_B.Munkhzaya_wins"></a>Runner B.Munkhzaya wins international marathon in Taiwan<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 20 (MONTSAME) "New Taipei Wan Jin Shi 2017" international marathon was held on March 19 and <a href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Mongolian%20marathoner,%20International%20Master%20B.Munkhzaya%20won%20a%20gold%20medal%20in%20the%20women%E2%80%99s%20category">Mongolian marathoner, International Master B.Munkhzaya won a gold medal in the women's category</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>B.Munkhzaya won the women's title in a time of 02:38:08 over Gebre Getiso of Ethiopia who finished the race in 02:38:21 and Ayele Belachew was placed third in a time of 02:39:07. A total of some 12 thousand runners participated in this year's race and 32 elite international runners were among them.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As for the men's marathon, Kipkogei Yego of Kenya completed the run in 02:17:02 while Debela Belda of Ethiopia came in second in a time of 02:17:04 and Kipchirchir Keiyo of Kenya was placed third with a time of 02:17:15. The event host Taiwan's best performance in the men's category was a 16th place finish and 13th place in the women's category. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Wan Jin Shi Marathon is an internationally accredited race with international bronze certification status from the International Amateur Athletic Federation for three consecutive years since 2015.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9220">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Two_Canadians_to"></a>Two Canadians to Contest 2017 Mongol Derby<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 23 (Mongol Derby) Two Canadians will line up in a field 40-strong for the 2017 Mongol Derby, featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's longest and toughest horse race – across 1,000km of Mongolian steppe. Last year the race was jointly won by Heidi Teldstad, a lawyer from Langley, British Columbia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The two 2017 riders are: Olivia Wood, 24, a Canadian living in Buffalo, NY and Tamara Beckstead, 52, from Rockwood, Ontario.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This is the 9th Mongol Derby, featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's longest and toughest horse race. The 2017 race features 12 men and 23 women from nine countries riding 1,000km across Mongolia on semi-wild horses.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>William Comiskey was one of the joint winners in 2016. The following is a complete list of competitors:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.horse-canada.com/horse-news/two-canadians-to-contest-2017-mongol-derby/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_The_Mongolian_marathon"></a>The Mongolian marathon man who shone alone at Spain's 1992 Olympics<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Pyambuu Tuul recorded the worst time in 84 years in Barcelona, but it was a triumph over adversity<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 21 (El Pais) Unlike Eric Moussambani, the swimmer from Equatorial Guinea who crawled his way to fame in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games with the slowest time ever for the men's 100m freestyle, Mongolia's Pyambuu Tuul never became a household name.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>But Tuul's story is no less remarkable. It may have been the gold, silver and bronze marathon medalists who were invited to Barcelona this month to celebrate the 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary of <a href="http://elpais.com/elpais/2012/07/25/inenglish/1343216377_852059.html">the 1992 Olympics</a>, but it is the likes of Pyambuu Tuul who really remind us what the Olympian spirit is all about.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Born in 1959 in Ulan Bator, Tuul was the only Mongolian athlete competing in Barcelona. Signed up for the men's marathon, he took four hours and 44 seconds to complete the race, crossing the finishing line one hour and 47 minutes after the South Korean Young-Cho Hwang, who earned gold, and 56 minutes after the athlete who came in second to last.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>By the time Tuul was on the home stretch, the closing ceremony for the Games had begun and, along with four other of the slowest runners, he was shunted onto a warm-up track near the stadium devoid of spectators, all but silent and dimly lit.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Not that Tuul was a stranger to gloom. A plasterer by trade, he had lost his sight in both eyes at the age of 19 in an explosion. Twelve months before the 1992 Games, the Achilles Club financed an operation giving him his sight back in one eye. Unaware of this, one Olympic judge accused him of giving the club free publicity after Tuul, thinking the race was over, removed his bib, exposing the Achilles Club's name on his running vest.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In the event, free publicity would have been no more than the Achilles Club deserved. Set up in New York in 1983 to encourage disabled athletes to compete in athletic events, its founder Richard Traum came to hear of Tuul, and invited him to New York to run the 1991 New York marathon with the help of a guide. A simple operation meant he recovered his sight in one eye, allowing him to see his wife and two children, ages six and eight, for the first time. It was then that Tuul vowed to run the Olympic marathon.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A year later, in Barcelona accompanied by 20 police officers, a car full of judges, a posse of motorbikes and a sweeper van, Tuul kept his pledge and completed the 42.195km race in the highest-profile event in sport.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>After he had crossed the finish line, a journalist approached him and asked him why he had run so slowly. "No," he said. "I didn't run slowly. After all, you could call my run a Mongolian Olympic marathon record."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Another journalist then asked whether it had been the best day of his life, to which he replied: "Up until six months ago I had no sight at all. I was a totally blind person. When I trained it was only with the aid of friends who ran with me. But a group of doctors came to my country last year to do humanitarian medical work. One doctor took a look at my eyes and asked me questions. He said, 'But I can fix your sight with a simple operation'. So he carried out the operation and after 20 years I could see again. So today wasn't the greatest day of my life. The best day was when I got my sight back and I saw my wife and two daughters for the first time. And they are beautiful."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Tuul's marathon run was a grand gesture of gratitude. And he ended the race proud and happy, despite not actually finishing it inside the Olympic Stadium, and despite the fact the King and Queen of Spain, along with the other spectators, had long since given up waiting for him, and also despite the fact that his glasses had broken that same morning and he had to stick them together with tape. His time was the worst in 84 years, but his personal race had its own merit. "It was a test of man's possibilities," says Tuul.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://elpais.com/elpais/2017/03/16/inenglish/1489648463_674510.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Skier_B.Achbadrakh_perseveres"></a>Skier B.Achbadrakh perseveres in his race to the 2018 Winter Olympic<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 23 (UB Post) <i>Skier B.Achbadrakh made his country proud by seizing Mongolia's first medal from a World Championship event in skiing. Last February, he earned a bronze medal in the men's cross-country 10 km qualification race at the Nordic World Ski Championships by finishing in 27 minutes and 27 seconds, losing second place by mere 10 seconds.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>The young Mongolian skier has demonstrated that he is a world-class athlete. B.Achbadrakh revealed that he has set the ambitious goal to challenge himself at the Pyeong Chang 2018 Olympic Winter Games next.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>The 22-year-old athlete delves into the skiing sport, his recent successes and aspirations in the interview below.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Congratulations on winning Mongolia's first medal in skiing from a World Championship event. How confident were you about winning a medal at the Nordic World Ski Championships?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thank you. Since the beginning of 2017, I have participated in four major tournaments, namely the Student Ski World Cup/ GEM Altigliss Challenge, the 2017 Asian Winter Games, and the International Ski Federation (FIS)'s Alpine World Ski Championships and Nordic World Ski Championships. The last one was the most important one. Four Mongolian athletes entered the championships under coach J.Khaliun.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I'm glad that I was able to win a bronze medal on my second participation in this championship. Last time, I came in 25th place. I was sure that I'd be able to do well this time because I trained really hard.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>How did you feel standing on the podium and having the state flag raised on the world platform?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It's was indescribable. I hoped it wasn't a dream. My teammates were in tears when I arrived at the finishing line. At that exact moment, I was overwhelmed with emotions and I started crying. I felt so proud to be a Mongolian when I received my medal and when Mongolia's flag was raised. Almost immediately, my mind went to my nation and my parents.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I hurried to share the good news with my mother who bid me a safe journey and kissed my forehead the last time I saw her. She'd already heard the news when I finally managed to connect with her through the internet. She said she was proud of me and wept so much that she couldn't speak for a while. I'm pleased to have made my mother happy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I'd like to use this opportunity to share my gratitude to the national team, the Mongolian Ski Federation, academic research workers specialized in sports, the General Authority for Border Protection's Unit 0165, Khilchin Sports Committee, Uvurkhangai Province's Bat-Ulzii soum authority, and my family.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>How difficult was the ski racing track? Athletes from which country were strongest at the Nordic World Ski Championships?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It snowed a lot during the race. I competed against 67 athletes from 28 countries, and from them, Armenian, Lithuanian, and Belarusian skiers were the strongest.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>My main strategy was to stay with the leading group of skiers from beginning to end. My coach also advised that I keep up with the fastest skier and gradually reduce the distance between us.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>The latest championship you competed in was an A level competition. Was it possible for you to have done better?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The top 10 athletes of a B level competition become eligible to enter an A level competition. To be honest, I can't even confidently say that I had a good chance of getting a medal. Last time I entered this championship, I finished in 84th place out of 134 contestants.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I was also quite drained out by the previous competition – the Student Ski World Cup.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Didn't you participate in the Asian Winter Games right before the championship?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>That's right. After finishing the B level competition, I entered the Asian Winter Games in Japan. On the following day, I challenged the Nordic World Ski Championships so I got very tired during the last race.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>How did you train for the championship?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The national team and the Mongolian Ski Federation negotiated with Sky Resort and got us free passes to train at Sky Resort.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover, I took part in a joint training for over a month in Finland, which seems to have been very effective.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>How many points have you gained from qualification tournaments for the Pyeong Chang 2018 Olympic Winter Games?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Until today, Mongolians skiers failed to pass B level competitions. I crossed a huge hurdle and opened a huge opportunity by winning a bronze from the World Championships. It allows me to enter A level competitions in the future. Mongolian skiers have never competed in this type of competition before. I hope to earn an entry to the Olympics next.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>So far, I've collected 130 points. If I can earn 100 more points, I'll get the chance to make a historic achievement. If I'm able to do so, the FIS will gift another Mongolian skier with a right to enter the 2018 Olympic Winter Games. Another way for skiers to attain an Olympic quota is to get more than 300 points from five B level competitions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>What do you need to do to get 100 points?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I need to win medals. Even if I don't win first place, I should lose by a narrow margin. That's the only way I can earn an entry to the Winter Olympics.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Do you think winning a medal from the World Championship is different from winning an Olympic medal?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I'm sure I have a fair chance of winning an Olympic medal. Since my training facility is poor and I never get state support, I think it's better to rely on my own strengths. I will work hard on my own.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>You became the first Mongolian skier to win a medal from the World Championships. How did the Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Sports and people of your soum react?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It's really nice to be congratulated and encouraged by my relatives, people from my birthplace, and Mongolian Ski Federation members. Representatives from the ministry and federation welcomed me back home at the airport.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Is it true that your father was a skier? Did you become interested in skiing because of your father?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>My father loves skiing and his enthusiasm passed onto me. I used to enjoy watching my father ski in the coldest months. I wanted to ski so much that I started training in 2006, when I was 11 years old. Coach Bayandelgerer first taught me to ski on a wooden ski back in Bat-Ulzii soum of Uvurkhangai Province.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>It's interesting how you won the State Ski Championship five times but never won the junior and youth championships. Can you tell us about this?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yes, it's quite interesting. My personal record suddenly improved in 2012. I'm guessing it's because I didn't have a coach and trained on my own before then. I've made significant achievements within the last five years – ever since I started training under coach Dashdondog and Khaliun.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I became a Vice-master of Sports in 2012, a Master of Sports in 2014 and an International Sports Master two years ago. I joined the junior national team in 2013 and the national team in 2014. I won the State Ski Championship five times. I came in 29th place at the Student Ski World Cup, and in 11th place at the Sapporo International Ski Marathon.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>There are two forms of skiing – alpine and cross-country. In which form do you have a better chance of succeeding?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b> </b>My goal is to actively train and make significant achievements in both forms.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Do you do any other sports?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I do short distance running, in other words sprinting, on track and field. I will challenge myself in a competition if I ever get the chance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>As winter sports are still new to Mongolia, athletes training in winter sports don't have adequate training facilities. Have you ever felt like quitting and switching to another sport?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Skiers have to keep training throughout the year to become good. We rest only once a week. For sure, there are times when I get depressed. It's common for us to get frost bites while training in cold temperature.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Right now, we're training at Sky Resort because we don't have a proper training facility. When skiers from other countries post photos of their standard training places on their Facebook page, I envy them a lot. I heard that some countries provide accommodations right next to the training facility to athletes and provide them with everything they need.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our training conditions might be nowhere near those of countries that are highly developed in winter sports, but they are slowly improving and the government is starting to support us. The national team is covering our expenses for entering competitions and providing us with necessary medication and vitamins.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Young people have sufficient opportunities to start skiing and surpass skiers from other countries. I don't have the right to step back if I want to fulfill my goal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>What's the secret to your success?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I didn't come this far just by sitting around. All the sweat and effort I poured every day is starting to pay off. The old saying that you can carve a better future by thinking positively is really true.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Who I am today and what I'll achieve tomorrow all depends on me. I strongly believe that my hard work will pay off someday. One should never be satisfied with their current results and should always keep pushing oneself.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>What's your near-term plan?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>An Olympic qualifier tournament will take place next month in Turkey. I plan to enter that tournament as well as the Demino Ski Marathon, which will be held in Russia. Skiers will be required to ski 50 kilometers in the marathon. I'll start training in two days.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/23/skier-b-achbadrakh-perseveres-in-his-race-to-the-2018-winter-olympic/">Link to interview</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Breeders'_Cup_Winners"></a>Breeders' Cup Winners Oscar Performance, Mongolian Saturday Top Stellar Roster of Nominations for Opening Weekend of Keeneland's 2017 Spring Meet<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>Seven opening-weekend stakes worth a total of $2.55 million. View all nominations at <a href="http://www.keeneland.com/bluegrass"><b>KEENELAND.COM/BLUEGRASS</b></a></i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>LEXINGTON, KY (March 24, 2017)</b> – Two Breeders' Cup winners – 2016 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) winner Oscar Performance and Mongolian Saturday, winner of the 2015 TwinSpires Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1) at Keeneland – headline the list of horses nominated to five graded stakes that are part of seven stakes to be run during the April 7-9 opening weekend of Keeneland's 2017 Spring Meet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The 15-day season, from April 7-28, offers racing on Wednesdays through Sundays. Post time for the first race each day is 1:05 p.m. ET. Keeneland will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 16.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Highlighting opening weekend is the 93<sup>rd</sup> running of the <a href="http://www.keeneland.com/bluegrass/races/Toyota-Blue-Grass-(G2)"><b><i>$1 MILLION TOYOTA BLUE GRASS (G2)</i></b></a> and the 80<sup>th</sup> running of the <a href="http://www.keeneland.com/bluegrass/races/Central-Bank-Ashland-(G1)"><b><i>$500,000 CENTRAL BANK ASHLAND (G1)</i></b></a>, both on Saturday, April 8.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The opening-day feature is the 29<sup>th</sup> running of the <a href="http://www.keeneland.com/bluegrass/races/Transylvania-Presented-by-Keeneland-Select-(G3)"><b><i>$150,000 TRANSYLVANIA (G3) PRESENTED BY KEENELAND SELECT</i></b></a> for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles on turf. Amerman Racing's Oscar Performance, trained by Brian Lynch, is one of 39 horses nominated to the race. Winner of three of four career races, including the Pilgrim (G3), Oscar Performance has not started in 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also nominated to the Transylvania is Woodford Racing's Ticonderoga, who was fourth to Oscar Performance in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf in November at Santa Anita. Trained by Chad Brown, Ticonderoga won his 2017 debut, the Palm Beach (G3) at Gulfstream Park on March 4.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Toyota Blue Grass and the Central Bank Ashland anchor a blockbuster 11-race card on opening Saturday that features five stakes worth $2.25 million. Joining the Toyota Blue Grass and Central Bank Ashland are the 16<sup>th</sup> running of the <a href="http://www.keeneland.com/bluegrass/races/Madison-(G1)"><b><i>$300,000 MADISON (G1)</i></b></a> for older fillies and mares at 7 furlongs on the dirt; 21<sup>st</sup> running of the <a href="http://www.keeneland.com/bluegrass/races/Shakertown-(G2)"><b><i>$200,000 SHAKERTOWN (G2)</i></b></a> for 3-year-olds and up at 5½ furlongs on turf; and the 31<sup>st</sup> running of the <a href="http://www.keeneland.com/bluegrass/races/Commonwealth-(G3)"><b><i>$250,000 COMMONWEALTH (G3)</i></b></a> for older horses at 7 furlongs on the dirt.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Topping the 20 nominations for the Madison are LNJ Foxwoods' Constellation, winner of the 2016 La Brea (G1) at Santa Anita, and recent Grade 2 winners Distinta and High Ridge Road.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, Constellation finished second to Madison nominee Pretty N Cool in the Las Flores (G3) at Santa Anita on March 5 in her most recent start.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Distinta, owned by Veb Racing Stable Corp. and trained by Victor Barboza Jr., won the Inisde Information at Gulfstream on March 18.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Martin Schwartz's High Ridge Road, trained by Linda Rice, took the Barbara Fritchie at Laurel on Feb. 18 in her last outing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Shakertown attracted Mongolian Stable's Mongolian Saturday as the headliner among 27 nominees.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Trained by Enebish Ganbat, Mongolian Saturday won last October's Woodford (G3) Presented by Keeneland Select, the Keeneland Fall Meet equivalent of the Shakertown. In his other Keeneland start, which was prior to his Breeders' Cup victory, Mongolian Saturday finished second in the 2015 Woodford.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also among the nominees is defending champion Undrafted. Unraced since finishing eighth in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, Undrafted could join Soaring Free (2004-2005) as back-to-back winners of the Shakertown. Wesley Ward trains Undrafted, who finished third in the 2015 Shakertown.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Commonwealth attracted 32 nominations headed by Green Lantern Stables' A. P. Indian.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Trained by Arnaud Delacour, A. P. Indian won two Grade 1 races in 2016 and also triumphed in Keeneland's Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix (G2) before a third-place result in the TwinSpires Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) in his most recent start.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also nominated is Katherine Ball's Limousine Liberal, Keeneland's track-record holder at 6½ furlongs. Trained by Ben Colebrook, Limousine Liberal has not raced since being placed fourth in the Breeders' Cup Sprint and prior to that finished a nose behind A. P. Indian in the Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Completing the opening weekend stakes lineup on Sunday, April 9, is the 32<sup>nd</sup> running of the <a href="http://www.keeneland.com/bluegrass/races/Adena-Springs-Beaumont-(G3)"><b><i>$150,000 ADENA SPRINGS BEAUMONT (G3)</i></b></a> for 3-year-old fillies going 7 furlongs 184 feet on dirt.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Adena Springs Beaumont is the final prep in Kentucky for the Kentucky Oaks (G1) to be run May 5 at Churchill Downs. A total of 17 Kentucky Oaks points will be available in the race on a 10-4-2-1 scale for the top four finishers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Headlining the list of 39 nominees is Dancing Rags, winner of last fall's Darley Alcibiades (G1) at Keeneland.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Owned by Chadds Ford Stable and trained by Graham Motion, Dancing Rags has not raced since finishing eighth in last fall's 14 Hands Winery Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also among the nominees are the dead-heat winners of the 2016 Spinaway (G1) at Saratoga: Sweet Loretta and Pretty City Dancer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>St. Elias Stable owns Sweet Loretta, who is trained by Todd Pletcher. Pretty City Dancer is owned by John Oxley and trained by Mark Casse.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.keeneland.com/blue-grass/breeders%E2%80%99-cup-winners-oscar-performance-mongolian-saturday-top-stellar-roster-nominations">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s1600/image006-700268.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s320/image006-700268.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999236542530578" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Art></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Art & Entertainment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Tragedy_in_America:"></a>Tragedy in America: young Mongolian contortionist dies<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 22 (news.mn) A Mongolian girl, a member of 'Circus Mongolia' has died in the United States. According to an unofficial source, the girl, who is a contortionist might have been killed by someone. The Foreign Ministry of Mongolia explained that it could not give any information before receiving permission from the family.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Embassy of Mongolia in the USA is responsible for examining the case and to returning the girl's body to Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>'Circus Mongolia', led by director Ch.Katanbaatar flew to USA last week.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/328115">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Season_2_of"></a>Season 2 of "Your Face Sounds Familiar" starts in April<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 24 (news.mn) Edutainment TV will broadcast another international television franchise show entitled 'Your Face Sounds Familiar' from 2nd of April. The show is an interactive reality television franchise series developed by Endemol and Antena 3, where celebrity contestants impersonate singers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On 24th of March, the organisers announced who the seven contestants in the show would be, however, the identity of the judges and the eighth contestant has been kept hidden. The following celebrities will participate in the TV show: G.Mend-Amar, singer of Mongolian famous boy band 'Camerton', singer Khishigdalai, T.Barkhuu from X-Tuts production, B.Ariuntsetseg from 'Emotsi' production, S.Gantogoo, member of the South Korean 'Montant' band and the pianist S.Alimaa.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/328327">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_21_poets'_creations"></a>21 poets' creations made alive in 21 photographs<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 22 (MONTSAME) On the occasion of the World Poetry Day, observed on March 21, Zokhist Dorno publishing company and the Union of Mongolian Photographers jointly organized an exhibition called "Poems in Photos".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The photographic exhibition expressed deep meaning behind poems through each piece, also delivering a message to spark the love for nature, pristine landscape of our motherland.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Exhibit pieces were poems hailing the motherland by 21 famous Mongolian poets such as B.Lkhagvasuren, T.Galsan and D.Uriankhai and 21 distinguished photographers from the Mongolian Photographers' Union.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Poet Kh.Suglegmaa said: "We are living and authoring our creations in a world where everyone is massively informed and almost everything is digitalized. The most captivating thing about this exhibit is that all pieces are joint efforts of poets and photographers. I have written a poem called "Stone Ger", which has many words such as 'toono' and 'totgo' that can only be understood by Mongolians. This poem of mine was translated into English and Chinese. Luckily, a photographer from MONTSAME agency B.Chadraabal took a magnificent photo suited just for the meaning of my poem. The Stone Ger is one of the poems that should possess its place in Mongolian literature, and this piece is a unique phenomenon, as the photo captures the image of the author's birthplace, the Demchig Monastery in Khanbogd soum of Umnugobi (South Gobi) aimag".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This exhibition was the first of the annual series of such exhibitions by poets and photographers. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/9273">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_New_book_re-assesses"></a>New book re-assesses 20th century Mongolian literature<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 20 (MONTSAME) World Poetry Day falls on March 21, Tuesday. In connection with the day, an important new publication was launched by the Department of Mongolian Language and Literature, University of Ulaanbaatar on March 20, Monday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Titled 'Mongolian Literature in the 20th century', the book has been written as the first volume of 'Comparative research on the 20th century literature in Mongolia and Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region of China' project, co-implemented by the University of Ulaanbaatar and Inner Mongolia Academy of Social Sciences.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Since there are number of publications evaluating literature works written in the 20th century, the authors E.Batjavkhlan, Sh.Battur and A.Munkh-Orgil, faculties of the Department of Mongolian Language and Literature, University of Ulaanbaatar approached the literature from 1900-2000 as a precious cultural heritage in terms of its literary elements and context with a basis on interconnection between oral and written literature, tradition and reforms and social and mental factors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Division of the 20th century literature into periods hasn't been generalized or commonly agreed upon; therefore the authors simply divided the century into decades, and chose literature works based on its quality rather than author for their analysis. The authors have worked on the book for the last 2-3 years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Professor S.Baigalsaikhan, editor of the book and Director of the University of Ulaanbaatar noted that the book will play a considerable role in the humanitarian education in primary and secondary schools in Mongolia and further simplify the teaching methodology of literature in the last century. "The book is an attempt to detach Mongolian literature in the 20th century from the old approach of it deeply reflecting political and socialist ideology", remarked S.Baigalsaikhan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The publishers are planning to distribute the book free of charge to all state-run schools in Ulaanbaatar which were represented by their teachers at the launch event, which was also attended by senior writers and those who adore literature.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/education/9231">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Exhibition:_'Crescendo'_at"></a>Exhibition: 'Crescendo' at UMA<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 21 (UB Post) Young artist J.Anunaran is showcasing her fifth solo exhibition, "Crescendo", at the Art Gallery of the Union of Mongolian Artists through March 23.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Crescendo" is a continuation of her previous exhibitions "Metamorphosis" and "Freewill". Her artworks continue to reflect an emphasis on the inner workings of things.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Patterns and elements of manufactured textiles were installed in the gallery to be absorbed as part of the artwork's surrounding environment, creating layers of recurrent and irregular shapes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We acknowledge the uniqueness of our bodies, moreover our unique destiny, through the evidence of the passage of time of the human life: wrinkles, scars, and moles that tell our stories and are markers of our memories and the negative counterparts of life experiences.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Enhanced by contrasts, spiritual connections are not always apparent in our physical being, yet brought into existence in our souls, they embody a linear witnessing of our existence.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Throughout time, marks on our bodies that were conceived in the womb can drift away from symmetry to an anti-symmetrical state, while the development of individual aesthetics become a process of self-creation in an existence free from guidelines for visual aesthetics.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Geometric shapes – as if they were created at the start of the universe in outer space, express our history and the processes we are going through, just like the lines on our palms.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/21/crescendo/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_Folk_Metal"></a>Mongolian Folk Metal Band 'Tengger Cavalry' Releases Cover of Avril Lavigne Song<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 23 (Ultimate Guitar) Global Music Award-winning Nomadic Mongolian folk metal group Tengger Cavalry aren't just all about history, heavy metal and cultural issues.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sometimes, the NYC-based quintet just wants to take time to enjoy themselves and have fun. Tengger Cavalry have let loose this month by recording not one, but two covers of tracks by punk-influenced pop star Avril Lavigne. Showcasing their ability to explore different influences while remaining true to their unique sound, Tengger Cavalry have unleashed their Mongolian metal version of the hit song, "My Happy Ending". Watch the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUj0s4rW8CQ">official video</a> now!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/community_feed/mongolian_folk_metal_band_tengger_cavalry_releases_cover_of_avril_lavigne_song.html">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_ballet_celebrates"></a>Mongolian ballet celebrates 30<sup>th</sup> anniversary<span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828;letter-spacing:-.75pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 24 (MONTSAME) This year marks the 30th anniversary of Three Hills of Misfortune ballet which was first staged on March 28, 30 years from now.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In commemoration of the anniversary, three generations of Mongolian ballet dancers are going to stage a special performance for Mongolian ballet lovers on March 25, Saturday at Mongolian State Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Based on famous Mongolian writer D.Natsagdorj's tragic opera 'Dramatic Three Hills' which can be understood as Mongolian Romeo and Juliet, the ballet was finally delivered to Mongolian audience after State Honored Cultural Figure B.Jamiyandagva worked on the choreography for about 20 years. The ballet's music was composed by State Honored Artist J.Mend-Amar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>"When they first staged the Dramatic Three Hills opera in the 1960s, they changed the ending to a happy one which received backlash from both audiences and critics. Then after about 20 years, we staged its ballet version with the original plot, and I would say, audience reaction was very positive with a number of people congratulating me", recalled B.Jamiyandagva.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>Since then, the ballet has been performed 132 times by generations of Mongolian ballet dancers. State Foremost Artist N.Erdenetsetseg, who was the first Nansalmaa, the female protagonist also shared, "When B.Jamiyandagva choreographed the ballet, he complied with the rules of ballet choreography but added traditional Mongolian dance elements which made the ballet altogether very traditional and unique".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/9323">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_B.Tserendolgor's_life_gets"></a>B.Tserendolgor's life gets a makeover after Mongolia's Next Top Model<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 22 (UB Post) <i>Model B.Tserendolgor's victory in Mongolia's Next Top Model (MNTM) is causing a sensation among fashion enthusiasts in Mongolia.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>The 20-year-old model says that the show helped boost her confidence and interest in fashion. She sees her life change right in front of her eyes now that she has signed a two-year modeling contract with Singapore's Look Models Agency on top of winning a 20 million MNT cash prize and a plane ticket to Paris.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>B.Tserendolgor was interviewed to get inside information about the first season of the Mongolian adaptation of the Next Top Model show, her lifestyle, and future aspirations.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Congratulations on winning MNTM. How confident were you that you would win?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thank you very much. I can't believe I won a world-class fashion show. I was so happy that I can't remember what happened. To be honest, the other two finalists were very strong opponents so I wasn't 100 percent confident of winning. My phone hasn't stopped ringing since this morning (March 13) and my Instagram and Facebook page are full of congratulatory messages.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Yu.Baljidmaa received the most votes from the public in the final, but you won thanks to extremely high votes from the judges. Yu.Baljidmaa's fans must have felt disappointed. What's your thoughts on this?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia is a world of beauty pageants. People haven't been fully convinced that modeling is a career. Had they understood this, there wouldn't have been any problems. Even so, they have the right to express their views. I still don't think I need to make a statement on this.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>You and Yu.Baljidmaa are experienced models who worked at Mongol Model Agency. Did you know Yu.Baljidmaa before the show?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Seven months have passed since I joined Mongol Model Agency. Before I entered MNTM, I didn't know Yu.Baljidmaa that well. I only knew her face. We became closer during the show. We battled it out fairly and tried to achieve our respective goals and dreams. A competition is still a competition. Throughout the show, we always had friendly and fair competition with each other.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Some people claimed that you lied about your age during the show. Is it true?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There were some issues about my age. When I was 14, I participated in a competition saying I was two years older. The organizers were aware of that. I had to lie about my age to be able to enter the competition. I didn't want to deceive others.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Which task was the hardest during MNTM?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The hardest was the photoshoot with my mother. I was overwhelmed with emotions during the photoshoot because I was so happy to see her but also nervous modeling with her. I can't remember how I finished the photoshoot, but I was definitely very happy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Which main photoshoot challenge was hardest to do?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Out of the main challenges, the photoshoot in Khuvsgul Province was the most difficult. I'm sure all contestants think so. We had to wear light clothing when it was -40 degrees Celsius. The photoshoot might have seemed like it took only two or three minutes, but in reality, each person stood in front of the camera for 15 to 20 minutes. It was really hard back then. I guess it's something a model must do.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>How would you assess the way MNTM was organized?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I'm sure it had the best organization out of all Mongolian shows. Judges' skills, tasks given to us, and everything else was perfect. The objective of MNTM is to show what a model does to the masses. I believe it succeeded in fulfilling that objective.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>When did you become interested in modeling? When did you first walk on the runway?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I never dreamed of becoming a model when I was a child. I developed an interest in fashion two years ago and started learning about it. Right then, designer Ariunaa Suri offered me a job and we met for the first time. She even picked me as her model. She's the one who helped me the most in making my interests and dreams become reality.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Honestly speaking, I never expected myself to fall in love with the fashion industry this much. I believe in fate. I guess I was fated to enter the fashion industry.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Are you working with Ariunaa Suri right now?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The contract I signed back then has expired. People might have known me as a model for Ariunaa Suri's brand. My successful participation in MNTM has made my existence in the fashion industry stronger.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>You're studying dentistry at Ach University of Medical Sciences. Why did you choose dentistry? Do you plan to focus on your studies or modeling in the near-future?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I think that dentistry is a very productive and good profession. There's so many complex work like filling teeth. It requires so much time and concentration to specialize in dentistry. At first, I wanted to study cosmetic surgery, which then changed to my current field of study. I will graduate next year. I will definitely study hard and strive to become a good dentist. However, my near-term goal is to prioritize my modeling career. Since there's time for everything, I'm sure the days for me to study more and work as a dentist will come someday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Many viewers believe that you won thanks to your confidence, decisive and strong-willed personality. Are you usually confident?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>My imagination makes me stronger and more confident. I fantasize about everything. For example, I don't eat fast food because I imagine how badly it would affect my health. I tend to imagine the consequences before making any decision. That helps me believe that I'm doing the right thing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It was easier for me to get into character during photoshoots because I visualized it beforehand. In a way, I improved my imagination skills by reading storybooks. In my opinion, books affect greatly on one's behavior, views, and approach to things.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>People in the fashion industry noted that you have unique features. How satisfied are you with your appearance?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A photo of my bare smiling face was shared on social media. A person 100 percent satisfied with their appearance doesn't fear looking bad in front of others. Who can look beautiful all the time, right? It would be boring. I try to act and look myself.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Do you have a boyfriend?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I was asked this question too much on Facebook. I do have a boyfriend. We've been together for over a year. He works at New Media Group and studies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Do you do any sport?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I'm interested in boxing. I'm embarrassed to say I train in any sport because athletes would laugh at me. I'm a sports fan. I like to do sports when I have free time. I actually enjoy adventure sports. I've been doing aerobics for three years now. I only recently started boxing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Models use a lot of makeup for photoshoots. How do you take care of your skin?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>My skin has become very sensitive right now. The skin can get damaged due to stress, too much makeup, and unstable emotions. I don't like using different kinds of products for skin care. If I use too many beauty products when I'm 20, my skin will demand much more when I'm 40. So I try to use as few products as possible. Cleansing is more important than makeup. Also, I never leave the house without putting on sunscreen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Do you buy brand products and clothes?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Many girls use beauty product sets. All my life, I've used Nivea Soft products. As for clothes, I don't buy expensive brand-name products. I'm a student without a stable income. It's impossible to buy whatever I want since I'm financially dependent on my parents. I try to find casual clothes that suit me and are cheap.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>How has your life changed since MNTM?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For a fact, a lot of things have changed for my modeling career. That was my main goal for signing up for the show. However, the individual B.Tserendolgor hasn't changed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I was hesitant before deciding to enter the show. I managed to register just before the deadline. Now that I mustered the courage to enter it, I'm receiving tons of encouragement from friends and family. I'm glad I made the right decision. Everyone has a path to tread and a fate to follow. My bold decision has led me to this success.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Many people helped to successfully organize the show. I'd like to express my gratitude to all of them and my fellow contestants.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>What makes a good model in your opinion?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Models must have a unique and attractive face. Models actually work unlike beauty pageants. That's the main difference between them. Beauty pageants are peace ambassadors while models do jobs. It's a profession. Models are people who are able to promote new creations of other people.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>You signed a two-year modeling contract. How do you plan to stand out from among foreign models?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I will use the fact that I'm a Mongolian as my advantage. I want to show how beautiful and brilliant Mongolians are.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>What's your ultimate goal?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I don't want to be boxed by anything. I don't want to limit my potential to one thing by saying that it's my ultimate goal. I will work hard to show what Mongolian models are capable of to the world.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/22/b-tserendolgors-life-gets-a-makeover-after-mongolias-next-top-model-2/">Link to interview</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s1600/image006-700268.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s320/image006-700268.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6401999236542530578" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Travel></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Travel<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Regular_passports_to"></a>Regular passports to be issued for five and ten years, will not be extended<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 22 (Mongolian Economy) In 2004, the 12th session of International Civil Aviation Organization's meeting in Cairo issued a protocol regarding biometric technology in machine readable travel documents, which included instructions such as not extending the validity of machine readable travel documents and not accepting extended passports as machine readable travel documents.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For holders of extended Mongolian passports, this created the risk of being denied boarding onto international flights and entry into foreign countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hence, the Cabinet has thus decided to reform the current travel document policy to bring it in line with international standards. There will be no changes in fees in connection with this decision, the Cabinet's media department reported.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolianeconomy.mn/en/i/9710">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Oxford_medical_students"></a>Oxford medical students take ambulance to Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 24 (South Central Ambulance Service - NHS Foundation Trust) Three medical students at Oxford University are soon to start the adventure of a lifetime, driving an ambulance from Oxford to Mongolia for charity.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Their 5,000 mile journey starts from Oxford this Sunday (26 March), will take three weeks to complete and is part of the Mongolia Charity Rally – an annual event organised by the charity, Go Help. At the finish line the ambulance will be donated to the Mongolian Health Services, as the country faces a serious shortage of emergency vehicles.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The team has raised £2,000 in donations for Go Help and a further £8,000 for the costs of the trip through travel grants and adventure bursaries – managing to achieve this while working towards their final exams which they passed in January.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We've been planning the project for more than a year", said Jennifer Southern, who came up with the idea. "It's a huge relief to have put the exams behind us and to have qualified. Between revision and this project, we've had little time for anything else – but it's been worth it. Now we can focus on getting ourselves and the ambulance to Mongolia in one piece!"<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The ambulance they will be driving has been donated by South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Phil Pimlott, Assistant Director of Operational Quality and Compliance at SCAS said: "We renew our vehicles every eight years or so. This ambulance has reached retirement age, but it's in great working order. It's nice to know that it will be put to good use by the charity."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We're incredibly grateful for the support that we've received from SCAS and elsewhere", said Emily McFiggans, another or the student trio. "For example, the costs of our heavy goods vehicle driving tests were sponsored by local driving school, Trailer Training UK. We're really humbled by everyone's generosity."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jennifer, Emily and Alex will take the northern route to Mongolia, travelling through Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Russia. You can follow their progress at <a href="https://mongoliaambulanceproject.wordpress.com/">https://mongoliaambulanceproject.wordpress.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you would like to help with the costs of the journey (such as fuel and driving permits) please visit <a href="http://www.gofundme.com/going-short">www.gofundme.com/going-short</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To make a charitable donation directly to Go Help, please visit <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/medics-khan-drive">www.justgiving.com/fundraising/medics-khan-drive</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.scas.nhs.uk/oxford-medical-students-take-ambulance-to-mongolia/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Sophie_Howarth:_From"></a>Sophie Howarth: From Big Day Out to Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>(2ser FM) Sophie Howarth's passion for festival photograhy started when became an official photographer for the Big Day Out , and has since taken her to Mongolia to cover the Golden Eagle Festival of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While they may seem worlds apart, she thinks all festivals have a similar feeling of magic; that "there's really something other-worldy that happens in that environment".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sophie came into the 2SER studio to speak with Adrian about her photography exhibition <i>Soaring - The Golden Eagle Festival of Mongolia.</i> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Soaring - The Golden Eagle Festival of Mongolia</i> can be viewed in the foyer of the Dendy Cinema on King Street Newtown.</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>The Eagle Huntress</i> has been on limited release nationally since March 16.</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Prints of Sophie's photos are <a href="http://www.sophiehowarthphotography.com/shp_purchase.html" target="_self">available for sale online</a></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.2ser.com/privacy/itemlist/category/569-the-daily">Link to audio</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Top_10_Shocking"></a>Top 10 Shocking Facts About Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 25 (Most Amazing Top 10) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDOA5uVGk1w">Link to video</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_The_10_best"></a>The 10 best experiences you can't miss in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 26 (Living Nomads) Mongolia is a wonderful country to explore and experience the steppes and the features in the traditional culture of the nomadic community. If you are intending to travel to Mongolia, there are 10 things you definitely can not miss.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>1. Visit the Ulaanbaatar Capital<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar is a great place to start your journey in Mongolia. When coming here, you can visit the large number of museums, monasteries and other interesting places. To get acquainted with the culture and life of the Mongolian people before exploring the suburb of the city, you should choose a reliable hotel or motel to stay in Ulaanbaatar for at least two nights.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mongolian tourism industry is still in the development stage, so you may have some troubles in finding tour guides, purchasing train ticket or other transportation. Although there are some companies that help travelers make these arrangements, but the service charges are relatively high. However, the quality hotels in Ulaanbaatar often help travelers find tour guides and give advice on sightseeing places.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>2. Learn about history<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian history is associated with horses, nomadic customs, Genghis Khan and the Ulaanbaatar capital. Travelers should start Mongol journey from the National Museum in the center of Ulaanbaatar. This is the largest museum in Mongolia and it will help you to experience the history of this country from the ancient time until now.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>3. Stay in the Mongolian tents<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>This is the traditional style of nomadic people in Mongolia and maintains until now. Staying in traditional tents is definitely something you should do if you come to Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On the suburb of the Ulaanbaatar capital, you will also find this kind of tent if you want to experience traditional life while enjoying the comforts of urban life also.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the suburbs, there are many families willing to welcome visitors to stay in their homes. However, if you do not like to stay in a homestead, you can stay at tents camps that are reserved for travelers with the outside like a traditional tent, but it is very comfortable as a hotel.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>4. Ride the camel in the Gobi desert<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you want to go to the countryside of Mongolia, you must cross the Gobi desert. In the journey across the Gobi desert, visitors can take a night or a full day. However, this is an exciting journey that anyone who goes to Mongolia should experience. In the Dalanzadgad town, you have the opportunity to explore the features of this desert, including the Bayanzag Cliffs and the spectacular sand dunes of Khongriin Els.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Even in the winter, the Gobi desert also brings an interesting experience. Although the temperature does not drop as other areas of Mongolia, you can still feel the cold bones or see camels with thick fur in the snow.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>5. Overnight at the monastery<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Although much Mongolian has atheism, Buddhism is still the main religion in this country. In Ulaanbaatar or other big cities, you can see a lot of monks on the street. For the enjoyable experiences, guests can visit and spend the night at monasteries such as Manjusri Monastery located in Bogd Khan National Park south of Ulaanbaatar city.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Visitors often have some difficulty in finding information about an overnight at monasteries in Mongolia. However, you can ask the help of the guides, they will help you to book accommodations or directly ask the manager of the monasteríe you visit, they often rarely refuse.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>6. Horse Riding<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>When you came to Mongolia once time, any visitor want to try horse riding along the vast steppes of the country. If you ride the horse for sightseeing, you should hire a tour guide. Typically, when traveling to Mongolia, visitors usually buy horses for use and then resell them after finish the journey. This option is cheaper than hiring a horse.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tour guides can also help you find overnight accommodation, in hotels or in tents of indigenous families. In addition, visitors can also set their own tents to enjoy private space.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>7. Drink horse milky wine<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Horse milky wine is a cuisine of Mongolia. It has the taste of the usual wine and the characteristic odor of horses, which has a high alcohol dosage. One thing to keep in mind is that if you go into a local home, you will be considered rude if you refuse to drink horse milk when you are invited.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Besides horse milk, you should try some other drinks like Borgio and Altai Gobi or black beers Khar Khorum. Another drink is stronger than beer and lighter than horse milky wine is vodka, which is extremely cheap and easy to buy at local stores.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>8. Explore Khovsgol Lake<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Although Ulaanbaatar is the coldest city in the world in the winter, however, in the summer, Mongolia is relatively warm. At this time, local people often go to the suburb on the weekend to view the Khovsgol Lake. Here, you can take a cool bath in Khovsgol Lake, fishing, boating or walk.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You can get to Khovsgol Lake by airplane or bus from the Ulaanbaatar capital to Mörön, one of the main cities along the lake. You should travel by bus for having the chance to see the Mongolian countryside through the car window.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>9. Experience festivals<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Attending the festival is the fastest way if you want to experience the culture of Mongolia. One of the biggest and most famous festivals in this country is the Naadam festival that takes place from July 11 to 13. This festival is also considered the second oldest Olympics in the world.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Here, local people are proud to watch their favorite athletes in competing. The three main subjects of the festival are archery, horse riding, and wrestling. There are also many other activities such as traditional dance and enjoy the food.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Another popular festival in Mongolia is the Bayan-Ölgii Eagle, held in late September. At this festival, you can see a lot of hawks, although they have an origin in neighboring Kazakhstan, but they have lived in Mongolia for decades and have adapted to the climate here.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>10. Skiing on Altai Mountain<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>In Mongolia, you can ski near the Ulaanbaatar capital with its original slides, completely natural and clean.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you want to hire a local guide to help carry your luggage, you should invite a few other friends to save on service costs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Read more Mongolia travel guide at <a href="http://buffalotrip.com/mongolia">here</a></i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://livingnomads.com/2017/03/best-experiences-in-mongolia-best-things-to-do-and-see-in-mongolia/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Discovering_a_Country"></a>Discovering a Country through its Festival: The Naadam Festival, Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 20 (FestPop) When traveling to a foreign nation, or even exploring the US, a traveler must always consider the best way to explore the country's history and culture. Taking the time to go to a festival is perfect for those who want more than the photo-op tourist spots. A festival, whether a music festival or national event, is a fun and exciting way to get beneath the surface and learn about the culture and lifestyle of the country. The Naadam Festival in Mongolia is a national festival that combines the county's equine culture with traditional games along with food and music.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="https://www.discovermongolia.mn/mongolia-naadam-festival-and-gobi-tour/">Discover Mongolia</a></b> reported that the three sports played over the two-day festival are horse racing, wrestling, and archery. The site writes: "this is the best time to see the Mongolian people and soak up the party atmosphere." The festival is so important to Mongolian culture that in 2010 it was put on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO. Competitors in the sports wear traditional Mongolian garments that haven't changed in centuries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Alongside the traditional sports the <b><a href="http://www.unesco.org/culture/ich/en/RL/naadam-mongolian-traditional-festival-00395">UNESCO</a> </b>site states the festival includes "oral traditions, performing arts, national cuisine, craftsmanship, and cultural forms such as long song." There is no better place to get a sense of Mongolia's people than the Naadam Festival. Horse riding and racing is an integral part of Mongolia's culture and forms the center of Naadam's entertainment. Unlike racing in countries such as the US and UK, the race takes place over a long distance and is much more like a cross-country event than track racing. An interesting fact is that children train to be jockeys when they are young and take part in the race at a much earlier age than in the West. The Naadam Festival has existed for centuries, with some sources claiming it began as far back as the 13th Century, and its legacy is a vital part of the Mongolia's identity.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Exploring a nation's equine culture is a great way to discover a country. Most equine events are accompanied with a festival that celebrates the country's cultural peculiarities. For example, <b><a href="https://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/grand-national/grand-national-2016-guide-start-time-date-tv-coverage-270316-200.html">Mike Norman</a></b>, a journalist who writes articles on the Grand National for <b><a href="https://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/grand-national/">Betfair Horse Racing</a></b> describes the race as "one of the biggest events in the sporting calendar." It's not only one of the country's most prestigious races but it is also a great way to experience Britain's sporting heritage through the surrounding events that accompany the races. Likewise the Kentucky Derby in the US is the oldest continuous race in America making it, like the Naadam Festival for Mongolia and the Grand National for the UK, an essential stop for visitors wanting to get a deeper sense of American history.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Like festivals in the US, the Naadam Festival is the ideal place to meet new people whether it is from the local communities or even fellow travelers. The festival is held during July 10-12 every year and can be integrated into a tour of the area. For those who take chance and seek out the country's festivals it can be one of the most rewarding travel experiences.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://festpop.com/news/discovering-country-festival-naadam-festival-mongolia/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_National_Geographic_Adventure's"></a>National Geographic Adventure's Mongolian Horse Trek<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 21 (We Blog the World) Blessed indeed. I found my way to Mongolia five years ago, this year, 2016, will be my sixth summer returning. I remember my first <a href="http://writinghorseback.com/2012/08/horseback-riding-vacation-terelj-national-park-mongolia/" target="_blank">trip to Mongolia</a>, after about a week of being there when I was sitting on a log nestled in the willow trees by the river and I knew it in my bones that I'd be back, that I'd found a place so special, so magical that I'd return.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Right around Valentine's Day in 2011 I booked my first horseback riding vacation to Mongolia, signing up for <a href="http://www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com/" target="_blank">National Geographic Adventure's Mongolian Horse Trek</a>. It would be a two week trip, starting and ending in Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia's capital. The first day was spent in the capital visiting a museum and a monastery which was lovely. After the long flights to get to Mongolia it felt good to be on my feet walking for the day. Prior to the trip I hadn't given much thought to Mongolia's history or religion, all I had wanted to do was ride. I certainly knew of Chinngis Khan but on this day I learned so much more of Mongolia's rich and fascinating history. Interesting? Absolutely. But get me to the horses. The second day we left the city for Kharakhorin, the ancient capital of Mongolia, to visit Erdene Zuu, a Buddhist monastery. I appreciated these two days more than I thought I would as they added to the big picture of Mongolia that would develop over the next couple of weeks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the late afternoon of the third day we arrived at Lapis Sky camp in the Arkhangai provence of Mongolia, east of Ulaan Baatar. Our bus drove up to a little saddle between mountain tops and stopped. We were told we were just about to camp and our guides suggested we walk down the other side of the saddle to the camp to stretch our legs. Excellent idea. As we crested the saddle and looked down at the valley below we were all completely captivated. The crooked and narrow valley below with the river running thru the middle, lined with willows and cottonwood trees, was unbelievably beautiful. I already wanted to stay much longer than scheduled.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The next week and half flew by, everyday was filled with something new and wonderful. We visited nomadic families in their homes, we enjoyed a concert put on by local school children who sang and played traditional Mongolian music, we were visited by a shaman, we took photography lessons from our guide Thomas Kelly, a professional photographer, in the mornings we took yoga classes from our other guide, Carroll Dunham, we went to Naadam which is an athletic event with wrestling and horse races where children are the riders, we hiked, we fly fished…and of course we rode.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Everyday while in the countryside we rode, usually once before lunch and again after lunch. We rode on horseback thru forests, to mountain tops with spectacular views, we crossed rivers and rode thru meadows filled with wildflowers. We rode in a herd, the guides, the translators, the guests and six local horseman (whose horses we were riding), a large group of around twenty-five people. We would naturally get strung out as some folks wanted to take it slow to absorb their surroundings and others would want to, as Carroll says, get their ya-yas out by going a little faster.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At Lapis Sky camp our rooms were gers, the typical, round nomadic dwellings constructed of wood, wool and canvas. They were simply furnished in traditionally painted Mongolian furniture and I found mine to be cozy and comfortable and perfect.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the center of each ger was a fireplace which was greatly appreciated since we were living completely off the grid. No electricity. The staff would make fires for us in the mornings before breakfast and in the evening during dinner but sometimes I would do it myself, I appreciated the chance to reacquaint myself with building a fire and keeping it going. The nights were chilly, the temperature would dip into the low 40's and once even into the 30's, but tucked into my down sleeping bag I was very comfortable.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We were able to keep our cameras and other various electronics charged as Thomas had a charging station set up using solar panels. There also was no running water (which meant we had to use outhouses) but with the camp being set up next to a river we were never short on water. In the forest was the shower, a ger with a hand-laid rock floor and a fireplace which kept the ger toasty warm and heated up the water which was put in shower bags and hung from the ceiling to use for washing up.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After a couple of days at Lapis Sky camp it was time for our horse trek. We packed our bags and put them in the jeeps that transported them for us, said good bye to our gers, the next three nights we would be sleeping in tents. We mounted our horses and headed out. In the next four days we would ride a round trip of over forty miles, taking one full day to enjoy the beautiful location at Mandal Mountain, a sacred mountain in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The day at Mandal Mountain was spent hiking to the top after breakfast and participating in a wonderfully touching and beautiful ceremony at the top led by Carroll. After lunch there was free time to rest, relax, go fishing or ride. This particular spot was perfect for getting in a great gallop and after a few days of getting familiar with my horse that's exactly what I did. The last day of the horse trek, the return to Lapis Sky camp, was our thunder hoof day. That day we rode the full 20 miles home, riding thru a canyon, over a mountain, down thru a forest and out thru a valley. The horses were headed home and they knew it. The day was glorious, filled with energy and spirit and lots of running.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I grew up outside of Washington D.C. riding in an arena. I was fortunate enough to have a fabulous teacher who gave me an excellent foundation in horsemanship and riding. I moved to Montana for University and it was there I began trail riding in the mountains. But galloping in the countryside of Mongolia was an exhilaration I had not previously experienced. I had certainly ridden in gorgeous places but there was something extra in Mongolia, something primal, something wild, something free.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I also fell in love with the locals. The Mongol nomads tend to be a quiet people but they are some of the warmest and most generous people I have ever come across in all my travels. They are proud but not arrogant. I found sitting in their homes and talking while drinking and eating some of their traditional drinks and foods to be so comfortable and comforting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the end of our tour I was heartbroken to be leaving. I had fallen so deeply in love with Mongolia – it's land, it's people and culture and it's horses. I remained in contact with Thomas and Carroll after the tour ended and I managed to talk them into letting me return to help out for all of the next summer tours. I suppose they found me useful as I have been returning to work every summer since.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>DETAILS:<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://weblogtheworld.com/formats/featured/national-geographic-adventures-mongolian-horse-trek">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDD4eyA4V-90nn2glkU21wymk-OXyEM9xx0fDDcTG8wHbmci-3W13ZBnMMiKh40FJkWL-5YZ2xmLOj4VUlSJ0o31Khn7dh5Vwerp5GOms6CQTY2oysDjY5SeO0Z348SunzQNnnP7PYno/s1600/image006-700268.jpg"><img 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Complex<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>14 Chinggis Avenue, Sukhbaatar District 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia<br></span><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Email</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: </span><a href="mailto:info@covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@covermongolia.com</span></a><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Website</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: <a href="http://www.covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>www.covermongolia.com</span></a></span><u><span style='color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Phone (Office)</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: +976 7711 6779</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:Webdings;color:#339966'>P</span><span style='color:#339966'> </span><span lang=EN-AU style='color:#007F00;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-8135898175546346272017-03-20T12:49:00.000+08:002017-03-20T12:52:24.321+08:00EVENT: Mongolia Mineral Exploration Roundup 2017 International Forum, March 23-26, Corporate Convention Center<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://mmer.mn/?lang=en"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSWZe2c0VVEHbxii-5-jNbKnMjT3309XjsKIGb9zGUh4tVjbnCpgWqm2h7sWv_9dmyGSRo5ZmVx9UWyXihOZibjVjT9PJWcIbkYXavjJQLs46RMOME-a2tMZz8ejoirW6nJyDyqRbgls/s1600/image002-724454.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsSWZe2c0VVEHbxii-5-jNbKnMjT3309XjsKIGb9zGUh4tVjbnCpgWqm2h7sWv_9dmyGSRo5ZmVx9UWyXihOZibjVjT9PJWcIbkYXavjJQLs46RMOME-a2tMZz8ejoirW6nJyDyqRbgls/s320/image002-724454.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399438676739437010" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJoEFS2Pgx1B00NAFXQoh1dbz9NXiNPjgKsCtCE-mJs5u309Yqkho4YLhSUOS8OhdEkoP9c_ISvUu1DLOJNEy8Y5PFUB6DPFyRpKWSI_ALBIDxCI6lohoJ3l-mZSE42f3RbuhI2nNDoo/s1600/image003-726821.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPJoEFS2Pgx1B00NAFXQoh1dbz9NXiNPjgKsCtCE-mJs5u309Yqkho4YLhSUOS8OhdEkoP9c_ISvUu1DLOJNEy8Y5PFUB6DPFyRpKWSI_ALBIDxCI6lohoJ3l-mZSE42f3RbuhI2nNDoo/s320/image003-726821.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399438686516040738" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Monday, March 20, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'>Cover Mongolia</span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span style='color:#4472C4'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></u>, <span style='color:#00B0F0'><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#00B0F0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#2F5597'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#2F5597'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span style='color:black'>, </span><span style='color:#C55A11'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><b><span style='color:#C55A11'>Instagram</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#C00000'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><b><span style='color:#C00000'>YouTube</span></b></a></span> and <span style='color:#FFC000'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><b><span style='color:#FFC000'>Blogspot</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1>Mongolia Mineral Exploration Roundup 2017 International Forum, March 23-26<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>It is our great pleasure to formally inform you that the 9<sup>th</sup> International Geological Forum and Exhibition “MONGOLIA MINERAL EXPLORATION ROUNDUP 2017” (MMER-2017) organized by Mongolian Society of Economic Geologists (MonSEG), will take place March 23-26<sup>th</sup>, 2017 at Corporate Convention Center, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This forum is co-organized by Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry, Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority of Mongolia, State Specialized Inspection Agency, Mongolian University of Science and Technology and Mongolian National University. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We cordially invite all of you to take part at one of the significant annual upcoming event in the exploration industry, where will be discussed major issues related to mineral sector of the country. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The following activities will be organized in the framework of the forum:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:64.35pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span lang=MN style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Pre-forum geoscience students conference <span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:64.35pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span lang=MN style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Main sessions<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:64.35pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span lang=MN style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Exploration and mining projects introduction, investors meeting <span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:64.35pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span lang=MN style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Exploration and mining companies exhibition including the ministry of mining and heavy industry, government regulatory agencies<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:64.35pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span lang=MN style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Annual awards for “Best exploration team” and “Best mapping team” <span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:64.35pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span lang=MN style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>“The Explorer in the nature” photo exhibition<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:64.35pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span lang=MN style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Minerals and rocks exhibition<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:64.35pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span lang=MN style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>One day workshop<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:64.35pt;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Geo-tour to the Bogd mountain<b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Pre-forum geoscience students’ conference </b><b><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>9<sup>th</sup> pre-forum geoscience and mining bachelor students conference will be organized by “Golden Hill”. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Registration deadline</i><i><span lang=MN>: </span></i><i>March 5, </i><i><span lang=MN>201</span></i><i>7.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Date</i><i><span lang=MN>:</span></i><i> March 9, </i><i><span lang=MN>2017. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Location</i><i><span lang=MN>: </span></i><i>Mongolian University of Science and Technology</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Main sessions<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Forum main sessions will be covering the topics of government policy to improve the competitive environment of investment for 2016-2020 years, government support for the mineral sector, regional geological study, exploration methods and equipment, introduction of exploration and mining projects, exploration licenses application issues. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Forum recommendations will be delivered to related government organizations with following performance. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Participants:<o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Members of the Parliament<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>The ministry of mining and heavy industry<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>The ministry of finance<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>The ministry of environment and tourism<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>The ministry of energy<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority of Mongolia<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>State Specialized Inspection Agency<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Foreign Embassies officials<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Exploration and mining companies<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Consulting, professional and exploration geologists<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Geoscience universities<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Date</i><i><span lang=MN>: March 23-24, 2017 </span></i><i>(9a.m</i><i><span lang=MN>-</span></i><i>6p.m)<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Location</i><i><span lang=MN>: </span></i><i>Corporate Convention Center</i><i><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Exploration and mining projects introduction, investors meeting </b><b><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Business meetings for potential investors to introduce mineral exploration and mining projects under special programme. <span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Participants</i></b><b><i><span lang=MN>: <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Exploration and mining license holders<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Bank and financial organizations<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Potential investors<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Mineral exploration consulting companies <span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Mining companies<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Laboratories<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Registration deadline</i><i><span lang=MN>:</span></i><i> March 20, </i><i><span lang=MN>2017<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Date</i><i><span lang=MN>:</span></i><i> March 24, </i><i><span lang=MN>2017</span></i><i> (9a.m</i><i><span lang=MN>-</span></i><i>6p.m)<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Location</i><i><span lang=MN>: </span></i><i>Corporate Convention Center</i><b><i><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Exhibition<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the 2-day event the government organizations and 30-40 companies are participating the exhibition and will receive around 1200 visitors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Participants</i></b>:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>The ministry of mining and heavy industry<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority of Mongolia<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>State Specialized Inspection Agency<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Exploration and mining companies<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Drilling and geophysical service companies<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Geoscience universities<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Laboratories and supply companies<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Registration deadline</i><i><span lang=MN>: </span></i><i>March 20, </i><i><span lang=MN>2017.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Regular booth size</i><i><span lang=MN>: </span></i><span lang=MN>2</span>m<span lang=MN> х 2</span>m<span lang=MN> х 1</span>m<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Location</i><i><span lang=MN>: </span></i><i>Corporate Convention Center</i><b><i><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>One day workshop</b><b><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>We have 3 different workshops within the forum.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo5'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Workshop hosted by Dr Gotovsuren.A on “Geochemistry Exploration”. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo5'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Workshop hosted by professional geologists from MRPAM, “Erdenes Methane” and “Petrovis Resources” LLC on “CBM-Coal bed methane exploration”.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo5'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Workshop hosted by professional engineer Tatsuya SATO on “Applied Magnetotellurics and EM survey”. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The workshop costs are <span lang=MN>200 000</span> MNT. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>10% discount for Mongolian Society of Economic Geologists (MonSEG) members.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The costs include coffee, teas and lunches and workshop materials. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On completion of the workshop you will receive a certificate of attendance. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The deadline for booking is Monday 20th March.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you are interested in attending please contact to:<o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=462 style='width:346.85pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td width=126 style='width:94.15pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>M<span lang=MN>.О</span>chirbat<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=205 style='width:153.9pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>info@mmer.mn<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=132 style='width:98.8pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>99085258</span><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td width=126 style='width:94.15pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>B.Sunjidmaa<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=205 style='width:153.9pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>sunjidmaa.b<span lang=MN>@</span>mrpam.gov.mn<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=132 style='width:98.8pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>99</span>093797<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td width=126 style='width:94.15pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>S.Jargalan<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=205 style='width:153.9pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>sjrgln@gmail.com</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=132 style='width:98.8pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>99239467</span><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><i>Date</i><i><span lang=MN>:</span></i><i> March 25, </i><i><span lang=MN>2017 </span></i>(<span lang=MN>9</span>a.m-6p.m)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Location</i><i><span lang=MN>:</span></i><i> Mongolian University of Science and Technology</i><i> <span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>Sponsorship & Sponsors benefits</u></b><span lang=MN>: </span><b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span lang=MN>“</span></i></b><b><i>Platinum</i></b><b><i><span lang=MN>” </span></i></b><b><i>sponsor</i></b><b><span lang=MN>: <i>10 </i></span></b><b><i>mln MNT</i></b><b><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Yellow badge<span lang=MN> - 5<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Blue badge<span lang=MN> - 10<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Workshop attendees - 6<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Prime exhibition area <span lang=MN>- </span>1<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Free introduction to business meeting<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span lang=MN>“</span></i></b><b><i>Gold</i></b><b><i><span lang=MN>” </span></i></b><b><i>sponsor</i></b><b><span lang=MN>: <i>5 </i></span></b><b><i>mln MNT</i></b><b><i><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Yellow badge<span lang=MN> - </span>3<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Blue badge<span lang=MN> - </span>6<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Workshop attendees - 3<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Exhibition area <span lang=MN>- </span>1<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Free introduction to business meeting<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>“Sponsor”: 1 mln MNT</i></b><b><span lang=MN> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Yellow badge<span lang=MN> - </span>1<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Blue badge<span lang=MN> - </span>1<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Exhibition area <span lang=MN>– </span>1 (50% discount)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Discounted price to business meeting<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>All sponsors opportunities:<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Company logo on conference hall announcement <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>on all media advertisement <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>on conference brochure <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Company logo and link to <a href="http://www.mmer.mn">www.mmer.mn</a> website <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Forum registration fee</b><span lang=MN>: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Yellow badge<span lang=MN>: 100000</span>MNT (Forum sessions, Exhibition, Gala dinner)<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Blue badge<span lang=MN>: 50000 </span>MNT (Forum sessions, Exhibition)<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Green badge<span lang=MN>: </span> <span lang=MN>20000 </span>MNT (Student)<span lang=MN> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>2m x 2m x 1m exhibition area<span lang=MN>: 500000 </span>MNT (including 2 blue badges)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'>Workshop costs<span lang=MN>: 200000</span> MNT<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Bank information</b><b><span lang=MN> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><b>Bank</b><span lang=MN>: </span>Khan Bank<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><b>Account name</b><span lang=MN>:</span> Mongolian Society of Economic Geologists<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in'><b>Account number</b>: <span lang=MN>5029666223</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Advertisement</b><b><span lang=MN>: </span></b>All participants will get forum package including brochure, “The Explorer” magazine, forum bookmark. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>More information at </i><a href="http://www.mmer.mn"><i>www.mmer.mn</i></a><i> <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Facebook address: Monseg Monseg <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Contact us:<o:p></o:p></i></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=479 style='width:359.0pt;margin-left:-5.4pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td width=142 style='width:106.3pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>M.Ochirbat<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=257 style='width:192.95pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>info@mmer.mn<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=80 style='width:59.75pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>99085258</span><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td width=142 style='width:106.3pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>B.Sunjidmaa<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=257 style='width:192.95pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>sunjidmaa.b<span lang=MN>@</span>mrpam.gov.mn<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=80 style='width:59.75pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>99</span>093797<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td width=142 style='width:106.3pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>S.Jargalan<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=257 style='width:192.95pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>sjrgln@gmail.com</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=80 style='width:59.75pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>99239467</span><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td width=142 style='width:106.3pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Ts.Mungunhsagai<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=257 style='width:192.95pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>mungunshagai@monseg.mn</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=80 style='width:59.75pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>99106869<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td width=142 nowrap valign=bottom style='width:106.3pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>D.Khashbat<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=257 nowrap valign=bottom style='width:192.95pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>khashbat.d@gmail.com<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=80 nowrap valign=bottom style='width:59.75pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>99109116<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1>AGENDA: <span lang=MN>М</span>ONGOLIA MINERAL EXPLORATION ROUNDUP 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>(Preliminary agenda)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Day-I.</i></b><b><i> </i></b><b><i> March 23, </i></b><b><i><span lang=MN>201</span></i></b><b><i>7</i></b><b><i><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><table class=MsoTableGrid border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>08<span lang=MN>.</span>3<span lang=MN>0-</span>09<span lang=MN>.</span>0<span lang=MN>0</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Registration and reception<o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>09</span>.00-09.0<span lang=MN>5<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Opening remarks<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>О</span>chirbat.M<b><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Head of the Organizing Committee<b><o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>09.05-09.15<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Greetings<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dashdorj. Ts<b><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>09<span lang=MN>.15-</span>09<span lang=MN>.</span>20<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Greetings<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Baatartsogt.B<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Head of MRPAM<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>09<span lang=MN>.</span>2<span lang=MN>0-</span>09<span lang=MN>.</span>40<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span lang=MN>"</span></b><b>Policy and topics of the ministry of mining and heavy industry, implementations and results”</b><b><span lang=MN> <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ganbat.D<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Head of Geology Policy Department<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>09.40-10.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>“Mineral sector law environment3<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mandakhbat.S<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Head of law division<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>10.00-10.40</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Panel session-1</b><b><span lang=MN>:</span></b><span lang=MN> </span>Mineral sector law environment and its improvements<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moderator: <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>10.40-11.00</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Tea break</b><b> </b> <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>11.00-11.20<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>“How to attract investment? Why Mongolia?”<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Batkhuu.D<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Head of International cooperation division<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry<b><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>11.20-12.00</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Panel session-2: </b>Investment environment<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moderator:<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>12.00-12.20</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>“Mineral sector tax environment, its changes”<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Gerelchimeg. Ts<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Ministry of Finance<b> <span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>12.20-12.40<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>“Exploration and mining environmental issues”<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Saran.B<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Ministry of environment and tourism<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>12.40-13.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>“Energy policy and its implementation”</b><b><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Boldkhuu.N<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Ministry of Energy <span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>13.00-14.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Lunch break<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>14.00-14.20<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>“Geology and exploration division’s 2016 results and further tasks”</b><b><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Enkhjargal.M<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Deputy director of MRPAM<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>14.20-14.40<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>“Mineral resources information technology center’s current situation and further tasks” </b><b><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Zolsaikhan.G<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Head of Mineral resources information technology center, MRPAM<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>14.40-15.</span>0<span lang=MN>0<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>“Australia: Geo Information and Governance”<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Andrew Jones<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Australia-Mongolia Extractives Program<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>1</span>5<span lang=MN>.</span>0<span lang=MN>0-1</span>5<span lang=MN>.</span>2<span lang=MN>0<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>“Geology and mining cadaster current situation and further tasks”</b><b><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Munkhtamir.D<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Head of Cadastral Office, MRPAM<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>15.20-16.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Panel session-3:</b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>16.00-16.20<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Tea break</b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>16.20-16.40<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>“……………………….”<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Munkhtsetseg.Ts<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>State Specialized Inspection Agency<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>16.40-17.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>“Introduction of Mongolian, Geology and Mining Trade Unions” <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Buyanjargal.Kh<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Head of Mongolian, Geology and Mining Trade Unions<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>17.00-17.20<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>“</b>Magnetotellurics, EM survey”<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tatsuya Sato<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>17.20-17.40<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span lang=MN>:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>17.40-18.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span lang=MN>:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>17.40-18.</span>0<span lang=MN>0<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span lang=MN>:</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Day-II.</i></b><b><i> </i></b><b><i> March 24, </i></b><b><i><span lang=MN>201</span></i></b><b><i>7</i></b><b><i><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><table class=MsoTableGrid border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>09</span>.00-09.20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>“Alteration of Mongolian porphyry deposits”</b><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Khashgerel.B<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>“Plus Minerals” LLC<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>09.20-09.40<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>“</b><b> <span lang=MN>Мо</span></b><b>ngolian reserve and resources classification-modifying factors”<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Enkh-Amgalan.Ch<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>“Gem Prospectors Mongolia” LLC<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>09.40-10.00<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>“</b><b><span lang=MN>Lеapfrog3D-</span></b><b>geology modeling:</b><b><span lang=MN>Мо</span></b><b>ngolian case study”</b><b><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tsolmon.G<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Leapfrog <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>10.00-10.20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>“</b><b><span lang=MN>Implicit </span></b><b>m</b><b><span lang=MN>odelling</span></b><b> use in geology and its results”<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Munkhbileg.P<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>“<span lang=MN>М</span>icromine Mongolia” LLC<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>10.20-10.40<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>“Possibility of private funded </b><b> <span lang=MN>1:50000 </span></b><b>scale geologic mapping general prospecting”</b><b><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chin-Erdene.B<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>10.40-11.00<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>“D<span lang=MN>rone</span>’s use in mineral prospecting”<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Purevbat.E<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>“Terraseed” LLC<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>11.00-11.20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Tea break<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>11.20-11.40<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>“New analyses trend in Mongolia”</b><b><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Odbileg.Sh<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>ALS Group<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>11.40-12.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>“National professional geologist…”<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Oyungerel.B<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>MPIGM<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>12.00-12.20<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>“Geophysical survey in south east Asia”</b><b><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Azjargal.B<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>“Galaxy Geo Mongolia” LLC<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>12.20-12.40<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>“Smokeless briquette production” <span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>Б.Цогтбадрах<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>Master Heat<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>12.40-13.00<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>“The best student presentation”</b><b><span lang=MN>.</span></b><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>13.00-14.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Lunch break<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>14</span>.00-14.20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Metallogeny….</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jargalan.S<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>MUST<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>14.20-14.40<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>“………………….”</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Enkhjargal.B<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>MUST</b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>14.40-15.00<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>“Western Australia mineral deposits”<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Baatar.B <span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>15.00-15.20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>15.20-15.40<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>15.40-16.00<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>16.00-16.20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>16.20-16.40<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>16.40-17.00<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>17.00-17.40<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Annual awards ceremony<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=145 valign=top style='width:108.9pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>17.40-18.00<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=471 valign=top style='width:353.35pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Closing of the forum<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#365F91'>---<br></span><b><span style='color:#44546A'><a 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style='color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Suite </span><span lang=MN style='color:#1F497D'>303</span><span style='color:#1F497D'>, Level 3, Elite Complex<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>14 Chinggis Avenue, Sukhbaatar District 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia<br></span><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Email</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: </span><a href="mailto:info@covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@covermongolia.com</span></a><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Website</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: <a href="http://www.covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>www.covermongolia.com</span></a></span><u><span style='color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Phone (Office)</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: +976 7711 6779</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:Webdings;color:#339966'>P</span><span style='color:#339966'> </span><span lang=EN-AU style='color:#007F00;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span lang=EN-AU><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-60589411620502799942017-03-20T11:37:00.000+08:002017-05-08T12:16:54.091+08:00[MNT halts 2-week winning streak; BoM maintains rate; investor rights council meets; and Mongolian wins Taipei marathon]<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a 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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5-BwAy7yno1Bg-LVNsfBamYE3dgv6gEZj9Kd0EIG0wnN3kj621PweSDtca_SgORbpQa8-OyYKDlpiRiYcQgBCqETdelG43YpNhCcuEw_m9lD-xvBJplgB2RqFckPsMFoML8BqengMfFE/s320/image002-785073.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420038575322738" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Monday, March 20, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'>Cover Mongolia</span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span style='color:#4472C4'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></u>, <span style='color:#00B0F0'><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#00B0F0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#2F5597'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#2F5597'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span style='color:black'>, </span><span style='color:#C55A11'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><b><span style='color:#C55A11'>Instagram</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#C00000'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><b><span style='color:#C00000'>YouTube</span></b></a></span> and <span style='color:#FFC000'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><b><span style='color:#FFC000'>Blogspot</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><u>Jump to</u>: <a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> - <a href="#Local">Local Market</a> - <a href="#Economy">Economy</a> - <a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> - <a href="#Business">Business</a> - <a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> - <a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> - <a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> - <a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> - <a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> - <a href="#Sports">Sports</a> - <a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> - <a href="#Travel">Travel</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Headlines in <b><i>Italic</i></b> are ones modified by Cover Mongolia from original<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>HEADLINES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadIntl></a><u><a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Australian_mining_company">Australian mining company to back out of Myanmar investment, stay in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJ8EeFD_csBo1YW0BxtdVr_wtLlZl3ceK0ri2RhRurRq1xq4w03170E-KJH6cTqppgG8QSuAe_OE-GIQUuCyKhi-eBg7xrMxsYDh0klo99xhSS76eGYkM3QO9aOlU4ajyFRz7MqGZSdA/s1600/image003-787750.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJ8EeFD_csBo1YW0BxtdVr_wtLlZl3ceK0ri2RhRurRq1xq4w03170E-KJH6cTqppgG8QSuAe_OE-GIQUuCyKhi-eBg7xrMxsYDh0klo99xhSS76eGYkM3QO9aOlU4ajyFRz7MqGZSdA/s320/image003-787750.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420051039497154" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadLocal></a><u><a href="#Local">Local Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MSE_Weekly_Report:">MSE Weekly Report: Top 20 -2.23%, ALL -1.01%, Turnover ₮287.5M Shares, ₮16.9B T-Bills Primary, ₮1.7B Secondary</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNR2-YTUN6kTQyKqD-my6EAO-mHyQ-8B1HUM_yX3mK3bL280j40Y_kEIBX4WR7L0e5TQ53hMWGsWcU-JFJHsHkMEhJ-XiyPL-BWmOyFyD_0dbi8rRyYQZLL63Z3Gok0JB0t6DBvijZc4Y/s1600/image004-789968.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNR2-YTUN6kTQyKqD-my6EAO-mHyQ-8B1HUM_yX3mK3bL280j40Y_kEIBX4WR7L0e5TQ53hMWGsWcU-JFJHsHkMEhJ-XiyPL-BWmOyFyD_0dbi8rRyYQZLL63Z3Gok0JB0t6DBvijZc4Y/s320/image004-789968.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420063088667074" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadEconomy></a><u><a href="#Economy">Economy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_MNT_Rates:">MNT halts 2-week winning streak</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_maintains_rate,">Mongolia maintains rate, outlook favors rate change</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_issues_₮329.7">BoM issues ₮329.7 billion 1-week bills, total outstanding -30.5% to ₮773.7 billion</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM:_NPLs_+1.3%">BoM: NPLs +1.3% in Feb, +17.4% YoY to ₮1.07T, 8.5% of Total Loans, Profit ₮66.4B</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKHcOaqKWckg4BLM_VDhJzRS0pY1lGWSlVLz192v4KJTQ0JIOShnCbuX8kQQZvTHC1WvZEPW9OD8fwui2eQAwcnDrgMqfIpqI_e9ZSvBNlttZ84l5ZRq_SgLgC27AvVjPl6o05MsOSYQ/s1600/image005-792792.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKHcOaqKWckg4BLM_VDhJzRS0pY1lGWSlVLz192v4KJTQ0JIOShnCbuX8kQQZvTHC1WvZEPW9OD8fwui2eQAwcnDrgMqfIpqI_e9ZSvBNlttZ84l5ZRq_SgLgC27AvVjPl6o05MsOSYQ/s320/image005-792792.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420070400316034" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadPolitics></a><u><a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Government_pledges_continued">Government pledges continued protection for investor rights</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Cabinet_Secretary_speaks">Cabinet Secretary speaks to UB residents about IMF negotiations</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_Democrats_to">Mongolian Democrats to elect National Policy Committee on April 2</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Appeal_denied_for">Appeal denied for S.Zorig's assailants</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Wreaths_Laid_for">Wreaths Laid for Soldiers' Day</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_President_Ts.Elbegdorj_visits">President Ts.Elbegdorj visits military institutes</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Parliament_Speaker_attends">Parliament Speaker attends Mongolian Soldiers' Day celebration</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire">AmCham Daily Newswire for March 17, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s1600/image006-795182.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s320/image006-795182.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420083052750706" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadBusiness></a><u><a href="#Business">Business</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_plans_to">Mongolia plans to export 40 tonnes of gold a year by 2020</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_UN_representative_notes">UN representative notes similarities of banking systems of Tajikistan and Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Jargal_DeFacto:_Questions">Jargal DeFacto: Questions Answered in Toronto</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_Economic_Forum">Mongolian Economic Forum 2017: Tentative Agenda</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_March_Networking">AmCham March Networking Night sponsored by G-Mobile LLC</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s1600/image006-795182.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s320/image006-795182.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420083052750706" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadUlaanbaatar></a><u><a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Temperature_will_reach">Temperature will reach 2C today in UB</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Very_unhealthy_air">Very unhealthy air quality index near MNB today</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Lead_poisoning:_Nerve">Lead poisoning: Nerve damage threatens children living near Da Khuree</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Failed_ger_area">Failed ger area redevelopment plan leaves more than 500 people homeless</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s1600/image006-795182.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s320/image006-795182.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420083052750706" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadDiplomacy></a><u><a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Chinese_Ambassador_to">Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia talks to journalists about bilateral economic cooperation</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Cuban_health_specialists">Cuban health specialists visit Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Ambassadors'_wives_promote">Ambassadors' wives promote Mongolian cashmere</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Taiwan_gifts_safe">Taiwan gifts safe stoves to Mongolian ger district families</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Young_Woman_Gives">Young Woman Gives Heart-Breaking Account Of What Living In North Korea Is Really Like</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s1600/image006-795182.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s320/image006-795182.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420083052750706" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadHealthEdu></a><u><a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_National_Capacity_Building">National Capacity Building Workshop on Education Statistics in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Adapting_to_the">Adapting to the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_49_Voices:_Tsolmon">49 Voices: Tsolmon Damba of Anchorage</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s1600/image006-795182.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s320/image006-795182.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420083052750706" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadCulture></a><u><a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_High_levels_of">High levels of consanguinity worrying</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Beautiful_Bodies_2.0:">Beautiful Bodies 2.0: Exhibition by Women for Change NGO</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_A_tiny_woman">A tiny woman against the giant world</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_ACMS_Speaker_Series:">ACMS Speaker Series: Sandra Vanderwarf, March 21</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Author_L.Ulziitugs_presents">Author L.Ulziitugs presents her book in Belgium</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia's_reindeer_herders">Mongolia's reindeer herders defend their way of life</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s1600/image006-795182.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s320/image006-795182.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420083052750706" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadNature></a><u><a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_New_Przewalski's_foal">New Przewalski's foal Nuruu born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s1600/image006-795182.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s320/image006-795182.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420083052750706" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadSports></a><u><a href="#Sports">Sports</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Kenyan,_Mongolian_runners">Kenyan, Mongolian runners win New Taipei Wan Jin Shi Marathon</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Highest_ranked_Mongolian">Highest ranked Mongolian judokas wrestle each other</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_Bike_Challenge:">Mongolia Bike Challenge: Tackling trails and another culture</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s1600/image006-795182.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s320/image006-795182.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420083052750706" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadArt></a><u><a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> <b><o:p></o:p></b></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Girl_Power:_The">Girl Power: The Eagle Huntress; Beauty and the Beast</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s1600/image006-795182.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s320/image006-795182.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420083052750706" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadTravel></a><u><a href="#Travel">Travel</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Land_Of_Urban">Land Of Urban Vibe, Rural Scenery, And The Last Nomads In The World</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s1600/image006-795182.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s320/image006-795182.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420083052750706" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>ARTICLES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=International></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Int'l Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=ASX:EUM">EUM</a> trading +6.25% midday at A$0.085<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Australian_mining_company"></a>Australian mining company to back out of Myanmar investment, stay in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>YANGON, March 17 (Frontier Myanmar) — Australian mining firm Eumeralla Resources has announced it is planning to divest from its operations in Myanmar, almost four years after it applied for an exploration licence in the country.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In a company prospectus published on March 17, the Perth-based company said it plans to divest or relinquish its business interests in Myanmar and focus more on opportunities back home.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In July 2013, Eumeralla applied for a licence to explore tin and tungsten on a sight in Kayah State, through its 70 percent stake in Mawsaki Mining Company. Local company Myanmar Energy Resources Group held the remaining share of the joint venture.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In October 2014, Eumeralla said it had been approved state government approval for the permit, but was still awaiting Union level permission.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The company says it is now evaluating investments in Australia "in light of the relative lack of success in commercial development" for its mineral exploration ventures in Myanmar and Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It said it <b>would continue its operations in Mongolia for the immediate future</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In December, Eumeralla announced it had acquired Ausmex Mining, a privately-held mining firm in Australia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://frontiermyanmar.net/en/australian-mining-company-to-back-out-of-myanmar-investment">Link to article</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGhIp-dzwQXVJ9_CWg7yWF8ZMAeZEWEkAkAiYwkcqk9aX5V09CftOdzLLKz_A0SXU0HVdaQDdMpz0NTguQGETH8n4_bZAxOlWQpPwChvYTE0DsqSLJ0PmUPo4c6CsuSoii-ge54ONSSw/s1600/image007-797819.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGhIp-dzwQXVJ9_CWg7yWF8ZMAeZEWEkAkAiYwkcqk9aX5V09CftOdzLLKz_A0SXU0HVdaQDdMpz0NTguQGETH8n4_bZAxOlWQpPwChvYTE0DsqSLJ0PmUPo4c6CsuSoii-ge54ONSSw/s320/image007-797819.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420093893605058" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Local></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Local Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_MSE_Weekly_Report:"></a>MSE Weekly Report: Top 20 -2.23%, ALL -1.01%, Turnover <span lang=MN>₮</span>287.5M Shares, <span lang=MN>₮</span>16.9B T-Bills Primary, <span lang=MN>₮</span>1.7B Secondary<span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 17 (MSE) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASXNQF1XUzjoQuYLgouRwf_EuT3KvXGVzix34o1wCk1v5gGfd5uQ7lLrUChWhxrA49pFrCTsZ3AYtNvv9WES6Ek6n3sIoSeV6TKDCJMvo79w0Fs-Byw1cl_hbS8rUCV3TFbM_gquCR6Y/s1600/image018-700487.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgASXNQF1XUzjoQuYLgouRwf_EuT3KvXGVzix34o1wCk1v5gGfd5uQ7lLrUChWhxrA49pFrCTsZ3AYtNvv9WES6Ek6n3sIoSeV6TKDCJMvo79w0Fs-Byw1cl_hbS8rUCV3TFbM_gquCR6Y/s320/image018-700487.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420105102532130" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/uploads/ariljaa/reports/report_en-15.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQa63YXfQrBXpa1yIyPVyu7PFHCCLdDhJAo6eM1jxJm66jXVfKUXB_6BN-EwKtN05vZdNaoIVjOomIDaO8KdByZuvuDrTzuW5UA88XGJ-bYYn2foveOsxRI8KSlUnFsBVA4Pomvlbnz8/s1600/image008-702928.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQa63YXfQrBXpa1yIyPVyu7PFHCCLdDhJAo6eM1jxJm66jXVfKUXB_6BN-EwKtN05vZdNaoIVjOomIDaO8KdByZuvuDrTzuW5UA88XGJ-bYYn2foveOsxRI8KSlUnFsBVA4Pomvlbnz8/s320/image008-702928.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420116283587234" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Economy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Economy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>Reds</span> are when MNT fell, <span style='color:#00B050'>greens</span> when it rose.<b> <span style='color:red'>Bold reds</span></b><span style='color:red'> </span>are rates that set a new historic high at the time. </i><o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_BoM_MNT_Rates:"></a><span lang=MN>BoM MNT Rates: </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>Friday</span><span lang=MN>, </span>March 17 <span lang=MN>Close </span><o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoTable15Plain5 border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=945 style='width:708.45pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/17</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/16</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/15</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/14</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/13</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/10</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/9</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/7</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/6</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/3</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>High</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>Date</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1063" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/b27dbc49-e16d-41ae-8557-f99cdb40c367.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e147de94-098c-41fc-a613-e68b961bc287.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>USD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,457.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,454.96<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,457.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,458.38<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,458.80<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,461.32<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,464.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,466.88</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,468.55</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,470.25</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,498.75</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1064" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/bebede1f-9fde-45e8-9abf-07cee5d98010.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/7fff4ee5-d12c-4bd2-8a56-d47fa1ab5b0d.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>EUR</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,645.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,633.07<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,614.01<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,615.22<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,629.93<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,607.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,595.95<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,613.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,616.42</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,598.95</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,681.43</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/10/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1065" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/280be717-5c83-46be-b0c7-d0b2cf9575f2.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/73256f8e-4c86-438d-9d39-350646eb7f40.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>JPY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>21.68<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.68<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.42<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.35<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.44<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.33<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.51<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.69</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.62</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>23.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/9/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1066" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0e866dbf-0eff-45bc-aa83-c145b2345900.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/170ec7e9-2636-4b7d-a624-7ae9fef54841.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>GBP</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,033.31<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,012.73<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,005.06<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,983.49<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,005.02<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,992.60<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,995.36<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,015.51</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,029.40</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,030.01</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>3,183.26</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>8/13/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1067" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/33370dc8-8964-434b-8694-6462f39746fb.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a481156f-5e01-436d-b063-c22ecd3ed0dd.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>RUB</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.41<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.23<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.58<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>41.69<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>41.61<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.57<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.35</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.31</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>54.32</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>6/27/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1068" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/c37f3eb9-e9ba-4c1d-bc0f-2669bc4c1412.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/56dc9518-41a5-4bb4-9d57-167f6de07f2e.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CNY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>355.72<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>356.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>355.49<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>355.30<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>356.03<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>355.82<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>356.41<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>357.53</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>357.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>357.85</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>363.02</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/5/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1069" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e5792094-f0b8-4c3a-a82b-97ddd5401a38.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ab781b89-2767-4b9c-b3cb-b3c6cc603016.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>KRW</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.15<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.14<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.14<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.13<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.13<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.15</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.13</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.13</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/6/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1070" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/75233918-55b6-4977-a5ef-f682c93bbdb0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/9a4a44a5-6be7-4141-8159-5aa30a12bb45.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>SGD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,751.46<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,748.55<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,739.74<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,737.19<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,741.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,735.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,736.07<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,749.50</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,750.12</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,746.44</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,758.66</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/24/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1071" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a8311ed8-a900-4237-bf18-4ebf7b10bbf0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/53fdb4a8-f38e-4f01-b01a-c2dee4a6895d.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CAD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,842.20<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,845.90<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,825.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,825.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,827.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,823.13<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,826.88<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,842.12</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,841.24</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,844.09</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,908.84</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/18/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1072" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/5d744e37-53d2-4c10-aa04-7bc77a3c3abc.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/6ec5578f-dca9-4257-b326-e755e3b2400b.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>AUD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,885.23<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,892.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,862.87<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,855.22<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,862.05<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,851.40<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,853.05<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,877.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,871.53</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,866.15</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/16/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1073" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6f012c2-8c16-455d-b0b0-8427d7512a2b.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6b9f8ce-b8d2-4ce7-bdce-b85ce1812325.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>HKD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>316.44<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.22<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.29<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.42<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.99<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>317.26<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>317.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>317.95</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.18</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>322.21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1074" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0588bbef-101c-4211-8d37-8045475e110d.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ae638f8b-a29a-4d70-90b3-52ad2a79d482.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CHF</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,466.62<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,455.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,438.95<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,435.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,431.45<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,430.69<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,427.47<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,439.32</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,446.41</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,439.39</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,497.77</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/09/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:red'>Bank USD rates at time of sending</span></b>: <a href="https://www.khanbank.com/en/home/rates">Khan</a> (Buy ₮2,450 Sell ₮2,460), <a href="http://tdbm.mn/en/exchange">TDB</a> (Buy ₮2,454 Sell ₮2,464), <a href="https://en.golomtbank.com/home/citizen">Golomt</a> (Buy ₮2,450 Sell ₮2,460), <a href="http://xacbank.mn/en/calculator/rates">XacBank</a> (Buy ₮2,452 Sell ₮2,462), <a href="https://www.statebank.mn/w/en/m1">State Bank</a> (Buy ₮2,454 Sell ₮2,464)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/graphic_dailyrate.aspx">USD (blue), CNY (red) vs MNT</a> in last 1 year:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpQiJJeRf_2JL8CoYtYQhKq0bXgwRbiO35nAKKi2AdUs2s-5__ZXUIcFbKXY72CW73f47uCrhD3-ebD0a_EvWUrQ96YMqSFVolPuVav_IDeAsuRi6C3K15_Pkcy_m41enIO6yNJbCsjU/s1600/image021-705349.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpQiJJeRf_2JL8CoYtYQhKq0bXgwRbiO35nAKKi2AdUs2s-5__ZXUIcFbKXY72CW73f47uCrhD3-ebD0a_EvWUrQ96YMqSFVolPuVav_IDeAsuRi6C3K15_Pkcy_m41enIO6yNJbCsjU/s320/image021-705349.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420130184928594" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistofficialdailyrate.aspx">Link to rates</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_maintains_rate,"></a>Mongolia maintains rate, outlook favors rate change<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 17 (CentralBankNews.info) Mongolia's central bank left its policy rate unchanged at 14.0 percent, saying the monetary policy outlook favors future changes to interest rates.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Bank of Mongolia (BOM) lowered its rate by 100 basis points in December following a sharp 450 point hike in August to help stabilize the exchange rate of the tugrik and preserve international reserves and thus financial stability.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The central bank noted Mongolia's inflation rate rose to 2.1 percent in February from 1.9 percent in January and is expected to rise further but still remain low and below its target due to slow economic activity, with the strength of China's economy the main factor.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia's inflation rate tumbled to a negative minus 0.2 percent in August last year and remained negative until November as meat prices fell by one-quarter and household incomes fell.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But the central bank said recent changes, such as an extension of the US$2.2 billion swap line with the People's Bank of China, had eased the pressure on short-term foreign payments and had a positive impact on the economy although there is uncertainty regarding the external sector and the budget.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last month Mongolia reached staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on an three-year extended fund facility that includes a $440 million loan to help avert default on a $580 million bond repayment due this month by the state-run Development Bank of Mongolia (DBM).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition, the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank and other countries, such as Japan and South Korea, are providing financial aid, boosting the total financing package to around $5.5 billion.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As part of the agreement with the IMF, Mongolia has agreed that the DBM will operate in an independent, commercial manner and the central bank will not engage in quasi-fiscal activity.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The IMF also said it expects the BOM to continue with an appropriately tight monetary policy, aiming for price stability and first cut rates if external factors and inflation permits. A new law governing the central bank will help strengthen its mandate, governance and independence.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In its December inflation report, the central bank forecast inflation will remain low but relatively stable this year, with deflation continuing until the third quarter due to slow economic activity and low meat prices while exchange rate depreciation will help push up import prices.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The central bank's inflation target for 2016 and 2015 was lowered to 7 percent from 8.0 percent in 2013 and 2014, and 10 percent in 2012.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia's economy has been hard by the fall in its main export commodities, such as copper and coal, and a collapse in foreign investment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The central bank expects coal to remain soft as China begins to replace coal with natural gas over the next five years and focuses on solar and wind energy while copper prices are also expected to remain soft for several more years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The economy, which grew by an estimated 1.0 percent in 2016, was forecast by the central bank in December to expand by between 0.6 and 2.6 percent this year with inflation ranging from 1.9 to 3.9 percent.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>By 2019 the IMF expects growth to rise to around 8 percent as mining projects take off, with foreign exchange reserves rising to US$3.8 billion - more than 6 months of imports - to levels seen in 2012 before the country was hit by external shocks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the fourth quarter of last year, Mongolia's Gross Domestic Product grew by an annual rate of 1.0 percent following contraction of 1.6 percent in the third quarter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The exchange rate of Mongolia's tugrik has been depreciating since 2011 and fell over 20 percent from mid-2016 until early January this year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Since then the tugrik has been slowly appreciating and was trading at 2,443 to the U.S. dollar today, up 1.6 percent since the beginning of this year and up 2 percent since a historic low on Jan. 9 of almost 2,493 to the dollar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.centralbanknews.info/2017/03/mongolia-maintains-rate-outlook-favors.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_issues_₮329.7"></a>BoM issues <span lang=MN>₮</span>329.7 billion 1-week bills, total outstanding -30.5% to <span lang=MN>₮773</span>.<span lang=MN>7</span> billion <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 17 (Bank of Mongolia) BoM issues 1 week bills worth MNT 329.7 billion at a weighted interest rate of 14.0 percent per annum /<a href="http://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistcbb.aspx">For previous auctions click here/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=173">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM:_NPLs_+1.3%"></a>BoM: NPLs +1.3% in Feb, +17.4% YoY to ₮1.07T, 8.5% of Total Loans, Profit ₮66.4B<span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Key indicators of Mongolian banking system consolidated balance sheet, Feb 2017<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 17 (Bank of Mongolia) -- <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td rowspan=3 style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>End-of-period<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td colspan=10 style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>ASSETS<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td rowspan=3 style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>Number of banks<o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr style='height:7.9pt'><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.9pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>Bank reservers<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.9pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>Central bank bills<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.9pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>Foreign assets<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.9pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>Government securities<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.9pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>Other securities<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.9pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>Loans<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td colspan=3 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.9pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><i>Of which<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.9pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>Total Assets<o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr style='height:7.85pt'><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.85pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><i>In domestic currency<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.85pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><i>In foreign currency<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.85pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><i>Non-performing loans<o:p></o:p></i></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>2008 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>304,507.1<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>119,723.3<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>294,472.1<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,300.0<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>17,001.9<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,635,551.6<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,785,545.8<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>850,005.8<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>188,667.2<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>3,650,001.8<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>16<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>2009 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>628,426.0<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>392,215.0<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>405,127.7<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>7,592.4<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>26,149.1<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,655,000.4<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,661,441.3<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>993,559.1<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>462,001.5<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>4,421,769.2<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>17<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>2010 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>770,995.4<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,102,858.3<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>655,876.3<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>74,000.0<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>98,698.6<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>3,228,171.1<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,175,905.1<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,052,266.1<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>370,508.8<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>6,245,632.8<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>16<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>2011 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,145,260.6<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>879,793.8<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>711,145.1<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>269,408.8<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>197,935.9<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>5,597,743.6<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>3,802,591.5<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,795,152.1<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>326,925.6<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>9,371,628.3<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>16<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>2012 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,564,331.4<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>747,114.6<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>758,114.4<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>653,416.1<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>236,667.7<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>6,941,135.2<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>4,699,019.2<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,242,116.0<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>293,437.5<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>11,992,228.1<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>16<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>2013 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,769,813.1<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,626,606.3<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>812,646.8<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,778,007.7<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>471,105.7<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>10,715,632.7<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>7,785,230.7<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,930,402.0<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>564,260.4<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>20,883,711.1<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>16<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>2014 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>3,012,085.1<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>852,983.5<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>675,079.7<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,088,072.2<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>343,384.6<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>12,440,925.9<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>9,564,409.0<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,876,516.9<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>623,937.9<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>22,582,376.8<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>17<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>2015 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,064,802.2<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,024,770.8<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>977,926.2<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,543,100.8<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>762,088.6<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>11,633,582.6<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>8,857,639.7<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,775,942.9<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>867,288.7<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>21,521,242.5<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>16<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:black'>2016 02<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,955,884.9<span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>781,138.6<span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,243,515.3<span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,519,390.1<span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,087,149.5<span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>11,560,654.8<span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>8,823,625.6<span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,737,029.3<span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><span style='color:black'>907,607.5<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>21,844,684.3<span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:black'>16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>2016 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,924,780.20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>576,994.4<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,067,068.9<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>3,495,162.8<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>982,026.3<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>12,337,508.6<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>9,991,763.8<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,345,744.9<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1,047,453.7<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>25,338,363.6<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>16<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>2017 01<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,583,355.80<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>422,030.2<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,159,803.8<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>3,498,585.5<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,011,008.5<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>12,294,767.9<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>10,023,789.7<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,270,978.2<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1,051,923.6<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>24,927,057.8<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>16<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>2017 02<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,533,919.7<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>608,926.5<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,049,315.2<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>3,422,216.9<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,092,900.3<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>12,498,632.1<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>10,086,642.2<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,411,989.9<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1,065,479.6<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>25,150,523.9<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>16<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='margin-left:-5.4pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td rowspan=3 style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>End-of-period<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td colspan=11 style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>LIABILITIES<o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>Current Accounts<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td colspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i>Of which:<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>Deposits<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td colspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i>Of which:<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>Foreign liabilities<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>Government deposits<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>Total Liabilities<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>Capital<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i>Of which:<o:p></o:p></i></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i>In domestic currency<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i>In foreign currency<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i>In domestic currency<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i>In foreign currency<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i>Profit/loss of current year<o:p></o:p></i></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2008 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>602,973.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>318,611.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>284,362.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,336,305.8 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>899,989.8 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>436,316.0 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>433,714.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>393,196.7 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><i>3,309,435.5 </i><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>340,566.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>(66,967.7) <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2009 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>738,616.7 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>366,253.2 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>372,363.5 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,855,819.2 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,241,587.2 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>614,231.9 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>435,730.9 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>460,925.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><i>4,191,557.1 <o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>230,212.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>(143,394.3) <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2010 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,535,538.7 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>769,391.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>766,147.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,730,186.8 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,975,643.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>754,543.5 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>467,981.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>422,243.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><i>5,863,147.7 <o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>382,485.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>65,769.2 <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2011 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,004,405.9 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,223,556.9 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>780,849.0 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>3,857,399.2 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,879,993.5 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>977,405.8 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>714,689.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>931,493.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><i>8,694,733.2 <o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>676,895.2 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>184,263.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2012 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,090,560.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,231,451.5 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>859,108.6 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>4,884,653.2 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>3,451,181.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,433,471.9 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,354,348.9 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>933,480.8 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><i>11,006,508.6 <o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>985,719.5 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>198,356.6 <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2013 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,485,412.5 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,511,163.6 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>974,248.9 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>6,353,378.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>4,879,505.7 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,473,872.6 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,885,719.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,186,170.0 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><i>19,502,496.4 <o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,381,214.7 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>229,741.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2014 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,756,515.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,317,460.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,439,055.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>7,334,018.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>5,366,102.5 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,967,916.0 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,810,565.6 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,464,509.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><i>20,448,108.6 <o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,134,268.2 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>325,892.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2015 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,208,520.6 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,226,775.5 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>981,745.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>7,338,513.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>5,391,443.0 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,947,070.2 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>3,858,321.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,453,863.8 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><i>19,094,433.4 <o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,426,809.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>218,253.8 <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2016 02<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,163,922.7<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,109,278.7<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,054,644.0<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>7,390,582.7<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>5,326,540.0<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,064,042.7<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>3,988,097.7<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,469,081.0<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><i>19,509,713.9<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,334,970.4<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>(68,947.1)<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2016 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,965,229.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,527,248.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,437,981.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>8,500,517.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>5,719,164.2 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,781,353.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>5,386,860.5 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,373,893.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><i>22,402,320.5 <o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,936,043.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>176,483.8 <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2017 01<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,939,268.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,451,325.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,487,942.9 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>8,392,444.7 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>5,846,916.0 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,545,528.7 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>5,199,529.7 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,443,415.2 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><i>21,900,087.4 <o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>3,026,970.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>35,057.8 <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2017 02<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,905,852.9<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,485,934.3<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,419,918.5<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>8,645,381.5<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>6,238,797.0<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,406,584.5<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>5,089,327.7<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,433,428.0<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><i>22,041,011.7<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>3,109,512.3<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>66,366.0<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/documents/statistic/balancesheet/2017/01e.pdf">Link to report</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNR2-YTUN6kTQyKqD-my6EAO-mHyQ-8B1HUM_yX3mK3bL280j40Y_kEIBX4WR7L0e5TQ53hMWGsWcU-JFJHsHkMEhJ-XiyPL-BWmOyFyD_0dbi8rRyYQZLL63Z3Gok0JB0t6DBvijZc4Y/s1600/image004-789968.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNR2-YTUN6kTQyKqD-my6EAO-mHyQ-8B1HUM_yX3mK3bL280j40Y_kEIBX4WR7L0e5TQ53hMWGsWcU-JFJHsHkMEhJ-XiyPL-BWmOyFyD_0dbi8rRyYQZLL63Z3Gok0JB0t6DBvijZc4Y/s320/image004-789968.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420063088667074" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Politics></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Politics & Legal<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Government_pledges_continued"></a>Government pledges continued protection for investor <span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>rights</span><span lang=MN style='mso-fareast-language:JA'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 17 (MONTSAME) On March 16, the first meeting of a Council to protect the interests of investors was held to hear reports about the current situation of the investment environment and the progress of large-scale investment agreements and arbitration cases or disputes in which the Mongolian government was involved.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>More than half of foreign investors in Mongolia are said to have left in the past 4 years. While on the one hand, the reason behind this is the current economic difficulties, on the other hand, inconsistent policy and withdrawal of contracts by the government what caused investors to lose their trust.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Therefore, Prime Minister J.Erdenebat has issued an ordinance to establish the council aimed at urgent settlement of complaints and petitions regarding the protection of the interests and rights of investors and bureaucratic and illegal activities, as well as prevention and potential risks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Members of the council, chaired by J.Munkhbat, head of Cabinet Secretaries, include Minister of Finance, State Secretaries in charge of Justice and Home Affairs, Road and Transport, Mining and Energy and advisors to the Prime Minister, department heads of corresponding ministers and representatives of National Development Agency, Development Bank, Mongolian Chamber of Commerce and NGOs. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting held yesterday emphasized the importance of resolving any complaints and petitions made by investors before they are filed to court or arbitration. The council blamed government ministries, agencies and local administration on not functioning properly in this regard. Also, it was reported that foreign investment has been reduced substantially in recent years and there are five major investment contracts made presently.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The current government is working to protect the interests and rights of investors. It is indispensable for us to gain the trusts of investors and attract more investment in order to overcome the economic recession with the help of mutual understanding and creation of more favorable legal environment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/9203">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Cabinet_Secretary_speaks"></a>Cabinet Secretary speaks to UB residents about IMF negotiations<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 19 (UB Post) Cabinet Secretary J.Munkhbat met with Bayangol District residents on March 17, to introduce the implementation of the government's action plan and the country's overall economic situation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He emphasized that after negotiating with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Government of Mongolia and the IMF reached an agreement to implement a three-year extended fund facility program. He noted that following the implementation of the program, Mongolia will enhance its budget and financial environment and strengthen fiscal discipline.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Cabinet Secretariat stressed that after resolving Development Bank of Mongolia's 580 million USD Euro bond debt without pressuring the government, the Government of Mongolia issued a bond of 100 million USD, the Khuraldai bond.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Foreign investors offered over three billion USD for the bond, indicating that foreign investors trust investing in Mongolia again. He added that the government is working to carry out budget cuts for heads of government, as well as bringing people to justice for abusing state power in determining how government bond funds were spent.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In response to questions concerning Parliament's vote to transfer Erdenet's privately held stake to state ownership, the Cabinet Secretariat said that the parliamentary resolution to claim the stake was not a move to seize private property, but an action taken to enforce the law.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/19/cabinet-secretariat-speaks-to-ub-residents-about-imf-negotiations/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_Democrats_to"></a>Mongolian Democrats to elect National Policy Committee on April 2<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 17 (news.mn) The Mongolian Democratic Party is organising the election for its National Policy Committee. The voting will take place on 2<sup>nd</sup> of April. According to DP leader S.Erdene, a total of 511 candidates have been registered for the National Policy Committee's 380 seats. The open registration for the election closed on 15<sup>th</sup> of March at 3.00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Furthermore, 52 candidates are being nominated for Ulaanbaatar city and as DP provincial directors. Former DP leader D.Battulga and former MP Sh.Tuvdendorj will be contending the post of DP director for Ulaanbaatar city.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327723">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Appeal_denied_for"></a>Appeal denied for S.Zorig's assailants<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 18 (UB Post) An appeal for the individuals convicted for the murder of S.Zorig was denied on March 14, due to a lack of new evidence that could lead to their acquittal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The murder of former Minister of Infrastructure and Member of Parliament S.Zorig was reinvestigated in response to a motion filed by his sister, former Member of Parliament S.Oyun. T.Chimgee and T.Sodnomdarjaa were found guilty of the murder in December 2016, and promptly filed for an appeal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>S.Oyun couldn't attend the appeals hearing and had her brother, S.Bayar, attend in her place.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I have two things to say. First, my sister didn't refuse to attend today's hearing. She's on a business trip, so I've come as her substitute," S.Bayar said about S.Oyun's absence from the hearing. "Second, I ask that the trial be held openly."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The defendants also asked the court for an open trial.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The hearing continued for several hours before Judge S.Soyombo-Erdene announced the court's decision on the appeal. He noted that the re-opening of the S.Zorig murder case, a crime committed 19 years ago, was requested by S.Oyun and that it was carried out according to Article 308.2 of the Criminal Procedures Code.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Evidence from the crime scene was taken into custody according to the law and relevant procedures. Nobody's legal rights were violated during the seizure of evidence, and we haven't found any basis to claims that evidence was tampered with or illegally obtained," the judge said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The court believed that records of the interrogations of B.Sodnomdarjaa and Ts.Amgalanbaatar, B.Sodnomdarjaa's written statement, statements from witnesses, records of evidence found at the crime scene, notes from a search party, and the verification of statements, and forensic reports were found to be consistent throughout the investigation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Judge S.Soyombo-Erdene added that witnesses were able to immediately identify B.Sodnomdarjaa, Ts.Amgalanbaatar, and T.Chimgee, and that follow-up investigations proved their presence at the crime scene on the night of the murder, making them prime suspects for S.Zorig's murder. The court decision emphasized that the investigation of the crime was conducted legally, and that appropriate sentences were given to the assailants.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Although a separate case has been opened to investigate claims that the murder of S.Zorig was pre-meditated and ordered, the judges ruled that a new case would not affect the court's decisions on the prison sentences given to Ts.Amgalanbaatar, B.Sodnomdarjaa, and T.Chimgee. The sentencing was determined to be applied in accordance with Article 246.1 of the Criminal Procedures Code, which states: "the examination of a case in court shall be carried out only with respect to the defendant and only within the case upon which s/he has been brought to trial".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Everything related to the case has been reinvestigated according to the Criminal Procedures Code. The appeals of the convicts, their attorneys, and the victim's family to reinvestigate and overrule the court's decision have been denied," Judge S.Soyombo-Erdene announced.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The state's prosecutors say they thoroughly reviewed all reports and records concerning the case, including witness statements, and made some changes to information they found to be incorrect.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They said that Ts.Amgalanbaatar and B.Sodnomdarjaa's motive for the homicide wasn't to "conceal and simplify another crime" but to only "conceal another crime". Ts.Amgalanbaatar was reportedly interrogated according to Article 24.1.3 of the Criminal Code, not Article 24.1.2, and M.Munkhjargal was omitted from the list of victims of the crime, as she was later identified as only being a witness.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/18/appeal-denied-for-s-zorigs-assailants/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Wreaths_Laid_for"></a>Wreaths Laid for Soldiers' Day<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 20 /MONTSAME/ Celebrated on March 18, Mongolian Soldiers' Day and the 96th anniversary of modern Mongolian Armed Forces has an additional meaning to it, it is also Men's Day. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In commemoration of the formation of modern Mongolian army, a wreath-laying ceremony was held at the Central Square and was attended by Defense Minister B.Bat-erdene and some Members of Parliament.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Defense Minister remarked during the event, "The Armed Forces of Mongolia have had its role in every periods of Mongolian history. Being the foot of patriotic conviction, school of physical and disciplinary strength and reliance of the Mongolian people, we will strive to maintain our might and position".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Minister added, "The defense sector is celebrating its 96th anniversary with a good deal of success including the adoption of a package law on Defense which had been awaited for a long time".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 18 marks the day when Mongolian army liberated Kyakhta city in 1921, thus declaring the first historic victory to secure Mongolia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. And following a resolution of State Little Khural, the day was officially marked since 1946. And in 2003, Mongolian Parliament adopted a law on public holidays in which March 18 was named Mongolian Soldiers' Day.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9205">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_President_Ts.Elbegdorj_visits"></a>President Ts.Elbegdorj visits military institutes<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ On the occasion of the Mongolian Soldiers' Day and the 96th anniversary of Mongolian Armed Forces which was celebrated on March 18, President of Mongolia and Commander in Chief of Mongolian Armed Forces Ts.Elbegdorj visited National Defense University of Mongolia, Temuujin Urlug military school and Central Military Hospital.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Having recently gained a 'national' status, the National Defense University of Mongolia reported on its operations and programs to the President. Affiliated with the National Defense University are number of institutes such as Institute of Defense Studies, National Defense Academy, Military School, National School of Security, Military Music Institute, School of Non-Commissioned Officers and Temuujin Urlug military school.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Established in 2010, the Temuujin Urlug military school now provides military and secondary education to more than 300 pupils. President Ts.Elbegdorj also delivered a speech to the all military personnel who celebrated Soldiers' Day on March 18.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The President's next stop was Mongolian Central Military Hospital which was founded in 1921 and celebrates its 96th anniversary alongside Mongolian Armed Forces this year. The hospital now renders medical aid to not only military personnel but also general public. The President emphasized that the hospital must have the capacity to issue 10 thousand beds to citizens during emergency situations and enhance the quality of its service in cooperation with developed countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9207">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Parliament_Speaker_attends"></a>Parliament Speaker attends Mongolian Soldiers' Day celebration<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 20 /MONTSAME/ Chairman of the State Great Khural M.Enkhold attended the ceremony for the Mongolian Soldiers' Day and the 96th anniversary of the establishment of the Armed Forces, on March 17.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He delivered greetings of Mongolian Soldiers' Day, and handed state prizes, orders and awards to the deserved.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In his speech, the Speaker said "Please accept my warmest greetings on Mongolian Soldiers' Day to You and all staff members of police, intelligence and emergency departments through You.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ninety six years ago, on March 18 of 1921, the Mongolian Militia liberated Kyakhta, which event paved the way for Mongolia to restore its sovereignty and independence. For this reason, this day has been celebrated solemnly since 1946, in accordance with a resolution of the Presidium of the Lower Khural of the People's Republic of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Later in 2003, the State Great Khural passed the Law on Public Holidays and Celebrations and named it Mongolian Soldiers' Day to be celebrated nationwide.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This day is not only a celebration for military personnel who do the honorable and sacrosanct duty to the motherland, but also a glorious day for all Mongolians. Celebrating this day is of essential importance in passing down the pride and mindset to cherish and defend one's own motherland to the future generations and help youngsters get to know the history of their heroic nation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>History of Mongolian army is the chronicles of the glorious deeds of those soldiers who had served for Chinggis Khaan's army, those who are serving in international operations nowadays and all those in between", underlined the Speaker. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9210">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for March 17, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Commission established to collect presidential election ballots from citizens living abroad<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The General Election Commission held a meeting to establish a commission that will be in charge of receiving the votes for the 2017 presidential election from Mongolian citizens living abroad. The Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, D. Davaasuren, will be the Chair of the commission and the Head of the Office for the General Election Commission, D. Bayanduuren, will be the Vice Chairman. The commission is comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and General Agency for Intellectual Property and State Registration.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> presidential election, voting, consular services</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The National Post /page 2/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>People's Parliament Movement proposes a bicameral parliament<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The People's Parliament Movement organized a meeting to discuss having a bicameral parliament in Mongolia. The movement believes that the Constitution should be amended to allow bicameralism to effectively monitor and efficiently run the Mongolian Ikh Khural (Parliament). Former Mayor of Ulaanbaatar E. Bat-Uul participated in the meeting and noted, "Mongolia's society is run by oligarchs and its not possible to develop the economy with free marked based economy. When we approved the Constitution in 1992, we didn't think that the voters would sell their votes and that elected officials would work for their own interests. Back in those days, the People's Parliament Movement had an Ethics Committee, and if it existed today, it would recall the 76 Members of Parliament." E. Bat-Uul noted that the MPs and Cabinet members working on amendments to the Constitution should incorporate the opinions voiced by such organizations as the People's Parliament Movement.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Parliament, legislature, democracy</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>Today /page A2/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ECONOMY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The new international airport expected to be operational in 2018<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> According to the government's contract signed with Japanese contractors, the New Ulaanbaatar International Airport in Khushig Valley was handed over to the Ministry of Roads and Transportation Development in January. According to preliminary plans, the airport will be operation in May 2018. Currently, construction financed by additional loans is still underway and a 30 km highway financed by a soft loan from China is still under construction. The highway is expected to be complete by October 2018, but the ministry has ordered completion of the highway by May 2018, the same time the airport is scheduled to open.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> international airport, aviation, Japan </span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>| <i>The Official Gazette /page 7/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ONLINE STORY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>List of special license holders needing financing will be created for Gold -2 <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry is currently preparing a list of special license holders in need of financing to effectively implement the Gold-2 program. The main aim of the program is to assist gold mining companies with financial support and to help increase their capacity. The program's goal is for Mongolia's gold miners to produce up to 25 tons of gold by 2020, and to increase the nation's gold reserve by 100-150 tons. Through the government's program, financing will be sought after in cooperation with the Bank of Mongolia. Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry Ts. Dashdorj announced during a roundtable meeting between representatives from the Mongolian and Canadian governments, that Canadian financing for the Gold-2 program was requested by the Mongolian government. Minister of Finance B. Choijilsuren highlighted the Gatsuurt project financed by Centerra Gold, citing it as an example of other major projects outside the Gold -2 program. The Mongolian gold sector is attracting funding from the international community. Steppe Gold has decided to invest 20 million USD in exploration in Mongolia and has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Mongolian government. Erdene Resource Development holds special gold exploration licenses for the Altan Nar and Bayan Khundii mines and has closed a financing deal of 13.8 million USD. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Analysts note that even though demand for ornaments with gold is decreasing on the international market, the demand for investment in gold is increasing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The National Statistics Office reported that in the first two months of 2017, Mongolia exported 30.7 million USD worth of unprocessed and half-processed gold to Great Britain. The monetary value of the gold exported is almost twice as low as it was in the same period last year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> mining, gold, investment</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i><a href="http://bloombergtv.mn/%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%82-2-%D1%85%D3%A9%D1%82%D3%A9%D0%BB%D0%B1%D3%A9%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D1%85%D2%AF%D1%80%D1%8D%D1%8D%D0%BD%D0%B4-%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%85%D2%AF%D2%AF%D0%B6%D0%B8%D0%BB%D1%82-%D1%88%D0%B0%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B4%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%B9-%D1%82%D1%83%D1%81%D0%B3%D0%B0%D0%B9-%D0%B7%D3%A9%D0%B2%D1%88%D3%A9%D3%A9%D1%80%D3%A9%D0%BB-%D1%8D%D0%B7%D1%8D%D0%BC%D1%88%D0%B8%D0%B3%D1%87%D0%B4%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D0%B6%D0%B0%D0%B3%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%82-%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B3%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B0/?cid=9" target="_blank">www.bloombergtv.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-march-17-2017/">Link to newswire</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKHcOaqKWckg4BLM_VDhJzRS0pY1lGWSlVLz192v4KJTQ0JIOShnCbuX8kQQZvTHC1WvZEPW9OD8fwui2eQAwcnDrgMqfIpqI_e9ZSvBNlttZ84l5ZRq_SgLgC27AvVjPl6o05MsOSYQ/s1600/image005-792792.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKHcOaqKWckg4BLM_VDhJzRS0pY1lGWSlVLz192v4KJTQ0JIOShnCbuX8kQQZvTHC1WvZEPW9OD8fwui2eQAwcnDrgMqfIpqI_e9ZSvBNlttZ84l5ZRq_SgLgC27AvVjPl6o05MsOSYQ/s320/image005-792792.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420070400316034" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Business></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Business<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_Mongolia_plans_to"></a>Mongolia plans to export 40 tonnes of gold a year by 2020<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 17 (news.mn) Mongolia Gold 2017 Conference and Exhibition opened at the Chinggis Hotel on 17th of March. The event is being organised by the Mongolian Mining Exchange in cooperation with the Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry, Mongolbank, BCM and HKIMA.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Gold-2" was approved by the Mongolian Cabinet as a key part of the raft of measures to revive the economy; it aims at increasing gold production by two to three tonnes annually, leading to an annual production target of 25 tonnes by 2020. Mongolian gold export is forecast to reach 15.8-40.0 tonnes in the next decade and gold revenue to USD 1177.9 million by 2020.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The conference is intended to discuss a wide range of issues connected with the gold mining sector and plans to set goals for seeking ways to improve and stabilise the legal environment for gold mining. The event will address solutions to the recent financial concerns of recent years. Related to this, the government is to implement "Gold-2" project, to introduce gold projects to investors as well as advanced technologies, expand business relations and cooperation, and exchange international experience.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327725">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_UN_representative_notes"></a>UN representative notes similarities of banking systems of Tajikistan and Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 17 (AKIPRESS.COM) - Deputy Executive Secretary for Programmes of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Hongjoo Hahm has noted the similarities of banking systems of Tajikistan and Mongolia, reported the press service of the National Bank of Tajikistan...<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://akipress.com/news:590212/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Jargal_DeFacto:_Questions"></a>Jargal DeFacto: Questions Answered in Toronto<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 19 (UB Post) The <a href="http://www.pdac.ca/">Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada</a> (PDAC) Convention, the biggest mining exhibition in the world, has taken place in Toronto every year since 1932. This year, the convention was attended by 22,000 people from 125 countries, and presentations on mining projects by 900 companies. Mongolia was represented by a big group, which included Mining Minister Ts.Dashdorj, government officials, and key representatives from the private sector. An event was organized to talk specifically about opportunities in Mongolia's mining industry.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mongolian mining industry event saw speeches given by the Ambassadors of Mongolia and Canada, an overview of mining policy and initiatives conducted by the Mongolian government, and a presentation about Canadian companies that are operating in Mongolia. More than 300 people attended the Mongolia event, including representatives of investment funds and individuals who either own shares of Canadian companies operating in Mongolia or who have taken up an interest in the market. It was noted by some participants that the Mongolia event received many more attendees compared to last year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Given our full dependence on minerals, Mongolia needs to demonstrate what we have learned from our foreign investment burnout – especially today, when the mining downturn is about to transition into its next cycle of growth.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>THE BEGINNING OF A NEW CYCLE</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In 2011, the mining bubble grew to its largest point of industry growth, and the total market value of the 2,684 stock exchange listed mining companies around the world reached 2.5 trillion USD. In the third quarter of 2015, this combined market value dropped below one trillion USD for the first time. Consequently, in the third quarter of 2016, the market value of the 1,675 mining companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange equaled 250 billion USD.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to PricewaterhouseCoopers, the 40 largest mining companies recorded revenue of 400 billion USD in 2015, but ran a 26 percent deficit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Due to China's economic transition from manufacturing to services, the demand for minerals decreased and commodity prices fell by 25 percent. In 2015, the 40 largest mining companies scrapped 53 billion USD in low quality assets, and had a loss of 27 billion USD. These companies have put more focus on cost savings and improving productivity. As commodity prices rose at the end of last year, the mining downturn came to its end, and a cycle of growth is now starting. Given that this is the beginning of a growth cycle, the Mongolian government and our mining companies are taking action to attract foreign investment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the PDAC Convention, investors were interested in Erdene Resource Development (TSE:ERD), Aspire Mining (ASX:AKM), Xanadu Mines (ASX:XAM), and Steppe Gold. Having arrived in Mongolia almost 20 years ago, Erdene Resource Development has a market value of 130 million CAD and is running the Altannar and Bayankhundii gold exploration projects in Umnogobi. Australia's Aspire Mining discovered the Ovoot coking coal deposit (with a market value of 30 million USD) and has started work in Erdenet to build a 549 km railway. Xanadu Mines discovered coal, gold, and copper deposits in Mongolia and has a market value of 112 million AUD. Steppe Gold is planning to launch an IPO on the Toronto Stock Exchange this year and owns licenses for several gold deposits.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Canadian investors are looking at Mongolia again – the mineral-rich country located right next to China's huge market. It should also be noted that Mongolia has now has significant experience in foreign investment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>CANADA AND MONGOLIA</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Canada is not only a third neighbor to Mongolia but also a strategic partner. Mongolia and Canada established diplomatic relations 44 years ago, and its trade turnover in 2016 reached 19.4 million USD, which is a much smaller sum compared to five years ago.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Canada has invested a total of 6.4 billion USD in Mongolia since 1990, and a majority of the investment has been made in mining. As of 2015, 13 mining companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange operate in Mongolia and own 24 special licenses related to the exploration and extraction of minerals such as gold, copper, and coal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Turquoise Hill Resources, which is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange, owns 66 percent of Oyu Tolgoi's shares. Also, 20 percent of all financing for Oyu Tolgoi's underground mine project comes from Export Development Canada and Canada's Imperial Bank of Commerce.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Canadian company Centerra Gold had mining operations at the Boroo gold mine from 2004-2005, and is now in negotiations with the government to develop the Gatsuurt gold deposit. Another Canadian company, Entree Gold, owns mining licenses surrounding the Oyu Tolgoi license area in Khanbogd and Bayan-Ovoo soums of Umnugobi Province.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Canada sees Mongolia as a priority country in terms of their long-term Asian partnership and for cooperation in the economy and development, and believes the countries have shared values concerning human rights, freedom, and the rule of law.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the PDAC Convention, Canada's Minister of International Trade and Ts.Dashdorj, Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry of Mongolia, announced that the two countries have established an agreement on protecting and supporting investment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>ARE LESSONS LEARNED BEING REFLECTED IN OUR POLICIES?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Minister Ts.Dashdorj also announced that Mongolia is preparing to revise its mining law. The Mongolian government believes that the current minerals law is too focused on special licenses and does not fully address extraction, processing, production, rehabilitation, and mine closure activities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Questions from investors mainly focused on what changes the new law would entail and how an amended law would affect mining investments, where returns are gained after years and decades.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Minister Ts.Dashdorj said that the government would suspend the joint consultation and issuance of exploration licenses by the central government and local governments, emphasizing that it is a bureaucratic process that puts off investors due to misalignment of interests, and that it creates potential avenues for corruption. However, no one mentioned the underlying issue: the Ministry of Finance is not transferring the legally set terms for royalty payments made to local governments.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Investors asked if a foreign company discovers a major mineral deposit, will the government determine the deposit to be strategic and partly own it? In these cases, how would the government pay for their part of the investment? Will windfall taxes be reinstated if commodity prices experience a sudden surge? The answers to these questions can be given only after amendments to the law are passed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Future foreign investment depends on how Mongolian lawmakers apply the important lessons learned from previous mining cycles to the laws and policies they are developing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In any case, it is becoming clear that mining investment could increase given the end of the mining downturn and an increase in commodity prices. However, what is not clear is whether or not every Mongolian household would end up receiving equal benefits from the wealth beneath the ground.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Translated by B.Amar</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/19/questions-answered-in-toronto/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_Economic_Forum"></a>Mongolian Economic Forum 2017: Tentative Agenda<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 17 (gogo.mn) Mongolia Economic Forum (MEF) 2017 is scheduled to be held on March 30-31st at the State Palace, under the motto "Think sustainable, Act responsible".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The forum aims to bring together policy makers, the private sector, and civil society representatives to discuss economic issues. Over 1,500 participants attend the forum each year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We deliver you the tentative program of the two-day forum. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>30 MARCH, THURSDAY</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>09:00 Opening remarks:</b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo2'>HE J. Erdenebat, Prime Minister of Mongolia<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>09:20 <u>Plenary Session: Great Hall</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l14 level1 lfo3'>Investment Environment and Stability<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>11:00 Coffee Break<br>11:30 <u>Working Session:</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4'>Great Hall: Mongolia's Investment Agenda – Major Projects<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4'>А Hall: Laissez-faire<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo4'>B Hall: Supporting business environment through efficient legal regulations<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>13:00 Lunch<br>14:00 <u>Working Session:</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l10 level1 lfo5'>Great Hall: Public Private Dialog<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l10 level1 lfo5'>А Hall: B2B<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l10 level1 lfo5'>B Hall: Finance Sector Development<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>15:30 Coffee Break<br>16:00 <u>Working Session:</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l12 level1 lfo6'>Great Hall: Mongol Branding (National Branding)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l12 level1 lfo6'>А Hall: Trade facilitation<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l12 level1 lfo6'>B Hall: E-commerce<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>19.00 Welcome Reception</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>31 MARCH, FRIDAY</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>09:00 Opening remarks:</b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l13 level1 lfo7'>HE Ts. Elbegdorj, President of Mongolia<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>09:15 Keynote speech:</b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l15 level1 lfo8'>HE Mr. Mark Garnier, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for International Trade, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>09:30 <u>Plenary Session: Great Hall</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l9 level1 lfo9'>Macroeconomic Stability<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>11:00 Coffee Break<br>11:30 <u>Working Session:</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo10'>Great Hall: How to Raise Funds on London Stock Exchange?<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo10'>А Hall: § 19.1 – Constitution of Mongolia<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo10'>B Hall: Future Tendencies of the Mining Sector<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>13:00 Lunch<br>14:00 <u>Working Session:</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo11'>Great Hall: Climate Finance<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo11'>А Hall: Industrialization: Business development trend<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo11'>B Hall: Insurance Market<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>15:30 Coffee Break<br>16:00 <u>Working Session:</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo12'>Great Hall: National Identity<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo12'>А Hall: Creative industry<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo12'>B Hall: Agriculture - Cooperatives<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>17:30 <u>Closing Plenary:</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo13'>Great Hall: Implementation of the Long-term, Sustainable Development Policy<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>19:00 <u>Closing Remarks</u>:</b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo14'>HE J.Munkhbat, Minister of Mongolia, Chief of Cabinet Secretariat government of Mongolia, Head of the Working group of Mongolia Economic Forum.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157738">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_March_Networking"></a>AmCham March Networking Night sponsored by G-Mobile LLC<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 17 (AmCham Mongolia) -- <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://amcham.mn/amcham-march-networking-night-sponsored-by-g-mobile-llc/">Link to photos</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s1600/image006-795182.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s320/image006-795182.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420083052750706" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Ulaanbaatar></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Temperature_will_reach"></a>Temperature will reach 2C today in UB<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 20 (GoGo Mongolia) Mostly cloudy in Ulaanbaatar city today. Winds will reach 7 m/s and temperature will be 2C. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Temperature will reach 4C in the beginning of the week while it will drop to -1C by the end of the week. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157756">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Very_unhealthy_air"></a>Very unhealthy air quality index near MNB today<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 20 (GoGo Mongolia) As of today at 9 a.m (14th Mar), areas nearby Mongolian national broadcasting have the highest air quality index of 409. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to the <a href="http://agaar.mn/index?lang=en#chemmenu" target="_blank">agaar.mn</a>, an air quality monitoring website, levels of PM2.5 particulates reaches;<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l11 level1 lfo16'><b>299 </b>micrograms per cubic meter area nearby Mongolian National Public Television,<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l11 level1 lfo16'><b>143 </b> micrograms per cubic meter in Bayankhoshuu, <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l11 level1 lfo16'><b>106</b> micrograms per cubic meter in Nisekh (Airport area). <o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Levels of PM2.5 particulates, which are the most hazardous to health, in heavily polluted areas of Ulaanbaatar city exceeds 11 times above the recommended levels, as compared with the World Health Organization safe level of 25. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157755">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Lead_poisoning:_Nerve"></a>Lead poisoning: Nerve damage threatens children living near Da Khuree<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 17 (gogo.mn) We headed to Da Khuree technical market to find "nerve damage" where the area is always covered with dust and air pollution. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You might confuse with the word "nerve damage". It represents "lead", which has already acknowledged in the world yet becoming known in our country recently. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Exposure to lead can occur by contaminated air, soil and water and harm the central nervous system, kidneys and red blood cells, and decreased function in the cardiovascular and immune systems. Lower IQ levels and learning disabilities can also result from lead exposure, especially in children, as young bodies are more sensitive than those of adults.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In Feb, 2017, GoGo News Agency and Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences conducted blood test on lead involving 15 children aged 7-10 years who are living in 5 different areas. As a result, child living near Da Khuree technical market has 5,7-10 mcg/d lead in her blood. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to the World Health Organization, there is no known safe blood lead concentration. But it is known that, as lead exposure increases, the range and severity of symptoms and effects also increases. Even blood lead concentrations as low as 5 µg/dl, once thought to be a "safe level", may result in decreased intelligence in children, behavioural difficulties and learning problems.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>HOW IS LIFE AROUND DA KHUREE?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia had 10 thousand vehicles before 1990s, it rose to 36.3 thousand in 1999, later it has reached 467 thousand in 2016, reports City Road Police Department. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Drivers of the city visit Da Khuree technical market 1-2 times every year for oil change, car repair or to buy cars. It is certain that the area is crowded all year round with both cars and people. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>About 60 services including auto repair, tire repair and car washes operate near the residential areas of Da khuree. Meanwhile over 200 businesses sell cars at the market. If we consider that one person sells five cars at an average, 1000 cars are parked at the market and waiting for their new owner. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thus the residents of this area suffer from smoke from car in winter, dust and oil odor in summer. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>WHY CHILD LIVING IN DA KHUREE HAS HIGH LEVEL OF LEAD IN BLOOD? </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to the study conducted by Institute of Geography and Geo-ecology in 2010, lead in soil was the highest near auto repair centers. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Where is the highest lead concentration in soil?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Standard for a safe level of soil lead is 100 mcg/d. However it exceeds two times the standard in soil near auto repair center which is amounted to 200 mcg/d due to lead containing automative battery and fuel. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As stated in a book "Environmental health research" by Dr. B.Burmaajav, 80-90 percent of the lead which contained in fuel is being emited into environment and pollutes the soil. Remaining 15 percent of the lead is used for car engine system. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However Mongolia has no law banning the use of fuel containing lead.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We interviewed Dr. Sh.Batdelger, Research Office, Public Health Institute on negative impact of vehicle emissions on the human body. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>VEHICLE EMISSIONS CONTAIN HEAVY METALS SUCH AS BARIUM, COPPER, LEAD AND ZINC</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>-What heavy metals that are harmful to human health being emited at an area crowded with car? </b><br>-Heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, fine particles are emited depending on the car type and fuel. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Vehicle emissions contains barium, copper, lead and zinc. Barium affects respiratory tract and increases the heart rate and blood pressure.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>-How oil odor affects health?</b><br>-Toxic compounds emited from vehicle adversely affect human health by penetrating into body through respiratory tract and skin. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It makes bronchitis and asthma chronic and causes heart attack, allergy and respiratory tract infections.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>-Does automative battery contain lead?</b><br>-Yes. Toxic compounds emitting from automative battery pollutes environment. It is confirmed that 70 percent of the people are working close to automative battery have the highest blood lead level. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>-How lead affects health? How long is it stored in the human body? </b><br>-15 percent of lead penetrated in adult body and 50 percent of lead penetrated in children body stored in their teeth and bones, where it accumulates over time. Compared to the adult, 4-5 times more lead penetrates in children's body. Lead harms brain development, affects kidney and blood pressure. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Even though we have not tested the soil lead level around Da Khuree, above mentioned facts answered our question - Why child living in Da Khuree has the highest blood lead level?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>B.ANKHTUYA: OUR KHOROO HAS THE HIGH NUMBER OF CHILD MORTALITY</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Blood lead level test was performed on 3 children aged 7-10 years who are living in 17th khoroo of Bayanzurkh district for more than 5 years, which borders with the Da khuree.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Parents say that symptoms such as nosebleeds, fatigue and headaches are common among children. In addition, children experience loss of appetite and become susceptible to diseases in winter and spring. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>B.Ankhtuya, Head of Family Health Center of 17th khoroo agreed with the parents and number of sick children caused by environment pollution is increasing year by year. She added that households who can not afford coal burn old tyres and plastics in winter to survive the cold, which might make children sick. In summer, number of gastrointestinal diseases increase sharply among children due to open dumps. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition, thinness, anemia and weakness are common among children and fuel and oil odor irritates allergy and causes eye flu. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At least 2000 children are being exposed to lead poisoning in this khoroo. Da Khuree technical market borders with 9 and 19th khoroos. Therefore the lead is threatening more than 5000 children`s health. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover 31 thousand citizens are living around Da Khuree technical market and no one knows how they are being poisoned by lead through air, water and soil...<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>TO BE CONTINUED...<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157696">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Failed_ger_area"></a>Failed ger area redevelopment plan leaves more than 500 people homeless<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 19 (UB Post) An NGO, which protects the interests of residents in Sansar Town, announced on March 14 that over 500 victims of ger area re-planning program are ready to go on hunger strike unless the state resolves their housing problem.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During a press conference on Tuesday, the NGO reported that 85 families have become homeless as Ikh Urgoo LLC, a contractor in charge of redeveloping ger areas in Bayanzurkh District, failed to meet commission dead- line for the apartments promised to residents.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>People living in Sansar Town in Bayanzurkh District evicted their homes by October 15, 2014 after signing contracts with Ikh Urgoo LLC and the Ulaanbaatar Ger Area Development Agency. Seven new apartments and six houses were promised along with a monthly compensation of 500,000 MNT to each household through the contract. However, not a single resident has received compensation and the ground works for three apartments have not been completed, according to residents.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A spokesperson for the NGO said that residents complained about these breaches of contract many times to city authorities and project executors, but haven't received an adequate response.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Residents tried to reason with the founder of Ikh Urgoo LLC and former Member of Parliament D.Arvin, but they were told, "It's not possible to give compensations. We don't have the money."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The spokesperson said that victims of the ger area re-planning program have handed an official document about their problem to the Prime Minster and promised to gather all victims for a hunger strike if their issues aren't addressed by next week.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After the press conference, D.Arvin's brother and executive director of Ikh Urgoo LLC D.Badrakh was asked to comment on resident's statement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Eighty companies were selected to implement the ger area re-planning program but the majority of them weren't able to carry out the task. The economic crisis faced by the whole country affected our operations. We're seeking a solution and trying to get loans from banks. For a fact, we have given compensations in the first two years. This matter will be settled soon," he said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/19/failed-housing-plan-leaves-more-than-500-people-homeless/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s1600/image006-795182.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s320/image006-795182.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420083052750706" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Diplomacy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Diplomacy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Chinese_Ambassador_to"></a>Chinese Ambassador to Mongolia talks to journalists about bilateral economic cooperation<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 17 (UB Post) On Thursday, Ambassador of China to Mongolia Xing Haiming met with Mongolian journalists to discuss the economic cooperation between Mongolia and China and other foreign affairs issues.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ambassador Xing emphasized that mining, infrastructure, and humanitarian collaboration are key pieces of economic cooperation between the two countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Ambassador highlighted that the following principles should be pursued to strengthen economic cooperation between the neighbors:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo15'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]><i>Improve mining, energy, infrastructure, and other cooperation by taking advantage of opportunities for economic cooperation and harnessing cohesion between the development strategies of the two countries; expedite the launching of projects and programs that have been negotiated, and seek mutual benefits from the projects</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo15'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]><i>Look for new directions for economic cooperation, adapt new Chinese technology to develop Mongolia's livestock sector, expand banking and financial cooperation, and go forward incrementally with a currency swap agreement</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo15'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]><i>Move forward on establishing an economic cooperation zone and free-trade zone agreement; establish agreements between Chinese and Mongolian investors; develop an economic corridor between China, Russia, and Mongolia under the Belt and Road Initiative; and develop economic cooperation in areas along the Mongolian and Chinese border</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Chinese Ambassador said that cooperative projects will greatly contribute to the stability of increased economic cooperation, and will help Mongolia overcome its economic challenges.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ambassador Xing underlined that representative offices of the Bank of China and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China are operating in Ulaanbaatar, but representative offices have no authority to implement cooperation projects or make investments, so China wants to open an institution that has commercial authority in Mongolia. The Ambassador said that the opening of such an organization would allow Chinese investment to flow into Mongolia and help stimulate Mongolia's economic growth.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He added that Chinese representatives have negotiated with Mongolia on this matter, but the negotiations have encountered challenges in the legal and regulatory environment. He emphasized that addressing these challenges are not exclusive to Chinese banks, but that they are a matter concerning all aspects of foreign investment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Ambassador noted that trade turnover between Mongolia and China was 5 billion USD last year, but it represented less than one percent of China's foreign trade in 2016. He said there should be a greater focus on developing trade turnover, and that there are numerous opportunities for the countries to take advantage of their improved relations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/17/chinese-ambassador-to-mongolia-talks-to-journalists-about-bilateral-economic-cooperation/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Cuban_health_specialists"></a>Cuban health specialists visit Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 20 /MONTSAME/ Cuban delegates Eulogio Pimentel, General Director of the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Cuba, Manuel Rafael Raices Perez-Castaneda, Business Executive and Project analyst in biotechnology, Abel Hernandez Velazquez, Head of plant biotechnology direction paid a visit to Mongolia on 12-17 March.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During their stay in Mongolia, the specialists from Cuba visited the National Research Center for Zoonotic Diseases, Institute of Animal Health, the First Central Hospital of Mongolia, National Research Center of Infectious Diseases and "Bio-Combinat" SOE. Also, the Cuban specialists exchanged views and experiences with representatives of the "Hope" Cancer-Free Mongolia National Foundation, 'Mongol Em Impex' Concern, "IVCO" Co.,Ltd, Monos Pharma, Songdo Hospital and Monfarm Trade.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On March 16, A.Tsogtsetseg, Minister of Health met with the Cuban specialists and among other issues, expressed her belief that cooperation between the two countries in health sector will significantly contribute to introduction of new advanced technology, treatment and development of biotechnological industry in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Same day, the Letter of Intent for cooperation in the field of cardiovascular disease, hepatitis B, diabetes foot ulcer therapy, hemorrhoids and lung cancer treatments between the First Central Hospital of Mongolia and the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Cuba was signed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the official visit of Ts.Elbegdorj, President of Mongolia to the Republic of Cuba in September 2016, the President visited the Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Center and invited specialists of the center to visit Mongolia. The visit of the Cuban specialists is one of the follow-ups of the President's visit to Cuba.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With 31 subsidiaries and 78 pharmaceutical manufacturers, and employing over 22 thousand workers, the Cuban Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology is among the five largest genetic engineering and biotechnological centers in the world. The company exports 45 types of medicines and vaccines to more than 50 countries and implements health programs in 23 different countries around the globe.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9208">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Ambassadors'_wives_promote"></a>Ambassadors' wives promote Mongolian cashmere<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 17 (gogo.mn) On Mar 16, wives of foreign ambassadors residing in Mongolia attended cashmere product fashion show as models. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian Wool and Cashmere Association and Women's Diplomatic Club NGO under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organized the show. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The show featured Gobi, Goyo, Evseg, Buyan, Blue sky cashmere, Erdenet cashmere, Sor cashmere, Nans cashmere, Uujin, Baylag, Ulzii, Mongol Nekhmel, Goyol cahsmere, Gurvan sor, Gobi-Erdene, National Silk. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In near future, Government of Mongolia set a goal to increase cashmere product export by 1.5 to 2 times and approved "cahsmere" program. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>D.Altantsetseg, Executive Director of Wool and Cashmere Association:</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Cashmere industry is facing many challenges. Export is one of them. Therefore we are planning to do a lot of work to promote Mongolian cashmere to foreign markets.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In regards, we are promoting Mongolian cashmere with embassies. Today ambassadors` wives and staff of embassies wore Mongolian cashmere products. It is the beginning of our work."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157736">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Taiwan_gifts_safe"></a>Taiwan gifts safe stoves to Mongolian ger district families<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 17 (news.mn) Huang Guo-rong, Taiwan's Representative to Mongolia has presented 'safe' stoves with barriers and electronic cooking pots for ten 'Ger district' families in Ulaanbaatar. Burns constitute one of the leading causes of childhood injuries to under-fives in Mongolia. The majority of burns occurred at home where there is a high risk of infants stumbling into hot stoves and cooking pots. The barriers are designed to protect small children from such accidents.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr.Huang Guo-rong said 'It is so sad that many children suffer burns in Mongolia each year. In order to protect them, we are presenting these families with barrier stoves.'<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>T.Badamdulam, director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities and E.Galbadrakh, principal of the Burns and Rehabilitation Division of Mongolia's National Centre for Injury Prevention and Control participated in the charity event organised by Taiwan's Representative to Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr.Huang Guo-rong, recently donated six hemodialysis apparatus and three special water purifier to hospitals in three western provinces as well as a Braille embosser to the Mongolian National Federation of the Blind (MNFB).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Taiwanese Foundation of Supporting Child and Family has established a 'Ger district' activity in 2007 for supporting 69 families living on the poverty line. The foundation focuses on building fresh water wells, furnishing schools, providing hygienic toilets, libraries and meeting halls.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327718">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Young_Woman_Gives"></a>Young Woman Gives Heart-Breaking Account Of What Living In North Korea Is Really Like<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>"Mongolia was our freedom moment. Death or dignity."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 17 (Malaysian Digest) A speech North Korean activist Park Yeonmi gave two years ago at the One Young World Summit has gone viral only now.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Her heart wrenching and personal story of how she escaped North Korea was recently shared on Facebook and in less than a week, it has been watched over 65 million times.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The 23-year-old shared the hardships and struggles she went through while living under the rule of the Kim dictatorship.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>She spoke about how she watched her friend's mother get publicly executed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Her crime -- watching a Hollywood movie," she said, struggling to hold back her tears.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"North Korea is the only country in the world that executed people for making unauthorised international phone calls" she said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>However, her nightmare did not end there.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Escape from North Korea was not easy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Her father died in China shortly after their escape.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"I had to bury him, at 3am in secret. I was 14 years old, I couldn't even cry, I was afraid to be sent back to North Korea" she shared in between sobs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The day I escaped North Korea, I saw my mother raped. The rapist was a Chinese broker. He targeted me, I was 13 years old. There is a saying in North Korea: 'Women are weak, but mothers are strong'. My mother allowed herself to be raped in order to protect me."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Determined to "live as humans", Yeonmi and her mother pushed themselves to cross Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"<b>Mongolia was our freedom moment</b>. Death or dignity. Armed with knives, we were prepared to kill ourselves if we were going to be sent back to North Korea. We wanted to live as humans.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"No humans deserve to be oppressed just because of their birthplace."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Her speech touched everyone at the conference and it was hard to find a dry eye in the house.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>She urged everyone to do their part to help those who are still oppressed and trapped in North Korea under Kim Jong-un's regime.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>(VIDEO)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://malaysiandigest.com/features/664195-young-woman-gives-heart-breaking-account-of-what-living-in-north-korea-is-really-like.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s1600/image006-795182.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s320/image006-795182.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420083052750706" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HealthEdu></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Health & Education<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_National_Capacity_Building"></a>National Capacity Building Workshop on Education Statistics in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>When, local time: </b>Tuesday, 11 April 2017 - 9:00am to Thursday, 13 April 2017 - 5:00pm<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Where: </b>Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Type of Event: </b>Category 7-Seminar and Workshop<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The main objective of the workshop is to enhance local institutional capacity to improve data collection, analysis and reporting for the development of policy. The capacity building workshop will contribute to the localization of SDG 4-Education 2030 Agenda including related targets and indicators. The workshop also aims to raise the understanding on SDG4 global and thematic indicators and their methodologies and strengthen national education statistical system to generate and produce required indicators at national and international level.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The workshop is organized by the Mongolian National Commission for UNESCO, Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sport Mongolia, UNICEF Country office in Mongolia, UNESCO Beijing office and the UNESCO Institute of Statistics Regional Unit in Bangkok and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sport in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Workshop will bring together major stakeholders in education to discuss key strategies for data collection at national level. Key attendees of the workshop will include the National Statistical Office in Mongolia, the department in charge of adult education and literacy, universities, and government institutions in charge of the regulation of the tertiary institutions, civil society organizations, the Finance Department of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sport and provincial education authorities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.unesco.org/events/national-capacity-building-workshop-education-statistics-mongolia">Link to event</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Adapting_to_the"></a>Adapting to the Land of the Eternal Blue Sky<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>By <a href="http://www.thehoya.com/author/stella-cai/">Stella Cai</a> <o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, March 17 (The Hoya) "Please do not put your hat on the floor," my host sister, Khaliun, says to me as she picks up my blue Patagonia hat from the floor and carefully places it on the nightstand next to my bed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Great, your first hour in the country, and you have already disrespected the local customs," I thought to myself as I began to question my decision to spend six weeks in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This past summer, I signed up on a whim to volunteer for Learning Enterprises to teach English in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. Growing up in China, I had visited the grassy steppes of Inner Mongolia, an autonomous province of China, and heard legends of Genghis Khan, the great Khan who conquered the largest area of land in history. Other than that, I knew nothing about the country or its culture. When I told my family and friends in China that I was going to Mongolia, they all responded with, "Oh, they speak Chinese there, right?"<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Not only do Mongolians not speak Chinese, Mongolia is not a part of China. Known as the "Land of the Eternal Blue Sky," Mongolia is a sovereign landlocked country between Russia and China, with the 18th largest land area in the world and a minuscule population of three million, half of which live in the country's capital, Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>We were quite a diverse group of volunteers: three American, one Spanish, one Chinese and two Irish students. Each of us came from different backgrounds and had different reasons for travelling to Mongolia. Nonetheless, we shared our daily struggles to come up with a lesson plan for our students, to communicate with our host families and taxi drivers, to determine what exactly was on our lunch plates and to figure out how to decline politely the excess amount of food presented to us by our host families.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>We spent our mornings teaching, each of us in charge of our own classrooms; I taught the tenth grade. Most of the students already spoke English pretty well so we did lots of practice for the TOEFL, the Test of English as a Foreign Language, as many of the students hoped to attend university abroad. The students were all eager to learn, choosing to come to class even though they were on their summer breaks. Some of the students were shy at first, but they gradually became more confident and spoke up in class.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>We had most of the afternoons free, so we volunteers, often accompanied by our host siblings, spent our days wandering around the city. We went to ethnic restaurants, rode bikes in the children's park, visited many Buddhist temples, attended a Buddhist meditation session, discovered a hidden vegan restaurant and spent many hours in Café Bene and Cherry Bakery.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>During our midpoint break, we travelled to the Gobi Desert and experienced the lifestyle of the nomadic people. We stayed in gers, or traditional nomadic dwelling spaces, climbed sand dunes, rode camels and tried fermented horse milk — not my preferred choice of beverage.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I quickly bonded with my host family. Communication was easy, as my host mom was an English teacher, and my host dad had spent some time working in the United States. My host siblings became the siblings I never had; we stayed up watching Harry Potter movies, and I struggled to wake them up in the mornings. Taking time out of their busy schedules, my host parents made sure I saw all the famous sites in the city, and even drove me to Terelj to see the Genghis Khan statue and to visit the grandparents. By the end of the third week, I had met every member of the extended family.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>When you travel to a foreign country, you either love or hate the local cuisine. Unfortunately, the meat-heavy Mongolian diet was not my friend. A lover of vegetables, I cringed at the plates of beef and mutton presented to me at the dinner table. Not wanting to be disrespectful, I tried to eat as much as I could. It did not take long for my host family to notice my lack of enthusiasm for the food, so they asked me what I would like to eat. I offered to cook for them and made some classic Chinese dishes like eggs and tomato and chicken and broccoli, which they loved.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As the weeks progressed, I picked up on more Mongolian customs. For example, at mealtimes, the eldest male family member always cuts the meat; when a family member returns or is about to embark on a journey, he or she is presented with a cup or warm milk tea; and, if you accidentally step on someone's foot, you touch his or her hand or arm for a second as a sign of respect.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Six weeks flew by. As someone who spends most of the year away from my own family, I quickly grew attached to my host family. Compared to some of the other volunteers, I did not look like a foreigner and, thanks to the hospitality of the people, I did not feel like a foreigner either. On the last day before my departure, my host mom cooked a pot of milk tea and offered a cup to me. After six weeks in Mongolia, I may not have grown to love the meat and dairy-heavy diet, but I have grown to love the country's rich culture and the people's welcoming warmth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I gladly drank all the milk tea and, you know what? It tasted like home.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>STELLA CAI is a sophomore in the School of Foreign Service.</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.thehoya.com/mongolia-travel/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_49_Voices:_Tsolmon"></a>49 Voices: Tsolmon Damba of Anchorage<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 17 (Alaska Public Media) This week we're hearing from Tsolmon Damba in Anchorage. Demba is a nursing student from Mongolia who arrived in Alaska nearly seven years ago to attend UAA. She says the city is not what she expected.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>DAMBA: When I first came to the U.S., the first city I went to was Anchorage, so I was expecting really tall buildings like in the movies (laughs). I felt like I was in the countryside. It was totally different from what I imagined at the time.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I thought I was pretty good at English, but when I came here, my listening was not so good. "Cause in Mongolia, I didn't really have anybody to talk to in English but I was pretty good at writing and other stuff.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Also the culture of course. In Mongolia, for example we don't really smile at each other when you pass through somebody and say hi but here it was really different. People passing by me were saying hi and smiling at me. It was not really comfortable, but I adjusted to it, you know? Now I say hi and smile.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Now I feel like Anchorage is my hometown. I'm really excited to graduate, but I'm scared. Honestly, I'm scared and I'm excited at the same time 'cause I'm an international student So I think people want, they prefer residents, citizens when it comes to the jobs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.alaskapublic.org/2017/03/17/49-voices-tsolmon-damba-of-anchorage/">Link to article</a> (and audio)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s1600/image006-795182.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s320/image006-795182.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420083052750706" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Culture></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Culture & Society<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_High_levels_of"></a>High levels of consanguinity worrying<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 17 (Mongolian Economy) Consanguinity, being of close blood relations, is another disaster Mongolia is facing in addition to air pollution. The number children being born mentally or physically impaired is increasing due to this disaster. For example, 689 impaired children were born between 2005 and 2009 according to statistics. This figure has increased to 1,280 according to a 2015 survey.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The main cause of consanguinity in Mongolia is lack of knowledge of one's relatives and geographic location. According to one study, 73.9-86.1 percent of marriages in soums and small towns are between natives of those places. Mental retardation is highest among economically active people aged 15-64.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One solution for the issue is to maintain records of a family tree and pass it down to future generations. People's awareness and efforts will play a big role in solving this problem in addition to the governmental efforts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolianeconomy.mn/en/i/9689">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Beautiful_Bodies_2.0:"></a>Beautiful Bodies 2.0: Exhibition by Women for Change NGO<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 19 (UB Post) <b>Women for Change NGO</b> opened "Beautiful Bodies 2.0" at UB Art Gallery on March 13.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to a survey conducted by Women for Change, <b>80 percent of Mongolian women are unsatisfied with their bodies</b>, <b>70 percent of Mongolian women would undergo cosmetic surgery if it was more affordable</b>, 15 percent of all women will experience an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime, and the number of women undergoing cosmetic surgery tripled between 1997 and 2007.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As so many women are unhappy with their bodies and faces, Women for Change wanted to put on an exhibition that would change people's minds and show women that they are truly beautiful.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The NGO, in collaboration with IC Creative Division and the U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, opened "Beautiful Bodies 2.0" under the theme #BeBoldForChange.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A total of 22 photographs of women that were inspired by world famous artworks are on display for "Beautiful Bodies 2.0".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One of the organizers of the exhibition said, "When you think of beautiful bodies, you probably think of thin, flawless models and celebrities shown in magazines and the media. Unfortunately, too many of us compare our bodies to those women and despair that we will never be as perfect as them."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Why do we hold ourselves to these unattainable standards of beauty? Countless studies have shown that this way of thinking is dangerous," they added.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Through the exhibition, Women for Change tries to show people that beauty is not fixed or static. Beauty standards change over time and are impacted by culture, colonization, globalization, class, and religion. The exhibition asks women to be positive, to be bold, and to recognize the beauty in all bodies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Some models for the exhibition's photographs shared their thoughts about their bodies, and most wanted to remain anonymous.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One model said, "Even though I am a healthy weight for my height, I still wish I was thinner and had a flatter stomach. In Australia, where I am from, everyone wants to be skinny and have a perfect suntan. I know that a suntan is unhealthy – and that one in two Australians will get skin cancer in their lifetime – but I like my body more when my skin is darker. It's crazy. One thing I do feel confident about is that six months ago I stopped shaving my legs."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Another model said, "Once I had a perfect body shape that was accepted by society. And there were times when it was considered ugly and undesirable by society. What I, or my body, went through is not that important. I should not have to explain the way my body looks just because I had a baby. I am here…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At this moment, I am just here the way I am. I admire myself with respect. I am proud and love myself the way I am."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Below is a brief interview with the Director of Women for Change, B.Zolzaya.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>What do you want to show through "Beautiful Bodies 2.0"?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I tried to show how people saw beauty a very long time ago. That's why we used world famous artworks as inspiration. Beauty is not about body shape or 90 x 60 x 90 measurements.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ancient painters used to think that there was beauty in every woman and painted them. I wanted to show through the exhibition that everyone is beautiful. Eyes that see beauty can see everything clearly. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>"Beautiful Bodies 2.0" is the second exhibition by Women for Change. How did you come up with the idea for the exhibition?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Women for Change conducted a survey among over 800 women, asking them if they were satisfied with their body and appearance?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The results showed that 80 percent of them were not satisfied with their body and weight. According to statistics, most Mongolian women have healthy bodies, but they always want to lose weight. They take diet pills and follow unhealthy diets. After that, they find that they've lost a lot of money and time, and they get depressed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I got the idea to release an exhibition from that survey. We have to be proud of ourselves the way we are.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>What is a beautiful body to you?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Your current body is beautiful. Appearance is not an important thing, I would say. Our tongue and mouth help us to speak, legs help us to walk, arms help us to do everything, and the brain helps us to think. These are very precious to us. We have to be satisfied with having those things. We have to love everything that we have.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/19/every-body-is-beautiful/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_A_tiny_woman"></a>A tiny woman against the giant world<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Mongolia's shortest person alive J.Ichinkhorloo shares the story of her extraordinary life</i></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 16 (MONTSAME) Women who are shorter than 130 cm and men shorter than 140 cm are recognized as "little people" in Mongolia. The shortest person ever-recorded is Ms. Ichinkhorloo Jurmed living in Choibalsan, Dornod Aimag. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It was noted in the fourth series of the 'Compendium of Mongolian Secrets', the record book of Mongolia published in 1990, that "The shortest person of Mongolia J.Ichinkhorloo was born in 1951 in Choibalsan of Dornod Aimag. She is 90 cm tall and weighs 36 kg". She was followed by Zina Dovdon, born in 1953 in Ulaanbaatar (117cm) and Dolgor Sodnompil, born in 1947 (124 cm).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Her unique short stature is caused by dwarfism, although both her parents did not have the syndrome and are of ordinary height as well as her older sister. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>"A local nurse comes every month and measures my height and weight. As I remember I weighed 28 kilograms and was 65 cm tall, according to the latest measurement. When I was young I was 90 cm tall. I feel like I'm shrinking as the years go by" said Ichinkhorloo in an interview with gogo.mn back in 2014. <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>In a TV interview with MNC channel, broadcasted last month, she said "Although, doctors explained I had some kind of syndrome, I always believed it had something to do with a curse from nature. My mom used to tell me that, when she was in labor before giving birth to me, she accidentally fell into a headspring of a river when the wheel of our oxcart broke on the way to the hospital. I think that is when I was cursed". <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Headsprings of rivers are considered sacred in Mongolian culture. It is a common belief that bathing in or muddling water in spring can pose great danger to the muddler's life as it infuriates the water-spirits. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ichinkhorloo was born, raised and still lives in her hometown. Owning 20 cows for milking, 30-40 sheep and over 200 goats, she is just an ordinary livestock herder. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I taught myself how to read and write when I was of school age by having a piece of 'Dul' (Flame) newspaper around and trying to read some of it. I also taught myself numbers. I can count up to one million. That is, I think, an impressive performance for me". <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>"My parents refused to send me to school because they were worried that I would be mocked and humiliated and also because most of the parents in those days did not want their children to go to school", she reminisced. <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ichinkhorloo spent her childhood when Mongolia had a population of only 845.5 thousand and over 20 million livestock to herd. Children in the countryside were a major help for their parents in day-to-day activities such as chasing the herds of sheep, goats, cattle and horses to pastures, and returning the herds back home in the evening, milking cows, making dairy products, cooking and tailoring clothes for the family and many others chores. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Nomadic lifestyle, in general, requires each and every family to be self-sustaining manufacturers of their own needs due to the sparse population and the fact that households always had to move from one place to another for better grazing lands depending on the respective climate for each period of the year. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ichinkhorloo's mother was a skilled tailor of Deel (Mongolian traditional costume). "Nobody taught anything to me. They would let me watch and help. That was enough for me to learn how to make a nice Deel for people who requested one. My father always brought me the latest editions of school books so that I could study them in my spare time, and I did". <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ichinkhorloo said the state grants her a monthly benefit of Tgs 103,600 as a disability grant. "I wish it went up to at least Tgs 200,000 and that I would be able to take 2-3 months of benefits in advance so that I could prepare for Tsagaan Sar (Mongolian lunar new year). Unfortunately it is not possible, because I haven't paid any social insurance deductibles since I have never been employed in my life", she said in the interview. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Her daily routine includes waking up by dawn to milk the cows after relentless effort of towering up little chairs, and if the cow moves away, having to do that over again, as well as cooking meals for the kind-hearted people who are herding her sheep and goats in the morning, bringing water from the well, feeding her five bottle-fed goatlings, and giving hay away for the cattle. "Running errands used to be a lot easier before my grandson went to the army", she sighed. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ichinkhorloo, like any other women, had a chance at life as a mother. She had a healthy son in 1971, after a necessary C-Section in Ulaanbaatar due to her condition. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>"Do you think my boy is little like me? He is normal, even taller than average", she said proudly. Her son Baljir lives with his wife and two children. Before going into military service, her grandson B.Tsendsuren helped Ichinkhorloo most of the time.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>She asks the heavens, mountains and rivers that "watch upon her" to bestow a good wife to her favorite grandson Tsendsuren and give them healthy babies. "That is my life's wish", she said. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Good times have come and people became kinder, especially in Ulaanbaatar. They do not make fun of me anymore. Young people would come to me to pose for photographs. It is different from the old times, when children humiliated and called me a freak. I am always also delighted that my locality's social welfare services show some privilege to me and prepare all the documents as I sit, simply doing nothing", she smiled. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ichinkhorloo said that the situation in hospitals and any other places are pretty much the same. Her son and grandchildren take her to Ulaanbaatar for sightseeing. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"They bring out a brand new wheelchair every time I visit them in the city. It is comfortable to travel that way", said Ichinkhorloo. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>"After all, I am grateful to be born a human, not a dog or a bird. I have been living my life to the fullest and reached the fine age of my 60s. My only concern is if any of my great grandchildren inherit my condition. I instruct them all to get their children properly checked up from a young age". <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I am right in mind, if not brighter than some people. It is positivity and mental strength that counts in life", said Ichinkhorloo. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/content/tiny-woman-against-giant-world">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_ACMS_Speaker_Series:"></a>ACMS Speaker Series: Sandra Vanderwarf, March 21<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Barcoding the Memory of Humankind: An Effort to Improve Security of Mongolia's Cultural Heritage Collections<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In recent years, there have been several cases of unlawful possession and sale of Mongolian cultural heritage–most notoriously of the T. Baatar dinosaur by an American fossil hound, but also, regretfully, of artifacts by staff at Mongolian institutions. In response to these cultural heritage crimes, a strict inventory system has been put in place which requires that all museum collections be inventoried every 4 years, and in some cases every 2 years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While this repetitive inventory is necessary to prevent theft, it's costly, time consuming, and potentially damaging to the collections because of repeated handling. The funds, personnel and time spent on inventory could be better spent on research, exhibitions, and other preservation projects if a more efficient inventory system were introduced. Barcodes have become an industry standard in achieving efficient inventory systems and have been shown to drastically reduce the amount of time needed to complete inventories. In this talk, Sandra discusses the challenges and successes of prototyping a barcode inventory system at the National Museum of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The project is co-sponsored by the U.S. Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation and the American Center for Mongolian Studies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongoliacenter.org/acmsevent/speaker-series-sandra-vanderwarf/">Link to event</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Author_L.Ulziitugs_presents"></a>Author L.Ulziitugs presents her book in Belgium<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 19 (UB Post) The European Institute for Asia Studies, in cooperation with the Embassy of Mongolia in Belgium, hosted a roundtable meeting on "Mongolian Poetry" with Mongolian author L.Ulziitugs on March 13, in Brussels, Belgium.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the roundtable meeting, L.Ulziitugs presented her book "Aquarium: Nouvelles de la Mongolie d'aujourd hui".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The author is currently touring Europe to promote her book. French publishing company, Borealia, has partnered with L.Ulziitugs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Aquarium: Nouvelles de la Mongolie d'aujourd hui" is the forth Mongolian book to be translated into French.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>CEO of the European Institute for Asia Studies Alex Goethals and Ambassador of Mongolia to Belgium O.Och opened the roundtable meeting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Author S.Ulziitugs underlined the importance of French literature, arts and culture in modern Mongolia and the great influence that authors such as Verne, Hugo, Balzac and Sartre have on contemporary Mongolian writers and poets.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During her tour, author L.Ulziitugs and her husband G.Ayurzana, who is also a famous Mongolian writer, attended a book exhibition in Brussels from March 9 to 13. The exhibition is held annually to promote literature that are being published in French, and those written by well-respected writers from France, Switzerland, Luxembourg and Canada.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>L.Ulziitugs is the author of the novel "Nudnii Shilend Uldsen Zurguud" (The Pictures That Remain in the Eyeglasses) and four books of poetry.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In 2002, her poetry collection "Erkh Chuluutei Baikhiin Urlag Buyu Shine Nom" was nomi-<br>nated for the national literary award Altan Ud (Golden Feather).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/19/author-l-ulziitugs-presents-her-book-in-belgium/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia's_reindeer_herders"></a>Mongolia's reindeer herders defend their way of life<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In northern Mongolia, an ethnic group of reindeer herders and rangers face mutual distrust in protecting the same land.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Tsagaannuur, Mongolia, March 18 (Al Jazeera) -</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Seated in a white teepee perched on a cliff that overlooks a snow-covered coniferous forest, Delger Gorshik talks about how his life as a Dukha, one of the world's smallest ethnic minorities, has changed over the years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"When I was a child, the only thing we could use for a light was a candle. Today, we have electric lamps and solar panels. This teepee used to be covered with animal skin; today, we use cloth canvas," the 55-year-old says.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"And now," he adds, gesturing downhill to where his daughter and son-in-law live. "As you can see, we even have wooden houses."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Within the northern Mongolian snow forest, or taiga, the Dukha - whose population is estimated to be fewer than 300 - live as nomadic reindeer herders.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Often referred to as the Tsaatan in the Mongolian language, which literally means "reindeer people", the Dukha's lives are structured around their animals. They move between seasonal locations within the east and west taiga according to their herds' grazing needs and comfort.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This year was the first winter in the west taiga that Gorshik's family had ever built a log cabin, a feat that took his son-in-law five months to complete. Eschewing the teepee - known as an ortz, the<i> </i>Dukha's traditional dwelling - Gorshik admits that his daughter's cabin was much warmer and he would consider building one for the following winter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Some of the change is good, like having a lamp or TV," he says. "But development could lead to my culture diminishing as well."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Conservation zone<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Gorshik's greatest source of anxiety comes from the creation in 2011 of a conservation zone named the Tengis-Shishged Protected Area, which borders the land that the Dukha live on in northern Khovsgol province.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Since its establishment, Gorshik and his family say that hunting - something that the Dukha have relied on for food and money since 1992 when the socialist government was abolished, and with it, the hunting collectives they worked in - has been forbidden.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"No one hunts any more. Everyone eats the reindeer if we need meat," Gorshik says. "But to have meat, we also need to be able to raise them."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>He explains that their reindeer, once free to graze all over the taiga's biodiverse-rich land, are now restricted to pasture outside the protected zone. If rangers catch the Dukha in the protected area, they chase them out.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"When it comes to hunting, I can understand the regulations in place. I can live without hunting," he says. "But the main problem is that the regulations also limit our pastureland. We can stay in the same area with 30 reindeer, but after all the grass is gone, we need to change to a different spot."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>His laments are echoed by many of his fellow Dukha.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>For the tiny ethnic minority, the regulations of the protected zone, enforced with fines and prison sentences, feel like a personal affront to the Dukha's existence, especially since they say they were not properly consulted before the zone's establishment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>But proponents of the conservation zone, including rangers, insist that the rules are necessary to preserve the taiga, which is home to many protected and endangered species such as the snow leopard, the argali mountain sheep, the musk deer, and the ibex. According to rangers, these creatures are vulnerable not only to the Dukha's hunting practices, but also to the illegal miners invested in plumbing the gold and jade-rich mountain ranges. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>With mutual distrust on both sides marring conducive discussion, this tug-of-war surrounding the taiga's survival - and what that means for either party - is replayed across the world, serving as a reminder of the complexities involved in conservation projects with local communities living within them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Up-hill battle for rangers<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>To reach the Dukha's camps in the winter, one must drive across the frozen Lake Khovsgol, a wide expanse of deep-blue ice, followed by a nine-hour trawl through shin-deep snow that marks every inch of the rolling hills.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>For the Dukha camps in the west taiga, travelling by horseback on the ever-rising terrain is often the sole way to ensure passage through the seemingly never-ending valleys, which trap biting wind coming from Siberia. In the east, the Dukha communities live in the thick of the forest, their teepees surrounded by trees and shrubbery.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>With only 39 rangers patrolling the combined 875,771-hectare area of the east and west taiga, Tumursukh Jal - head of the Tengis-Shishged protected area and a Darkhad, an ethnic minority group that lives mostly in Khovsgol province - often feels that protecting the region is an uphill battle.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>But his 30-year tenure in the province has been marked with successes, resulting in a vast swatch of land in Mongolia's northernmost region being designated as three separate protected zones due to their unique fauna and endangered animals, like the snow leopards.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Jal and his colleagues' lobbying and advocacy led to the Khovsgol government cancelling more than 40 mining licences that were awarded to companies, including Mongolian mining giants Altan Dornod and Mongol Gazar.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"In 2009, the local government of Khovsgol started the regulations [for the protected zones]. They decided to protect," Dal says. "By 2011, all 44 mining licences were cancelled completely."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>While the mining companies are no longer zeroing in on his beloved taiga, Jal and his rangers still face threats from unregulated predators.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>He describes a month in 2015 to Al Jazeera: On September 16, his rangers found two separate groups of about 20 people traipsing around the protected zone with jade stones that they believe were illegally mined. The next day, he caught two officers from the local border patrol guard fishing illegally within the taiga's rivers. "We arrested them," he says.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Then, on September 29, rangers caught five people hunting a moose. One of them was a Dukha, while another turned out to be the head of Tsagaannuur district, a revelation that disgusted Jal.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"I just lost faith because the head of Tsagaannuur district has the responsibility to protect the nature, but he was also hunting," he says.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>While the number of illegal hunting and fishing cases within Tengis-Shishged appears modest - 16 in 2016, eight in 2015, and 23 in 2014 - Jal says these numbers don't reflect the hunts they have stopped due to the rangers' close watch on the Dukha community and their summer patrols.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"In terms of prevention, we stopped over 300 cases [in 2015]."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Despite the September 2015 moose-hunting incident being the sole instance involving a Dukha, Jal carries a great sense of distrust towards their community. He attributes this to the diminishing wildlife around their summer and winter camps before the Tengis-Shishged Protected Area was established, which he has observed by counting the footprints of certain animals after each snowfall. Now, only five years after the protected area was established, Jal says that the number of elk and moose has increased.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"When we counted the moose population last year, there were 210 moose so we are very happy about that because that means it has increased," he says. "In 2010, there was almost none left. This was all happening around the areas where they live."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Jal also does not believe the Dukha's claims about subsistence hunting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"In the old days, the traditional subsistence-hunting model existed. That meant they hunted only for their own food. But after the socialist system was changed, it became more like hunting for money," he says. "It is this type of hunting that has destroyed the wildlife in the taiga."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Caught in the middle<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>For Uwugdorj Delger, a former ranger who retired last year, Jal's statements ring true. A 62-year-old Dukha living in the east taiga, Delger was recruited by Jal in 2013 to patrol the east and west taiga to quell the illegal mining activities and poaching.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"We used to hunt a lot, it was out of control," he admits. In fact, Delger's hunting prowess was useful under Mongolia's socialist system, when he worked as a state hunter, felling and skinning mink to sell to Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"We used to think that since we live here in the forest, all the animals around us belong to us and we should be able to hunt and eat them as we please," Delger, who owns about 30 reindeer, says.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>His change of heart came after the fall of the regime when he saw that blood sports continued unabated. "It hurt me because with this type of pace, I felt like the wildlife will just disappear," he says.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>During his three-year tenure as a ranger, the elderly reindeer herder often felt like he was caught between his community and his duty. He started losing friends and neighbours and young Dukha men would attempt to punch him when they got drunk. Some even threatened to kill him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The regulations have been in place for four or five years, so it's getting better and people are more used to it," he says, adding that some Dukha still secretly hunt.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Many others within the east and the west taiga flatly deny this, saying that they only hunt to protect their reindeer herds from wolves.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Aside from the hunting restrictions, the hardest part for many is the sense of losing ownership over the land they have inhabited for decades.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Dawaajaw Balanish, 47, says that when rangers visited the camps they would interrogate the Dukha about the whereabouts of absent neighbours who had taken their reindeer out to graze. Worse, the rangers would always insinuate that a missing person was off hunting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"If someone is not there, they would keep on interrogating us about where the other people are, what they are doing," Balanish says. "It makes me feel like I'm a prisoner."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Dialogue with the communities<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>According to Simon Counsell, executive director of Rainforest Foundation UK, this type of police-like monitoring of local communities within conservation projects can actually be detrimental to a protected zone's goals. These communities typically have an invested interest in their environment, and would therefore be amenable to resisting poachers from the outside, he says.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"For people who used to hunt sustainably for their own needs, if you deny them their rights to do it and they are completely dispossessed from it, then they would feel like they might as well go along with the commercial poachers from [outside the zone]," Counsell says. "So what they may have done … is that they may have turned the gamekeepers into poachers when they take away [the local community's] own right to do it sustainably."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>To arrive at a conversation about manageable hunting, he says, the project's administrators need to engage the local community in what is known as Free Prior Informed Consent (FPIC), where residents are given a proper chance to accept or reject changes to the laws of their homeland.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"To just say, 'We had a meeting in the village,' or 'We met with the tribal elders' - that wouldn't qualify as proper FPIC. People might have felt that they were under duress to accept proposals, they probably weren't informed on all the consequences of what the changes would do to their livelihoods, and they may not have understood if they even had a chance to say yes or no to these proposals," Counsell says.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Did these people really have the Free Prior Informed Consent? Because if not, [the protected zone's staff] have to accept that they have to go back and do that again," he says. "They need to have meaningful dialogue with people."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Working with the Dukha<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Interviews with the Dukha living in the east and west taiga show that there is a lack of clarity about what is allowed or restricted and only a vociferous flood of objections to how the zone is maintained.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Some Dukha say that absolutely no hunting is permitted. Others believe that they could hunt animals that were not protected, like wolves or foxes. Some believed that they had to get a permit to go within the protected zone's pasture to let their reindeer to graze.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The zone's head, Jal, says that a permit isn't necessary - just a commitment not to hunt. However, he acknowledges that his rangers have chased the Dukha out of pasture in the protected area in the past because of their belief that they were actually using their herds as a cover for hunts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>More than five years after the zone's establishment, Jal concedes that his rangers should wield a softer approach to enforcing the regulations. When they first started out, the absolute priority was to expel the illegal miners excavating the taiga's mountain scraggly ranges, and that required tough monitoring methods, he says.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Now it's getting better. So what we are planning now is to work with the Tsaatan. Now we can try to have better people management. We didn't have time to do that before, to focus on our behaviour towards them," Jal says. "Now, we will work on that, on establishing a softer relationship between the rangers and locals."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Inclusiveness is all Gorshik, the Dukha in the west taiga, asks for.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The government didn't cooperate with us or talk to us about this," he says, wringing his hands in exasperation. "If they had cooperated with us, I would personally say okay to the regulations. We can live without hunting. We can stop cutting down trees."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Dukha have just one demand. "Just let us stay here," Gorshik says. "Our reindeer are the most important part of who we are."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>With reporting contributions by Munkhbat Batbekh</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2017/03/mongolia-reindeer-herders-defend-life-170315082203586.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s1600/image006-795182.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s320/image006-795182.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420083052750706" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Nature></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Nature & Environment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_New_Przewalski's_foal"></a>New Przewalski's foal Nuruu born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 17 (Daily Liberal) In recent times they were thought to be extinct, but the Przewalski's horse is thriving at Dubbo zoo with a foal added to the herd.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On February 22 a female Przewalski's horse was born at Taronga Western Plains Zoo and ungulate keeper Anthony Dorrian said Nuruu was fitting in great with the rest of the animals.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Nuruu was named after Mongolian national park 'Khustain Nuruu', one of the few parks where Przewalski's horse can be found in the wild.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>She's the fourth foal born to mother Suren and sire Stan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Her mother is extremely attentive, she's been keeping her very close and Nuruu's getting on very well with he rest of the herd. She's charging around the exhibit and she's even starting to vocalise now as well," Mr Dorian said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Przewalski's horse faced extinction but is now classified as critically endangered. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Taronga Western Plains Zoo has had a significant role in their success. Since the horses started being bred in 1982 there have been more than 35 foals, and in 1995 the zoo sent five horses to Mongolia to be reintroduced into the wild.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While the zoo has no current plans to release more Pzrewalski's horses in Mongolia, Mr Dorrian said the Dubbo herd was always there as a backup.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The animals look similar to a domestic horse, and they share a close history.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"They are very closely related to the domestic horse and I understand numbers being so low, even in captivity, domestic horses were put through these guys to actually increase their genetic viability. The numbers grew and the genetics were comfortable enough that they actually started to breed out that domestic horse," the keeper said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The horses often miss out on the spotlight in Dubbo.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"They don't have the high profile of say lions and tigers and other big animals, and people sometimes simply look at them as a horse... but it's just one of those facts I suppose that not every animal can be at the peak of public interest. These guys really just sit in the background and they do their job quite well," Mr Dorrian said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Nuruu has been on display at the zoo since the day she was born. Later in the year it is expected she will be joined by some siblings.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.dailyliberal.com.au/story/4537461/new-foal-nuruu-one-of-few-photos-video/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s1600/image006-795182.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s320/image006-795182.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420083052750706" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Sports></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Sports<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Kenyan,_Mongolian_runners"></a>Kenyan, Mongolian runners win New Taipei Wan Jin Shi Marathon<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Taipei, March 19 (CNA) Runners from Kenya and Mongolia won the men's and women's titles, respectively, in the 2017 New Taipei Wan Jin Shi Marathon on Sunday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Kipkogei Yego of Kenya completed the men's marathon in 2 hours, 17 minutes and 2 seconds to snatch the men's title, although he failed to beat the 02:13:05 record set by compatriot William Chebon Chebor in last year's event.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Coming in second was Debele Belda of Ethiopia who finished in a time of 02:17:04, while Kipchirchir Keiyo of Kenya placed third with a time of 02:17:15.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Taiwan's best performance in the men's category was a 16th place finish by Lin Yu-hung (<span lang=JA style='font-family:"MS Mincho",serif'>林育宏</span>), who finished with a time of 02:34:34.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia's <b>Munkhzaya Bayartsogt took the women's title with 02:38:08</b>, while Ethiopia's Gebre Getiso came in second with a time of 02:38:21, and compatriot Ayele Belachew finished third with 02:39:07.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Taiwan's Lin Yu-hsin (<span lang=JA style='font-family:"MS Mincho",serif'>林于馨</span>) finished 13th with 03:03:28, which made her Taiwan's best performer in the women's race.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The annual race attracted some 12,000 runners from home and abroad, including 32 elite international runners, the organizers said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Wan Jin Shi Marathon is the only local athletic competition with international accreditation. It has gained international bronze certification status from the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF) for three consecutive years since 2015.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aspt/201703190010.aspx">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Highest_ranked_Mongolian"></a>Highest ranked Mongolian judokas wrestle each other<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 17 (news.mn) A half billion cash prized judo competition named after the honoured Mongolian athlete D.Tserenkhand took place at the Mongolian National Circus on 16th of March at 6 p.m. The Mongolian Olympic and World medalists' team won 5:2 points in the competition.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Famous Mongolian judokas, namely, Olympic medalists N.Tuvshinbayar, D.Sumya, G.Otgontsetseg, world champions Kh.Tsagaanbaatar, M.Urantsetseg, G.Boldbaatar, D.Amartuvshin, Ts.Munkhzaya, international masters of sport D.Tumurkhuleg, L.Enkhriilen, O.Uuganbayar, B.Gankhaich, J.Amarbold participated in this, the country's biggest judo competition.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> The event opened with a match between G.Boldbaatar and D.Tumurkhuleg; closed M.Urantsetseg and G.Otgontsetseg fighted each other. World top-ranking judoka of her weight group (48kg), M.Urantsetseg defeated Olympic bronze medalist G.Otgontsetseg by wazari point. After this match, M.Urantsetseg took five wins in eight matches with G.Otgontsetseg.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>G.Otgontsetseg is well-known; although a Mongolian she competes for Kazakhstan. She was specially invited to the competition. She has been wrestling for Kazakhstan since the Rio-2016 Olympics.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327720">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_Bike_Challenge:"></a>Mongolia Bike Challenge: Tackling trails and another culture<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 16 (Monterey Herald) There are all kinds of ways to mark a milestone birthday. Some people choose to ignore it altogether, while others celebrate with big parties. And then there's a handful, like JD Bergmann, who take the plunge and tackle something big on their bucket list.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For his 40th birthday, the Bay Area resident and Aptos High graduate decided to fly more than 6,000 miles to Mongolia to compete in what Outside magazine recently called "the hardest mountain biking race on earth." The Mongolia Bike Challenge is an epic, six-stage mountain bike race in the land of Genghis Khan. It was Bergmann's first time to the country, which is sandwiched between China to the south and Russia to the north. For the 375-mile race this past August, Bergmann traversed grassy steppe and climbed into mountainous terrain in a land that is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The population of three million people, primarily Buddhist, is concentrated in Ulaanbaatar, the capital and largest city — and the location for the start of the race. The Category 1 racer and member of Team Clif Bar Cycling typically competes against professional racers, but things shifted unexpectedly during his race. Spin City talks to Bergmann about his fat tire adventure where about a quarter of the 65 racers didn't make it to the finish line.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Q: How did you decide to take this trip?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A: I'm primarily a road racer. For the past six years, I've traveled around the U.S. with my team racing the bigger criteriums. I do a few a mountain bike events. This trip was a birthday present to myself. I'd first heard about it two or three years ago and it appealed to me. It's a way for me to go to a place I would never otherwise go. I had the chance to see a different culture and place. I had the bike as a way to connect with people.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Q: What did you notice about the culture?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A: The culture is way more Russian-influenced than I had thought. All the signs are in Cyrillic and the architecture looks like Eastern bloc facades. People are 10 times more likely to speak Russian than English. One night, after the race, we joined the one Mongolian racer for a night at the local bar. That was fun.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Q: Tell me about your athletic background.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A: I went to Aptos High School and UC San Diego. I didn't start racing until later when I was 23 or 24. I got fat in college and when I was done I decided to do something. I did triathlons and then remembered I hated running. I discovered bike racing and that made things more fun. Before Mongolia, the Leadville Trail 100 in the Colorado Rockies was the hardest mountain bike race I'd done.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Q: What kind of training did you do for this event?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A: I did my normal road race training for crits plus one four-hour mountain bike ride per week. I usually rode after work, at night, solo in Albany and the Berkeley Hills. I ride about 15 to 20 hours a week and cover probably 250 to 400 miles a week. I work in a bike shop in the Bay Area and do massage therapy, so my work is flexible.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Q: Nutrition is a critical part of any endurance event. What was the food like?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A: The food was not particularly good. We actually both got stomach viruses before the race started — dysentery issues. That's not good in the middle of these giant wide-open plains. As honored guests, we got the fattiest cuts of meat. In Mongolia the year-round average temperature is 5 degrees below zero; there are three months where it's 40 degrees below zero. The food is 100 percent about calories, not taste. So we had beef, lamb or goat. The Mongolian soups were tasty. We also had pasta, drink mix and Clif bars. Good rice would have been good.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Q: How did getting sick right before the race impact your expectations?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A: I wasn't going into it thinking to win, but I was expecting a top-10 finish and to race well. But when you end up with a crazy stomach bug the whole thing turns into, can I finish the race? I knew it would be hard, but it wasn't a question of can I do this. For a lot of people there, it was a lifetime challenge.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Q: Where did you sleep?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A: I spent six nights in yurts called gers. They were touristy but of traditional construction. No one actually lives in them. There were six of us on beds with mattresses and a fireplace in the middle. One night we camped in Gorkhi-Terelj National Park by a beautiful river. My favorite thing is, one night there was thunder and lightning, and one of our Mongolian friends said, "The dragons are fighting."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Q: Did you have to dodge yaks and wild horses? Describe the land.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A: No yaks. There were herds of cows, sheep and goats that would not move off the road, so you had to quickly zigzag through them. The scenery was amazing — completely mind-blowing. Mongolia truly is big sky country. You'll be riding along and there are crazy green hills and white clouds. You can see cyclists off on the horizon miles away. There were plenty of times I was completely alone with no one for miles around; very cool. The solitude stuck out.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Q: What the hardest part of the race?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A: The second day, the longest hardest day of the whole thing, with 85 miles with 9K of climbing, I was halfway through at the top of the biggest climb. I had spent the whole night before the start throwing up. On the first day, none of the food was going to stay down. On Day 2, I was able to eat a little more, though not enough, plus I was stopping behind the bushes. That's metaphorically because there were no bushes. At the top of the biggest climb, on Day 2, there was a rest stop and I laid down for five to 10 minutes. I had to regroup. For me, it's all about the competition. It just comes down to letting as few people beat me as possible. I knew I would get up. If I were healthy the whole way through, it would have been a different race.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Q: What was the best part of the Mongolia Bike Challenge?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A: Getting to sleep every night in a ger halfway around the world. I went into this with an adventure mindset. For me, it was exactly what I expected. I wanted get off the grid and be out there in the middle of Mongolia. When you don't have a phone and can't speak the language, it feels like some crazy adventure. Who knows what could happen. We could die out here, I could get lost and never be found and you'd find me next spring. The biggest takeaway for me is going to different places outside out of your comfort is a good thing do.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>The Mongolia Bike Challenge is open to both professional and amateur racers. For more information, visit: mongoliabikechallenge.com. Karen Kefauver (karenkefauver.com) is a freelance writer who covers sports and travel and is based in Santa Cruz. Her Spin City bike column appears monthly and was launched in 2009.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.montereyherald.com/sports/20170316/karen-kefauver-spin-city-tackling-trails-and-another-culture">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s1600/image006-795182.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s320/image006-795182.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420083052750706" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Art></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Art & Entertainment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Girl_Power:_The"></a>Girl Power: The Eagle Huntress; Beauty and the Beast<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 18 (The Australian) Two films about girl power this week, and what's surprising about this mix-and-match is that the more evocative, exciting and moving one is not the glamorous Disney retelling of a fairytale but a Kazakh-language documentary set on Mongolia's minus 50C frozen steppes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Disney's $US160 million live-action remake of <i>Beauty and the Beast</i> has its thrills and charms but <b><i>The Eagle Huntress </i></b>is something else altogether, for different reasons, some of which have been criticised. I'll come to the criticisms later. You can read about them before seeing the film, or afterwards, and make up your own mind. But don't decide not to go. You would be missing something that soars in more ways that one. The cinematography, some of it using cameras on drones, is awe-inspiring, especially when it follows an eagle in flight.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The main character is Aisholpan, a "child of the nomads" who has just turned 13. She has a younger brother and a younger sister. The family lives in a pleasant, skin-covered yurt in Mongolia, near the Altai Mountains. That's in summer, of course, when you need only one coat. In winter the yurt is disassembled and the family moves into a "regular house", as the father, Nurgaiv, describes the modest shack.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Aisholpan comes across as calm, thoughtful, loving and respectful — there's a beautiful stillness to her, and no iPhone in sight — but also as a girl who likes chatting with her schoolfriends. She attends a boarding school five days a week. When at home, she helps with the livestock.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>She does well at school and hopes to become a doctor. But her teen dream is to follow in the footsteps of her father and become an eagle hunter. Her living paternal grandfather was one, too: indeed it goes back 12 generations in her family. All of them, however, were men.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"It is not a choice,'' Nurgaiv says. "It is a calling that has to be in our blood.'' He backs his daughter with love, tenderness and confidence in her abilities, despite some local unhappiness about her plans. That is one of the wonders of the film: it is a father-daughter story that touches the heart. Her mother backs her, too. "It's a woman's right to choose,'' she says.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It's important to read the phrase eagle hunter the right way. They don't hunt eagles. They train golden eagles — massive birds with a wingspan of up to 2m — to hunt for them, mainly foxes for their fur and meat.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>First, though, they have to catch an eagle, and this is where there's a nice story behind the film. Young New York-based British director Otto Bell arrived in Mongolia with a cameraman friend and tracked down Aisholpan and her father just as they were preparing to abduct an eaglet from its nest. They agreed to be filmed, and the result is spectacular.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bell was inspired to make the film by a photograph of Aisholpan he spotted on a BBC website. He started the project with his own money. He soon ran out and was able to finish the film due only, once again, to good luck.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He emailed American filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, of <i>Super Size Me </i>fame, attaching a 10-minute clip of what he had filmed. "And thank god, he opened it,'' Bell said in one interview, "and wrote back that afternoon and said, 'I've never seen anything like this, come to my office, explain to me how I can help you finish this.' "<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Spurlock is a producer, as is English actress Daisy Ridley (Rey in<i> Star Wars: The Force Awakens</i>), who also was also won over by the footage. She also does the English narration that introduces and then interlinks the story.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Simon Niblett's cinematography brings together the close relationship between the people and their beloved eagles (by custom the birds are returned to the wild after seven years). Shots of father and daughter on horseback, riding through deep snow, each with an imperious eagle on their right arm, are gorgeous. They remind us that there are other worlds within our own. The shots of eagles sweeping through the sky remind us there are worlds beyond ours.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Once she has her eagle trained, Aisholpan decides to enter the celebrated Golden Eagle Festival in the provincial capital of Olgii. She is laughed at and stared at by the men there, but not in a nasty way. They just think it's silly. Her real challenge comes next: to go out into the snow and hunt a fox. This can take weeks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bell has been accused of fudging the story. Women in Mongolia have hunted with eagles for a long time, experts say. This seems to be true. I also think Bell over-eggs the idea that the local men were disgruntled by this feminist uprising. The edited shots of men in their yurts saying "No!" feel constructed. Indeed, Mongolia is known for its gender equality.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>So perhaps the director has fudged it a bit, but his intention was to make a beautiful film about one girl from a place and a culture we know little about. That he has done. Aisholpan is real. Her personal story is true and I think anyone who sees it will leave the cinema feeling better about the world.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Beauty and the Beast </i></b>isan acted remake of Disney's 1991 animated classic. Just doing this is a bold move, as the predecessor made history: it was the first animated film to be nominated for a best picture Oscar (the statuette went to another film about a brave woman and a beast, Jonathan Demme's <i>Silence of the Lambs</i>). But Howard Ashman and Alan Menken did win Oscars for original score and original song.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Disney put a lot of money behind the new one, and hired a talented director in Bill Condon, who wrote and directed <i>Dreamgirls</i> (2006) and was Oscar-nominated for the script of <i>Chicago</i> (2002). My favourite Condon film is <i>Gods and Monsters</i> (1998), about the 1930s horror film master James Whale, which he wrote and directed, with Ian McKellen in the lead role.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I wish Condon had written this one too. The script is by American novelist Stephen Chbosky and screenwriter Evan Spiliotopoulos. The dialogue is good at times, quite witty and even a bit salacious for a Disney film (more on that soon), but there are flat spots.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The best characters are, like the original, not actors on screen. They are the staff at the prince's castle who are transformed into household objects: the dashing butler who becomes a cool candelabra (Ewan McGregor), the unctuous steward turned into an overwound clock (McKellen), the composer who is now a harpsichord (Stanley Tucci) and the maid mutated into a pink featherduster (Gugu Mbatha-Raw). And then there's the hardest role of all, because she's following Angela Lansbury: Emma Thompson as the cook who becomes a teapot.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The civilised argy-bargy between them is fun. When the beauty, Belle (English actress Emma Watson), realises they have identities, she asks who the hairbrush used to be. "That's just a hairbrush,'' the candelabra Lumiere says with a laugh.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Belle is in the prince's castle because her father Maurice (a fine Kevin Kline) is imprisoned there. The prince, who we meet at the start as an arrogant young man, has been turned into a "hideous beast" by an enchantress he mocked. The same spell also led to the staff changes. In one room there is a red rose under glass. If the Beast (English actor Dan Stevens) does not win someone's love before the final petal falls, he will be a monster forever.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Stevens, known from <i>Downtown Abbey</i>, is commanding as the hairy, horned, cranky recluse who likes to read Shakespeare. It's the Shakespeare and other books in the castle library that appeal to Belle, whom one villager describes negatively as "beautiful but so well-read". Here we have the girl-power element: can she overcome all the entrenched gender prejudices, and some of her own, to live freely?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>She is pursued by handsome lothario Gaston (Welsh actor Luke Evans), who has an admiring sidekick, LeFou (Josh Gad). Too admiring for some. He clearly fancies Gaston, making him Disney's first gay character, which has seen the film banned in places such as Malaysia and Alabama. The back-and-forth between the two men, with a few double entendres, is a highlight. Both Gaston and LeFou are introduced characters, by the way, absent from the 18th-century French versions of the story.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are some uplifting moments between Belle and the Beast, such as a snowball fight and a mutual flouting of soup-eating etiquette. The songs are splendid and the camerawork is attractive but overall there's a lack of the tension that impels audiences to wonder what will happen next. That's partly because we know. And personally I don't think the Beast is anywhere near beastly enough.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>The Eagle Huntress</b> (G): 4 stars, Limited release<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Beauty and the Beast</b> (PG): 2.5 stars, National release from Thursday<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/review/gorl-power-the-eagle-huntress-beauty-and-the-beast/news-story/704665b08d6507a41e17f602e0efa908#&gid=1&pid=1">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s1600/image006-795182.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s320/image006-795182.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420083052750706" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Travel></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Travel<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Land_Of_Urban"></a>Land Of Urban Vibe, Rural Scenery, And The Last Nomads In The World<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 16 (Youth Time Magazine) Now it's time for a real adventure. We are heading to an unfairly underestimated country in the middle of Asia – Mongolia. Mongolia is a landlocked country of vast steppes, blue skies, mountains, hawks, horses, historical heroes, and yoghurt. Probably the most famous thing about Mongolia is its great hero and warrior king, Genghis Khan, who managed to conquer almost the whole world and created an empire that briefly stretched from the Korean Peninsula to the Black Sea. The country is large but sparsely inhabited, with only 3mln people. It is still a developing country with one, fast-growing city and large areas where nature remains pristine and inhabitants are scarce. Because of sparse air connections and a not-very-developed infrastructure, Mongolia is hard to get to but is definitely worth visiting, as you will see when you read about it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>How to get there?</b> Probably the best option for reaching Mongolia by air is to fly to its capital, Ulaanbaatar. Only a few cities with international airports have direct flights to Ulaanbatar, including Moscow, Seoul, Berlin, Tokyo, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Frankfurt. Most travelers will have to make connections through one of these airports.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>What to see?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Ulaanbaatar: </b>This is Mongolia's capital city and its largest city, and the most urbanized place in the country. Half of Mongolia's population is situated in Ulaanbaatar. The city is an interesting combination of communist architecture and modern streets, malls, and commercial buildings. In Ulaanbaatar you will see a lot of soviet-style concrete boxes that serve both as residential buildings and as headquarters for various institutions or organizations. You will also see a lot of new, modern, high-rise buildings that went up in the last 5-15 years when foreign investment started to pour in and local businesses began to expand. There are few modern avenues and shopping and pedestrian areas, and they are mostly crowded with younger people. There are good coffee shops and bars, and the price of clothing is so reasonable that you can relax while shopping. Traffic in Ulaanbaatar exhibits a big contrast of the undeveloped past with the economically stable present and the hope for better future. Old, faded cars are ubiquitous, and they share the roads with old and new buses, bicycles, and a scattering of expensive new cars. Traffic is a bit crazy and chaotic, so you must take care, especially if you are a pedestrian. Despite strict laws, many people still drive carelessly if policemen are not watching.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The most important sight in the Mongolian capital is <b>Genghis Khan Square,</b> which is located in the city center and is one of the largest squares in Asia. There are two large statues of two of the most important Mongolian heroes. One of them is of course Genghis Khan, who lived in the 12<sup>th</sup> and 13<sup>th</sup> centuries and was famous for uniting the Mongolian tribes and starting a campaign to conquer the world. The large Mongol Empire fell apart quickly, but it exercised a large influence on other countries by breaking up four powerful states. Many people take pictures here of one of the most famous conqueror in world history. There is also a statue of another Mongolian hero, Damdin Sukhbaatar, who founded the Mongol People's Party in 1921 and fought for Mongolian sovereignty over a large territory between Russia and China. Later, his party established the Mongolian People's Republic, which existed until 1990. On the square there is also an interesting parliament building that shines at night in blue and yellow colors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Another interesting sight in Ulaanbaatar is the <b>Fine Arts Museum. </b>Here you can find items that date from as far back as the Stone Age. Also there are many Buddhist sculptures and paintings. Particularly notable are the works of Zanabazar, a famous Mongolian painter and sculptor who lived in the 17<sup>th</sup> and 18<sup>th</sup> centuries. His most famous works include "White Tara", "Bodhi Stupas", and "Diyani Buddhas". The entrance fee is 1.9eur. Another important historical complex is the Bogd Khan Palace Museum, in a beautiful palace built in 1893 in the Chinese style. There resided Bogd Khan, the ruler who declared Mongolia's independence from China, in 1911. There are five shrines within the complex and many statues, and there are the spacious apartments of Bogd Khan and his reception hall. You can see his throne, bed, and other possessions such as robes and decorations that he wore during ceremonies. Also there are the jeweled regalia that his pet elephant wore. There is also a pair of boots worn by Nicholas II, the last Russian Emperor, during his visit to Bogd Khan. The entrance fee is only 3 euro.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Gandan Monastery </b>is another place that you must visit in Ulaanbaatar. It is the largest monastery in the capital, and it dates from the 18<sup>th</sup> century. Gandan belongs to the Tibetan School of Buddhism, which is one of the most respected religions in Mongolia. The Monastery is always crowded, so it is best to visit early in the morning and watch the monks perform chants and other rituals. There are many Buddhist statues and frescoes in the Monastery's Tibetan-style halls. The most famous statue is a Tibetan version of Avalokitesvara, the important Buddhist deity of compassion. The statue is 26m tall.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>The Mongolian Countryside: </b>Open country stretches to the horizon almost everywhere outside the capital city since most of Mongolia's territory is a never-ending grassland. Mongolia is uniquely one of best-preserved natural sites in the world where a traditional lifestyle prevails. Since the county isn't very well connected to the outside world because of poor infrastructure, it is best to rely on a hotel receptionist to arrange a tour of the countryside. Mongolia's most beautiful valleys are located along the Orkhon River. Traditional ethno villages lie within a two hour drive of Ulaanbaatar, and a two day tour may cost only 60eur. Most of the roads are unpaved. A typical Mongolian village is composed only of few yurts perched on the grass. Yurts are traditional tents composed of wooden beams and felt layers (a type of textile). They are simple, since most of the peasants still live as nomads. Mongolia is one of last countries that has authentic nomads who have lived thousands of years in the same way. A typical village has only 50-60 residents who move on horseback every few months to new locations and take their yurts with them. Stand for a moment and enjoy taking a deep breath of fresh air and looking around. Wherever you look, you will see never-ending grasslands, and above you a pure, azure sky.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mongolians move about on horseback, which is the only traditional means of travel in the country. In distance it seems that green grassland and blue sky touch each other. You will see countless pasturelands, most of them empty, some of them with a few yurts, sheep, and horses. Imagine that the next settlement is hundreds of kilometers away. You will see people wearing colorful traditional clothes. People are very friendly here, and they will offer you souvenirs or a horse ride. Ride a horse for several kilometers around and imagine yourself being in a time long past, and feel like a real nomad. While riding, you can see animals such as yaks, foxes, vultures, hawks, eagles, deer, and snow leopards. Snow leopards do not attack humans as they are only a bit bigger than wild cats, but don't come too close since they can be frightened and can become aggressive. Horses are the most valuable animals in Mongolia since they are a means of transport, a source of milk, a source of meat, and a participant in games. It is possible to see horse races and polo games.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian wrestling is also performed in the countryside, reminding visitors of Japanese sumo. If you are brave enough, you can ask wrestlers to join them in one of the rounds and try your luck. You can also take part in falcon hunting, which is the traditional way of hunting in Mongolia. People travel the grasslands with trained falcons and let them catch animals, and after they catch animals they bring them back to you.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Food, Food, and Food: </b>Mongol cuisine is very hearty, meat-based, with a lot of fats, dairy products, and few vegetables. There are a lot of good, inexpensive restaurants in Ulaanbaatar. You can start your meal with noodle soup and steamed dumplings filled with meat and vegetables. Lamb skewers are widely eaten. Also stewed lamb with various vegetables is a good option. For only 4eur you can get a large portion that will be hard for you to finish. After a meal you can try salted tea with condensed milk.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When you find yourself in a village, lunch may be arranged by your tour company, and the villagers may make you special rural dishes as part of the tour. Rural cuisine is very simple and even fattier than the cooking in Ulaanbaatar. Lamb cooked over a fire is commonly eaten, often without any seasoning or accompanying vegetables. Pieces of lamb, horse, and marmot meat can be grilled on heated stones and eaten with vegetables. This style of preparation is called <i>khorkhog</i>. Kumis is the most common beverage in the villages. Kumis is fermented yoghurt made from horse milk. It is traditionally made in a simple manner – milk is taken from a horse and put in a metal container and left in the hot sun until it ferments. It is so sour, dense, and heavy that you shouldn't get carried away and drink too much of it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Nightlife: </b>You must experience nightlife in Ulaanbaatar and also in the countryside, since comparing the two is comparing the Mongolia of the 15<sup>th</sup> century with the 21<sup>st</sup>. In Ulaanbaatar, nightlife is very vibrant, and there are many options. There are many pubs and clubs in the city center that are frequently visited by young people. Pubs and clubs are very modern, beautifully designed, and stay open until late in the night. Most Mongolian young people are communicative and speak good English and Russian, so it won't be a problem to socialize with them. You can try excellent draught beer for only about 1.7eur. Also there is a popular beverage – Genghis vodka – which got its name from Genghis Khan. In the countryside the story is different – there is no electricity, and people gather around the fire to talk, watch shamanic rituals, and sing. Everything beyond the towns is dark except for thousands of stars and the moon. The villages still have shamans who are dressed in colorful clothes and pray to the spirits of fire, stone, and air with special chants. Be silent during shamanic ceremonies and do not interrupt or offend people. People also sing <i>humi, </i>a special traditional form of throat singing. It is very mysterious, unusual, and a bit scary. In the villages it may be harder to talk to people since most of them are illiterate, so it is best to ask the tour guide to mediate between you and the villagers. Here you can try special fermented milk with alcohol which is very strong – around 50-60%. You can ask about their traditions, beliefs, and ancient legends. Don't take too many pictures of the nomads since they may find it to be insulting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Accommodation: </b>There are a lot of budget hotels in Ulaanbaatar that are clean and reliable. A room with a double bed usually costs 25eur per night. In the countryside, a night in a yurt may cost 15 euro.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://youth-time.eu/slideshow-travel/land-of-urban-vibe-rural-scenery-and-the-last-nomads-in-the-world">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhEhVU-QU2nf-QHprq3n1M7D2-o8kSxxw0XPCbz1qEaseQqrBjf76zLXIFnannQDzu83L_VmGnXFFTqEEgmzRmyb7ER4zbEIFJWRqpe5a1gleI0_CwNVd6R1mKnGxESqZ61HT0hHe25o/s1600/image006-795182.jpg"><img 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/></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'> </span><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:#365F91;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqN8EbQ052UICIaDc9BWSQbPP8G62uVCPbca7Xq2uJ3JGn4IGUMJJQjXIKPE1l-O21sUJWr-u7uFUrpKGOwPFgnUUF0LPHFRfUpbNPBHOBiNTCVgBnjqFmsl3JRYl8tgFcw-3SLFcwgW0/s1600/image016-721378.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqN8EbQ052UICIaDc9BWSQbPP8G62uVCPbca7Xq2uJ3JGn4IGUMJJQjXIKPE1l-O21sUJWr-u7uFUrpKGOwPFgnUUF0LPHFRfUpbNPBHOBiNTCVgBnjqFmsl3JRYl8tgFcw-3SLFcwgW0/s320/image016-721378.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6399420193947669330" /></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Suite </span><span lang=MN style='color:#1F497D'>303</span><span style='color:#1F497D'>, Level 3, Elite Complex<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>14 Chinggis Avenue, Sukhbaatar District 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia<br></span><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Email</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: </span><a href="mailto:info@covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@covermongolia.com</span></a><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Website</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: <a href="http://www.covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>www.covermongolia.com</span></a></span><u><span style='color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Phone (Office)</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: +976 7711 6779</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:Webdings;color:#339966'>P</span><span style='color:#339966'> </span><span lang=EN-AU style='color:#007F00;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-35810512548095618542017-03-17T11:50:00.000+08:002017-05-05T14:15:03.778+08:00[Teck invests C$500K in ERD; 7 delisted from MSE: MNT gains for 9th day; and IMF will remain patient]<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiJA0ALsQwofllQmgAJujlkYeUxUeVfKlttMiK2Ano0bdZ2zYtlv7MtvclpzUhU5Fx_LShI9malO9MqRwO3gTxuoMj2x0SuP-M6bY69FdHFp81HSsUNtD7bgbvgkGzsgQJW7nE5dwdcw/s1600/image001-791847.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiJA0ALsQwofllQmgAJujlkYeUxUeVfKlttMiK2Ano0bdZ2zYtlv7MtvclpzUhU5Fx_LShI9malO9MqRwO3gTxuoMj2x0SuP-M6bY69FdHFp81HSsUNtD7bgbvgkGzsgQJW7nE5dwdcw/s320/image001-791847.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310249658733170" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vgvxwFFzkUkOQgfsd-XMuOyHXCNqjocCcMV9NHCRXLx5nfevw-zqhGUxf5KlCOkileEy1y1N-hTe4KhF9cd-4v3E-XiRr0bNUKOcgl2VjcURKXeudkjtOCedbQYdJ5Z4nY1puqiOS-Q/s1600/image002-794452.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vgvxwFFzkUkOQgfsd-XMuOyHXCNqjocCcMV9NHCRXLx5nfevw-zqhGUxf5KlCOkileEy1y1N-hTe4KhF9cd-4v3E-XiRr0bNUKOcgl2VjcURKXeudkjtOCedbQYdJ5Z4nY1puqiOS-Q/s320/image002-794452.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310262160267746" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Friday, March 17, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'>Cover Mongolia</span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span 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<a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> - <a href="#Business">Business</a> - <a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> - <a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> - <a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> - <a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> - <a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> - <a href="#Sports">Sports</a> - <a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> - <a href="#Travel">Travel</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Headlines in <b><i>Italic</i></b> are ones modified by Cover Mongolia from original<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>HEADLINES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadIntl></a><u><a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Erdene_Announces_C$500,000">Erdene Announces C$500,000 Private Placement to Teck Resources</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Eumeralla_Resources:_Re-Compliance">Eumeralla Resources: Re-Compliance Prospectus to Raise Up to A$6 Million</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_TerraCom_kicks_goals">TerraCom kicks goals but dives into red</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Draig_Resources:_Interim">Draig Resources: Interim Financial Report, December 2016</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5BSUauH4RQtiqRc7N_fBEoHCraQj0d3VFog1dj20OJjS1TWLLjGc4urzXahlBrwLKJ85-McNN6loM_oli3ZePXWgFlEbV6ra8aUIHpKhn31dy2sQL3Rfwo-QWNGA7R7jxfSHcmN6GnQ/s1600/image003-797275.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5BSUauH4RQtiqRc7N_fBEoHCraQj0d3VFog1dj20OJjS1TWLLjGc4urzXahlBrwLKJ85-McNN6loM_oli3ZePXWgFlEbV6ra8aUIHpKhn31dy2sQL3Rfwo-QWNGA7R7jxfSHcmN6GnQ/s320/image003-797275.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310270855444178" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadLocal></a><u><a href="#Local">Local Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MSE_Trading_Report,">MSE Top 20 -1.93%, ALL +2.37%, Turnover ₮44.2 Million Shares, ₮1.4 Billion T-Bills</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_Stock_Exchange">Mongolian Stock Exchange Discusses Cooperation Opportunities with Toronto Stock Exchange</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Bayanteeg_JSC_announces">Bayanteeg JSC announces ₮25.2 million dividend, ₮100 per share</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_7_Joint_Stock">7 Joint Stock Companies Delisted From MSE Listing</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4BhG6CTYCtysebNxwlF3sIUi74GTOPu1DGQnXbkrrhX8K8F3vKAlFkvXOdSzUdNjS_k6khuPiILCrPQmSQQlD63m4UFKsTmzm-jyw4U9w4grsVlOchD1KuF4ZiKXevuLVXBgs0ni3pg/s1600/image004-799051.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4BhG6CTYCtysebNxwlF3sIUi74GTOPu1DGQnXbkrrhX8K8F3vKAlFkvXOdSzUdNjS_k6khuPiILCrPQmSQQlD63m4UFKsTmzm-jyw4U9w4grsVlOchD1KuF4ZiKXevuLVXBgs0ni3pg/s320/image004-799051.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310280142804690" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadEconomy></a><u><a href="#Economy">Economy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_MNT_Rates:">MNT gains for 9 straight sessions against USD</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_declines_USD,">BoM declines USD, CNY ask, bid offers and MNT swap offers</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_government_seeks">Mongolia government seeks IMF financial support</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI64pzrQRtVJ-BSwNDkkPg5mumZbuFZJvPwvihZkVzQJpKAh8nqR3MrXnIxKDoUCJ5l4XS5Rl-Zv8r9fW4vaL5HGT5NNQ6Dc_8x656ipsoeZGgyUQCdtrrYjeKaVB8lLdGRTuXy5ByMCU/s1600/image005-701381.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI64pzrQRtVJ-BSwNDkkPg5mumZbuFZJvPwvihZkVzQJpKAh8nqR3MrXnIxKDoUCJ5l4XS5Rl-Zv8r9fW4vaL5HGT5NNQ6Dc_8x656ipsoeZGgyUQCdtrrYjeKaVB8lLdGRTuXy5ByMCU/s320/image005-701381.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310291429424722" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadPolitics></a><u><a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Potential,_overall_bipartisan">Potential, overall bipartisan support for IMF program?</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_IMF_says_they">IMF says they will remain patient with Mongolia despite setbacks</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Will_2017_meet">Will 2017 meet Mongolia's mega hopes from mega projects?</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Determined_government,_punished">Determined government, punished parliament</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_PM_orders_local">PM orders local governors to cut expensive welcoming ceremonies</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_New_government_axes">New government axes 22,000 civil servants in transition</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Monocle_interviews_Parliament">Monocle interviews Parliament Speaker M.Enkhbold</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_OSCE_ODIHR_director">OSCE ODIHR director visits Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire">AmCham Daily Newswire for March 16, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s1600/image006-704085.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s320/image006-704085.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310300733670818" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadBusiness></a><u><a href="#Business">Business</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Strong_interest_in">Strong interest in Mongolia at PDAC</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MIAT_to_increase">MIAT to increase flight frequency and routes</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s1600/image006-704085.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s320/image006-704085.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310300733670818" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadUlaanbaatar></a><u><a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_UB_denies_3rd">UB denies 3rd anti-pollution demonstration for coinciding with Soldiers' Day</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Ministry_introduces_new">Ministry introduces new wastewater treatment technology</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s1600/image006-704085.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s320/image006-704085.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310300733670818" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadDiplomacy></a><u><a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_China_invites_Mongolia">China invites Mongolia to step aboard its economic express train</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Cabinet_approves_draft">Cabinet approves draft Mongolia-Mexico Cooperation Program</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Cabinet_approves_medium-term">Cabinet approves medium-term partnership agreement with Japan, defense with Turkey</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_attracts_Polish">Mongolia attracts Polish FDI</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_peacekeepers_return">Mongolian peacekeepers return lost boy to parents</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s1600/image006-704085.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s320/image006-704085.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310300733670818" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadHealthEdu></a><u><a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Consultation_Workshop_Held">Consultation Workshop Held on Improving Building Safety at Ulaanbaatar City Public Schools and Kindergartens</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_National_Council_of">National Council of Language Policy reports on its works</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Uvs_aimag_develops">Uvs aimag develops educational ties with Khakassia of Russia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s1600/image006-704085.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s320/image006-704085.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310300733670818" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadCulture></a><u><a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Khusugtun_becomes_first">Khusugtun becomes first Mongolian band to perform at UN headquarters</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_‘Chinggis_Khaan,_World">'Chinggis Khaan, World Conqueror on Horseback' exhibition opens in the Netherlands</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Gutal_-_Mongolian">Gutal - Mongolian traditional style boots</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s1600/image006-704085.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s320/image006-704085.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310300733670818" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadNature></a><u><a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Thousands_of_saker">Thousands of saker falcons die from electrocution every year</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Physico-Chemical_Composition_of">Physico-Chemical Composition of Saline Lakes of the Gobi Desert Region, Western Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Comparative_analysis_of">Comparative analysis of fecal microbial communities in cattle and Bactrian camels</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s1600/image006-704085.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s320/image006-704085.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310300733670818" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadSports></a><u><a href="#Sports">Sports</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Seven_sports_figures">Seven sports figures to run for National Olympic Committee presidency</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s1600/image006-704085.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s320/image006-704085.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310300733670818" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadArt></a><u><a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> <b><o:p></o:p></b></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_‘You’re_a_Good">'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown' Musical</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_‘5ive_tones’_live">'5ive tones' live concert to be performed on March 18</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_B.Tserendolgor_Crowned_Mongolia’s">B.Tserendolgor Crowned Mongolia's First Next Top Model</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Young_opera_singers">Young opera singers to be granted government cash prizes</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Eagle_eye_trained">Eagle eye trained on Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s1600/image006-704085.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s320/image006-704085.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310300733670818" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadTravel></a><u><a href="#Travel">Travel</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_London_childcare_boss">London childcare boss to trek across Gobi Desert for NSPCC</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Masters’_student_treks">Masters' student treks on horseback in Mongolia for her research</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_In_Mongolia,_Dinner">In Mongolia, Dinner Begins with a Whole Lamb and a Bottle of Vodka</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s1600/image006-704085.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s320/image006-704085.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310300733670818" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>ARTICLES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=International></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Int'l Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=TSE:ERD">ERD</a> closed +9.52% Thursday at C$0.92<o:p></o:p></i></p><h2><a name="_Erdene_Announces_C$500,000"></a>Erdene Announces C$500,000 Private Placement to Teck Resources<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal><b>HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - March 16, 2017) -</b> <b>Erdene Resource Development Corp. (TSX:ERD) </b>("<a href="http://www.erdene.com/"><b>Erdene</b></a>" or "<b>Company</b>"), is pleased to announce it intends to issue, by way of a non-brokered private placement, 543,478 shares to Teck Resources Limited ("<b>Teck</b>") at a price of $0.92 per share for gross proceeds of $500,000 ("<b>Private Placement</b>"). <b>This fulfils Teck's equity investment obligation pursuant to the Strategic Alliance between Erdene and Teck</b> announced by Erdene on April 11, 2013. Net proceeds of the Private Placement will be used for exploration of the Company's Teck-Alliance projects in southwest Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Private Placement is expected to close on or before March 31, 2017, and is subject to certain conditions, including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval and acceptance by the Toronto Stock Exchange. All securities to be issued pursuant to the Private Placement will be subject to a four-month hold period from the closing date.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/erdene-announces-private-placement-tsx-erd-2203468.htm">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=ASX:EUM">EUM</a> trading -5.88% mid-day at A$0.08<o:p></o:p></i></p><h2><a name="_Eumeralla_Resources:_Re-Compliance"></a>Eumeralla Resources: Re-Compliance Prospectus to Raise Up to A$6 Million<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 16, Eumeralla Resources Ltd. (ASX:EUM) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For the offer of up to 75 million <i>shares </i>at an issue price of $0.08 each to raise up to $6,000,000 (before costs) (<b><i>public offer</i></b>). <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <i>public offer </i>is subject to a minimum subscription requirement of $4,000,000. The <i>public offer </i>is not underwritten. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This <i>prospectus </i>is a re-compliance prospectus for the purposes of satisfying chapters 1 and 2 of the <i>listing rules </i>and to satisfy <i>ASX </i>requirements for reinstatement of the <i>company's </i>securities to trading following a change in the nature and scale of the <i>company's </i>activities. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <i>offers </i>made under this <i>prospectus </i>and the issue of <i>securities </i>pursuant to this <i>prospectus </i>are subject to and conditional on satisfaction of the <i>offer conditions</i>. If the <i>offer conditions </i>are not satisfied, no <i>securities </i>will be issued pursuant to this <i>prospectus </i>and the <i>company </i>will repay all money received from <i>applicants </i>without interest.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>4. LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170316/pdf/43gvthn3vlz54p.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=ASX:TER">TER</a> trading flat mid-day at A$0.03<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_TerraCom_kicks_goals"></a>TerraCom kicks goals but dives into red<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 17 (Finance News Network) TerraCom Limited (ASX:TER) has announced it has made a total comprehensive $28.54 million loss after tax for the half-year to 31 December 2016. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Despite the loss, the miner with development projects in Mongolia and Queensland says it achieved many significant milestones for the group.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>TerraCom executed a binding sale and purchase agreement to buy the Blair Athol Mine in Queensland, while it also secured US$12 million in funding for the mine's working capital.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In Mongolia, the miner also executed a binding agreement with one of the largest private coal companies in China, for 5.5 years of offtake of hard coking coal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The group also saw its total net assets go further into the red, compared to 30 June 2016, primarily due to TerraCom's finance costs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>TerraCom reported a loss of 1.14 cents per share.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shares in TerraCom Limited (ASX:TER) last traded 3.4% higher to $0.03.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.finnewsnetwork.com.au/archives/finance_news_network165899.html">Link to article</a> (and video)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170316/pdf/43gvvr8gkjyv1x.pdf">Link to TER report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=ASX:DRG">DRG</a> trading flat mid-day A$0.03<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Draig_Resources:_Interim"></a>Draig Resources: Interim Financial Report, December 2016<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 16, Draig Resources Ltd. (ASX:DRG) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>RESULTS AND REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Mongolia</b> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company continued to maintain the two exploration licences that are located in Mongolia. The Company's interest is held by a controlled entity, BDBL LLC ("BDBL"). BDBL is a participant in the Mongolian Coal Joint Venture (No.1) ("MCJV") with two other companies; Khan Mountain Pty Ltd ("KM") and Khan Mountain 2 Pty Ltd ("KM2"). KM and KM2 are wholly owned subsidiaries of Trinity Mongolia Pty Ltd ("Trinity"). BDBL has a 75% interest in the MCJV. KM has a 10% interest, which is free carried, and KM2 has a 15% interest in the MCJV. The Company has a 28% interest in Trinity.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170316/pdf/43gvt3qq57nsgf.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuzxy3vRO57YjK9V3W8huU0sNq28u-d8Lh14oM3xjmkQTOr__V3Zfq-azls1RG_o4x5yLBUfjRVMBNSHkJnjSXrvM6KwXkdKlJl4DxlaHSCMNEkLxkD3T9jDBAgwLAs79yeJawfx-PhY/s1600/image007-706084.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuzxy3vRO57YjK9V3W8huU0sNq28u-d8Lh14oM3xjmkQTOr__V3Zfq-azls1RG_o4x5yLBUfjRVMBNSHkJnjSXrvM6KwXkdKlJl4DxlaHSCMNEkLxkD3T9jDBAgwLAs79yeJawfx-PhY/s320/image007-706084.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310314434520786" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Local></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Local Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_MSE_Trading_Report,"></a>MSE Trading Report, March 16: Top 20 -1.93%, ALL +2.37%, Turnover <span lang=MN>₮</span>44.2 Million Shares, <span lang=MN>₮1.4 Billion T-Bills </span><span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 16 (MSE) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7qsX2l57gY7TVo1PQ1XqbQ5ebs2ATqrmvpbvNym26LUefNL14HN0IxR-kIid6rsRwLsivLKtAcdAdv2fQij_VixI_QsSn3tWhVpUuzIMxf10yw4keFKUerGbtBQF6QyymBe8EBglh3U/s1600/image008-708853.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7qsX2l57gY7TVo1PQ1XqbQ5ebs2ATqrmvpbvNym26LUefNL14HN0IxR-kIid6rsRwLsivLKtAcdAdv2fQij_VixI_QsSn3tWhVpUuzIMxf10yw4keFKUerGbtBQF6QyymBe8EBglh3U/s320/image008-708853.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310323094070434" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/uploads/ariljaa/reports/report_en-17.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_Stock_Exchange"></a>Mongolian Stock Exchange Discusses Cooperation Opportunities with Toronto Stock Exchange<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 16 (MSE) During the annual Prospectors & Developers Association International Convention which was held in Toronto, Canada during March 05-08, 2017, Mongolian delegates held discussions regarding potential cooperation opportunities with the Toronto Stock Exchange representatives, Robert Peterman, Director of Global Business Development at the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) & TSX Venture Exchange and Ungad Chadda, President of Capital Formation for Equity Capital Markets at TMX Group (owner of Toronto Stock Exchange). Mongolian delegates present during the meeting included Dashdorj Ts, Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry, Undraa A, Member of Parliament, Baatartsogt B, Head of Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority of Mongolia, Altai Kh, CEO of 'Mongolian Stock Exchange' JSC (MSE) and other government officials. The parties discussed potential cooperation opportunities, particularly the facilitation of dual-listing at TSX and MSE.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Although the Securities Markets Law passed in 2013 established the legal framework for dual-listing, <b>Mongolia is yet to see its first dual-listing</b>. Currently, <b>there are eleven companies with operations in Mongolia that are listed on TSX</b>, such as Erdene Resource Development Corp, Southgobi Resources Ltd and Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. The cooperation between the TSX and MSE will facilitate the dual listing of TSX listed companies on Mongolian markets, creating opportunities for Mongolians to share ownership in the mining companies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>TSX is the 9<sup>th</sup> largest stock exchange by its market capitalization with a total of 3,278 listed companies and the world's largest exchange by the number of mining listings. In 2015, CAD 57.7 billion were raised on TSX and more than half of global mining capital are raised through the TSX.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/news/4102">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Bayanteeg_JSC_announces"></a>Bayanteeg JSC announces <span lang=MN>₮</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>25.2 million</span> dividend, <span lang=MN>₮</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>100 per share<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 16 (MSE) Board of Directors meeting of "Bayanteeg" JSC were held on 13 February 2017 and made a decision to distribute dividends to its shareholders with MNT100.00 per share which is total of MNT25.2 million.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The ex-dividend day is 3 April 2017, and dividends will be paid in cash to shareholders accounts at Mongolian Central Securities Depository.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/news/4106">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_7_Joint_Stock"></a>7 Joint Stock Companies Delisted From MSE Listing<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 16 (MSE) Pursuant to the Clause 83.1 of Company Law, the clause of 24.8 of Listing Rule and clause of 8.10.11 of Corporate Rule of MSE, following 7 companies are delisted.<o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoTable15Plain3 border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td valign=top style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>№<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'> Symbol<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>Name of Company<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'> Number of shares<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>1<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal> BAL <o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>"Bayantolgoi" JSC<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>127,094<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal> DLA<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>"Gantumurt" JSC<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>162,514<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal> ORG<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>"Zavkhan teekh " JSC<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>51,110<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>4<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal> ZVN<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>"Zavkhan teever" JSC<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>135,870<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>5<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal> MEG<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>"Mongol EEG" JSC<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>114,378<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>6<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal> ORI<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>"Orgil Gobi-Altai" JSC<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>78,489<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>7<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal> LJA <o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal>"Uliastai Tegsh" JSC<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,323,486<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/news/4108">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbd7-9lhWrWu-UGdR0qMq6nQ-DKwk-tDnocEWqso1Ts3CTOu-YD5Iw8NcsMUOgBbePSyVa2caKhVCOiuq0WXtffN-t2qLA0IR3Yxw4gMhqSaRolViDFpYd5GQqIYX9rTGYvVaAk-xWFg/s1600/image009-710645.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpbd7-9lhWrWu-UGdR0qMq6nQ-DKwk-tDnocEWqso1Ts3CTOu-YD5Iw8NcsMUOgBbePSyVa2caKhVCOiuq0WXtffN-t2qLA0IR3Yxw4gMhqSaRolViDFpYd5GQqIYX9rTGYvVaAk-xWFg/s320/image009-710645.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310330689819698" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Economy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Economy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>Reds</span> are when MNT fell, <span style='color:#00B050'>greens</span> when it rose.<b> <span style='color:red'>Bold reds</span></b><span style='color:red'> </span>are rates that set a new historic high at the time. </i><o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_BoM_MNT_Rates:"></a><span lang=MN>BoM MNT Rates: </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>Wednesday</span><span lang=MN>, </span>March 15 <span lang=MN>Close </span><o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoTable15Plain5 border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=946 style='width:9.85in;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/16</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/15</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/14</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/13</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/10</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/9</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/7</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/6</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/3</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>High</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>Date</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1059" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/b27dbc49-e16d-41ae-8557-f99cdb40c367.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e147de94-098c-41fc-a613-e68b961bc287.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>USD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,454.96<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,457.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,458.38<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,458.80<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,461.32<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,464.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,466.88</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,468.55</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,470.25</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,470.84</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,498.75</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1058" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/bebede1f-9fde-45e8-9abf-07cee5d98010.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/7fff4ee5-d12c-4bd2-8a56-d47fa1ab5b0d.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>EUR</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,633.07<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,614.01<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,615.22<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,629.93<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,607.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,595.95<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,613.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,616.42</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,598.95</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,604.14</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,681.43</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/10/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1057" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/280be717-5c83-46be-b0c7-d0b2cf9575f2.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/73256f8e-4c86-438d-9d39-350646eb7f40.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>JPY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.68<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.42<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.35<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.44<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.33<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.51<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.69</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.62</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.64</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>23.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/9/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1056" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0e866dbf-0eff-45bc-aa83-c145b2345900.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/170ec7e9-2636-4b7d-a624-7ae9fef54841.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>GBP</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,012.73<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,005.06<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,983.49<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,005.02<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,992.60<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,995.36<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,015.51</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,029.40</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,030.01</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,035.80</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>3,183.26</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>8/13/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1055" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/33370dc8-8964-434b-8694-6462f39746fb.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a481156f-5e01-436d-b063-c22ecd3ed0dd.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>RUB</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.23<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.58<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>41.69<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>41.61<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.57<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.35</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.31</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.33</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>54.32</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>6/27/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1054" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/c37f3eb9-e9ba-4c1d-bc0f-2669bc4c1412.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/56dc9518-41a5-4bb4-9d57-167f6de07f2e.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CNY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>356.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>355.49<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>355.30<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>356.03<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>355.82<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>356.41<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>357.53</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>357.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>357.85</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.01</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>363.02</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/5/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1053" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e5792094-f0b8-4c3a-a82b-97ddd5401a38.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ab781b89-2767-4b9c-b3cb-b3c6cc603016.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>KRW</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.15<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.14<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.14<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.13<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.13<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.15</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.13</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.13</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/6/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1052" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/75233918-55b6-4977-a5ef-f682c93bbdb0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/9a4a44a5-6be7-4141-8159-5aa30a12bb45.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>SGD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,748.55<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,739.74<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,737.19<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,741.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,735.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,736.07<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,749.50</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,750.12</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,746.44</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,751.75</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,758.66</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/24/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1051" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a8311ed8-a900-4237-bf18-4ebf7b10bbf0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/53fdb4a8-f38e-4f01-b01a-c2dee4a6895d.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CAD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,845.90<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,825.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,825.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,827.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,823.13<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,826.88<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,842.12</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,841.24</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,844.09</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,850.82</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,908.84</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/18/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1050" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/5d744e37-53d2-4c10-aa04-7bc77a3c3abc.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/6ec5578f-dca9-4257-b326-e755e3b2400b.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>AUD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,892.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,862.87<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,855.22<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,862.05<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,851.40<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,853.05<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,877.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,871.53</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,866.15</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,892.17</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/16/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1049" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6f012c2-8c16-455d-b0b0-8427d7512a2b.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6b9f8ce-b8d2-4ce7-bdce-b85ce1812325.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>HKD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.22<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.29<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.42<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.99<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>317.26<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>317.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>317.95</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.18</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.29</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>322.21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1048" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0588bbef-101c-4211-8d37-8045475e110d.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ae638f8b-a29a-4d70-90b3-52ad2a79d482.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CHF</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,455.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,438.95<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,435.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,431.45<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,430.69<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,427.47<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,439.32</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,446.41</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,439.39</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,445.65</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,497.77</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/09/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:red'>Bank USD rates at time of sending</span></b>: <a href="https://www.khanbank.com/en/home/rates">Khan</a> (Buy ₮2,445 Sell ₮2,458), <a href="http://tdbm.mn/en/exchange">TDB</a> (Buy ₮2,452 Sell ₮2,462), <a href="https://en.golomtbank.com/home/citizen">Golomt</a> (Buy ₮2,445 Sell ₮2,458), <a href="http://xacbank.mn/en/calculator/rates">XacBank</a> (Buy ₮2,449 Sell ₮2,459), <a href="https://www.statebank.mn/w/en/m1">State Bank</a> (Buy ₮2,446 Sell ₮2,459)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/graphic_dailyrate.aspx">USD (blue), CNY (red) vs MNT</a> in last 1 year:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJNb2Ehn1-ciKveKpgQhwk-oW0sKbxwIU3msmKq04ETDzjDqc04qUX09AnNq7PIsM9uRhvAO3gFaIwBe4pgSY3L-0W8bVvQNTO8w-4It57-iZw5IgRD7dj_-TwxiSZ9qWGvM6AbzDLrs/s1600/image010-712932.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYJNb2Ehn1-ciKveKpgQhwk-oW0sKbxwIU3msmKq04ETDzjDqc04qUX09AnNq7PIsM9uRhvAO3gFaIwBe4pgSY3L-0W8bVvQNTO8w-4It57-iZw5IgRD7dj_-TwxiSZ9qWGvM6AbzDLrs/s320/image010-712932.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310340112075154" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistofficialdailyrate.aspx">Link to rates</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_declines_USD,"></a>BoM declines USD, CNY ask, bid offers and MNT swap offers<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 16 (Bank of Mongolia) Spot trade: Commercial banks <b>bid weighted average rate of MNT2452.17 for USD10.2 million</b>, <b>asked weighted average rate of MNT2457.07 for USD14.1 million</b> and <b>bid weighted average rate of MNT353.67 for CNY58.0 million</b> respectively. The BoM did not accept the bid offers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Swap and forward trade: The <b>BoM received buying bid offers of USD3.0 million of MNT swap agreement</b> from commercial banks and the BoM did not accept the bid offers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=182">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_government_seeks"></a>Mongolia government seeks IMF financial support<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 16 (Al Jazeera) Mongolia government seeks IMF financial support<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Five years ago, Mongolia was one of the world's fastest growing economies thanks to exports of copper and gold.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But that all came undone when commodity prices crashed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Now Mongolia is turning to the International Monetary Fund for help. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Al Jazeera's Pearly Jacob reports from the capital, Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOS5cyzL3Xg">Link to video</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4BhG6CTYCtysebNxwlF3sIUi74GTOPu1DGQnXbkrrhX8K8F3vKAlFkvXOdSzUdNjS_k6khuPiILCrPQmSQQlD63m4UFKsTmzm-jyw4U9w4grsVlOchD1KuF4ZiKXevuLVXBgs0ni3pg/s1600/image004-799051.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR4BhG6CTYCtysebNxwlF3sIUi74GTOPu1DGQnXbkrrhX8K8F3vKAlFkvXOdSzUdNjS_k6khuPiILCrPQmSQQlD63m4UFKsTmzm-jyw4U9w4grsVlOchD1KuF4ZiKXevuLVXBgs0ni3pg/s320/image004-799051.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310280142804690" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Politics></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Politics & Legal<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Potential,_overall_bipartisan"></a>Potential, overall bipartisan support for IMF program?<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Chairman of State Structure Committee: Mongolian citizens understand why we have come to the point of the IMF program<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>By Dale Choi<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 17 (Mongolia Metals & Mining) Chairman of Parliament's State Structure Standing Commitee , senior MPP MP N.Enkhbold was seen on Bloomberg TV Mongolia yesterday commenting regarding IMF program:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l8 level1 lfo11'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I think people of Mongolia have started to realise socio-economic condition of the country with or without elections, without politicisation. We are facing choice whether to temporarily apply band-aid treatment, get away with some cosmetic changes or take fundamental measures to make long term change to make financial and economic condition healthy. <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l8 level1 lfo11'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I don't see [IMF] issue in relation to elections. More we delay, heavier problems will become. GoM has resolved pressing issue of payment of urgent debt, this is good, I understand that investors oversubscribed to new GoM bonds because of message spreading that Mongolia will sort out its fiscal discipline, responsibility and stability issue. This shows that investors are starting to believe us. I believe this is the way for us to go forward. It is difficult for us to overcome our financial and economic difficulties without participation of international financial organisations, investors and private sector. Although, well, it is possible for us for go without them, it would be surviving from day to day, we would not get far. If we think long-term, then, it's correct to implement IMF program and election promises.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l8 level1 lfo11'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Probably it will be hard, probably it will not be easy. I will not refuse possibility of need arising to postpone , to temporarily wait on some election promises that our party, Mongolian People's Party, has made. <o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l8 level1 lfo11'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I think people of Mongolia understand what kind of condition there were for us to come to this point, I think, people will be patient and treat this correctly. I just came from working at my district, I visited 6 soums out of 8 soums in my district, I explained to voters what result there would be from IMF negotiations, what kind of condition we will be in, how we will overcome problems during macroeconomic stabilisation.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l8 level1 lfo11'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As I have felt, our citizens, our voters understand this. Of course, it can be politicised, that we fail our promises, that taxes are being increased. I think that taxes are being raised mostly in part of population that consumes more with larger income.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l8 level1 lfo11'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I understand that budget amendment will be the first bill on agenda of Spring session Parliament to start on Apr.5th and issue of cooperation will be finalised.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>MP Z.Narantuya (DP, member of Parliament's Fiscal and Economic Standing Commitee, former Chairperson of Financial Regulatory Commitee) also was seen on Bloomberg TV Mongolia saying:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l10 level1 lfo12'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>IMF program's positive side is funding from international financial organisations such World Bank and Asia Development Bank for fiscal loss and, that funding from countries such as Korea and Japan will go toward implementation of major projects. This is probably correct step.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l10 level1 lfo12'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>We are only concerned on profitability of such invested projects and support funding not for new projects, but to continue already started budget-funded projects, we have expressed such united position.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l10 level1 lfo12'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Program is more oriented for short term stabilisation, and we feel it could have been improved with more medium-term approach and structural change to increase non-tax revenues. Further, we think real sector could have been supported more by letting investment go. As opposition, we will pay attention that GoM will not forget in medium-term to support real sector and investment.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Dale: Quite pleased with generally supportive public comments from senior MP-s from both parties. Very encouraged by MP Z.Narantuya's ,overall ,positive communication. As mentioned, it's really critical that the IMF program is explained well to the public, and would not be politicised, who has been responsible and what not . If there would be broad, overall bipartisan(=national) constructive, forward-looking support( not necessarily on all details) , it would be pretty cool thing to have and would provide good foundation for successful implementation of IMF Program.</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MongoliaMetalsMining/">Link to MMM FB page</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_IMF_says_they"></a>IMF says they will remain patient with Mongolia despite setbacks<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 16 (UB Post) Through their Resident Representative Office in Ulaanbaatar, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) stated that they will remain patient despite the postponement of Parliament's discussion of the budget amendments required for enrollment in its extended fund facility (EFF) program.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The foreign financiers of Mongolia's overall relief package have not yet verified their commitments. Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, and the governments of Japan and South Korea have committed to providing budget and project support as part of the IMF's staff-level EFF agreement. This package, coupled with a currency swap agreement between the central banks of Mongolia and China, make up a 5.5 billion USD financial package.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia needs to have a minimum financial commitment of three billion USD in order to enroll in the EFF. Reports indicate that the ADB is already in the process of discussing the financial commitment at their headquarters in Manila.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Even though World Bank has committed to contributing to the financial package, it is not clear how much will be offered and under what terms it will be provided.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/16/imf-says-they-will-remain-patient-with-mongolia-despite-setbacks/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Will_2017_meet"></a>Will 2017 meet Mongolia's mega hopes from mega projects?<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>by B.Tugsbilegt<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 17 (Mongolian Mining Journal, Feb'17 - 099) In late 2016, the price of coking coal surged, the oil industry outlook brightened, and there were positive signs in other commodity markets also. As producers and exporters celebrate the return of good times, however temporary these might turn out to be, Mongolians have another reason to feel optimistic about 2017, when work on several mega projects, including Tavan Tolgoi and Gatsuurt, is slated to begin, after years of false hopes, dashed expectations, and broken promises. Let us see how things stand with some of these projects that will change Mongolia's economy and Mongolians' life in many ways. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Gatsuurt</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ts.Dashdorj, the present Mining Minister, is the fourth in a series to try to bring the Gatsuurt deposit into the economic cycle. D.Zorigt initiated the talks with the investors on developing the deposit, but the tenure of D.Gankhuyag was marked by growing opposition to the project. R.Jigjid soothed popular feelings and took some real steps towards operating the mine by getting the mineral law amended to allow the state to forgo its 34% ownership in favour of receiving 3% special royalties. Draft investment and deposit development agreements were prepared but things then slowed down as elections drew near. How quickly will the current government be able to fulfil expectations, and boost morale in the mining sector? <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Progress might not be easy. The NGO Save Noyon Mountain moved court and in May 2016, the extraction licence of Gatsuurt mine, issued to Centerra Gold by the MRAM, was suspended. The company appealed against the ruling to The Capital City Administrative Court, which refused on 9 February to hear the case, sending it back to the primary court.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On the other hand, there have been two positive developments in recent days. In one, the Ministry has set up a working group charged with preparing the deposit development and investment agreements with Centerra Gold. This replaces the working group formed in 2015, which became defunct with the coming of the present government. In the other, the Mineral Resources Professional Council earlier this month approved a revised feasibility study of the Gatsuurt deposit. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Gatsuurt mine holds 50 tonnes of gold in about 17 million tonnes of ore. There could well be 26 tonnes more of precious metal and the mine lifetime would be around 10 years. The project would need a total investment of $215.9 million, while operational costs would be $1026 million. Estimated sales revenue would be $1769 million and the state budget would get $432.3 million in tax and other payments. It will have around 1000 workers. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Oyu Tolgoi</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Oyu Tolgoi expansion project will be the strongest pillar of the Mongolian economy in 2017. Turquoise Hill Resources, which owns 66 percent of the mining project, has said this year's capital expenditure in the open pit mine and the underground mine would be $100 million and between $825 million and $925 million respectively. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In December 2015, Rio Tinto raised $4.4 billion from 15 commercial banks with government support. The banks are ready to lend up to $6 billion and might be willing to give $1.6 billion more. Whether Rio Tinto takes these further loans or not will depend on what the market situation does for Oyu Tolgoi's own financial capacity. <br>The underground mine is the heart of the project where 80 percent of Oyu Tolgoi's total reserve lies. Sales would start in 2021 and full capacity of production would come in 2027. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Tavan Tolgoi</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>How all efforts to operate the Tavan Tolgoi deposit in a big way have failed ever since S.Bayar's government took it under state ownership in 2008 is a story well-known. The latest round was flagged off last October by J.Erdenebat's government, which gives the impression of being really serious about the job. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are many obstacles on its path, even though the time is propitious with coking coal prices rising. The rise followed the Chinese government's sudden decision in mid-2016 to reduce the number of working days in domestic coal mines from 330 to 276. However, the government had second thoughts as prices kept going up, and it soon began to re-extend the operating days. The result has been that some market experts are taking coking coal price trends as not being reliable. However, even if there is no spectacular recovery as in 2008 and 2011, coking coal prices will remain reasonably high, and not hit the bottom anytime soon.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>That makes it all the more important to raise production at Tavan Tolgoi. A working group was set up in the Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry late last year to resume discussions with the "old acquaintance" consortium, which consists of Energy Resources, Sumitomo, and Shenhua. Maybe this time will be lucky, and Tavan Tolgoi would be freed of the jinx. Much, of course, depends on how prices move. All parties would lose interest if the expected commercial returns are not high enough. In any case, so much has to be done – finalizing the investment process, completing studies, developing infrastructure etc. – that expecting any spectacular benefit from Tavan Tolgoi this year could be unwise. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>The TT power plant and CHP-5</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The investment agreement for the Tavan Tolgoi 450-MW coal power plant was signed in June 2016, with MCS Power as the domestic and Marubeni as the foreign investor. Little has progressed since, except for successful negotiations with Oyu Tolgoi LLC to buy 70% of the generated power. The rest would be used at the Tavan Tolgoi and Tsagaansuvarga projects. We can only hope that work on the power plant will move forward this year but it seems several details are still to be worked out to the satisfaction of all the parties involved. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Failure to progress in building the Combined Heat and Power Plant – 5 has been attributed to lack of finance, the market situation, and political disagreements. Several other coal power plant projects have also been on the drawing board for long. The government should take a quick decision on which of these it would take up first. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The proposed projects include the Baganuur power plant, Bodi Group's Buuruljuut coal power plant, and the Shivee Ovoo power station. Buuruljuut will be built by the private sector, but Baganuur, Tavan Tolgoi, and CHP-5 are government projects. However, only the Tavan Tolgoi power plant is mentioned for development in the government's Economic Recovery Programme (2016-2020), while the others are just said to be under study. Prime Minister Erdenebat should be knowing the need to start work on at least some of these, as a power-hungry China would welcome long-term agreements on buying electricity from Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The only good news is that work has finally begun on expansion of CHP-3. That would alleviate to a certain extent the country's shortage of energy and heat. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>The railway and other projects </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last December, the government announced a list of energy, road and transport projects to be implemented in 2017. Among them are the 45.3-km railway from Nariinsukhait to Shiveekhuren, the 281-km railway from Zuunbayan to Khangi port, the 192-km railway from Choibalsan to Khuut mine, and the 234-km railway from Khuut mine to Bichigt port. Later, Road and Transport Minister D.Ganbat expressed his hope that work on the Nariinsukhait-Shiveekhuren segment would start in the spring. When completed, SouthGobi Sands, Mongolyn Alt, and Usukh Zoos can then use the railway to transport their coal. The 45-km heavy and paved road now used has a capacity of just 11 million tonnes per year while these companies can together produce over 30 million tonnes. However, construction is likely to be delayed beyond the planned one year, as many related issues are still to be sorted out. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Zuunbayan-Khangi track is likely to have a wide gauge, according to the draft resolution on ensuring implementation of the state policy on railway transportation submitted by the government to the Parliament. Rough estimates put the total cost of construction at $1 billion. Mainly iron ore would be transported through the railway. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is unlikely that this would see the Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry make any real progress on 'ambitious' projects such as the oil refinery, the copper smelter, and the steel plant, besides conducting some preliminary studies. Actual construction could begin only after the money is found and in the present situation, this might take quite some time. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.mongolianminingjournal.com/content/64219.shtml">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Determined_government,_punished"></a>Determined government, punished parliament<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>by Ts.Elbegsaikhan<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 17 (Mongolian Economy) Nearly one month has passed since the government announced that it will implement the IMF's Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme. However, this program is still yet to begin implementation. The decision regarding whether to provide a USD 440 million loan will be made by the IMF board at its next meeting to be held on April 10 after reviewing whether Mongolia completed its homework. This past month raised many expectations as the government hopes that donors will "pour" USD 5 billion after the IMF loan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During this period, there was an expectation that parliament would immediately announce a special session and make amendments to the budget. The government, which waited for half a year before hearing the aforementioned answer from the IMF, did expect the issue to be prolonged further.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Many interests affecting individuals and society at large will be affected by such budget amendments, such as through increases in excise taxes on fuel, alcohol, tobacco and passenger vehicles; increasing customs tax on tobacco; reducing social welfare spending; and whether the state mortgage programme will continue. Therefore, everyone pictured that a favourable opportunity for the opposition to make a power play will arise during the special session by making strong points while the parliamentary majority show their obvious power against them.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yet, nothing has happened. Although the opposition attempted to blame the government – saying "The government is working poorly as they have not immediately announced a special session to discuss the pressing issues" – it did not garner that much attention. The Mongolian People's Party is determined to discuss the issue by the spring session of parliament.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However, it would be biased to say that nothing has been done. The government has successfully changed the name of a bond. Initially the prime minister sounded very confident and said that the government will fully pay the USD 580 million bond of the Development Bank. At the time, the head of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Budget stated: "Make it clear from what source it will be paid. Resolve the bond issue without creating pressure on the budget." In any case, it seems like the PM's plan failed as he informed Reuters and Bloomberg that the bond is going to be replaced by another one a day after the Ministry of Finance and IMF representatives made their joint announcement on February 19.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The new bond is named "Khuraldai," and the USD 476 million bond was replaced by a seven-year, 8.75 percent interest bond. A new bond of USD 124 million was also sold on the market at 7.625 percent interest. Thus, Mongolia's debt increased by USD 20 million and the payable interest rate increased by two percent. The main objective of the newly issued bond is to pay off the remainder of the old bond.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The budget amendment issue will clearly be a priority when the session begins. It is likely that not much time will be spent discussing this issue as the opposition might use the opportunity against the government. The budget amendment issue was not supported by parliament previously during the fall session. The Ministry of Finance was behind the budget amendment proposal last time. This time around, the all mighty IMF will be behind the upcoming proposal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolianeconomy.mn/en/i/9688">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_PM_orders_local"></a>PM orders local governors to cut expensive welcoming ceremonies <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 16 (MONTSAME) On Wednesday, Prime Minister J.Erdenebat directed all aimag governors to stop hosting expensive welcoming and farewell ceremonies for government officials, going on local visits. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He also tasked the officials to study feasibilities to make changes to the State Protocol Regulations, to refrain from the ceremonious welcoming for Prime Minister at the border of aimags and to organize small welcoming events at cheaper cost instead.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Prime Minister views such a decision is necessary in these times of economic restraint. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9191">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_New_government_axes"></a>New government axes 22,000 civil servants in transition<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 16 (news.mn) According to unofficial statistics, the Mongolian government has cut 22,000 civil service jobs since the parliamentary election in June, 2016. To break these figures down: 10,000 civil servants have been removed from their posts in the Ulaanbaatar City Administration and Government Ministries; and in each of the 21 provinces between 350-700 have been dismissed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Centre for Human Rights & Development is calling to stop the abnormal practice whereby political parties switch civil service jobs with their members after winning parliament election. This has undermined a "professional" Mongolian civil service and has resulted in some glaringly unqualified and inept people being appointed to senior level posts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A total of 2000 new civil service jobs were created in Mongolia in 2016. At present nearly 100,000 people work in the country's civil service.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327608">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Monocle_interviews_Parliament"></a>Monocle interviews Parliament Speaker M.Enkhbold<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 16 (MONTSAME) On March 16, Speaker of the Mongolian Parliament – State Great Khural M.Enkhbold gave an interview to the resident correspondent of Monocle Magazine in Tokyo Kenji Hall.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Headquartered in London, Monocle covers a wide range of topics, such as international affairs, business, art and culture and is published every month.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The magazine has representatives in New York, Zurich, Tokyo, Toronto, Istanbul and Hong Kong. Monocle is enjoyed by readers in nearly 70 countries of North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr. Kenji Hall talked with the Mongolian Speaker about politics, society, economy and democracy of Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9198">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_OSCE_ODIHR_director"></a>OSCE ODIHR director visits Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 16 (news.mn) Michael Georg Link, director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) made a visit to Mongolia on 14-15<sup>th</sup> of March. During the visit, Ts.Munk-Orgil, the Foreign Minister of Mongolia received Mr Link and discussed cooperation on improving the skills of election observers and establishing a training centre in the country.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr.Link expressed his appreciation for Mongolia's successful parliamentary election in 2016. He noted that Mongolia has become a good example for its neighbours in the region.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327607">Link to article </a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9200">Foreign Minister meets ODIHR Director</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 16<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for March 16, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Plans approved for a copper concentrate factory to be built in Khanbogd<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Cabinet approved plans to build a copper concentrate factory in Umnubogi Province's Khanbogd soum. Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry Ts. Dashdorj will be in charge of selecting investors and making the appropriate agreements for the factory. No less than 10% of the factory will be owned by the Government of Mongolia without any investment cost. The proposed factory will have the capacity to produce one million tons of concentrate annually, and is expected to be operational by 2020. Analysts believe that based on available natural resources, logistics, and efficient transmission of energy, the factory should be built next to Oyu Tolgoi's mine in Khanbogd soum.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Cabinet, infrastructure, copper</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Official Gazette /page 11/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ECONOMY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mineral exports increased by 57.3%<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The National Statistics Office (NSO) reported that in the first two months of the year, Mongolia exported 727.7 million USD in minerals, an increase of 57.3% compared to last year. Mongolia exported 4.8 million tons of coal for 327.3 million USD, an increase of 3.5 times in terms of volume and 8 times more than last year's exports in terms of monetary value. The export of gold and copper concentrate decreased. For crude oil, 1.1 million barrels valued at 58.5 million USD were exported. Officials highlight that 8,000 tons of zinc ore valued at 26.9 million USD was exported, and the price tripled compared to last year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> trade, export, minerals, NSO </span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>| <i>The Official Gazette /page 11/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>MINING<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>D. Zagdjav appointed as Vice Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> During Cabinet's regular session, D. Zagdjav was appointed as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry. D. Zagdjav earned his master's degree in management, holds a PhD in public management, and is professor at the Defense, Safety and Law Academy. He holds degrees from the Ministry of Social Protection's Military Academy, Institute of Development of Public Management, and Novosibirisk's Economics Academy of Management. D. Zagdjav served as a Member of Parliament from 2008-2012, and has also served as the President of the Democratic Students Association, Governor of Khan Uul Province, General Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, and President of the Mongolian Peace and Friendship Organization.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Cabinet, Ministry of Mining</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>National post /page 1/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Debt to Chalco approaches full repayment <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi reported that its debt to Chalco is decreasing. Last month, Executive Director D. Ariunbold noted that the debt stands at 56 million USD, and that it is possible to completely pay off the debt this year. After the debt is paid off, the company is set to supply the Chinese market with a certain percentage of minerals from Tavan Tolgoi's East Tsankhii mine at market price. State-owned Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi sold around 800,000 tons of coal at the beginning of February, double what it sold last year. The company is planning to export 11.5 million tons of coal this year and plans to increase export volume and the price of its coal. In January, coal from thr West Tsankhii mine was sold at 71.5 USD per ton, an increase of 165% over a five-month period. The management of Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi announced that after the debt is paid off, the company is planning to release an IPO on the international market to raise capital in 2018. In the future, the company is planning to invest in roads and infrastructure projects, including a power plant.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi, coal, Chalco</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Official Gazette /page 11/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ONLINE STORY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>8.4 trillion MNT now being saved at commercial banks<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> At the end of January, there was a reported 8.4 trillion MNT being saved at commercial banks, 70% of which was held in MNT accounts with the rest in foreign currency. The Deposit Insurance Corporation announced that from 2015-2016, the amount of money saved in personal accounts had not risen due to minimal salary increases across the country. Of all the savings depositors, 1% had more than 100 million MNT in savings. With the staff-level agreement between the IMF and the Government of Mongolia, Parliament is likely to approve legislation to tax income from personal savings accounts starting on April 1. Analysts speculate that this will drive customers to move their assets to other form of investment, such as stocks and government bonds. Economists believe that even though it would be good to see the transfer of capital from the banking system to the securities market, a sudden transfer of capital could disrupt the banking system.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> personal savings, commercial banks</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i><a href="http://bloombergtv.mn/%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B6%D0%B0%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%8B-%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BA%D0%BD%D1%83%D1%83%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%B4-%D0%BD%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%BD-%D0%B8%D1%85-%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%8F%D0%B4-392-4-%D1%82%D1%8D%D1%80%D0%B1%D1%83%D0%BC-%D1%82%D3%A9%D0%B3%D1%80%D3%A9%D0%B3%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D1%85%D0%B0%D0%B4%D0%B3%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B6-%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%B9%D0%BD%D0%B0/?cid=1" target="_blank">www.bloombergtv.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-march-16-2017/">Link to newswire</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI64pzrQRtVJ-BSwNDkkPg5mumZbuFZJvPwvihZkVzQJpKAh8nqR3MrXnIxKDoUCJ5l4XS5Rl-Zv8r9fW4vaL5HGT5NNQ6Dc_8x656ipsoeZGgyUQCdtrrYjeKaVB8lLdGRTuXy5ByMCU/s1600/image005-701381.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI64pzrQRtVJ-BSwNDkkPg5mumZbuFZJvPwvihZkVzQJpKAh8nqR3MrXnIxKDoUCJ5l4XS5Rl-Zv8r9fW4vaL5HGT5NNQ6Dc_8x656ipsoeZGgyUQCdtrrYjeKaVB8lLdGRTuXy5ByMCU/s320/image005-701381.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310291429424722" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Business></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Business<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Strong_interest_in"></a>Strong interest in Mongolia at PDAC<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Investors liked Mining Minister's candid responses; OT LLC success is now at the center of Mongolia's unique selling proposition NAMBC Newsletter<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 16 (Mongolian Business Database) Attendance at the March 5 Mongolia@PDAC investors forum during the annual convention of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada in Toronto was the highest of any prior Mongolia event at PDAC. "When Mining Minister Ts. Dashdorj spoke," noted NAMBC Chairman Frank Herbert, "it was standing-room only." Advance registration – 300 -- for the event was more than double the highest previous level. The success, stability and smooth expansion of Oyu Tolgoi LLC was front and center in Mongolia's unique selling proposition by both government and private sector speakers, which included Dr. Galsan Batsukh, Chairman of OT LLC, who was Mongolia's first resident ambassador to Canada, as well as the CEOs of other established foreign miners in Mongolia who have been able to attract significant new capital investment as investors warm again to Mongolia's prospects, including presentations by Steppe Gold, Aspire, Xanadu and Erdene Resource Development (ERD).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>At and on the fringes of the PDAC meeting, Minister Dashdorj and other government officials emphasized that:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo10'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia has no plans to change the size of its stake in the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine and no intention of changing the terms of its relationship with OT;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo10'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia intends to double the amount of land available for exploration and hopes to build a copper smelting plant; and that the Mineral Resource and Petroleum Authority of Mongolia (MRPAM) will improve the transparency and methodology of bidding for new exploration licenses, in response to wide-spread complaints from both domestic and international investors about the deficiencies of the previous computerized system;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo10'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>the government is seriously examining issues involved in the discounted royalty for gold sold to the central bank, which expires on January 1, 2019 and which has been a major incentive to gold mining investment; and that the government was in serious discussions with Centerra on moving forward with the Gatsuurt gold mine, which is the only major new mining project that is even close to shovel-ready;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo10'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>the government will take a fresh look at resolving problems with the vast number of mining licenses abruptly suspended because of overly-broad definitions of environmental considerations in the so-called "Long Name Law;"<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo10'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>the government's plan for amending the mining law would not affect the basic structure of existing law on royalties and other basics but was rather intended to codify technical and regulatory requirements (such as on reclamation and restoration) that were missing or unclear in prior versions of the law;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo10'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>the government continues to study options for the Tavan Tolgoi LLC coal mine with interested investors and relevant government ministers with no fixed timetable for a final agreement.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>From Toronto, Minister Dashdorj went on to Ottawa for the seventh Canada-Mongolia Roundtable Meeting on Intergovernmental Cooperation on March 9 in Ottawa. The amicable meeting was co-chaired by Dashdorj and the Assistant Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Canada, Mr. Donald Bobiash; Mongolian Ambassador to Canada R. Altangerel and Canadian Ambassador to Mongolia Ed Jager also participated. Concurring that both nations highly valued Canada's status as a "Third Neighbor," both sides agreed to activate collaboration in mining, agriculture, infrastructure and environment, noting that the FIPA investment promotion agreement would help boost two-way trade and investment. The two sides agreed to improve efficiency and broaden the scope of development cooperation; six projects are currently underway in mining, agriculture, public and other sectors.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.mongolianbusinessdatabase.com/base/newsdetials?id=8211">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_MIAT_to_increase"></a>MIAT to increase flight frequency and routes<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 16 (MONTSAME) Yesterday, March 15, Minister of Road and Transportation Development D.Ganbat visited MIAT Airline National flag carrier, and stated that the company would be supported with government policy and its flight frequency and routes would be increased.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>MIAT company works on lowering operational costs and increasing income, including from non-transportation sources and plans to launch new flights to 7 routes in Australia and South East Asia including Busan of South Korea and Bangkok of Thailand, according to Director of MIAT, state-owned company T.Tamir.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Minister D.Ganbat said that the ministry started to take some measures regarding rendering policy support to improve business activities of the company so that the company operates without loss and to overcome financial difficulties; renewing air relations agreements to improve travelers' flow and protecting market of international transportation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"- Increase of international flight frequency and flight routes should be aimed at improving economic efficiency" Minister D.Ganbat underlined. The minister highly valued the skill of engineers and technical officers of the company, expressing that he will pay attention to enlarging the capacity of aircraft maintenance service and improving professional skills of technical officers further. MIAT company has a capacity to conduct maintenance service to over 30 aircrafts in a year and has an agreement with 9 international airlines to conduct maintenance services to their aircrafts. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/9194">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s1600/image006-704085.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s320/image006-704085.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310300733670818" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Ulaanbaatar></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_UB_denies_3rd"></a>UB denies <span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>3<sup>rd</sup> </span>anti-pollution demonstration for coinciding with Soldiers' Day<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 16 (news.mn) 'Parents against Air-Pollution' has been planning its third air pollution protest on Sukhbaatar Square, on 18th of March. However, the Ulaanbaatar City Administration has suspended the demonstration because it coincides with the state ceremony for Armed-Services Day. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Since December, several hundred Mongolians have joined in these protests which have been organised by 'Parents against Air-Pollution'. These demonstrations are a crowd funding campaign calling on the government to do more to protect citizens from air pollution and build hospitals.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The last winter has been the coldest in a decade and has seen the worst smog in the Mongolian capital for years. At its worst, the hospitals had problems coping with the large numbers of children and infants being brought in by anxious parents.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327596">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Ministry_introduces_new"></a>Ministry introduces new wastewater treatment technology <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 16 (gogo.mn) Due to lack of law enforcement of water pollution fee and operational failure of treatment plant, Tuul river pollution exceeds the standard as Tuul river provides the only supply of water for all uses including industrial supply and drinking water for Ulaanbaatar city. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In scope of upcoming World Water Day, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism held a press session today. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia uses 500-600 million cubic meters of water per year and produces 470 million cubic meters of waste water. However, the country does not reuse the waste water due to lack of treatment technology. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Meanwhile many countries are using nanotechnologies in wastewater treatment and purification by removing the pollution and contamination<span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'></span> with mechanistic biology, biotechnology, nanotechnology and membrane technology. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia has testing new technologies in wastewater treatment since 2012. Until then the country successfully introduced the "Khuvsgul" wastewater technology and put into operation a wastewater treatment plant which is capable of purify 25 cubic meters of wastewater per day in Gatsuurt village in 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157718">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s1600/image006-704085.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s320/image006-704085.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310300733670818" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Diplomacy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Diplomacy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_China_invites_Mongolia"></a>China invites Mongolia to step aboard its economic express train<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 16 (news.mn) China's Ambassador to Mongolia, H.E. Xing Haiming has made an announcement about National People's Congress of China as well as talking about relations between Beijing and Ulaanbaatar. The statements were made earlier today (16<sup>th</sup> of March).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ambassador Xing Haiming said 'According to statistics, Chinese economic growth is set to steadily expand and our country will (continue to) be an important power in the world economy. It will be a positive influence for its neighbours, including Mongolia'. The Chinese Ambassador repeated the words of President Xi Jinpin, that 'China invites Mongolia to step aboard its economic express train' which he said when he visited Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He stressed that Mongolia is a good neighbour and partner. Mr. Xing Haiming said, 'China will support Mongolia to overcome its economic difficulties, and further develop economic cooperation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327614">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><o:p></o:p></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Cabinet_approves_draft"></a>Cabinet approves draft Mongolia-Mexico Cooperation Program<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 16 (MONTSAME) Cabinet approved a draft of Cooperation Program between the Government of Mongolia and the Government of the United Mexican States for 2017-2020 in areas of education, culture, youth development, physical culture and sports at the regular meeting held Wednesday, March 16. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The program will enable Mongolia to send off representatives to international cultural events, such as festivals and exhibitions, and involve more Mongolian students in the Mexican government scholarships. Also, Mongolian diplomats will be regularly participating in the foreign policy training hosted by the Mexican Diplomatic Academy, Matias Romero Institute.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The sides recognized that the program implementation will strengthen bilateral ties and deepen cooperation in education, culture, youth development and sports.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9189">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><o:p></o:p></p><h2><a name="_Cabinet_approves_medium-term"></a>Cabinet approves medium-term partnership agreement with Japan, defense with Turkey<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 16 (MONTSAME) At Wednesday's regular meeting, the cabinet approved the latest revision of the Common Rule for Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) on Implementation of Policy Documents and Operations of Administrative bodies. The cabinet members, agencies and aimag governors were tasked to develop and pursue special M&E methodologies suited for the concerned sector.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- The cabinet gave Minister of Foreign Affairs Ts.Munkh-Orgil a permission to finalize and sign the Medium-Term Program on Mongolia-Japan Partnership for 2017-2021. The program consists of general sections regarding the cooperation in politics and security, economic, cultural and people-to-people ties.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- The cabinet approved the Agreement on Financial Cooperation for Defense Sector between the Government of Mongolia and the Government of the Republic of Turkey. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9193">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_attracts_Polish"></a>Mongolia attracts Polish FDI<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 10 (Polish Investment and Trade Agency) "We will support Polish companies interested in doing business in Mongolia" - said Tomasz Pisula, opening the Polish Mongolian Economic Seminar that was arranged by Polish Investment and Trade Agency.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Ladies and Gentleman, you are in the right place, if you are interested in developing economic relations with Poland", Pisula said to Mongolian companies taking part in the seminar. "The Agency will be the first public institution in Poland offering a complex support for global expansion of Polish companies" he stressed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Poland is considered as one of the main economic partners of Mongolia in the European Union. To strengthen the economic collaboration between the two states, a Polish-Mongolian Parliamentary Group has been created. "The parliamentary cooperation plays a very important role. It links the countries", explained Mr Damba-Ochir Dorjdamba, the chairman of the Parliamentary Group.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mining is the strategic sectors of the Mongolian economy and the main area of the activity of foreign companies. 73% of direct foreign investments are located in the mining sector. Mongolia also specializes in agri-food industry with a high position of milk, meat and wheat production. "We are interested in cooperation with Poland in tractors assembly, construction of warehouses, development of road infrastructure, equipping vocational schools and milk processing" - said Mr. Nemekh Bataa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to Poland.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The country's economic situation is not exemplary. However, we are doing everything to improve it. It is worth to remember that Mongolia is neighbouring the two large markets: the Chinese Russian market", Ambassador added. Representatives of the Mongolian government assured that they will support any initiative to foster cooperation between the two countries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The seminar was arranged on the occasion of the official visit of the Mongolian Parliament to Poland.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.paiz.gov.pl/20160310/Mongolia_attracts_Polish_FDI">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_peacekeepers_return"></a>Mongolian peacekeepers return lost boy to parents<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ulaanbaatar, March 16 /MONTSAME/ Good news has been reported by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Mongolian Battalion with March 18, Mongolian Soldiers' day and the 96th anniversary of Mongolian Armed Forces just around the corner.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Members of the Mongolian Battalion first sergeant T.Buyanzul and second sergeant O.Tsend-Ayush rescued a 2-year-old Sudanese boy from danger zone. Following the event and around midnight, three civilians came looking for a child to the patrol base. The child was returned to his parents.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>UN Police and Community Watch Group for internally displaced persons extended their appreciation of the Mongolian peacekeepers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Moreover, General Staff of the Mongolian Armed Forces reports that the UNMISS Mongolian Battalion successfully organized a march-tactical competition among the Mongolian peacekeepers on March 11-12. A total of 12 groups were challenged by various exercises along a 3 km route in the competition.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9166">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s1600/image006-704085.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s320/image006-704085.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310300733670818" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HealthEdu></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Health & Education<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Consultation_Workshop_Held"></a>Consultation Workshop Held on Improving Building Safety at Ulaanbaatar City Public Schools and Kindergartens<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ULAANBAATAR, March 16, 2017</span></b><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> (World Bank) </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>– Representatives from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ministry of Construction and Urban Development, Ulaanbaatar city municipality, the World Bank, and civil society organizations gathered together at a consultation workshop on seismic resilience of public schools in Ulaanbaatar today.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Participants discussed the preliminary findings of the seismic vulnerability assessment of Ulaanbaatar schools, a study jointly conducted by NEMA and the World Bank with support from the Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery. They also discussed further actions that stakeholders can take to improve the resilience of Ulaanbaatar to earthquakes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Among the proposed recommendations of the study were cost-effective interventions to improve resilience of Ulaanbaatar schools, such as retrofitting school buildings to resist larger earthquake forces. Such retrofitting interventions could be the anchor for a broader disaster risk reduction program, not only to prevent damage and collapse of buildings, but ultimately to save lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Participants also highlighted the need to start a similar program in other cities that are subject to earthquakes, as well as for other types of older buildings with high occupancy such as hospitals.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ulaanbaatar occupies only 0.3 percent of Mongolia's land area, but is home to 44 percent of the total population. The city generates 63.6 percent of national gross domestic product. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2017/03/16/consultation-workshop-held-on-improving-building-safety-at-ulaanbaatar-city-public-schools-and-kindergartens">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_National_Council_of"></a>National Council of Language Policy reports on its works<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 16 (MONTSAME) Today, March 16, the National Council of Language Policy delivered a report about its works to the President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj in accordance with the law on Mongolian language.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The council has started examine appliers to public service jobs on Mongolian language and has taken measures to prepare young Mongolists, to preserve local dialects and original names of sites without changing them as well as to compile a comprehensive wordbook, according to the report.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9199">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Uvs_aimag_develops"></a>Uvs aimag develops educational ties with Khakassia of Russia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 16 (MONTSAME) Uvs aimag has been developing ties with the Republic of Khakassia of Russian Federation in education sector. Boris Ustinovich Amzarakov, Chairman of International and Regional Relations Department of Scientific Research Institute of Language, Literature and History has been working in Uvs aimag, exchanging views with the authorities of Uvs aimag on broadening the cooperation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr. Boris Ustinovich Amzarakov was awarded the medal dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Marshal Yu.Tsedenbal, for his contribution to the development of relations between Uvs aimag and the Institute.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last July, delegation of the National University of Khakassia, named after N.F.Katanov visited Uvs aimag and renewed agreement between the university and Department of Education and Culture of Uvs aimag. Within the agreement, 12 Mongolian students are studying at the National University of Khakassia as well as an officer of the Department participated in an international scientific conference with theme "People and Culture of Sayan Altai and neighboring regions" held in Abakan city.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Uvs aimag intends to broaden relations with Khakassia not only in education sector, but also in humanitarian and economic sectors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9196">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s1600/image006-704085.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s320/image006-704085.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310300733670818" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Culture></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Culture & Society<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Khusugtun_becomes_first"></a>Khusugtun becomes first Mongolian band to perform at UN headquarters<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 16 (MONTSAME) Khusugtun Mongolian ethnic ballad group is on a concert tour named "Khusugtun Team at World Stage 2017" in the USA and Canada until March 26. The band has a big aspiration to promote Mongolian traditional folk music to the world.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>So far, they have performed in 5 cities of the US and Canada, since its inception in Ottawa, Canada on March 3.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Khusugtun team has performed at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada International Convention, Trade Show and Investors' Exchange held in Toronto, Canada between March 3 and 8 as well as in Rubin Museum of Art, where some unique paintings and sculptures of Buddhism, especially precious paintings of High Saint Zanabazar are kept.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Khusugtun band has become the first band to perform at the UN Headquarters in New York, letting the audience of over 100 countries of the world travel through the wonders of Mongolian traditional folk music art. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The tour will continue in 6 more cities, Vancouver, Canada and Chicago, Seattle, San Francisco and Los Angeles, USA. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/9192">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_‘Chinggis_Khaan,_World"></a>'Chinggis Khaan, World Conqueror on Horseback' exhibition opens in the Netherlands<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 16 (UB Post) An impressive exhibition called "Chinggis Khaan, World Conqueror on Horseback" launched at the National Military Museum in the Netherlands last month.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Over 200 rare masterpieces and special treasures, such as a golden saddle, clothes, and weapons that were believed to have been used by Chinggis Khaan and jewelry worn by Mongolian queens, on loan from the Inner Mongolian Museum in Hohhot, China, are displayed in the exhibition.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Visitors of the exhibition have the chance to create their own bow and arrow, and to taste Mongolian dishes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The museum also published the book "Khaan for Kids", which gives children the opportunity to learn more about the "Chinggis Khaan, World Conqueror on Horseback" exhibition in an appealing and creative way.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Military Museum of the Netherlands is the first museum in Europe to host an exhibition about Chinggis Khaan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/16/chinggis-khaan-world-conqueror-on-horseback-exhibition-opens-in-the-netherlands/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Gutal_-_Mongolian"></a>Gutal - Mongolian traditional style boots<span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 2017 (Khan Expedition) Mongolian boots or gutal is nowhere in the world with its traditional style and derivation. It was founded in the period of Khunnu, 200 B.C., and the shape of recent form was created during the XII century. Foreigners might be interested in the shape of gutal with its slightly upturned toes. It is not a decoration but has several reasons as to why it takes this form. The space inside upturned toes circulates air that keeps warm in winter and cool in summer, also the sole of a boot is smooth and won't dig the grass. The upper side is made by thick buffalo or horse skin that is very convenient in riding as well as wrestling. The socks are worn specially made for gutal by cotton or felt. The gutal is handmade work and has up to 32 ornaments which each one show the origin of nationality.<a name=biggest-gutal></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The biggest boot created by human is a Mongolian traditional gutal<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The biggest boot created by human is a Mongolian traditional gutal, a 9 m tall and is preserved at the <a href="https://www.khanexpedition.com/en/post/attractions-close-to-ulaanbaatar.html#genghis-khan-statue-complex" target="_blank">Genghis Khan Statue Complex</a> in Tsonjin Boldog. To create this boot a total of 225 pieces of buffalo skin, 4,500 meters of rope, 120 m² of felt, 72 m² of sponge, 13 m³ of wood, 300 liters of glue and 180 m² of tarpaulin were used. The Gutal was initiated to create by 18 years old girl B.Nomin who spent two years with assistance of 10 craftsmen and cost about 200,000,000 MNT (approximately 150,000 USD by 2011 rates).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.khanexpedition.com/en/post/mongolian-boots.html">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s1600/image006-704085.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s320/image006-704085.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310300733670818" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Nature></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Nature & Environment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Thousands_of_saker"></a>Thousands of saker falcons die from electrocution every year<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 16 (gogo.mn) Due to inefficient solutions in power lines, over 4000 saker falcons worth MNT 64 billion die annually in Mongolia. This number increases twice in some years. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Study conducted by researchers at Wildlife Science and Conservation Center shows that the majority of the saker falcons died from sitting on power lines are baby falcons or one-year-old falcons.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"A bird needs to rest and relax while flying and the best place for them seem power lines. It is common in all over the world. Thus we need to introduce environmentally friendly power line solution in order to ensure the safety of the birds. Birds electrocute when sitting or taking off from the utility poles of power lines", said Dr. B.Nyambayar. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover study reveals that 63 percent of electrocuted falcons were females due to females are bigger than the males. Furthermore, it adversely affect fertility. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Environment and energy industries began to focus on that issue several years ago. In regards they installed insulators to 250 utility poles of power lines connecting Bayan-Ovoo and Galuut soums of Bayankhongor aimag. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As a result, number of electrocuted birds were decreased to 39 from 52. However 32 of them were found under the utility poles without insulators. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Experts highlights that insulators should be installed to all utility poles. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Government set ecological and economic assessment for each saker falcons at MNT 16 million and banned to hunt saker falcons until 2018. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bird repeller such as mirror fan was installed in power lines to ensure the safety of birds. However this method was not effective and not suitable for Mongolian climate. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The country urgently needs to update the relevant regulations and standards in order to save the saker falcons by making 4,000 km of 15 kV power lines safe.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>About 6-18 thousand saker falcons were counted nationwide 11 years ago. Since then no census were conducted until today. However thousands of saker falcons are died from electrocution every year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157719">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Physico-Chemical_Composition_of"></a>Physico-Chemical Composition of Saline Lakes of the Gobi Desert Region, Western Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>Bayanmunkh B<sup><a href="https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/physicochemical-composition-of-saline-lakes-of-the-gobi-desert-regionwestern-mongolia-2157-7617-1000388.php?aid=86479#a1">1</a><a href="https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/physicochemical-composition-of-saline-lakes-of-the-gobi-desert-regionwestern-mongolia-2157-7617-1000388.php?aid=86479#corr">*</a></sup>, Sen-Lin T<sup><a href="https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/physicochemical-composition-of-saline-lakes-of-the-gobi-desert-regionwestern-mongolia-2157-7617-1000388.php?aid=86479#a2">2</a>,<a href="https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/physicochemical-composition-of-saline-lakes-of-the-gobi-desert-regionwestern-mongolia-2157-7617-1000388.php?aid=86479#a3">3</a></sup>, Narangarvuu D<sup><a href="https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/physicochemical-composition-of-saline-lakes-of-the-gobi-desert-regionwestern-mongolia-2157-7617-1000388.php?aid=86479#a4">4</a></sup>, Ochirkhuyag B<sup><a href="https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/physicochemical-composition-of-saline-lakes-of-the-gobi-desert-regionwestern-mongolia-2157-7617-1000388.php?aid=86479#a5">5</a></sup> and Bolormaa O<sup><a href="https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/physicochemical-composition-of-saline-lakes-of-the-gobi-desert-regionwestern-mongolia-2157-7617-1000388.php?aid=86479#a6">6</a></sup></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Received date:</b> February 16, 2017; <b>Accepted date:</b> February 24, 2017; <b>Published date:</b> February 28, 2017<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(Journal of Earth Science & Climatic Change)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Abstract</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian <a href="https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/isolation-characterization-and-antimicrobial-activities-of-actinomycetesisolated-from-a-tunisian-saline-wetland-1948-5948-1000326.php?aid=83723" target="_blank">saline</a> lakes have been rarely studied. In particular, physicochemical composition of small shallow lakes of the Gobi Desertregion in western Mongolia is simply unknown. Objectives were to characterize chemical composition and describe biogeochemical characteristics of saline lakes in the Gobi Desertregions and steppe mountains, with an emphasis on <a href="https://www.omicsgroup.org/journals/environmental-analytical-chemistry.php" target="_blank">environmental</a> parameters associated with heavy metal ions. Major physicochemical parameters were determined in 14 lakes (with varying degrees of salinity) located in western Mongolia and associations with <a href="https://www.omicsgroup.org/journals/assessment-of-genetic-variations-among-medicinal-plant-cassia-tora-fromdifferent-geographic-regions-of-central-india-using-rapd-ma-2167-0412-1000276.php?aid=83537" target="_blank">geographic</a> variation and distance were determined. Vertical profiles for temperature, specific conductance, and dissolved oxygen were characterized. Salinity and pH were measured with multiparameter submersible profilers. Heavy metal ions (i.e., As, Pb, and Cd) and microelements (i.e., K, Na, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, and Co) were analyzed with Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry. Hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate were also determined by commercial kits for elemental analysis. Overall, 43 environmental parameters were determined from 31 <a href="https://www.omicsgroup.org/journals/air-water-borne-diseases.php" target="_blank">water</a> samples from various locations, representing distinct geographic features, including Gobi Desert, mountain range and steppe area. Several of these lakes had harmful concentrations of arsenate (< 0.34 mg/L). Heavy metal concentrations were correlated with selected physico-chemical variables of lake salinity and geographic specificity. We inferred that various environmental features, in addition to environmental pollution and mining activity, may be responsible for increased heavy metal concentrations in the Gobi Desert of the western Mongolia. The outcome of this study not only provided insights into lake chemistry, but should also be valuable for water resource management to mitigate potential poisoning and improve public <a href="https://www.esciencecentral.org/journals/oral-hygiene-and-health.php" target="_blank">health</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/physicochemical-composition-of-saline-lakes-of-the-gobi-desert-regionwestern-mongolia-2157-7617-1000388.php?aid=86479">Link to study</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Comparative_analysis_of"></a>Comparative analysis of fecal microbial communities in cattle and Bactrian camels<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>Liang Ming, Li Yi, Siriguleng, Surong Hasi, Jing He, Le Hai, Zhaoxia Wang, Fucheng Guo, Xiangyu Qiao, Jirimutu<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Published</b>: March 16, 2017 | PLoS ONE<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Abstract</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=article1.front1.article-meta1.abstract1.></a>Bactrian camels may have a unique gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome because of their distinctive digestive systems, unique eating habits and extreme living conditions. However, understanding of the microbial communities in the Bactrian camel GI tract is still limited. In this study, microbial communities were investigated by comparative analyses of 16S rRNA hypervariable region V4 sequences of fecal bacteria sampled from 94 animals in four population groups: Inner Mongolian cattle (IMG-Cattle), Inner Mongolian domestic Bactrian camels (IMG-DBC), Mongolian domestic Bactrian camels (MG-DBC), and Mongolian wild Bactrian camels (MG-WBC). A total of 2,097,985 high-quality reads were obtained and yielded 471,767,607 bases of sequence. Firmicutes was the predominant phylum in the population groups IMG-Cattle, IMG-DBC and MG-WBC, followed (except in the Inner Mongolian cattle) by Verrucomicrobia. Bacteroidetes were abundant in the IMG-DBC and MG-WBC populations. Hierarchical clustered heatmap analysis revealed that the microbial community composition within the three Bactrian camel groups was relatively similar, and somewhat distinct from that in the cattle. A similar result was determined by principal component analysis, in which the camels grouped together. We also found several species-specific differences in microbial communities at the genus level: for example, <i>Desulfovibrio</i> was abundant in the IMG-DBC and MG-WBC groups; <i>Pseudomonas</i> was abundant in the IMG-Cattle group; and <i>Fibrobacter</i>, <i>Coprobacillus</i>, and <i>Paludibacter</i> were scarce in the MG-WBC group. Such differences may be related to different eating habits and living conditions of the cattle and the various camel populations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0173062">Link to study</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s1600/image006-704085.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s320/image006-704085.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310300733670818" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Sports></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Sports<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Seven_sports_figures"></a>Seven sports figures to run for National Olympic Committee presidency<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 16 (UB Post) The general assembly of the Mongolian National Olympic Committee (MNOC) is scheduled to be held on March 24, where the committee's president, vice president and executive board members will be elected.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A total of 167 members of the MNOC will participate in the election. Thirty-two Olympic sports federations, 36 non-Olympic sports federations, 29 members from the Mongolian Olympic Council, one member from the International Olympic Committee, and two representatives from athletes' council will vote for new administrators.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A total of seven people have been nominated for the MNOC presidency.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Nominees are president of the Mongolian Knucklebone Shooting Association Ya.Batsuuri, president of the Mongolian Volleyball Association Ts.Bat-Enkh, secretary-general of the Mongolian Draughts Federation Ch.Bat-Erdene, president of the Mongolian Weightlifting Federation D.Zagdsuren, secretary-general of the Mongolian Athletics Federation Ch.Zorigtbaatar, president of the Mongolian Biathlon Association E.Munkh-Ochir, and president of the Mongolian Gymnastics Federation L.Khaltar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/16/seven-sports-figures-to-campaign-for-mnoc-presidency/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s1600/image006-704085.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s320/image006-704085.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310300733670818" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Art></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Art & Entertainment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_‘You’re_a_Good"></a>'You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown' Musical<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 16 (UB Post) Students of Orchlon International School will present "You're a good man, Charlie Brown" musical on March 16 and 17.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The musical will have four parts and all proceeds will be donated for visually impaired students of School No.116 and the Mongolian Special Olympics Committee.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Details</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Where: Orchlon International School<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When: March 16 and 17<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Admission: 10,000 MNT<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>More Information: 77113377<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/16/youre-a-good-man-charlie-brown-musical/">Link to event</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_‘5ive_tones’_live"></a>'5ive tones' live concert to be performed on March 18<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 16 (UB Post) Musicians of the Ulaanbaatar Ensemble are set to perform a live concert titled "5ive Tones", dedicated to the Men's and Soldiers' Day of Mongolia, on March 18.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Judge of "Mongolia's Got Talent" TV show and violinist Ch.Delgertsetseg, zither player N.Otgonchimeg, hammered dulcimer player Kh.Barkhuu, flutist B.Myagmartseren, and horn trumpeter O.Chinbat will perform at the concert.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Kh.Barkhuu and B.Myagmartseren are one of the top participants of the first edition of "Mongolia's Got Talent" show.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They will play with the Khangarid national music orchestra and FIX electric music band at the event.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Performers will play masterpieces of notable Mongolian and foreign composers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ticket prices for the concert range from 10,000 MNT to 15,000 MNT.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/16/5ive-tones-live-concert-to-be-performed-on-march-18/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_B.Tserendolgor_Crowned_Mongolia’s"></a>B.Tserendolgor Crowned Mongolia's First Next Top Model<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 16 (UB Post) The winner of an officially licensed Mongolian adaptation of "America's Next Top Model" was announced last Sunday and participant B.Tserendolgor became Mongolia's "next top model".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Mongolia's Next Top Model" was co-produced by Edutainment TV and Buro 24/7 online fashion magazine to promote the Mongolian fashion industry. Model B.Tserendolgor competed against 14 participants during the two-month long reality show.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the grand final of the show, three participants (B.Tserendolgor, Yu.Baljidmaa and T.Nomin-Erdene) became the finalists of the competition.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>B.Tserendolgor collected 67 points from judges and audiences, and became the winner. She received 20 million MNT in cash prize, a right to travel to Paris, and a two-year modeling contract with Looque Agency of Singapore.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The other finalists, Yu.Baljidmaa and T.Nomin-Erdene, received 48 and 39 points respectively.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia's newest "top" model B.Tserendolgor currently studies dentistry at Ach University of Medical Sciences.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/16/b-tserendolgor-wins-mongolias-next-top-model/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Young_opera_singers"></a>Young opera singers to be granted government cash prizes<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 16 (MONTSAME) Soloist of the Military Music and Dance Ensemble of Mongolia <b>Ch.Badral</b> will be granted a cash prize of MNT 24 million for becoming the first runner-up of the International Rimsky-Korsakov Competition of young opera singers. The decision was made at the cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also, a cash prize of MNT 19 million is granted to a master student of Saint Petersburg Conservatory <b>T.Enkhbat</b> for becoming the second runner-up of such a prestigious international competition.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Since 2006, a total of MNT 1.430 billion cash prize were given to those 155 people who have shown excellent success in international competitions, festivals and exhibitions. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9190">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Eagle_eye_trained"></a>Eagle eye trained on Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 16 (The West Australian) The Eagle Huntress is a documentary about a 13-year-old girl, Aisholpan, who wants to become the first female eagle hunter in her Kazakh community.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Aisholpan and her encouraging father are determined that she should capture an eagle and train it to hunt foxes, despite the fact that this has been an activity restricted to men for many generations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Photographer Sophie Howarth travelled to Mongolia and took pictures of the landscapes and the colourful customs of the Golden Eagle Festival featured in the film.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sophie was not a part of the film crew but was at the festival at the same time and captured Aisholpan's sensational entry into the festival. Her photographs show the vast Mongolian landscape and the nobility of the eagle. She spoke to ED! about her experiences taking photographs in Mongolia and watching Aisholpan and her eagle compete.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sophie said the relationship between the eagle and human was powerful.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"They really revere and respect the eagle. When it spreads its wings and that moment when it decides it wants to lift off and let go and start soaring, it's such a huge animal. Those claws are huge."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Eagle Huntress documentary shows Aisholpan as an intelligent, talented and determined teenager who pushes to become a hunter. Her enthusiasm makes her a delightful subject.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"You're very attracted to her," Sophie said. "It uplifts your heart because she's so gorgeous to watch."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the festival, Sophie saw how Aisholpan handled her big predator bird.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Because she's female, I'm thinking she has a different approach to the craft of eagle hunting. If we look at that film it is a really powerful thing to take away for young girls in our culture."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Aisholpan's father Agalai Nurgaiv encouraged his daughter to follow her dreams.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"She didn't know anything about why you could or you couldn't do it," Sophie said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Her dad is a great dad who didn't say 'you're a girl, you can't be an eagle hunter'. I think he might be unusual, a bit ahead of his time."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sophie, who has photographed music festivals for years, said the colour and excitement of the eagle festival had many similarities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Those eagle hunters are almost like rock'n'roll stars.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"They're on the stage and they strut around and they look amazing and they wear their best clothes. And they do their best performance."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As well as the colour of the festival and the grace of the eagle, she found the landscape in Mongolia beautiful to photograph.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>The Eagle Huntress opens incinemas today.</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://thewest.com.au/lifestyle/kids/eagle-eye-trained-on-mongolia-ng-b88401802z">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Similar:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://duxbury.wickedlocal.com/news/20170316/plimoth-cinema-the-eagle-huntress">PLIMOTH CINEMA: 'The Eagle Huntress'</a> - </b><i>Old Colony Memorial</i>, March 16<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s1600/image006-704085.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s320/image006-704085.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6398310300733670818" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Travel></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Travel<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_London_childcare_boss"></a>London childcare boss to trek across Gobi Desert for NSPCC<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>A London childcare boss is to trek across the Gobi Desert to raise money for the NSPCC.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 15 (Evening Standard) Mat Bennett, 37, the founder of Acorn Group children's care homes for young people with behavioural and emotional issues, aims to cover 1,400 miles from the desert's western edge to its eastern edge in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He and fellow explorers Luke Richmond and Elise Hoefsmit will set off on April 16, dragging their supplies in custom-built trailers. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They face temperature lows of -25C, violent sandstorms and possibly snow on the 60-day trek.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr Bennett, of Notting Hill, said: "When I heard that no one had crossed the Gobi desert unaided before, I perhaps stupidly saw it as a challenge."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last year, he completed a 50-day Atlantic row from Portugal to Venezuela.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Gobi trip has been self-funded.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Go to <a href="https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/mathewbennett1." target="_blank">mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/mathewbennett1.</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/london-childcare-boss-to-trek-across-gobi-desert-for-nspcc-a3490061.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Masters’_student_treks"></a>Masters' student treks on horseback in Mongolia for her research<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 15 (Stellenbosch University) There will be times, when the research for your Masters' degree will take a strange turn and you will end up traveling hundreds of kilometres on horseback to collect information.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This was the case for Barbara Seele, M-student at Stellenbosch University's Faculty for AgriSciences who travelled on horseback to interview Mongolian pastoralists in order to learn more about their use of medicinal plants.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia, a country between China and Russia, has a population of about 2.8 million people. The country is especially known for its rivers and streams, majestic mountains, and stretching grasslands. About a third of the residents of the country follow are nomadic livestock herders.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Barbara obtained her M-degree on Monday (14 March) at SU's March Graduation Ceremony. Her research focussed on how the nomadic Mongolian herders use medicinal plants for their livestock and how this knowledge can be protected. (This research is relevant to South Africa where researchers are increasingly focussing on the use of medicinal plants.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Barbara says after participating in an endurance ride in Mongolia, and seeing how the people there used plants to treat livestock against diseases, she was very interested in going back to learn more about this.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"It is a somewhat unusual topic and I would not have been able to achieve it without the support of my supervisors."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.sun.ac.za/english/Lists/news/DispForm.aspx?ID=4744">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1><a name="_In_Mongolia,_Dinner"></a>In Mongolia, Dinner Begins with a Whole Lamb and a Bottle of Vodka<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Where we're going, we don't need roads<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 16 (Saveur) To make <i>khorkhog</i>, first gather stones from a river. Now set the stones over a bed of coals. When they're blazing hot, toss into a large cauldron and add the meat of one lamb, salt, potatoes, a little water, and some vodka.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The animal, butchered and killed that day in honor of our arrival, had hung to dry from the rafters of one of the <i>gers</i> (yurts) belonging to the Bayraa family of Mongolian nomads. The master tent where we would sleep was a wonderland of oilcloths, Soviet garb, and bright cacophonous Asian fabrics.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We'd set out from Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, with our driver and guide, Shatarbal Dugerjav, former diplomat to Bulgaria, and a single cassette tape of Mongolian folk music that sounded like horses whinnying and eagles screaming. At the city's edge, the roads stop and the tire tracks begin.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are no road signs outside the capital. A guide leads by memory, intuition, and a thoughtful crawl of 15 miles per hour. You rarely see more than a one-story building between minuscule towns. But you do see Mongolian families packed three generations deep into Land Cruisers migrating through the countryside. Because many Mongolians living outside the capital are nomadic, they pay no rent or tax and the government encourages them to preserve this way of life.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After days of driving we arrived at the Bayraa family camp in the Arkhangai region, 330 miles to the west of Ulaanbaatar. Along the way we ate instant Korean noodles and kimchi, both popular here. We saw horses on the flatlands, a vulture feasting on a fallen sheep, a double rainbow after a rainstorm. Beauty and brutality and, for long stretches of the drive, green pastures, blue sky, and nothing more.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Inside the yurt, a woman cut handmade noodles on the bed. Three boys took us to collect rocks from the river. After we'sd gathered a couple dozen smooth stones, the boys' uncle set them over a bed of glowing hot coals to begin the <i>khorkhog</i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Once added to the pot, the river stones sizzled, searing the ribs and chops like little cast-iron skillets. Vodka and water were poured in, creating a giant puff of steam. Sealed with a lid weighted down with a wrench, the cauldron of rocks was put over fire, and in an hour, the steam was gone, the meat brown and tender.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We ate this offering with our hands, and after the last rib was picked clean, we drank vodka. The river stones, still warm and slick with lamb fat, were passed from host to guest, thawing chilly hands and feet as we sat, elbow to elbow, communing beneath that big Mongolian sky.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.saveur.com/stewing-lamb-in-mongolia#page-7">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIimd0Q7aSc40wbjptxBUinfcr1vyvOEZINMcZUrNg_yEE2_V83DPoQARf0V6OSvRFY8mDVlz-PihJTVD9wqQ2wWh8Q1673REA35pFjk1mbt5VoQaHZlxaap1sH1UrVpUS-nPmM0YIdwM/s1600/image006-704085.jpg"><img 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Complex<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>14 Chinggis Avenue, Sukhbaatar District 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia<br></span><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Email</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: </span><a href="mailto:info@covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@covermongolia.com</span></a><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Website</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: <a href="http://www.covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>www.covermongolia.com</span></a></span><u><span style='color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Phone (Office)</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: +976 7711 6779</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:Webdings;color:#339966'>P</span><span style='color:#339966'> </span><span lang=EN-AU style='color:#007F00;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-26706939075578604462017-03-16T11:50:00.000+08:002017-05-03T11:17:33.024+08:00[Copper concentrator plan approved; coal exports soar 239%; IMF approval expected end-April; and TT expected to move in 2018]<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8i-3nf-EBJcjMddg7v0cGORSa33SaPd5erBS0Rho-RGtMzE8kBKkA4qfrfSjji3cObhbaQgcYedCLLdQ-zAHg3U4JbscGvl_sWWJ7QoTg5agu629KMGFjjbeC8WDmMwfX0wT145SO-k4/s1600/image001-778855.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8i-3nf-EBJcjMddg7v0cGORSa33SaPd5erBS0Rho-RGtMzE8kBKkA4qfrfSjji3cObhbaQgcYedCLLdQ-zAHg3U4JbscGvl_sWWJ7QoTg5agu629KMGFjjbeC8WDmMwfX0wT145SO-k4/s320/image001-778855.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939113991683970" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqN91iWVZVaeXu6y-d-dJAL4-GL6AyCEG5WhXj0ti1b8-p1xMWSAE8TK3FIpj6UKriNnZLILB_ohK7FF9S7lODgNy5QIcKVkeLaNmeiIrx5SEUMiBelJDDRxhSN5jW6nE-Up4XVESc5M0/s1600/image002-782030.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqN91iWVZVaeXu6y-d-dJAL4-GL6AyCEG5WhXj0ti1b8-p1xMWSAE8TK3FIpj6UKriNnZLILB_ohK7FF9S7lODgNy5QIcKVkeLaNmeiIrx5SEUMiBelJDDRxhSN5jW6nE-Up4XVESc5M0/s320/image002-782030.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939126611744306" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Thursday, March 16, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'>Cover Mongolia</span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span style='color:#4472C4'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></u>, <span style='color:#00B0F0'><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#00B0F0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#2F5597'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#2F5597'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span style='color:black'>, </span><span style='color:#C55A11'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><b><span style='color:#C55A11'>Instagram</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#C00000'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><b><span style='color:#C00000'>YouTube</span></b></a></span> and <span style='color:#FFC000'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><b><span style='color:#FFC000'>Blogspot</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><u>Jump to</u>: <a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> - <a href="#Local">Local Market</a> - <a href="#Economy">Economy</a> - <a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> - <a href="#Business">Business</a> - <a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> - <a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> - <a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> - <a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> - <a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> - <a href="#Sports">Sports</a> - <a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> - <a href="#Travel">Travel</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Headlines in <b><i>Italic</i></b> are ones modified by Cover Mongolia from original<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>HEADLINES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadIntl></a><u><a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Cabinet_approves_plan">Cabinet approves plan to build copper concentrate plant in Umnugobi</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Aspire_Mining:_Interim">Aspire Mining: Interim Financial Report, December 2016</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5A_TnrDYXfxRBc3DvhCBSQ_2ZXGiGN4qoLrDfFFGBH4fMoLxXOcE_SDwsKflsacTmL61JAC11D5MWjayFCLgq5Ar5jIFd1e_q6S9Az4V09KPwl__m_Cm5Pi_N8bGbuG2Uplkxcc3cFY/s1600/image003-785450.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC5A_TnrDYXfxRBc3DvhCBSQ_2ZXGiGN4qoLrDfFFGBH4fMoLxXOcE_SDwsKflsacTmL61JAC11D5MWjayFCLgq5Ar5jIFd1e_q6S9Az4V09KPwl__m_Cm5Pi_N8bGbuG2Uplkxcc3cFY/s320/image003-785450.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939137146059330" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadLocal></a><u><a href="#Local">Local Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MSE_Trading_Report,">MSE Trading Report, March 15: Top 20 -0.48%, ALL -0.33%, Turnover ₮31.1 Million Shares</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvUmkGZdhM8-ylVXRwWzR5wD9NCXTexRBBAQ0v5VwQry5Ozykuq-83LgeUaZFD0J3PIYxFvAbVQGdgSdG0cUjFVUTX7X97QboC14ef4tsMlOG9gOPX7lVPe8Lb2l1k38z08dk7Wcv_3k/s1600/image004-787941.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvUmkGZdhM8-ylVXRwWzR5wD9NCXTexRBBAQ0v5VwQry5Ozykuq-83LgeUaZFD0J3PIYxFvAbVQGdgSdG0cUjFVUTX7X97QboC14ef4tsMlOG9gOPX7lVPe8Lb2l1k38z08dk7Wcv_3k/s320/image004-787941.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939151331013346" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadEconomy></a><u><a href="#Economy">Economy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_MNT_Rates:">MNT gains for 8<sup>th</sup> day vs USD</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_issues_₮50">BoM issues ₮50 billion 1-week bills, total outstanding +4.7% to ₮1.1 trillion</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_continues_mortgage">BoM continues mortgage program until transfer to GoM in 2018</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_Coal_Exports">Mongolia Coal Exports Soar 239% to 4.86M Tons in Jan-Feb</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Finance_Minister:_expect">Finance Minister: expect approval of IMF program by Executive Board by end of April</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ToCa4NS_jN0Vw0Kakh4J-9FhVcZk021Aa1F1p874kYp_sfCKs7kBzhppkkr_VezziVMPK_s3jVoWXHMs7ReLE1W4UE0cBMGhpz_8nf5oWjK0qOS7pWUfRZPMvczZBWsjT5M3-mIy-jQ/s1600/image005-791037.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ToCa4NS_jN0Vw0Kakh4J-9FhVcZk021Aa1F1p874kYp_sfCKs7kBzhppkkr_VezziVMPK_s3jVoWXHMs7ReLE1W4UE0cBMGhpz_8nf5oWjK0qOS7pWUfRZPMvczZBWsjT5M3-mIy-jQ/s320/image005-791037.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939159510149570" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadPolitics></a><u><a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_D._Zagdjav_appointed">D. Zagdjav appointed Deputy Minister for Mining and Heavy Industry</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_OSCE_to_deploy">OSCE to deploy election observers to Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_law_scholars">Mongolian law scholars to convene in May</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_Anti-Corruption_Law:">Mongolia Anti-Corruption Law: Overview of Prohibited Activity</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Things_to_consider">Things to consider before visiting Government Palace</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Reason_to_learn">Reason to learn Korean</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s1600/image006-794035.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s320/image006-794035.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939170294499858" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadBusiness></a><u><a href="#Business">Business</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Finance_Minister_says">Finance Minister says TT deal was estimated to move forward in 2018</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_consortium_selected">Mongolian consortium selected to contract mine TT's West Tsankhi</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_WEF_Selects_Golomt">WEF Selects Golomt Bank CEO Ganzorig Ulziibayar to Young Global Leaders Class of 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_The_opportunity_for">The opportunity for the establishment of a "financial irrigation system" in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Best_Buidan_couches">Best Buidan couches in great demand</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BCM_Monthly_Meeting">BCM Monthly Meeting Recap, March 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s1600/image006-794035.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s320/image006-794035.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939170294499858" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadUlaanbaatar></a><u><a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Emissions_from_burning">Emissions from burning tires poison the human body for 8 years</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s1600/image006-794035.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s320/image006-794035.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939170294499858" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadDiplomacy></a><u><a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_parliament_delegates">Mongolian parliament delegates visit Germany</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_New_Permanent_Representative">New Permanent Representative to UN Office at Vienna appointed</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Russian_health_ministry">Russian health ministry delegation visits Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Cuban_biotechnological_products">Cuban biotechnological products arouse great interest in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Vaccine_against_mites">Vaccine against mites to be tested jointly with Cuban specialists</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_peacekeepers_rescue">Mongolian peacekeepers rescue two-year-old child in South Sudan</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s1600/image006-794035.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s320/image006-794035.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939170294499858" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadHealthEdu></a><u><a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Bayan-Ulgii_opens_blood">Bayan-Ulgii opens blood center with ADB grant</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Russian_language_center">Russian language center opens in Khuvsgul aimag</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Australia_Awards'_Women's">Australia Awards' Women's Leadership Program in Mongolia implementing four projects</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Cadip.org:_Volunteer_in">Cadip.org: Volunteer in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s1600/image006-794035.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s320/image006-794035.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939170294499858" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadCulture></a><u><a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_The_crisis_in">The crisis in Mongolia you didn't know about</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Tsaatan_–_The">Tsaatan – The Reindeer Herders of Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Funny_Thing_Happened">Funny Thing Happened Last Week: John Oliver, Dalai Lama, Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Author_L.Ulziitugs's_book">Author L.Ulziitugs's book published in French, introduced in Brussels</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s1600/image006-794035.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s320/image006-794035.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939170294499858" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadNature></a><u><a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Cabinet_determines_nature">Cabinet determines nature reserve boundaries in two aimags</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s1600/image006-794035.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s320/image006-794035.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939170294499858" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadSports></a><u><a href="#Sports">Sports</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Japan_to_train">Japan to train best of Mongolian fencing athletes</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_the_location">Mongolia the location for world's toughest motorcycle challenge</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s1600/image006-794035.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s320/image006-794035.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939170294499858" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadArt></a><u><a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> <b><o:p></o:p></b></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_artist_exhibits">Mongolian artist exhibits in Austria</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s1600/image006-794035.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s320/image006-794035.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939170294499858" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadTravel></a><u><a href="#Travel">Travel</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Khuvsgul_ice_festival">Khuvsgul ice festival attracts tourists from 70 countries</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Condé_Nast_Traveler">Condé Nast Traveler Videos: The Mongolian Way of Life</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Compass_Expeditions_–">Compass Expeditions – New Motorcycle Tour – Mongolia magic</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s1600/image006-794035.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s320/image006-794035.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939170294499858" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>ARTICLES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=International></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Int'l Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSE:TRQ">TRQ</a> closed +6.23% Wednesday at US$3.24<o:p></o:p></p><h2><a name="_Cabinet_approves_plan"></a>Cabinet approves plan to build copper concentrate plant in Umnugobi<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 16 /MONTSAME/ During its regular meeting on March 15, the Cabinet discussed and approved a proposal made by the Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry regarding the establishment of a copper concentrate plant in Khanbogd soum of Umnugobi aimag.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Minister for Mining and Heavy Industry Ts.Dashdorj was assigned to select an investor to cooperate on the establishment of the plant and hold talks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Not less than 10 percent of the plant's shares will be owned by the Government of Mongolia without making investment, and corresponding Ministers were also ordered to ensure Government representation in the ownership of the plant.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also, Minister for Environment and Tourism D.Oyunkhorol was tasked to seek possible variants to comply the works of Oyu Tolgoi concentrator, Tavan Tolgoi coal washing plant, Tavan Tolgoi power plant and the copper concentrate plant with 'Orkhon Gobi', 'Kherlen Gobi' and 'Ongi Gobi' projects, and have the matter discussed by the Cabinet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Khanbogd copper concentrate plant will have an annual capacity to process 1 million tons of concentrate, and is planned to be inaugurated in 2020. With consideration of several factors, corresponding specialists and the Ministry saw that such a plant should be established in Khanbogd, Umnugobi aimag, next to Oyu Tolgoi mine.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/mining/9182">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=ASX:AKM">AKM</a> trading -4.35% mid-Thu at A$0.022<o:p></o:p></i></p><h1><a name="_Aspire_Mining:_Interim"></a>Aspire Mining: Interim Financial Report, December 2016<span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 16, Aspire Mining Ltd. (ASX:AKM) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170316/pdf/43gv8st67d83mh.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUg8FuqowekF2qLoaPAnXYg0-If9mpLQa5fxXz3IRsh4xiW0qUjNJt5tRmuWApe5pxVezcREowDN3Nc018uTMM1RaYik17U4uDymq_UtwE7hYqMYY6JdGEPtdUF87ja36ch0Qe_tmy0Oc/s1600/image007-796608.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUg8FuqowekF2qLoaPAnXYg0-If9mpLQa5fxXz3IRsh4xiW0qUjNJt5tRmuWApe5pxVezcREowDN3Nc018uTMM1RaYik17U4uDymq_UtwE7hYqMYY6JdGEPtdUF87ja36ch0Qe_tmy0Oc/s320/image007-796608.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939183123090578" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Local></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Local Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_MSE_Trading_Report,"></a>MSE Trading Report, March 15: Top 20 -0.48%, ALL -0.33%, Turnover <span lang=MN>₮31.1 Million Shares</span><span lang=MN style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 15 (MSE) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbQ_em_yan4iQKcGYdURj9_HSEzQiFQXhqNVPX5CFBItPnKbojh9L-h5zPAfVqbQHruoZ6yKggyDIYwSNwbSIl6UZliiT5xYhyphenhyphen_dUriycx2N7jUYnWfHsfU9xBx0LMBIIwe3is0kPxH8/s1600/image018-799356.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDbQ_em_yan4iQKcGYdURj9_HSEzQiFQXhqNVPX5CFBItPnKbojh9L-h5zPAfVqbQHruoZ6yKggyDIYwSNwbSIl6UZliiT5xYhyphenhyphen_dUriycx2N7jUYnWfHsfU9xBx0LMBIIwe3is0kPxH8/s320/image018-799356.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939198369630402" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/uploads/ariljaa/reports/report_en-17.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YWcfYImsPsGXGtPk2R0NFHXfBK17SeJcGcIjiTy2CI_AtAbwhQqTefYrIvgc4FaLAtp45kzFnpQC0msCpMnrYhxhpKoOPiuqYr9xrzgCh2Y_eQm-AOOGKKQTcxO4NvJHn4Vb8Gx6_Pc/s1600/image008-702268.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7YWcfYImsPsGXGtPk2R0NFHXfBK17SeJcGcIjiTy2CI_AtAbwhQqTefYrIvgc4FaLAtp45kzFnpQC0msCpMnrYhxhpKoOPiuqYr9xrzgCh2Y_eQm-AOOGKKQTcxO4NvJHn4Vb8Gx6_Pc/s320/image008-702268.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939209554721650" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Economy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Economy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>Reds</span> are when MNT fell, <span style='color:#00B050'>greens</span> when it rose.<b> <span style='color:red'>Bold reds</span></b><span style='color:red'> </span>are rates that set a new historic high at the time. </i><o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_BoM_MNT_Rates:"></a><span lang=MN>BoM MNT Rates: </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>Wednesday</span><span lang=MN>, </span>March 15 <span lang=MN>Close </span><o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoTable15Plain5 border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=951 style='width:712.95pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/15</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/14</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/13</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/10</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/9</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/7</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/6</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/3</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>4</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>High</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>Date</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1058" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/b27dbc49-e16d-41ae-8557-f99cdb40c367.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e147de94-098c-41fc-a613-e68b961bc287.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>USD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,457.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,458.38<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,458.80<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,461.32<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,464.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,466.88</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,468.55</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,470.25</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,470.84</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,470.83</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,498.75</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1059" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/bebede1f-9fde-45e8-9abf-07cee5d98010.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/7fff4ee5-d12c-4bd2-8a56-d47fa1ab5b0d.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>EUR</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,614.01<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,615.22<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,629.93<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,607.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,595.95<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,613.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,616.42</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,598.95</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,604.14</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,617.84</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,681.43</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/10/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1060" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/280be717-5c83-46be-b0c7-d0b2cf9575f2.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/73256f8e-4c86-438d-9d39-350646eb7f40.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>JPY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.42<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.35<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.44<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.33<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.51<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.69</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.62</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.64</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.92</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>23.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/9/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1061" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0e866dbf-0eff-45bc-aa83-c145b2345900.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/170ec7e9-2636-4b7d-a624-7ae9fef54841.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>GBP</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,005.06<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,983.49<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,005.02<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,992.60<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,995.36<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,015.51</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,029.40</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,030.01</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,035.80</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,100.15</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>3,183.26</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>8/13/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1062" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/33370dc8-8964-434b-8694-6462f39746fb.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a481156f-5e01-436d-b063-c22ecd3ed0dd.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>RUB</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.58<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>41.69<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>41.61<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.57<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.35</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.31</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.33</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>54.32</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>6/27/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1063" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/c37f3eb9-e9ba-4c1d-bc0f-2669bc4c1412.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/56dc9518-41a5-4bb4-9d57-167f6de07f2e.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CNY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>355.49<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>355.30<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>356.03<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>355.82<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>356.41<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>357.53</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>357.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>357.85</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.01</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.62</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>363.02</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/5/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1064" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e5792094-f0b8-4c3a-a82b-97ddd5401a38.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ab781b89-2767-4b9c-b3cb-b3c6cc603016.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>KRW</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.15<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.14<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.14<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.13<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.13<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.15</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.13</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.13</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/6/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1065" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/75233918-55b6-4977-a5ef-f682c93bbdb0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/9a4a44a5-6be7-4141-8159-5aa30a12bb45.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>SGD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,739.74<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,737.19<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,741.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,735.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,736.07<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,749.50</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,750.12</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,746.44</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,751.75</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,758.66</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,758.66</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/24/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1066" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a8311ed8-a900-4237-bf18-4ebf7b10bbf0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/53fdb4a8-f38e-4f01-b01a-c2dee4a6895d.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CAD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,825.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,825.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,827.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,823.13<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,826.88<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,842.12</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,841.24</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,844.09</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,850.82</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,888.08</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,908.84</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/18/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1067" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/5d744e37-53d2-4c10-aa04-7bc77a3c3abc.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/6ec5578f-dca9-4257-b326-e755e3b2400b.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>AUD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,862.87<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,855.22<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,862.05<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,851.40<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,853.05<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,877.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,871.53</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,866.15</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,892.17</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,906.25</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/16/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1068" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6f012c2-8c16-455d-b0b0-8427d7512a2b.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6b9f8ce-b8d2-4ce7-bdce-b85ce1812325.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>HKD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.29<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.42<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.99<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>317.26<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>317.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>317.95</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.18</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.29</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.40</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>322.21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1069" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0588bbef-101c-4211-8d37-8045475e110d.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ae638f8b-a29a-4d70-90b3-52ad2a79d482.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CHF</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,438.95<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,435.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,431.45<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,430.69<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,427.47<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,439.32</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,446.41</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,439.39</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,445.65</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,456.83</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,497.77</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/09/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:red'>Bank USD rates at time of sending</span></b>: <a href="https://www.khanbank.com/en/home/rates">Khan</a> (Buy ₮2,445 Sell ₮2,458), <a href="http://tdbm.mn/en/exchange">TDB</a> (Buy ₮2,450 Sell ₮2,460), <a href="https://www.golomtbank.com/home/citizen">Golomt</a> (Buy ₮2,445 Sell ₮2,458), <a href="http://xacbank.mn/en/calculator/rates">XacBank</a> (Buy ₮2,445 Sell ₮2,457), <a href="https://www.statebank.mn/w/en/m1">State Bank</a> (Buy ₮2,446 Sell ₮2,459)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/graphic_dailyrate.aspx">USD (blue), CNY (red) vs MNT</a> in last 1 year:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UmMAKjoYao8TUnOwgyBCYqgRm_eTAAiD7WfFZ4ezwPzB4eS0a59eSMm77JkRJRST4KAVXiegVkT1O6i-ENmPoTXp3k8S-0CKbOPfjLsmkX2vIPi9QuU9WP9Z9PKA00RrfgcIwXifSh0/s1600/image021-705030.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UmMAKjoYao8TUnOwgyBCYqgRm_eTAAiD7WfFZ4ezwPzB4eS0a59eSMm77JkRJRST4KAVXiegVkT1O6i-ENmPoTXp3k8S-0CKbOPfjLsmkX2vIPi9QuU9WP9Z9PKA00RrfgcIwXifSh0/s320/image021-705030.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939225764166114" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistofficialdailyrate.aspx">Link to rates</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_issues_₮50"></a>BoM issues <span lang=MN>₮</span>50 billion 1-week bills, total outstanding +4.7% to <span lang=MN>₮1</span>.1 trillion <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 15 (Bank of Mongolia) BoM issues 1 week bills worth MNT 50 billion at a weighted interest rate of 14.0 percent per annum /<a href="http://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistcbb.aspx">For previous auctions click here/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistcbb.aspx">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_continues_mortgage"></a>BoM continues mortgage program until transfer to GoM in 2018<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 15 (MONTSAME) The Bank of Mongolia has stated that apartment mortgage program with 8 per cent interest rate will be transferred to the Government within 2018. New mortgage loans will be issued till the end of 2017, financed with monthly repayment income of loans. The remaining funding will be solved through reflecting it in the State Budget by the Government.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last month, 396 persons received mortgage loan of MNT24.3 billion with 8 and 5 per cent interest. Since the new regulation approval on the apartment mortgage financing, the Bank of Mongolia has spent MNT142.3 billion for the financing of mortgage, solving mortgage applications of 2042 persons by February 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/9173">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_Coal_Exports"></a>Mongolia Coal Exports Soar 239% to 4.86M Tons in Jan-Feb<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>By Michael Kohn<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 15 (Bloomberg) -- Mongolia exported 4.86m tons of coal in the first two months of 2017, compared with 1.44m tons in the same period a year earlier, the National Statistics Office says on its website.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>* Value of those exports increased 645% to $327.4m from $43.9m a yr earlier<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>* Copper concentrate exports fell 12% to 240,500 tons from 273,800 tons; value fell 26% to $246.3m from $334m<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>* Crude oil exports fell 21% y/y to 1.13m barrels; value rose to $58.6m from $43.9m yr earlier<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>* Mongolia exported 0.8 tons of gold in Jan.-Feb. compared to 1.7 tons in the same period a year ago and 2.5 tons in the same period of 2015; value of gold exports fell to $30.8m compared to $63.5m a year ago<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>* <b>Total exports rose 35% to $825.3m in Jan-Feb.</b> from $613.3m yr earlier<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>* Value of exports to China was $762.6m, 92% of the total value of exports<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>(BFW)<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Finance_Minister:_expect"></a>Finance Minister: expect approval of IMF program by Executive Board by end of April <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>Analyst: Dale Choi, MSc.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 15 (Mongolia Metals & Mining) <b>Finance Minister: I expect approval of IMF-compliant budget amendment first thing during Parliament Spring session and of IMF program during Executive Board by end of April</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to interview published on Mar.15th by major news portal <a href="http://news.mn">news.mn</a>, Finance Minister B.Choijlsuren clarified regarding latest IMF program situation:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><u>Regarding why there will be no irregular Parliament session and delay in submission of 2017 budget amendment bill</u><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Finance Ministry had Cabinet Meeting introduced to initial discussion and support the bill. Within IMF program framework, in order to use funding of international financial organisations and donor countries, it is necessary to reflect in detail additional items in the budget.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Very soon those will be finalised and budget amendment will be submitted. In regard to irregular Parliament session, because of Parliament recess, it's co-inciding with MP-s working in their districts, hearing opinion of voters, introducing and explaining regarding IMF program. Therefore, the bill is to be debated first thing in Spring regular session.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><u>Regarding date for meeting of Executive Board of IMF</u><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the middle of next month, there will be spring meetings of IMF. During these meetings , the Board does not convene. Therefore, the Board meeting will probably take place by end of April. It's fully possible during this period or at the beginning of Spring session for us to discuss and approve budget amendment and introduce the issue during next meeting of the Board.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><u>Regarding political opposition to IMF program and possibility of not getting out of crisis</u><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is necessary to view our country's condition not from political point of view, but from economic one. Foreign investors and other donor countries are watching us carefully. I want here to mention that imminent implementation of IMF program has become main condition for positive perception of Mongolia in international capital market.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Work of exchanging DBM bonds by GoM bonds underwent with great success. Going forward, by beginning of implementing of program, it is certain that externally and internally positive changes will start in the economy. It is likely that MP-s will understand well this condition and they will approve budget amendment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><u>Regarding risk for Mongolia if Mongolia will not able to enroll in IMF program</u><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If we will not enrol in IMF program, our country's economic condition will deteriorate even further. Assistance and investment from World Bank, Asian Development Bank and other organisation, donor countries, who have conditioned those on IMF program enrolment, will become uncertain. Credit rating of Mongolia might decline yet again. There will be many risks indeed such as no increase in FDI and increase in exchange rate volatility.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Dale: Another good, more or less comforting guidance by Finance Minister, in line with my expected timeframe, unfortunately covered in very minor way by Mongolian media. Guess we will have to be just patient and wait. Of course, dynamic, opportunistic leadership would have been much preferable and clearly with time&opportunity value benefit, but not much we can do at this point, really, it is what it is, so guess just need to play along for "few weeks". As long as it is done, guess have to be satisfied whatever progress there is. In days ahead, will be watching closely how MPP will provide national leadership on IMF program, don't really see much of that.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Multilaterals: goal is sustainable growth rate of ~8%</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Leading Mongolian Business Stakeholders Partner, Business Council of Mongolia(BCM) has finally published Recap of its March Monthly Meeting with highly viewed Panel Discussion "IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and its implications on the private sector of Mongolia" with panelists Deputy Governor of the Bank of Mongolia B.Lkhagvasuren (BoM), IMF Resident Representative for Mongolia Neil Saker (IMF), and the World Bank's Country Manager for Mongolia James Anderson (WB).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I liked following refreshing comments and left out what we all know already, more or less.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><u>Sustainable growth</u><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l25 level1 lfo20'>Working with government to achieve a growth rate of around 8%. We don't want to see 17% growth again (IMF)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l25 level1 lfo20'>The progress that you make during the boom times […] can be stopped or reversed if growth is not kept on a stable path.(WB)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l25 level1 lfo20'>The last boom period was a double-boom of investment and mining.(WB)<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><u>Khuraldai bonds success</u><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l23 level1 lfo21'>Key result from the bond exchange was the amount of confidence that was voiced by investors in Mongolia's future(WB)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l23 level1 lfo21'>We are not reducing debt, just restructuring it. But this buys necessary time to readjust economy.(BoM)<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><u>BoM pre-conditions for IMF program</u><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l20 level1 lfo22'>Asset Quality Review (AQR) is a condition of the IMF program. BoM has experience doing this from the 2009 IMF program. Will announce tender and select audit company. Not worried about this. (BoM)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l20 level1 lfo22'>BoM Law will be revised. There will be more checks and balances. BoM will vote on certain key decisions(IMF)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l20 level1 lfo22'>Anti-money laundering will be strengthened, which will help address corruption regarding projects (IMF)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l20 level1 lfo22'>Need banking that supports SMEs(IMF)<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><u>Fiscal issues</u><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo23'>There must not be off-budget spending. Honest accounting is the first step (WB)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo23'>Savings during boom period is crucial.The sovereign wealth fund law to be implemented in a few years will take money off the table(IMF)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo23'>OT-2 coming on stream in early 2020s will be a huge increase in government revenues(IMF)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo23'>Interest rates will fall after confidence returns, which in turn will help address poverty(IMF)<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><u>Mining</u><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l17 level1 lfo24'>Mining is the backbone of the economy. Long-term prospects are still optimistic. Revenues need to be saved(IMF)<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><u>Diversification</u><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo25'>Need to understand the obstacles and support needed.Animal health is vital.Trade facilitation needs to be improved. Look for the low-hanging fruit (WB)<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><u>Spending cuts and raising taxes</u><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l12 level1 lfo26'>Don't want economy to collapse through sudden, deep cuts. Two-thirds of the program entail cutting spending, one-third raising taxes(IMF)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l12 level1 lfo26'>Cutting capital expenditures will disincentivize imports, which will improve balance of payments (IMF)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l12 level1 lfo26'>Salary freezes on government workers, but inflation is low at the moment so it should not be too worrying(IMF)<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><i>Dale: great stuff from multilaterals and good job by BCM in getting them all into one panel. Especially like sustainable, long term growth target ~8% mentioned by IMF. During past 25 years, lack of such sustainable, stable growth is one of key reasons for all Mongolian problems.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>References: </b><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327425">http://www.news.mn/r/327425</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MongoliaMetalsMining/">Link to MMM FB page</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvUmkGZdhM8-ylVXRwWzR5wD9NCXTexRBBAQ0v5VwQry5Ozykuq-83LgeUaZFD0J3PIYxFvAbVQGdgSdG0cUjFVUTX7X97QboC14ef4tsMlOG9gOPX7lVPe8Lb2l1k38z08dk7Wcv_3k/s1600/image004-787941.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHvUmkGZdhM8-ylVXRwWzR5wD9NCXTexRBBAQ0v5VwQry5Ozykuq-83LgeUaZFD0J3PIYxFvAbVQGdgSdG0cUjFVUTX7X97QboC14ef4tsMlOG9gOPX7lVPe8Lb2l1k38z08dk7Wcv_3k/s320/image004-787941.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939151331013346" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Politics></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Politics & Legal<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_D._Zagdjav_appointed"></a>D. Zagdjav appointed Deputy Minister for Mining and Heavy Industry <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 16 /MONTSAME/ During its regular meeting on March 15, the Cabinet appointed former Secretary of State at the Ministry of Environment D.Zagdjav as Deputy Minister for Mining and Heavy Industry.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Zagdjav Deleg was born in 1964 in Khovd city, Khovd aimag. After graduating from the 1st School of Khovd city, he studied at the Military Institute of the former Ministry of Protection of Society. He holds a Master's Degree in Administrative Science and Doctor's Degree in Political Science.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During his career, he worked as a Member of Parliament in 2008-2012, President of Mongolian Democratic Socialist Students Association, Governor of Khan-Uul district and President of Mongolian Peace and Friendship Organization.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9181">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_OSCE_to_deploy"></a>OSCE to deploy election observers to Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 15 (MONTSAME) Delegates led by Michael Georg Link, Director of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) are working in Mongolia. On March 15, the OSCE delegation was received by Ch.Sodnomtseren, Director of the General Election Commission of Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the meeting, the ODIHR Director said "The OSCE observers are interested in working in Mongolia for election observation as elections in Mongolia are conducted in a competitive manner. Furthermore, other member states of OSCE learn a lot of things from the experiences gained by Mongolia and from how Mongolian electoral organizations implement the recommendations and reports developed by our observers". <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He further informed that a research team of the OSCE will arrive in Mongolia to observe the preliminary situation of the election in Mongolia and will publish a report on this for the public soon. "The OSCE will be giving support to Mongolia by sending specialists and observers from OSCE and giving out publications for Mongolian voters". <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ch.Sodnomtseren, Director of the General Election Commission emphasized that the OSCE observers and their recommendations and reports make a great contribution to the organization of the elections and improving the electoral activities in the country and expressed his willingness to implement the carry-out the recommendations in the near future.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9161">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_law_scholars"></a>Mongolian law scholars to convene in May <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 15 (MONTSAME) By the initiative of S.Byambatsogt, Minister of Justice and Home Affairs, the first assembly of Mongolian law scholars is going to be held in May.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The working group in charge is led by G.Bayasgalan, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs and held its first meeting on March 15, Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The first assembly of Mongolian law scholars aims to strengthen the relationship between law scholars, introduce their works to the public, and convey their thoughts and voices. Not only is the assembly going to unite Mongolian law professors, it will also feature an exhibition of the works of Mongolian law scholars.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Law scholars emerged in Mongolia in the late 1960s, and today, there are about 160 law scholars. Mongolian Bar Association will assist the first assembly of law scholars in all possible ways", said B.Gunbileg, President of Mongolian Bar Association.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9168">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_Anti-Corruption_Law:"></a>Mongolia Anti-Corruption Law: Overview of Prohibited Activity<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 15 (Lehman Law) Mongolian law prohibits certain activities by public officials, while other activities are restricted. These prohibitions and restrictions are intended to prevent conflicts of interest in public service and to eliminate opportunities for bribery and other forms of corruption. However, even in the face of legal prohibitions and restrictions, sometimes officials will in communications with our clients suggest "options" or "solutions" that amount to barely disguised violations of these laws. Foreign invested enterprises in Mongolia should "<a href="http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/keep+an+eye+out">keep an eye out</a>" for these kinds of activities so they are not caught up in an illegal scheme.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolian public officials are prohibited from disclosing in a manner not related to their official duties, information that has been acquired via official capacity. Unfortunately, violations of this prohibition are widespread as politicians and unelected officers will often seek to share or trade in private information gained through their position of privilege. Officials will seek to use this information to further their own interests, or to spread damaging propaganda about opponents.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Public officials are also prohibited from utilizing their official position to issue a decision, or to control, supervise, inquire or impose liability on another for the private purposes of themselves or their friends and family. They are also prohibited from using their official position to put pressure or influence on others. While this is not as common as the information sharing described above, one would not be surprised when encountering an official who seeks to wield their power in this way.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>An official is prohibited from using the power of public office in any kind of advertising, except in connection with their official duties, and where participation is in favor of activities in benefit of the society.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Public officials are further prohibited from utilizing public service to represent their own private interests, or those of other individuals, organizations, or companies they are directly or indirectly associated with. Even so, many members of parliament are successful in business and continue to be involved with a private business. For many a primary reason to become a member of parliament is to enhance or extend to their business opportunities and income. Parliamentarians have been known to introduce new laws and regulations which are beneficial to their private business or their personal interests.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Officials are prohibited from accepting any payment or supplementary payment, or gifts in connection with the performance of their official duties, however, this is another common violation which is often performed discretely.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>With regard to an official's accepting a gift, there is a legal obligation for an official to file a written report within 30 days in the event the value of a one-time gift or service received exceeds the equivalent of that official's salary for one month, or where the value of gifts received from a single source in the course of one year exceeds the equivalent of that official's salary over three months. If the value of a gift or service received by an official is in excess of that official's salary over 6 months, the gifted items shall become the property of the State. The official can accept or redeem these gifts only by way of paying the government the value in excess of the official's six month total salary.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This is a strange arrangement per western standards as a gift of 6 months total salary may still be a substantial amount. Keep in mind that while a gift of this nature may be legal in Mongolia, foreign companies and individuals may still be subject to anti-corruption laws in their home country, such as FCPA in USA.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Public officials are further prohibited from participating in the business of a company or serving in a management role of a company. Additionally, officials are subject to a two year prohibition on being a shareholder, stockholder or a partner in a legal entity for which the official had been involved decision making on awarding such company government procurement contracts, allocation of central government, provincial or municipal funding, or where the public official had exercised official supervision or control over such company in connection with the official's public duties.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This is only an introduction to official prohibitions on actions of public office holders. Future blogs will continue our review.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://lehmanlaw.mn/blog/mongolia-anti-corruption-law-overview-prohibited-activity/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Things_to_consider"></a>Things to consider before visiting Government Palace<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 15 (gogo.mn) The Government Palace is located on the north side of Sukhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia. It houses various state organizations such as the State Great Khural and offices of its members, as well as the offices of the President and Prime Minister.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>People who are visiting the Government Palace of Mongolia for the first time shall remember following tips:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l14 level1 lfo27'>Come to a meeting before the scheduled hours and enter to the Government Palace through its back door.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l14 level1 lfo27'>Bring your identity card, foreign passport or employee ID.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l14 level1 lfo27'>Wear business suits or traditional clothes. Jeans, t-shirt, sneakers, short skirt, sports wear are not allowed. <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l14 level1 lfo27'>Do not bring large luggage, bag or sharp and liquid items.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l14 level1 lfo27'>Note that drunk people are not allowed to enter. <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l14 level1 lfo27'>If you plan more than one meetings, you should report it to the Ceremony Department staff and wait for the staff at the first meeting room. <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l14 level1 lfo27'>It is not allowed to wander in Government Palace before or after your meeting.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157699">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Reason_to_learn"></a>Reason to learn Korean<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 15 (Mongolian Economy) Registration for the Korean language test was held nationwide March 6-9. A few months ago it was announced that registration would open for 8,000 people willing to work in South Korea under a labour contract. Thus, labour departments and in provinces as well as the city were the busiest places last week. Eight thousand people can be registered for the test in accordance with the bilateral memorandum, and 7,968 people have already done so. However, not all those taking the exam will go to South Korea. The highest scoring 1,500 people will pass the language hurdle and go on to the next step. The test is organised only by the Industry and Human Resources Authority of South Korea, and organisers have warned that only those who know the language well should register.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Test registration was held only for three days because there were complaints and issues related to registration in previous years. Therefore, labour departments had to use the buildings of some secondary schools and other places with large halls. Naturally, healthy people aged 18-40 apply more commonly. In addition, a police background check and certain other documents were not required. Each registrant paid MNT 60,000 (USD 24). Although payments from almost 7,968 people amounts to about MNT 470 million, officials said that the money will be spent on test registration and operational costs. In other words, six out of the 24 dollars are to be spent on Mongolian-side activities and the remaining 16 dollars on Korean-side activities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Many young people have registered for the Korean language proficiency test, wishing to land a high-paying job. The test schedule will be announced on March 27 on the official website of the Labour and Welfare Service Agency: hudulmur-halamj.gov.mn.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolianeconomy.mn/en/i/9677">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ToCa4NS_jN0Vw0Kakh4J-9FhVcZk021Aa1F1p874kYp_sfCKs7kBzhppkkr_VezziVMPK_s3jVoWXHMs7ReLE1W4UE0cBMGhpz_8nf5oWjK0qOS7pWUfRZPMvczZBWsjT5M3-mIy-jQ/s1600/image005-791037.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ToCa4NS_jN0Vw0Kakh4J-9FhVcZk021Aa1F1p874kYp_sfCKs7kBzhppkkr_VezziVMPK_s3jVoWXHMs7ReLE1W4UE0cBMGhpz_8nf5oWjK0qOS7pWUfRZPMvczZBWsjT5M3-mIy-jQ/s320/image005-791037.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939159510149570" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Business></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Business<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Finance_Minister_says"></a>Finance Minister says TT deal was estimated to move forward in 2018<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (BDSec) Finance Minister B.Choijilsuren was interviewed by news.mn journalists, where he talked about the upcoming IMF bailout and other matters. He said "After its establishment, the cabinet worked to have one budget. The cabinet stopped the program at Bank of Mongolia, which was similar to the budget, and transferred to the GoM. We hope this signaled to foreign investors that 'GoM is putting efforts to create financial discipline in Mongolia'. Secondly, the IMF bailout is strengthening this indication again. As a results of these 2 factors, foreign investors' trust in Mongolia is restoring." <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On the implementation of planned projects, Finance Minister said "Projects like railway will be financed by taking out soft loans. We will loan US$ 300m from Turkey, US$ 500m from South Korea, which was US$ 300m before, and US$ 1b from China. We estimated to take out the soft loans in the next three years." According to the Finance Minister, the soft loan terms will be less than 2% interest rate and 20 year tenor. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Regarding mega-projects, Finance Minister said "2017 budget outlined to implement 5 mega-projects to ensure 3% economic growth. Includes, Tavan Tolgoi deposit project with its railway, TPP III expansion, Gatsuurt project and Power Plant project. This time, we approached the issue carefully and estimated to move only the Gatsuurt project this year, and others in 2018." <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Source: <a href="http://www.news.mn/r/326887">news.mn</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.bdsec.mn/finance-minister-says-tt-deal-was-estimated-to-move-forward-in-2018?lang=en">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Mongolian_consortium_selected"></a>Mongolian consortium selected to contract mine TT's West Tsankhi <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 15 (news.mn) Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi has reported that geological exploration at the block have resumed again after a break of nearly two years. A consortium of Mongolian companies, 'Olborlolt" LLC, "Khishig Arvin Industrial" LLC and "Mera" LLC have been selected as the main operators at the West Tsankhi mine. The total resources of this mine are estimated at around 4.5 million tons.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia has been intermittently paying off its USD 350 million debt to China's aluminum company Chalco since 2011 in the form of deliveries of coal from the East Tsankhi mine. Now that coal prices are picking up and export demand is increasing, it will be easier for the country to pay back its debt.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327488">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_WEF_Selects_Golomt"></a>WEF Selects Golomt Bank CEO Ganzorig Ulziibayar to Young Global Leaders Class of 2017<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Developing gene editing technology, building computers that recognize human emotions, leading multi-billion dollar companies to renewable energy, and rebuilding civil society in a war torn nation. These are some of the Young Global Leaders Class of 2017 awardees who are making outstanding contribution to their field and society. Each year, we select the most innovative, enterprising and socially minded men and women under the age of 40 who are pushing boundaries and rethinking the world around them. This year's class of Young Global Leaders gives hope that they are ready to tackle the world's most complex and pressing challenges. They are invited to join a community and a five-year leadership journey that we believe will help them break down silos, bridge cultures and use their collective skills to get things done for positive impact across private, public and civil society organizations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ganzorig Ulziibayar | Mongolia<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, GOLOMT BANK LLC<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The head of one of the largest and leading financial groups in Mongolia who works across business and government on education and developing standards for the financial industry in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://widgets.weforum.org/ygl-2017/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_The_opportunity_for"></a>The opportunity for the establishment of a "financial irrigation system" in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>By B. Naidalaa <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 16 (Mongolian Economy) One of the biggest banking and financial institutions, London-based HSBC has suffered major reputation damage and financial losses due to a loan extended in 2012.<a name="_ftnref1"></a><a href="file:///C:\Users\Elbegsaikhan\Dropbox\website\Nogoon%20hogjil\Toc_Naidalaa_eng.docx#_ftn1" title="">[1]</a> The loan covered consulting services plus a GBP 100 million loan provided to its client based in Sarawak, Malaysia. However, the bank did not conduct proper due diligence and did not sufficiently consider the environmental and social consequences of the project. This incompliance with its policies has led to this damage. The client has been witnessed destroying the rainforest in Malaysian Borneo and expanding its businesses through corruption. Hence, HSBC became one of the convicts for supporting the client's wrongdoing by providing lending and helping its efforts to causing significant social damage. This is a warning for banking and finance institutions that their traditional "blindly chasing profit" attitude is not going to fit well in the present circumstances.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Although there has not been such an overt case occurred in Mongolia, there are several cases similar to this. For instance, it is visibly clear for everyone to see that the buildings constructed with no green areas, parking space or passenger roads are the results of short-sighted decisions made incompliant with the fundamental requirements for urban planning and building construction. Consequently, the capital city has become a chaotic and dusty urban planning mess. The pursuit for mining, gold, sand and gravel without reclamation has led to dried up rivers and streams and destroyed mountains. Even though everyone is witnessing this and complaining, neither the state nor the citizen is taking appropriate measures. Are we going to continue this?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In order to break this vicious cycle, banks led by the Mongolian Bankers Association united to approve the 8 Mongolian Sustainable Finance Principles in 2013 and thereby named it the Mongolian Sustainable Finance (MSF Initiative). The implementation of sustainable finance will require the borrower to be environmentally and socially responsible. The banks will not only review the financial feasibility of the project but also the social and environmental impacts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolians have an inherently traditional mindset of respecting and protecting the environment stronger than that of any civilization. We did not initiate the MSF Initiative to serve someone's interests or under someone's pressure or with directions from regulators. It is designed to be an initiative which fits the desires, opportunities and features of Mongolians. Therefore, the MSF Initiative has received a lot of support and is being implemented progressively and successfully. It is becoming a movement relevant to every Mongolian and fits the fundamental mindset of a Mongolian person. We believe that this movement and initiative will not be limited to the banking sector, with other business sectors following the lead by launching initiatives such as sustainable insurance, sustainable mining, sustainable construction, sustainable telecommunications and many more.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Although the government, businesses, citizens support the MSF Initiative, in order to make sustainable financing more constructive and inclusive, there is an imminent need to establish a financial incentive mechanism that promotes green project developers. Based on this need, the working group is focusing on the creation of a Green Credit Fund as the next phase of the MSF Initiative.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>There are many examples of green credit funds created in different countries. For instance, the Government of Egypt established a Social Fund for Development with the aid from international institutions in 1992.<a name="_ftnref2"></a><a href="file:///C:\Users\Elbegsaikhan\Dropbox\website\Nogoon%20hogjil\Toc_Naidalaa_eng.docx#_ftn2" title="">[2]</a> The Government of South Africa founded a Green Fund<a name="_ftnref3"></a><a href="file:///C:\Users\Elbegsaikhan\Dropbox\website\Nogoon%20hogjil\Toc_Naidalaa_eng.docx#_ftn3" title="">[3]</a> with capitalisation of USD 60 million and started providing soft loans for sustainable and green projects. Rwanda established its Fonerwa Fund<a name="_ftnref4"></a><a href="file:///C:\Users\Elbegsaikhan\Dropbox\website\Nogoon%20hogjil\Toc_Naidalaa_eng.docx#_ftn4" title="">[4]</a> in 2012 and attracted investment from the Green Climate Fund. It is successfully financing green projects. Most of these funds are established by the leadership and decision-making of the government. The Indonesian Tropical Landscapes Finance Facility<a name="_ftnref5"></a><a href="file:///C:\Users\Elbegsaikhan\Dropbox\website\Nogoon%20hogjil\Toc_Naidalaa_eng.docx#_ftn5" title="">[5]</a> founded in October 2016 is initiated and managed by the private sector. Although the Government of Indonesia provided guarantees and policy support, a professional fund manager, international institutions and investors are collaborating on the business model, financing sources and management of the Fund. This business model resulted in a faster, valuable and broader project.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Based on the global goal to fight against environmental and climate change and the availability of increased investment and financial resources to help governments meet the green development goals, the establishment of green credit funds, especially under public private partnership, is becoming popular.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Typically, Mongolia is always behind other countries, duplicating and learning from their practices. However in terms of implementing sustainable financing practices and the establishing a green finance mechanism, Mongolia is becoming a role model in certain aspects. It can be seen from the events below that the time has come for Mongolia to establish a Green Credit Fund.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l22 level1 lfo29'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia is committed. </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia joined the Paris agreement and is committed to reducing CO2 emissions by 14 percent of its expected level by 2030. In order to achieve this, Mongolia has to make drastic policy changes and implement new projects in various sectors.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l22 level1 lfo29'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The source of funding is increasing. </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Green funding and financing sources are increasing all over the world. For instance, more developed countries declared to fund USD100 billion through 2020 via the Green Climate Fund.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l22 level1 lfo29'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolian policy framework is ready. </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The MongolianSustainable Development Vision, Green Development Policy and the laws and regulations on renewable energy and energy efficiency have been approved.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l22 level1 lfo29'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Green funding and financial products are needed</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>. New green loan products such as green loan guarantees, green bonds and risk management solutions need to be introduced. The financing source is increasing in the foreign market. However it is in shortage in the domestic market.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l22 level1 lfo29'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>5.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Demand for financing is increasing</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>. In order to achieve national green development goals, at least USD2.5 billion is required for funding projects. Also, there is market demand for USD100 million in energy efficiency on an annual basis.<a name="_ftnref6"></a><a href="file:///C:\Users\Elbegsaikhan\Dropbox\website\Nogoon%20hogjil\Toc_Naidalaa_eng.docx#_ftn6" title="">[6]</a> Interest in green investment is increasing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l22 level1 lfo29'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>6.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Initiative and engagement from the private sector. </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This includes the successfully implemented Mongolian Sustainable Finance Initiative by banks and the Green Credit Fund project at its feasibility study stage.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l22 level1 lfo29'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>7.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Support from international institutions. </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Good practice and collaboration experience with international institutions. The International Finance Corporation (IFC), Dutch Development Bank (FMO), the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) have been supporting the Mongolian Sustainable Finance Initiative since the beginning. The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is cooperating on the establishment of the Green Credit Fund.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Establishing the Green Credit Fund in Mongolia is unique compared to other countries. This project is being developed within the Sustainable Financing framework as a financing leverage.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In other words, the Green Credit Fund that we are planning to establish is not merely for funding green projects, but also it is becoming a broad, multi-stakeholder structure for developing our own standards of providing funding support and attracting investment for sustainable initiatives. For example, the Green Credit Fund is not merely a financial institution, rather an 'irrigation system' for supplying sustainable development.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The planned Green Credit Fund will be different from many state funds operating in Mongolia. This is neither a welfare fund nor a company established by banks for profit. It is a public- private partnership with good governance and the potential to become a good practice model for other projects. For example, today air pollution in the capital has reached a disastrous level, and there are lot of discussions around power generated heating solutions in ger districts. In the past, these were subsidised from the state budget or funded by government loans. These solutions were not productive. If a professionally managed private Green Credit Fund is established, loan products for leasing energy storage technologies and heating equipment could be developed. These products can be sustainably funded from the Green Climate Fund. As a result, the smoke in Ulaanbaatar city will be decreased; residents will be able to purchase equipment with a long-term low interest loan. This will contribute to the global goal to decrease CO2 emission levels, and everyone will be satisfied with the win-win outcome. The financing structure to support and fund projects contributing to the development of Mongolia on a sustainable basis is in fact metaphorically named the Green project "irrigation system."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In any development, it is important to have a policy with long-term vision, the right management for successful implementation and suitable financial leverage available for everyone. The Green Credit Fund will be a financial structure which attracts financing from increasing global investment to Mongolia case by case available for all businesses, citizens and borrowers. It will be self-sustaining with the ability to generate funding with independent and professional management. Without the correct system for green financing, we cannot diminish the current monopoly of the "hungry for money" culture. In the future, we will proudly not have to answer our kids' questions: "Why is Ulaanbaatar so polluted? What did you do?"<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://mongolianeconomy.mn/en/b/9683">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Best_Buidan_couches"></a>Best Buidan couches in great demand<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 15 (MONTSAME) Mongolian national manufacturer "Best Buidan" Company is producing more than 15,000 sofas and 2,000 other furnitures per year, while partnering with China's "Hebei Chang An Plastics", "Hong Yan Leather" and "OuNuoYa Textile" and Russia's Viniltex and Lumitex companies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In 2013, Best Buidan expanded its operations by establishing subsidiaries named "Best Style" in field of commerce, "Best House" in construction assembling and "Best Service" in maintenance of coaches and furniture. Best Buidan's special set for living rooms is one of the factory's most demanded product, which is distinguished from other brand of furniture by its unique designs inspired by Mongolian traditional style.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In Mongolia, where children and youth constitute over 60 percent of the population, living room couches are children's playing area and the favorite place to sit back and watch TV. Therefore, "Best Buidan" has always been trying to make the cushions, covers and wooden parts of coaches out of the best materials there are, and constantly tries to improve quality. The company, as a caregiver to the society, launched a much appreciated humanitarian project named "Call of Compassion", through which 10 families in-need have been granted housing apartments of "Best House".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/video/economy/products-best-buidan-great-demand">Link to article</a><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_BCM_Monthly_Meeting"></a>BCM Monthly Meeting Recap, March 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 14 (BCM) The Business Council of Mongolia's (BCM's) monthly meeting was held on Monday, 13 March 2017 at the Best Western Tuushin with BCM Chairman Byambasaikhan Bayanjargal hosting for an audience of 170 members and invited guests.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>BCM UPDATE:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Executive Director Mergen Chuluun opened the meeting with an introduction of the newest members of the BCM management team.<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Chimednyam Purev-Ochir – Director of Policy and Advocacy<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Tuvshin Orlokh – Research Analyst and Editor of Newswire<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>New Working Group chairs – a complete listing can be found <a href="http://bcmongolia.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=40a8c9d9270c1af2237f2a8aa&id=e683d9bf28&e=82e555169c">here</a>. Executive Director Chuluun encourages any member who is not part of a Working Group to join one.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Working Groups update:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Business Ethics Working Group<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Business Ethics WG held a meeting on 7 February on Anti-Bribery Management Systems and the new ISO standard. The WG also developed the BCM's anti-corruption position statement. A summary of the meeting can be found <a href="http://bcmongolia.us8.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=40a8c9d9270c1af2237f2a8aa&id=8f67ab9020&e=82e555169c">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Energy and Environmental Working Group<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Energy and Environmental WG held a meeting on 8 February to discuss air pollution. Mr. Chuluun noted that Wagner Asia is making air pollution its key CSR initiative in 2017. The <a href="http://bcmongolia.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=40a8c9d9270c1af2237f2a8aa&id=c42e203c6c&e=82e555169c">BCM guideline for companies to combat air pollution</a> was sent to all members and printed in various media outlets on March 2.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Upcoming events</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l19 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Digital Business Conference 2017 organized by MLC Content LLC – March 15 at IT Park (20% discount for BCM members).<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l19 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia Gold 2017 organized by InfoMine – March 17 at the Chinggis Khan Hotel (20% discount for BCM members).<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l19 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia Economic Forum 2017 – March 30-31 at the State Palace (10% discount for BCM members).<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l19 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Jiu Jitsu Open Day Event organized by the Mongolian Jiu Jitsu Association – April 1 at Garuda Club (free, registration was held at monthly meeting).<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l19 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>6th Mongolia London Business Forum organized by the Mongolian British Chamber of Commerce and Bloomberg – April 5 at City House Gate in London, UK (online registration).<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l19 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia Mining 2017 organized by Minex Mongolia – April 5-7 at Buyant Ukhaa (free).<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l19 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>27th Annual NAMBC AGM & Investors Forum – April 27-28 in Washington, DC (online registration).<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l19 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>2nd Annual BCM Summit – July 19-20 in Ulaanbaatar (theme is "Regional Connectivity in Asia").<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l19 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>TUNSHLEL 2017 Malaysia-Mongolia Investors Forum organized by Hillcrest LLC and Crest Global Resources – July 4-5 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec). There is a 15% discount for BCM members registered before March 31. Please contact <a href="mailto:saruul@bcmongolia.org">saruul@bcmongolia.org</a> for more info.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>NEW MEMBERS:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>6 new members introduced:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Asian Way – In operation since 2000, it is an international logistics and transportation service with a worldwide agency network.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Discover Mongolia Travel – A tourism company offering tours and excursions, car rental, and ticket bookings, among other services.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Landbridge – An international freight forwarder operating in air, sea, rail and truck and is a licensed customs broker.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolian Jiu Jitsu Association – The MJJA has been around for 10 years in Mongolia. Jiu Jitsu is a form of martial arts that has been around for a century. The Association is hosting an open day for BCM members on Saturday, 1 April at Garuda Club.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>PMI Mongolia Chapter – The local chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI), which is a not-for-profit professional membership association for project, program, and portfolio management professionals. It offers PMI training, PMP preparation and certification, and various networking opportunities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Steptoe and Johnson – An international full-service law firm specializing in international trade, intellectual property, tax, complex regulatory, compliance, and dispute resolution.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>PRESENTATIONS:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Remarks by Australian Ambassador to Mongolia John Langtry on the Women's Leadership Program<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Women's Leadership Program (WLP) is an extensive of the Australia Awards program, which has been running in Mongolia since 1994. "There are 440 Australia Awards graduates already working and contributing to the development of Mongolia, all the way up to members of parliament and also in areas of business and civil society," noted the Ambassador. Seventy percent of these are women, and the WLP aims to "improve their leadership skills and enable them to compete successfully for senior leadership and decision-making positions."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Since the beginning of the Australia Awards program, 60 women have participated in the WLP, with 18 in the course currently. They are working on four projects currently:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Improving safety of children traveling to school by improving awareness and safety planning. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Wheelchairs for Kids – 60 mobility impaired children are to receive wheelchairs specially made for kids who have a range of disabilities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Reducing risks in childbirth by improving mothers' awareness of prenatal care during pregnancy<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l6 level1 lfo6'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Improving pre-school education of herders' children in Uvs Province by providing mobile libraries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"I've got no doubt that these projects will be successfully implemented and will make a significant contribution to the targeted communities," stated Ambassador Langtry. As a final appeal, Mr. Langtry added: "Any support you can provide by sharing your business experience, and yes, by some sponsorship, would be most welcome. Thank you very much."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Revised Law on Arbitration<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Anthony Woolley of Hogan Lovells Mongolia, and Co-Chair of the BCM Legislative Working Group, gave members a briefing on important aspects of the revised Law on Arbitration, which was on approved on 26 Jan 2017 and entered into force on 27 Feb 2017. This revised law is based on the 1985 UNCITRAL Model Law. Eighteen other pieces of legislation were amended accordingly, including 15 laws which were revised to allow disputes to be resolved by arbitration. A detailed presentation on the revised Law on Arbitration by Anthony Woolley can be found on the BCM website.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Panel Discussion</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>: "IMF Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and its implications on the private sector of Mongolia"<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>BCM invited D.Jargalsaikhan (Jargal DeFacto) to moderate a panel discussion on the topic of "IMF Extended Fund Facility and its implications on the private sector of Mongolia." On the panel were Deputy Governor of the Bank of Mongolia B.Lkhagvasuren; IMF Resident Representative for Mongolia Neil Saker; and the World Bank's Country Manager for Mongolia James Anderson. State Secretary of the Ministry of Finance B.Nyamaa unfortunately could not attend as planned.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Q. How do you see the overall situation regarding the EFF?</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Neil Saker<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l24 level1 lfo7'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Need to break the boom-bust cycle.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l24 level1 lfo7'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Working with government to achieve a growth rate of around 8%. "We don't want to see 17% growth again."<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l24 level1 lfo7'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The EFF is a longer-term arrangement than the Stand-By Arrangement and still has a relatively low interest rate of about 2%.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l24 level1 lfo7'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Repayment period is much longer: program lasts for 3 years, but the repayment period will be up to 10 years.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l24 level1 lfo7'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Development Bank of Mongolia's bond issue has been settled. March 21 is no longer a pressing deadline.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Q. How do you see the implementation of the Khuraldai bond (which was bought because of the IMF package). How do you see this case of paying off debt with debt and its effect on the overall market situation, as well as economic diversification?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>James Anderson<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l10 level1 lfo8'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>IMF program is Mongolia's program, Mongolia's vision<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l10 level1 lfo8'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>From World Bank's perspective, twin goals are eliminating absolute poverty by 2030 and boosting shared prosperity<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l10 level1 lfo8'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The progress that you make during the boom times […] can be stopped or reversed if growth is not kept on a stable path." "Key result from the bond exchange was the amount of confidence that was voiced by investors in Mongolia's future"<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l10 level1 lfo8'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Borrowing terms are determined by previous cases as well as government deficit. Making debt level sustainable requires paying attention to the fiscal side, seeing prospects for growth, supporting the private sector<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Q. How do you see the USD 2 billion from Japan, South Korea and other partners as a condition of the IMF package? Please also address the expectation on the central bank's side to review the strength of commercial banks.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>B.Lkhagvasuren<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l26 level1 lfo9'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Previous government spent nearly USD 8 billion. BoM had USD 4 billion in 2012, and then government raised the Chinggis bond, bringing another USD 1.5 billion, as well as other bonds and swaps.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l26 level1 lfo9'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Already used the USD 1 billion swap with Bank of China, and swap has been extended until 2020<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l26 level1 lfo9'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>-1.6% growth in Q3 of 2016, but back to positive now, signs of recovery<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l26 level1 lfo9'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Asset Quality Review (AQR) is a condition of the IMF program. BoM has experience doing this from the 2009 IMF program. Will announce tender and select audit company. "Not worried about this."<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l26 level1 lfo9'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Non-performing loans of commercial banks has reached around 9%. <o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>D.Jargalsaikhan<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l8 level1 lfo10'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>What we do today is take out debt, and pay it off with another debt.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l8 level1 lfo10'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Worried current legislators and leaders will continue this trend.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Q. Previous central bank governor had a special contract with the government on a price stabilization program. Is there any guarantee that your (BoM's) team will not once again collude with the government in extending money in the economy?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>B.Lkhagvasuren<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l21 level1 lfo11'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Don't want to repeat past mistakes, so BoM is following the IMF program and heeding advice of other international financial institutions.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l21 level1 lfo11'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>We are not reducing debt, just restructuring it. But this buys necessary time to readjust economy.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l21 level1 lfo11'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Central bank now has a review team; 3 governors have changed; new board members; will implement more internationally standard practices.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Q. How will tax hikes conditions of the IMF program affect poverty?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>James Anderson<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l15 level1 lfo12'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Fiscal rules, such as 2% of GDP deficit rule, are good on paper, but ignored in reality. Deficit was 18% of GDP last year. Off-budget spending leads to bad calculations.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l15 level1 lfo12'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>There must not be off-budget spending. Honest accounting is the first step.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Q. How do you see strength of political and economic institutions in society? There is a crisis in governance on top of economics. What are your thoughts on the government reshuffling (new structure, agencies, etc.) after every election?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Neil Saker<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo13'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Savings during boom period is crucial.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo13'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The sovereign wealth fund law to be implemented in a few years will take money off the table.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo13'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>OT-2 coming on stream in early 2020s will be a huge increase in government revenues.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Q. Is there any power on your side to make sure Mongolia saves during the boom period, as a condition?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Neil Saker<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l27 level1 lfo14'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Fiscal Stability Law is good on paper, ignored in reality<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l27 level1 lfo14'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>BoM has committed to stop spending on behalf of the government on quasi-fiscal activities<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l27 level1 lfo14'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>New measures aim to stop MPs from radically altering the state budget. MPs may change the composition of a proposed budget, but not the level of the budget.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l27 level1 lfo14'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Interest rates will fall after confidence returns, which in turn will help address poverty<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Audience Q&A</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Q: Is there anything that will address lending of money to contractors who have unreasonably high costs on projects, who aim to pocket state funds by giving figures much higher than actual costs?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>B.Lkhagvasuren<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l11 level1 lfo15'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>There has been a two-tier banking system for 27 years. Central bank has an examiner's unit to check banks' assets.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l11 level1 lfo15'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Main purpose is to check banks' health. Don't check every detail. Mainly look at standards, financial ratios, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Neil Saker<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l18 level1 lfo16'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>BoM Law will be revised. There will be more checks and balances. BoM will vote on certain key decisions.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l18 level1 lfo16'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Anti-money laundering will be strengthened, which will help address corruption regarding projects.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Q: How much of the 7-8% growth sought is in mining, how many new mines will be put into operation?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Neil Saker<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo17'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mining is the backbone of the economy. Long-term prospects are still optimistic. Revenues need to be saved.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo17'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Measures to strengthen agriculture and tourism are in the framework for economic diversification.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo17'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Need competitive exchange rate<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo17'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Need banking that supports SMEs<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>James Anderson<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l13 level1 lfo18'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The last boom period was a double-boom of investment and mining.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l13 level1 lfo18'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>On diversification:<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l13 level1 lfo18'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Need to understand the obstacles and support needed<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l13 level1 lfo18'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Animal health is vital<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l13 level1 lfo18'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Trade facilitation needs to be improved<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l13 level1 lfo18'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Look for the low-hanging fruit<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Q: What do you say to complaints about not spending cuts while raising taxes?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Neil Saker<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l9 level1 lfo19'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Don't want economy to collapse through sudden, deep cuts. Two-thirds of the program entail cutting spending, one-third raising taxes.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l9 level1 lfo19'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Cutting capital expenditures will disincentivize imports, which will improve balance of payments.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l9 level1 lfo19'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Child money will be retargeted, with the savings going to food stamps.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l9 level1 lfo19'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Salary freezes on government workers, but inflation is low at the moment so it should not be too worrying.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://bcmongolia.org/news/detail/bcm-monthly-meeting-recap-march-2017">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s1600/image006-794035.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s320/image006-794035.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939170294499858" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Ulaanbaatar></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Emissions_from_burning"></a>Emissions from burning tires poison the human body for 8 years<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 15 (gogo.mn) As air pollution concerns National security of Mongolia, City Inspection Agency conducted investigation on individuals, services and entities operating in 129 khoroos of Ulaanbaatar city that are using air pollution sources. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Total of 1962 objects were examined, of which 78 of them ordered to use electric heaters and six entities changed their stoves with complete combustion stoves. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>City Inspection Agency warns that large amount of persistent organic pollutants including furans and dioxins emit when burning used tires, plastics and waste.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Such types of pollutants are stored in air for 32 days, in soils for 10-12 years and in the human body for more than 8 years while it will cause cancer, reduce immune system, harm fetal and brain development. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thus every citizen should contribute to reducing air pollution by reporting the offenses at (976) -77775000. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157698">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s1600/image006-794035.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s320/image006-794035.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939170294499858" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Diplomacy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Diplomacy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_parliament_delegates"></a>Mongolian parliament delegates visit Germany<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 15 (MONTSAME) Delegates led by head of Standing Committee on Economics and head of Mongolian-German Parliamentary Group MP D.Terbishdagva visits Federal Republic of Germany by the invitation of Bundestag of Germany (legislative body) between March 8 and 10.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Among the delegates were the head of Mongolia-Germany parliamentary sub-group MP D.Gantulga and MPs D.Tsogtbaatar, B.Undarmaa and D.Murat.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The members of the Parliament discussed the issues on Mongolia-Germany relations and cooperation with Vice President of the Bundestag Michaela Noll, Director of Defense Committee of the Bundestag Wolfgang Hellmich, Chairman of German-Central Asian parliamentary group Manfred Grund along with other members of the group, Committee on Foreign Affairs of Bundestag, Committee on Economic Cooperation and Development and State Secretary of the Federal Foreign office Dr. Markus Ederer respectively. The delegates also met with the representatives of the federal foundations of Germany that are operating in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On March 10, delegates visited a federal state in central Germany, Thuringia where they shared experience on mine reclamation. Then, the delegates attended a business event in the area and MP D.Terbishdagva gave a presentation to the business owners. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9174">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_New_Permanent_Representative"></a>New Permanent Representative to UN Office at Vienna appointed<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ During its regular meeting on March 15, the Cabinet resolved to appoint Battungalag Gankhuurai, Ambassador-Designate of Mongolia to Austria as the new Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the United Nations Office in Vienna.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Her predecessor Batjargal Gunaajav worked as Mongolia's Permanent Representative to the UN Office at Vienna since March, 2013.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9180">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Russian_health_ministry"></a>Russian health ministry delegation visits Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 15 (news.mn) A Russian health delegation led by Olga Knorre, member of the Coordinating Council for Tobacco Control and Victor Zikov, Deputy Head of the Federal Research Institute for Health Organization and Informatics of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation has visited Ulaanbaatar at the invitation of A.Tsogtsetseg, the country's Health Minister. This visit aims to support Mongolia within the principles of the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC) whilst supporting the Mongolian Law on Tobacco Control.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the visit, the two sides exchanged views on the legal environment for tobacco control and emphasised a demand to make amendments to the Mongolian Law on Tobacco Control in compliance with social needs. The Russian specialists shared their experience on tobacco control and expressed their willingness to work with officials from the sector in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Law on Tobacco Control of Mongolia was approved in 1993 and revised in 2005, 2012 and 2015 respectively.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327487">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Cuban_biotechnological_products"></a>Cuban biotechnological products arouse great interest in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>MONGOLIA, March 14, 2017 (Cuban Embassy in Mongolia) - With the presence of the Minister of Defense and President of the Cuba-Mongolia Parliamentary Friendship Group, Mr. B.Bat-Erdene, Dr. Eulogio Pimentel, Director of the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology held a business meeting with Mongolia's leading institutions, companies and health authorities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Also were present the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mongolia, Mr. B.Lhkhagajav, the President of the Medical Academy of Mongolia Dr. PhD. G.Oyunbileg and CEOs of leading state and private pharmaceutical companies, medical and health research, and Mr. D.Gansukh, Director of America Africa and Middle East of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The meeting was organized by the Cuban Embassy and aimed to welcome the Director of the CIGB and the delegation that accompanies him as part of his working week in Mongolia. Ambassador Raul Delgado Concepción, in the opening remarks, stressed the importance of the visit to consolidate the cooperation relations between the two countries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The authorities with whom the delegation had the opportunity to exchange showed great interest in some of the products like Gavac (tick vaccine in cattle), Heberprot-P (therapy for diabetic foot ulcers), vaccines against Hepatitis B, among others. In the program of tomorrow the delegation plans to continue its work week with visits to different Hospitals and Health Centers of the city of Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.minrex.gob.cu/en/cuban-biotechnological-products-arouse-great-interest-mongolia">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Vaccine_against_mites"></a>Vaccine against mites to be tested jointly with Cuban specialists<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 15 (MONTSAME) Vaccine against mites will be tested on animals in Mongolia and the result will be studied jointly by Mongolian and Cuban specialists. Mr. Eulogio Pimentel, Director General of the Center for the Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of the Republic of Cuba, executive manager of the center and experts of biotechnology projects are paying a working visit in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yesterday, March 14, they visited the National Center for Zoonotic Diseases, introducing some of their products. The authorities of the National Center held a meeting with the Cuban specialists and agreed to implement the abovementioned research project jointly as well as to establish cooperation agreement with the "Pedro Kouri" Institute of Tropical Medicine. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Mongolia Raul Delgado Concepcion attended the meeting and vowed to support the project.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/agriculture/9169">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Mongolian_peacekeepers_rescue"></a>Mongolian peacekeepers rescue two-year-old child in South Sudan<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 15 (news.mn) Mongolian peacekeepers, participating in the UNMISS in South Sudan, have rescued a two-year-old child. On the evening of 8th March at 9 pm, two sergeants of the Mongolian Army, T.Buyanzul and O.Tsend-Ayush discovered a small child wandering alone who was clearly lost in the dark, some 150 meters from the their barracks. Three worried locals later came to barracks in search of the child. The Mongolian peacekeepers reported the situation to UN Police and the child, whose name is Nia Ghaak, was returned child to the family.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327503">Link to article</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9166">Mongolian peacekeepers return lost boy to parents</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 17<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s1600/image006-794035.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s320/image006-794035.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939170294499858" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HealthEdu></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Health & Education<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_Bayan-Ulgii_opens_blood"></a>Bayan-Ulgii opens blood center with ADB grant<span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828;letter-spacing:-.75pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 15 (MONTSAME) Bayan-Ulgii aimag, the remote western part of Mongolia now has a Blood center with modern equipment granted by the Asian Development Bank. A blood department used to operate here and it has been expanded to a center, as new equipment of MNT400 billion had been installed and renovation of MNT70 million had been made in the building.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>New center will process 120-150 liters of blood and 6 types of blood products, including a product that influences to Factor 8, a blood clotting protein, which has not been produced in the western province. Bayan-Ulgii aimag marks 3rd of every month as a Blood granting day.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9176">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Russian_language_center"></a>Russian language center opens in Khuvsgul aimag<span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828;letter-spacing:-.75pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 15 (MONTSAME) A Russian language center, a branch of the Russian Science and Cultural Center has opened in Khuvsgul aimag. The language center will conduct courses of Russian language, prepare and support youth for scholarships in Russian universities and institutes, jointly organize Russian language olympiad at aimag level and organize trainings and workshops for Russian language teachers, inviting leading professors from the Russian Federation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The center was established according to an agreement between the Science and Cultural Center of Russia in Ulaanbaatar and the Department of Education, Culture and Art of Khuvsgul aimag.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Attendees at the opening ceremony were General Counsel of the Russian Federation in Erdenet city R.R.Rakshaev, Director of the Science and Cultural Center of Russia in Ulaanbaatar E.G.Michailov, Governor of Khuvsgul aimag L.Ganbold, and Deputy Governor of the aimag A.Erdenebaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9163">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Australia_Awards'_Women's"></a>Australia Awards' Women's Leadership Program in Mongolia implementing four projects <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 15 (MONTSAME) The Women's Leadership Program (WLP) is an extensive of the Australia Awards program, which has been running in Mongolia since 1994. Since the beginning of the Australia Awards program, 60 women have participated in the WLP, with 18 in the course currently and they are working on four projects.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The projects include, Improving of safety of children traveling to school by enhancing awareness and safety planning; Wheelchairs for Kids – 60 children with mobility impairment are to receive wheelchairs specially made for kids who have a range of disabilities; Reducing risks in childbirth by improving mothers' awareness of prenatal care during pregnancy and Improving pre-school education of herders' children in Uvs Province by providing mobile libraries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Australian Ambassador to Mongolia John Langtry made remarks on WLP during a meeting of the Business Council of Mongolia held on March 13. "There are 440 Australia Awards alumnae already working and contributing to the development of Mongolia, all the way up to members of parliament and also in areas of business and civil society. I've got no doubt that these WLP projects will be successfully implemented and will make a significant contribution to the targeted communities," noted the Ambassador.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Seventy percent of Australia Awards graduates are women, and the WLP aims to improve their leadership skills and enable them to compete successfully for senior leadership and decision-making positions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9164">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Cadip.org:_Volunteer_in"></a>Cadip.org: Volunteer in Mongolia<span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>DEVELOPING A SUMMER FARM CAMP FOR CHILDREN</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>DEVELOPING AN ECO-FARM AND TRAINING CENTER</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>SUMMER CAMP FOR MONGOLIAN CHILDREN</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>TEACHING ENGLISH TO STUDENTS IN ULAANBAATAR</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://cadip.org/volunteer-in-mongolia">Link to page</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s1600/image006-794035.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s320/image006-794035.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939170294499858" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Culture></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Culture & Society<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_The_crisis_in"></a>The crisis in Mongolia you didn't know about<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 4 (Zoomin.TV) In Mongolia, a typically rare climate crisis has unfortunately become not so rare. Herds are dying by the millions and the Red Cross is stepping in.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRmDDOeGqGM">Link to video</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Tsaatan_–_The"></a>Tsaatan – The Reindeer Herders of Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 14 (Caravan Outdoors) <b>Tsaatan</b> is a Turkic nomadic tribe of people living in the northern Mongolia. They are mostly popular for their lifestyle revolving only around the Reindeer. A smaller community comprising of nomadic people have a simpler lifestyle.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Overview<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Tsaatan</b> or <b><i>Dukha people</i></b> belong to a small <i>Tuvan Turkic community</i> of reindeer herders living in northern Khövsgöl Aimag of Mongolia, formerly USSR. The name Tsaatan means 'those who have reindeer' in the local dialect. They invest their entire life rearing, herding and taming the Reindeer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are only about 40 houses or around 300 Tsaatan people left in the region who still practice their nomadic lifestyle. The dwindling number of reindeer in the wild is the major reason for the shrinkage of the community.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The reindeer are mostly tamed for commute and riding around. They aren't used for pulling the sledge. The practice of rearing reindeer is to produce milk, cheese and butter for daily consumption. The lack of vegetation and other meal substitute makes Tsaatans to depend entirely on their pets for food.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Children are taught to tame reindeer at the young age, as the early part of their life revolves around controlling the beasts for various purposes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>If there were no reindeer we would not exist<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>History</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Originally from the Tuva region of Russia, the Tsaatan are the last groups of nomadic reindeer herders in the world. They practice the <b><i>Shaman</i></b> religion; they are indebted to their local environment and perform many mystical rituals to help cater their nomadic lifestyle.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Present Day<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tuva was annexed to the USSR in 1944, hence the border was closed and monitored. During and after WWII, most Tsaatans fled from their homeland to settle in the nearby Mongolia. Moving out of USSR had many benefits; they shared trade and cultural relations with the Mongolian herders, elevate food shortages during the time of war, save domesticated animals from being requisite by the USSR, diseases and famine, etc.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After constant deportations from the Mongolian government, they finally received the official status to stay in Monglia in 1956. Today, they still practice their nomadic lifestyle in peace.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Meet the Tsaatan Nomads</b> @<i><a href="http://www.boredpanda.com/meeting-the-tsaatan-nomads-in-mongolia/" target="_blank">BoredPanda</a></i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://aboutoutdoors.wordpress.com/2017/03/14/tsaatan-the-reindeer-herders-of-mongolia/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Funny_Thing_Happened"></a>Funny Thing Happened Last Week: John Oliver, Dalai Lama, Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>By Julian Dierkes</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 15 (Mongolia Focus) One of the reasons I encourage graduate students to be strategic about communicating their research results is that you never know when and on what topic the public comes knocking on your door.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Sometimes the public comes in the form of a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLY45o6rHm0&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">John Oliver interview with His Holiness the Dalai Lama</a>, viewed more than 4.5 million in the first five days since it was posted.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Obviously, the Dalai Lama is well-known for his sense of humour, so perhaps not surprising that he would be interviewed for a comedy news show.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In this vein, perhaps it is also not so surprising that he ended up talking about fermented mare's milk in Mongolia. Hey, why not?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>And as <a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/category/author/tsogtbaatar-byambaa/">Tsogtbaatar</a> B says (more about that below),<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Well, who am I to judge Dalai Lama?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Sudden Interest in Alcoholism in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Obviously, when the Dalai Lama mentions something, and even more when he does so in response to a John Oliver question, the world appears to get interested.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In the case of our Mongolia Focus blog, that means the world suddenly got interested in a post that Mendee wrote in 2012: "<a href="https://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/2012/mongolia-without-vodka-cheers-with-milk/">Mongolia – Without Vodka, Cheers with Milk</a>".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Now, as blogs are organized chronologically, a 2012 post is buried pretty deeply on our blog. We have written over 450 posts in the 5 1/2 years of operation of our blog until today (March 2017), so it is highly unlikely that anyone would find this blog post by clicking on <next post>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>But, somehow, someone found the post and posted a link on a <a href="http://skeptics.stackexchange.com/questions/37483/did-the-dalai-lama-cause-mongolians-to-significantly-reduce-their-alcohol-consum">scientific skepticism site</a>. I can't quite figure out whether it is this post that has driven traffic, but more than 500 people read that post in the days after the John Oliver segment aired.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Just to put this in perspective, apart from election coverage when we see huge spikes in readership, a regular blog post does well when it gets over 100 readers in the first couple of days after posting. There are exceptions, like <a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/2017/guest-post-erdenet-nationalization-privatization/" target="_blank">Marissa Smith's recent guest post on the Erdenet NoSale</a> which has been read more than 500 times since it came out already, but 500 readers for a 2012 post is a very big number, even in the grand scheme of things, i.e. the <b>over of a quarter million page views that our blog has had since we started writing</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In the world of blogging about Mongolia, that's about as viral as you're going to get, even if it is only 0.01% of the viewership of the John Oliver video.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>And then, the Media<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Not surprisingly, as John Oliver's brand of news comedy seems to be popular with journalists and the public, this mention of Mongolian alcohol abuse also caught the attention of journalists.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>And sure enough, some days after the interview, a post showed up on U.S. <a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/">National Public Radio's Goats and Soda blog</a>: "<a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2017/03/09/519226175/looking-into-the-horse-milk-story-that-the-dalai-lama-told-john-oliver">Looking into the Horse Milk Story that the Dalai Lama Told John Oliver</a>". An aside: the <a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2014/07/08/329578819/whats-in-our-name-why-goats-why-soda" target="_blank">name for this health blog "Goats and Soda" apparently derived from some travel in Africa where goats and carbonated sugar water seemed ubiquitous</a>, but obviously, any blog that has "goats" in the name seems an appropriate place for writing about Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Since Pres. Elbegdorj' office didn't respond to a request for an interview (perhaps, the <a href="https://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/category/religion/dalai-lama/">Dalai Lama</a> remains too controversial a topic for officials following the recent spat with China over HHDL's visit in November 2016), NPR's Angus Chen turned to blogging experts on Mongolia. The story thus cites Mendee J, co-founded and frequent <a href="https://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/author/mendee/">contributor to this blog</a>, but also <a href="https://twitter.com/TsogtbaatarB" target="_blank">Tsogtbaatar B</a>. Not only was I a member of Tsogoo's dissertation committee, but he has also <a href="https://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/category/author/tsogtbaatar-byambaa/">written for this blog</a> in the past while now serving as the director of the Public Health Institute of Mongolia. Since his work is directly related to this story, I hope that the sudden media attention raises awareness of public health issues Mongolia is facing in Mongolia itself and abroad.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Who Cares?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://twitter.com/allysonseaborn">Allyson Seaborn</a> along with many other people most likely, was somewhat annoyed by the John Oliver-HHDL hoopla after a few days.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I will note here that the substance of the Oliver-HHDL interview is not really quite worth commenting on.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Of course, the Dalai Lama did not cure alcoholism. Of course, horse milk is typically consumed as airag, i.e. fermented, and thus alcoholic. Of course, Mongolians and many other people have been consuming fermented mare's milk for many centuries. And of course, Oliver and HHDL both capitalize on the exoticization of Mongolia as "Outer Mongolia" and of fermented mare's milk.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>But the fact that Mendee's very old blog post has found hundreds of readers is of interest to me. Some of those readers were hopefully interested in other blog posts. Maybe some of them even got more interested in Mongolia than an initial "oh, how exotic way". That is often not easy to achieve when you're offering analysis of contemporary Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Conclusion</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As researchers, we should be ready to leverage the attention that sometimes random connections might bring, to raise awareness of our analyses and the issues we care about.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/2017/john-oliver-dalai-lama-alcoholism-horsemilk/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Author_L.Ulziitugs's_book"></a>Author L.Ulziitugs's book published in French, introduced in Brussels <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 15 (MONTSAME) The Embassy of Mongolia to the Kingdom of Belgium in collaboration with the European Institute for Asian Studies organized an introductory event of the "Aquarium" story collection of Mongolian author L.Ulziitugs' in Brussels, Belgium on March 13.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The event was opened by a speech of O.Och, Ambassador of Mongolia to the Kingdom of Belgium. The book was published by a French publishing company "Borealia" and is the fourth Mongolian book to be translated to French.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also, author L.Ulziitugs and his husband G.Ayurzana, who is also a famous Mongolian writer attended a book exhibition took place in Brussels on March 9-13. The exhibition annually takes place in order to promote literature that are being published into French language and well-respected writers from France, Switzerland, Luxemburg and Canada participate in the event.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is perceived from the fact that Mongolian authors attending the exhibition was of great importance in promoting the Mongolian literature.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/9177">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s1600/image006-794035.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s320/image006-794035.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939170294499858" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Nature></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Nature & Environment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Cabinet_determines_nature"></a>Cabinet determines nature reserve boundaries in two aimags<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 16 /MONTSAME/ During its regular meeting on March 15, the Cabinet approved the boundaries for nature reserves in two aimags.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Firstly, the boundary of the Tost, Toson Bumba Mountain Nature Reserve in Gurvantes soum of Umnugobi aimag was determined as 743058.00 ha area.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In connection with the decision, corresponding officials and ministers were ordered to reach consensus on termination of mining licenses within the nature reserve boundary with the license holders. The Cabinet's decision increases the total area of nationally protected areas by 0.4 percent.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Secondly, the Cabinet defined the boundary of Noyon Mountain Range Nature Reserve which covers territories of Mandal soum, Selenge aimag and Bornuur and Batsumber soums of Tuv aimag. The nature reserve's boundary has been finalized as 11127.05 ha area in Selenge aimag and 650.0 ha area in Tuv aimag.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thus, 11837.05 ha area surrounding the Noyon Mountain Range Nature Reserve is now protected by the Government, increasing the total area of protected areas by 0.04 percent. There are 5 special mining and exploration licenses in the now protected area.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Noyon Mountain Range is rich in historical and archaeological remains. Corresponding organizations and governors were assigned to hold talks with related sides on the issue of nature reserve compensations and register them to database.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9184">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s1600/image006-794035.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s320/image006-794035.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939170294499858" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Sports></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Sports<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_Japan_to_train"></a>Japan to train best of Mongolian fencing athletes <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 15 (MONTSAME) Mongolian best fencing athletes to leave for Japan on Friday, March 16, to have a 10-day joint training with Japanese fencers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Fencing Association of Mongolia and Imabetsu town in the Aomori prefecture, Japan signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2015 with an aim to increase cooperation between two sides in the build-up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Within the framework of the cooperation, Mongolian fencers are involved in joint training in Japan annually and this year is the second time of the training.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Previously, only around 40 people were engaged in fencing and now the number have increased to over 300 as more and more people in Mongolia are becoming interested in this sport.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9172">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_the_location"></a>Mongolia the location for world's toughest motorcycle challenge<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>BMW owners can get involved by signing up to the Spring Bank Holiday qualifier in Ystradgynlais, South Wales<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 16 (Press Association) The next edition of one of the world's toughest motorcycle challenges will take place in Mongolia, with amateur riders set to battle their way through mountains, deserts and rivers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The sixth BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy, due to be held in early summer 2018, will pit teams of non-professional riders from all over the world against one another, to complete riding, adventure and teamwork challenges in the sparsely populated wilds of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>BMW riders in the UK are invited to attend the qualifier over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend (May 28 – 29) in Ystradgynlais, South Wales, where they will undertake a series of tasks and challenges, which mimic those of the Trophy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Enduro specialist Simon Pavey, who runs BMW Off Road Skills, where the UK qualifier will take place, commented on the news of the location for the challenge.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Mongolia is a pretty interesting choice for the Trophy as it's quite a remote location," he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"It will be amazing for the competitors as it's not like a motorcycle race, it's more like a gymkhana – like the Camel Trophy was for four wheel drives back in the day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The Trophy is always about having surprises and getting competitors to think, and there will definitely be surprises."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Previously, the biennial expeditions have been held in North and South Africa, North and South America and Southeast Asia. In the 2016 event, 19 teams of riders covered more than 1,400km in seven days, through treacherous terrain in brutal temperatures.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Teams from 16 countries, including Argentina, France, Russia and South Korea are so far confirmed to take part in the 2018 event, with an international female team also set to compete following a successful introduction in 2016.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The top performers in each national qualifier will go through to a final, where three will be selected for positions on their country's team. Meanwhile, the highest-scoring two women in each qualifier will be put forward for an international final, to fight for a spot on the female team.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The chosen riders will then be kitted up and flown to Mongolia, where they will take part in the challenge on GS motorcycles.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>To be eligible to take part in the GS Trophy qualifier, riders need only be current owner of a BMW motorcycle, aged over 21 and hold a full motorcycle licence and British passport. A £99 entry fee is required.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://uk.news.yahoo.com/mongolia-location-world-toughest-motorcycle-162948830.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Similar:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.cxpress.co.za/editors-desk/gs-challengers-gun-for-mongolia-in-sweltering-storms-river-sun/">GS challengers gun for Mongolia in sweltering Storms River sun</a></span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> – <i>Cxpress</i>, March 15<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s1600/image006-794035.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s320/image006-794035.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939170294499858" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Art></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Art & Entertainment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_artist_exhibits"></a>Mongolian artist exhibits in Austria<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 15 (news.mn) Mongolians living in Austria in cooperation with the Administration of the Schruns municipality of the federal state of Vorarlberg has organized a cultural event entitled 'die Mongolei zu Gast in Montafon' ('Mongolia visits Montafon') for promoting Mongolian traditions. Montafon is the name of a beautiful Alpine valley in Vorarlberg.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On the sidelines of the event, the 'Mongolica' art exhibition by the artist S.Purevkhuu, opened on 10<sup>th</sup> of March at the MAP gallery. On display are over 30 works of art. The exhibition was officially opened by Vorarlberg State Cultural Director and Member of the Austrian Parliament K.Burkhart and J.Sereenjav, who is a coordinator of tours from Mongolia to Austria. The Mongolian folk band 'Kukh Mongol' performed during the opening ceremony.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327496">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s1600/image006-794035.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s320/image006-794035.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939170294499858" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Travel></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Travel<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_Khuvsgul_ice_festival"></a>Khuvsgul ice festival attracts tourists from 70 countries<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 15 (news.mn) Last week, more than 10,000 Mongolians and foreign tourists and some 2,000 vehicles congregated at the village of Khatgal in the northern Khuvsgul aimag (province) . The reason - the 'Blue Pearl - 2017' ice festival which took place on the frozen Lake Khuvsgul. The lake is truly beautiful and is an ecological gem.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Ice Festival has been organized since 2000, with the aim for promoting winter tourism. This year's highlights included a show performed by the Hockey Club of Mongolia and dogsled tours.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Festival-goers also enjoyed taking photographs with the reindeer, the sixth type of livestock in Mongolia (along with the horses, cows, yaks, sheep and goats). They also had the opportunity of witnessing the lifestyle of the reindeer herders, native only to the Khuvsgul taiga. Amateur competitions, such as an ice-knuckle-bone throwing contest, a race of sled horses, tug-o-war, sumo wrestling and traditional costume shows, were held.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Five Ambassadors and professional photography teams from 12 countries participated in the ice festival. The number of festival-goers has almost doubled compared to that of 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327498">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Condé_Nast_Traveler"></a>Condé Nast Traveler Videos: The Mongolian Way of Life<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 15 (Condé Nast Traveler) Conde Nearly half of Mongolia's population of 3 million lives in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar—but there's still a thriving nomadic culture crossing the vast countryside. There are eagle hunters, farmers, and families living in ger (or "yurts") with horses and goats in tow. More and more travelers are exploring Mongolia's natural beauty, but to really understand it, you have to travel off-road through the mountains and steppes and meet its people.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://video.cntraveler.com/watch/mongolia-tk">Link to video</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Compass_Expeditions_–"></a>Compass Expeditions – New Motorcycle Tour – Mongolia magic<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>Only if we get to stay in a yurt.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 15 -- Compass Expeditions is excited to announce our latest unique riding destination, Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"This is definitely one of the most exciting, remote and rarely visited regions left on earth, its true last frontier stuff", says Compass Expeditions director Mick McDonald, "Mongolia is always a standout highlight for our riders on the epic 105 day Road of Bones Expedition" continues Mick.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia has one of the last surviving nomadic societies left on earth with over 50% of the population still living a nomadic lifestyle totally dependent on the remote summer pastures; riding Mongolia perhaps offers riders the last glimmer of total riding freedom on earth and a wonderful disconnect from our manic world.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Compass Expeditions has a great knowledge of Mongolia and is offering a 14-day all-inclusive ride of this stunning landscape of towering mountains, crystal clear lakes, vast open grasslands dotted with ger camps and Buddhist monasteries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more details on this rare opportunity to ride this "last frontier" in 2018 please contact craig@compassexpeditions.com or call 1300 887 327 (within Australia) or +61 3 9747 2379 (outside Australia)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://blog.motorcycle.com/2017/03/15/motorcycle-news/ride-mongolia-compass-expeditions/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s1600/image006-794035.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KeqAHeKfYyFzNIsiDpkNLo16t9GxFjJG4I9OUF-iPAe7wfThhJ-gRsw6GiPNTssOWNJ0DOQayInX6Kv-ME8W69p5r1ULzqPMwofOAGog7AjyzcmLKxRYYFoWiohMooOaBRa5dE6-KaQ/s320/image006-794035.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939170294499858" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#365F91'>---<br></span><b><span style='color:#44546A'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimee6HozG1czd-Tj4sMNHqNz_8Hg1wnlLHAdwJPu_bO5ybAgCZkO4gWhwTIxTXQwQ4iAvqDnKEEKOhib3hNxrWLVHbF60cHHVwqWYWH5JxyGxwhtX7iYW8mcGvMSJI3otkNs5_-jzvjOA/s1600/image010-708231.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimee6HozG1czd-Tj4sMNHqNz_8Hg1wnlLHAdwJPu_bO5ybAgCZkO4gWhwTIxTXQwQ4iAvqDnKEEKOhib3hNxrWLVHbF60cHHVwqWYWH5JxyGxwhtX7iYW8mcGvMSJI3otkNs5_-jzvjOA/s320/image010-708231.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939235447958578" /></a></span></b><span style='color:#365F91'><br></span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><span style='color:#365F91;text-decoration:none'><a 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href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjHNBEvnBP-KjLN7oKkicKIT3-6L3D1p5qhPVIGTE31X45qsmvqMbhqmDHedRgcDCfOVLwImLyvgo2aaLlaQwSbGQnn5qGCPqyat_sKZIjRzM0VXXHqE9WmaAyfwpAltHyrwMmUfWeLg/s1600/image015-721978.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHjHNBEvnBP-KjLN7oKkicKIT3-6L3D1p5qhPVIGTE31X45qsmvqMbhqmDHedRgcDCfOVLwImLyvgo2aaLlaQwSbGQnn5qGCPqyat_sKZIjRzM0VXXHqE9WmaAyfwpAltHyrwMmUfWeLg/s320/image015-721978.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939293346123570" /></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'> </span><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:#365F91;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8p8CcmmNuQsfR3LD2TsK-qnIOUjblm3x1A4cwzF-UkliOV5cwpmX1w8phB4nyC9RDpLFoY7mzeMtj76RbVv2tWB-04cJ-pyO8G88FkQeMvRg6r891qP68CjiY1G4Cf4SZJRz2XsotgA/s1600/image016-724224.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8p8CcmmNuQsfR3LD2TsK-qnIOUjblm3x1A4cwzF-UkliOV5cwpmX1w8phB4nyC9RDpLFoY7mzeMtj76RbVv2tWB-04cJ-pyO8G88FkQeMvRg6r891qP68CjiY1G4Cf4SZJRz2XsotgA/s320/image016-724224.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397939305480050466" /></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Suite </span><span lang=MN style='color:#1F497D'>303</span><span style='color:#1F497D'>, Level 3, Elite Complex<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>14 Chinggis Avenue, Sukhbaatar District 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia<br></span><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Email</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: </span><a href="mailto:info@covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@covermongolia.com</span></a><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Website</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: <a href="http://www.covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>www.covermongolia.com</span></a></span><u><span style='color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Phone (Office)</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: +976 7711 6779</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:Webdings;color:#339966'>P</span><span style='color:#339966'> </span><span lang=EN-AU style='color:#007F00;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-21357644589162978752017-03-15T12:25:00.000+08:002017-05-02T10:22:43.733+08:00[Courts approve MMC restructuring; Eruu Gol iron mine to list in HK: UB housing prices up; and 3rd anti-pollution rally this Sat]<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-2fYdgHiomq2YJXZFB4ji76dKIirrZUD8guculcXvsEOR9FQsGDV-UNhW-plTFcTiQ5RZkLJ-JcfRSAF3p4D5l4BuzRZSBmB1lmrOqhrWD3G7XgeIovYHFGHiUuaqeWBrJ9yr1vkvXI/s1600/image001-780925.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY-2fYdgHiomq2YJXZFB4ji76dKIirrZUD8guculcXvsEOR9FQsGDV-UNhW-plTFcTiQ5RZkLJ-JcfRSAF3p4D5l4BuzRZSBmB1lmrOqhrWD3G7XgeIovYHFGHiUuaqeWBrJ9yr1vkvXI/s320/image001-780925.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577479549299330" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VeT6j0uzBNuKo6yjOKywpZf7U0WEfME2oc7qS3bpOb3TXXT1xBjuCwc_-pQmApTITUypos3a6vPYK5CnMIEeZamgpvcEkkCPERP4cNeQpKTWCl1aXP0DY9aQSWWxODRobw8YHNYbaoc/s1600/image002-782708.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2VeT6j0uzBNuKo6yjOKywpZf7U0WEfME2oc7qS3bpOb3TXXT1xBjuCwc_-pQmApTITUypos3a6vPYK5CnMIEeZamgpvcEkkCPERP4cNeQpKTWCl1aXP0DY9aQSWWxODRobw8YHNYbaoc/s320/image002-782708.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577486487880178" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Wednesday, March 15, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'>Cover Mongolia</span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span style='color:#4472C4'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></u>, <span style='color:#00B0F0'><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#00B0F0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#2F5597'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#2F5597'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span style='color:black'>, </span><span style='color:#C55A11'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><b><span style='color:#C55A11'>Instagram</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#C00000'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><b><span style='color:#C00000'>YouTube</span></b></a></span> and <span style='color:#FFC000'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><b><span style='color:#FFC000'>Blogspot</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><u>Jump to</u>: <a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> - <a href="#Local">Local Market</a> - <a href="#Economy">Economy</a> - <a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> - <a href="#Business">Business</a> - <a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> - <a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> - <a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> - <a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> - <a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> - <a href="#Sports">Sports</a> - <a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> - <a href="#Travel">Travel</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Headlines in <b><i>Italic</i></b> are ones modified by Cover Mongolia from original<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>HEADLINES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadIntl></a><u><a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MMC:_Cayman,_HK">MMC: Cayman, HK courts approve debt restructuring schemes</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Wang_Tai_(01400)">Wang Tai to buy stake in Eruu Gol iron mine in reverse takeover</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Prophecy_Announces_$400,000">Prophecy Announces $400,000 Private Placement</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_to_cooperate">Mongolia to cooperate with Toronto Stock Exchange</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XHvL9W8sSxZ0g8GjgCWHiPr-cZ3AK5-pFeiffdioXQ2AuqltPtPl6tqyzpREFs0k1HrMmI6S3_TNmgO1zqaVsKZzvWvm3zpZ0LE5YOBX87aNkzi0UYVpo3OmtphFckIbJCp7EEXFVfY/s1600/image003-785010.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XHvL9W8sSxZ0g8GjgCWHiPr-cZ3AK5-pFeiffdioXQ2AuqltPtPl6tqyzpREFs0k1HrMmI6S3_TNmgO1zqaVsKZzvWvm3zpZ0LE5YOBX87aNkzi0UYVpo3OmtphFckIbJCp7EEXFVfY/s320/image003-785010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577496513317778" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadLocal></a><u><a href="#Local">Local Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MSE_Trading_Report:">MSE Trading Report: Top 20 -2.36%, ALL -1.37%, Turnover ₮64.5M Shares, ₮16.9 Billion T-Bills Primary, ₮71.7M Secondary</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0EiQW8dGrJAjY9ido5KFDsIQIDbWEDdodPvDihdiK9NcR9nW7MCCusl1-H36ltqMcjzIb26OsvP-VfjTGqG525me6775u_H5Q6yO8wNeuqzH3vU9d8UgUflk4xjiiYh2PAb9dQx6jkU/s1600/image004-787047.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0EiQW8dGrJAjY9ido5KFDsIQIDbWEDdodPvDihdiK9NcR9nW7MCCusl1-H36ltqMcjzIb26OsvP-VfjTGqG525me6775u_H5Q6yO8wNeuqzH3vU9d8UgUflk4xjiiYh2PAb9dQx6jkU/s320/image004-787047.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577507390983922" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadEconomy></a><u><a href="#Economy">Economy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_MNT_Rates:">MNT gains for 7 straight days</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_UB_Housing_Price">BoM declines USD, CNY bid, ask, MNT swap offers</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_UB_Housing_Price">UB Housing Price Index Rises 2.85% in February, Down 4.44% from 2016</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_may_see">Mongolia may see 7-8 pct economic growth after recovery – IMF</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRyu1_axmZ_lJfg4dMe2rry4MATavrr_92zpQHCE8ymTS3WA_1TzFHpZLjP6Mnx9rf_49whiR-xiPlf2rIoOWgocVykkYmbCtalRkx9hqfkVAi0DBjk_F_UAg7Q7XenlQkI5bZ8Ov3fo/s1600/image005-789286.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRyu1_axmZ_lJfg4dMe2rry4MATavrr_92zpQHCE8ymTS3WA_1TzFHpZLjP6Mnx9rf_49whiR-xiPlf2rIoOWgocVykkYmbCtalRkx9hqfkVAi0DBjk_F_UAg7Q7XenlQkI5bZ8Ov3fo/s320/image005-789286.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577515528060498" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadPolitics></a><u><a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Appeals_court_denies">Appeals court denies S.Zorig family's request for open hearing</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Campaign_launched_in">Campaign launched in Ulaanbaatar to educate the "true" Mongolian</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MP_D.Sumyabazar_appointed">MP D.Sumyabazar appointed President of Mongolia-Japan Business Council</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Agriculture_minister_P.Sergelen">Agriculture minister P.Sergelen visits local industries</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire">AmCham Daily Newswire for March 14, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s1600/image006-791293.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s320/image006-791293.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577522328046690" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadBusiness></a><u><a href="#Business">Business</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_Economic_Forum">Mongolia Economic Forum 2017, March 30-31</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BCM_holds_monthly">BCM holds monthly meeting with "IMF" panel discussion</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_The_8th_National">The 8th National Renewable Energy Forum – Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – 5 May 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_International_Women's_Federation">International Women's Federation of Commerce and Industry Mongolia launched</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s1600/image006-791293.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s320/image006-791293.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577522328046690" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadUlaanbaatar></a><u><a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_3rd_anti-pollution_demonstration">3rd anti-pollution demonstration to be held on March 18</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Ulaanbaatar_to_expand">Ulaanbaatar to expand its tax base, signs MOU with tax authority</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Ulaanbaatar_mayor_meets">Ulaanbaatar mayor meets with the city's entrepreneurs</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s1600/image006-791293.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s320/image006-791293.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577522328046690" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadDiplomacy></a><u><a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Will_a_Selenge">Will a Selenge dam damage Lake Baikal?</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_US_military_aircraft">US military aircraft makes emergency landing at Chinggis Khaan airport</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_secures_safety">Mongolia secures safety for US military plane's emergency landing</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Cuban_biotechnology_delegation">Cuban biotechnology delegation begins visit to Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_Ambassador_to">Mongolian Ambassador to Jordan presents credentials</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Canada-Mongolia_FIPA_investment">Canada-Mongolia FIPA investment accord in effect after ratification by Canadian Parliament, announced during PDAC; full text of agreement</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s1600/image006-791293.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s320/image006-791293.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577522328046690" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadHealthEdu></a><u><a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Russia_to_share">Russia to share experience on tobacco control with Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_From_Mongolia,_With">From Mongolia, With Love</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s1600/image006-791293.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s320/image006-791293.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577522328046690" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadCulture></a><u><a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_UN_dispatches_humanitarian">UN dispatches humanitarian aid to 3500 households</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Exhibition_encourages_women">Exhibition encourages women to embrace their bodies</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mobile_culture_museum">Mobile culture museum tours the countryside</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_War_horse_monument">War horse monument to be inaugurated on Victory Day</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_ICH_of_Mongolia:">ICH of Mongolia: Mongolian traditional art of Khoomei</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Identifying_culinary_development">Identifying culinary development opportunities with chef Ts.Mendjargal</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s1600/image006-791293.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s320/image006-791293.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577522328046690" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadNature></a><u><a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Rare_wild_antelope">Rare wild antelope facing extinction in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_PPR_outbreak_in">PPR outbreak in Mongolia a threat to snow leopards</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Additional_motion_sensor">Additional motion sensor cameras installed in snow leopard habitat</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_2,343_birds_died">2,343 birds died from electric shock in 2013-2016</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s1600/image006-791293.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s320/image006-791293.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577522328046690" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadSports></a><u><a href="#Sports">Sports</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_National_adult_chess">National adult chess championship to be held in Khentii's Dadal</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_prepares_for">Mongolia prepares for Tokyo 2020 with senior coach appointments</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BMW's_International_GS">BMW's International GS Trophy heads to Mongolia for 2018</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s1600/image006-791293.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s320/image006-791293.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577522328046690" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadArt></a><u><a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> <b><o:p></o:p></b></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Crescendo_fine_art">Crescendo fine art exhibition to open at UMA</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Live_concert_of">Live concert of five music genres to be held this Saturday</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_The_Eagle_Huntress:">The Eagle Huntress: eagle eye for a story with wings</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s1600/image006-791293.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s320/image006-791293.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577522328046690" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadTravel></a><u><a href="#Travel">Travel</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_In_the_wilds">In the wilds of Mongolia: Horses, sand dunes and stargazing</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Family_Journey_Among">Family Journey Among Nomads, Khangai Mountains</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s1600/image006-791293.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s320/image006-791293.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577522328046690" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>ARTICLES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=International></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Int'l Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Announcement made after Tuesday market close. <a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=HKG:0975">975</a> trading -1.9% mid-Wed at HK$0.255<o:p></o:p></p><h2><a name="_MMC:_Cayman,_HK"></a>MMC: Cayman, HK courts approve debt restructuring schemes<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 14 -- This announcement (the "Announcement") is made by Mongolian Mining Corporation (In Provisional Liquidation) (the "Company") pursuant to Rule 13.09(1) of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "Listing Rules") and the Inside Information Provisions under Part XIVA of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company is pleased to announce that the Convening Hearing in respect of the Cayman Scheme was heard by the Cayman Court at 9:30 a.m. (Cayman Islands time) on 13 March 2017, during which the Cayman Court granted the Cayman Convening Order, subject to the JPLs providing an undertaking that the proposed Cayman Scheme together with an explanatory statement, appendices thereto shall be disseminated after the Lenders have confirmed that the restructuring documents relating to the Senior Secured Facilities are in agreed form or after a relevant order having been granted by the Cayman Court permitting the dissemination of the scheme documents. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company is also pleased to announce that the Convening Hearing in respect of the Hong Kong Scheme was heard by the Hong Kong Court at 10:00 a.m. (Hong Kong time) on 14 March 2017, during which the Hong Kong Court granted the Hong Kong Convening Order. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company will publish further announcements to update the shareholders and potential investors on progress of the Debt Restructuring as and when necessary, including the dissemination of scheme documents.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2017/0314/LTN20170314785.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=HKG:1400">1400</a> trading -8% mid-Wed after trade resumption<o:p></o:p></p><h2><a name="_Wang_Tai_(01400)"></a>Wang Tai (01400) to buy stake in Eruu Gol iron mine constituting reverse takeover<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>[ET Net News Agency, 14 March 2017] Wang Tai Holdings <a href="http://www.etnet.com.hk/www/eng/stocks/realtime/quote.php?code=01400" target="_blank">(01400)</a> said it agreed to acquire about at least 53% equity interest in Iron Mining International (Mongolia) Limited at HK$6.36 billion.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Wang Tai Holdings is not obliged to complete the acquisition unless it can acquire not less than 90% stake of the target company. The consideration for acquiring 90% or 100% stake in the target company will amount to HK$10.8 billion or HK$12 billion respectively. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The consideration will be satisfied by the allotment and issue of consideration shares at the issue price of HK$0.13 per share, representing a discount of about 72.92% to the closing price of HK$0.48. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The target company is primarily engaged in the exploration, mining, processing, sales and marketing of iron ore in Mongolia. The target group owns iron ore mines at the Eruu Gol Mining Area in Mongolia, namely the Central Section, the East Section and the West Section, each of which contains significant high grade magnetite deposits of iron ore.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Wang Tai Holdings also proposes to place, on a best efforts basis, up to 8,000 million new shares at HK$0.13 per share, representing around 8.64% of the enlarged issued share capital of Wang Tai Holdings. <br>The aggregate gross proceeds from the placing will be HK$1,040 million. Wang Tai Holdings intends to utilise the proceeds for business development of the target group and/or repayment of existing debts of the target group and/or its related entities. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Trading in shares of Wang Tai Holdings will be resumed this morning.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.etnet.com.hk/www/eng/stocks/realtime/quote_news_detail.php?section=related&code=1400&newsid=ETE270314210">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/SEHK/2017/0313/LTN20170313969.pdf">Link to Wang Tai release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=TSE:PCY">PCY</a> closed +0.94% Tuesday at C$4.30<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Prophecy_Announces_$400,000"></a>Prophecy Announces $400,000 Private Placement<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCwire) - <b>Prophecy Development Corp. </b>("<b>Prophecy</b>" or the "<b>Company</b>") (<b>TSX:PCY, OTCPK:PRPCF, Frankfurt:1P2N</b>) announces that it is undertaking a non-brokered private placement (the <b>"Placement"</b>) involving the issuance of 100,000 units (each a <b>"Unit"</b>) at a price of $4.00 per Unit. Each Unit will consist of one Common share in the capital of the Company (a <b>"Share"</b>) and one Share purchase warrant (a <b>"Warrant"</b>). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire an additional Share at a price of $5.00 per Share for a period of five years from the date of issuance. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Company management and directors will subscribe for up to $200,000, being the equivalent of up to 50,000 Units of the Placement. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company expects the Placement to close on or before April 15, 2017 raising total cash proceeds of $400,000 to be used to develop Prophecy's mineral projects and for general working capital purposes. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Units will be subject to a minimum hold period of four months plus one day from the date of issue. Finder's fees may be paid in cash, in certain instances in connection with the Placement. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Placement and payment of any finder's fees are subject to the approval of the TSX and other customary closing conditions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.fscwire.com/newsrelease/prophecy-announces-400000-private-placement">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_to_cooperate"></a>Mongolia to cooperate with Toronto Stock Exchange<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 14 (news.mn) Robert Peterman, director of International Business Development at the Toronto Stock Exchange has met with a high-level Mongolian delegation currently in the city. At the meeting, the two sides agreed to begin dual registration on the stock exchange market. The meeting took place during the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention which was held at the weekend.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Toronto Stock Exchange is listed ninth in world and has a registration of a total of 3278 mining companies and other entities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327391">Link to article</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/9138">MSE to collaborate with Toronto Stock Exchange</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 14<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAur9Wy3vZ_E8atzyqBkm3dKDkas-B9oeT1Xtxj9Up1hQn9QWoq09sOBA_F2aNKGEU8FyhKrRTbMrBFqaD0NwX7aq6bkoShCl04dAtxae_9fnmh5xT90RfhXHT5sxuPxfd1R8epAtVCSE/s1600/image007-793332.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAur9Wy3vZ_E8atzyqBkm3dKDkas-B9oeT1Xtxj9Up1hQn9QWoq09sOBA_F2aNKGEU8FyhKrRTbMrBFqaD0NwX7aq6bkoShCl04dAtxae_9fnmh5xT90RfhXHT5sxuPxfd1R8epAtVCSE/s320/image007-793332.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577531257171634" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Local></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Local Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_MSE_Trading_Report:"></a>MSE Trading Report: Top 20 -2.36%, ALL -1.37%, Turnover <span lang=MN>₮</span>64.5M Shares, <span lang=MN>₮</span>16.9 Billion T-Bills Primary, <span lang=MN>₮</span>71.7M Secondary<span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 14 (MSE) --<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLAP7liRd1a9DBJCAcUDr7JGo1D_dOg-wNU5OImQ5a5eOjVGgs0TN4dmMF_fQ86EiCXXcjzaOYdp6Ls0T7LLTrTOWjFAJw3wU1SL2bZnjqZXAm3yc5i5jPe9s_iv6y7c1N_TxwZM1A_c/s1600/image019-795103.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLAP7liRd1a9DBJCAcUDr7JGo1D_dOg-wNU5OImQ5a5eOjVGgs0TN4dmMF_fQ86EiCXXcjzaOYdp6Ls0T7LLTrTOWjFAJw3wU1SL2bZnjqZXAm3yc5i5jPe9s_iv6y7c1N_TxwZM1A_c/s320/image019-795103.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577540691425458" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/uploads/ariljaa/reports/report_en-17.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yt672AkB0PkodiD9MEFyhzixGl_3GSbtmpTNXvY76fRHsyrItAruPx4T4IU9P4pggYi-oYpdVWuJSJ4Aaf2RfyZTx_aAuWHlKu421zKE8n-5o5mO9lwKAhPqVcmLbOQOVUglVf60IaE/s1600/image008-796892.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6yt672AkB0PkodiD9MEFyhzixGl_3GSbtmpTNXvY76fRHsyrItAruPx4T4IU9P4pggYi-oYpdVWuJSJ4Aaf2RfyZTx_aAuWHlKu421zKE8n-5o5mO9lwKAhPqVcmLbOQOVUglVf60IaE/s320/image008-796892.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577547624524338" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Economy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Economy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>Reds</span> are when MNT fell, <span style='color:#00B050'>greens</span> when it rose.<b> <span style='color:red'>Bold reds</span></b><span style='color:red'> </span>are rates that set a new historic high at the time. </i><o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_BoM_MNT_Rates:"></a><span lang=MN>BoM MNT Rates: </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>Tuesday</span><span lang=MN>, </span>March 14 <span lang=MN>Close </span><o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoTable15Plain5 border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=951 style='width:713.25pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/14</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/13</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/10</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/9</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/7</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/6</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/3</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>4</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>High</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>Date</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1060" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/b27dbc49-e16d-41ae-8557-f99cdb40c367.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e147de94-098c-41fc-a613-e68b961bc287.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>USD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,458.38<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,458.80<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,461.32<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,464.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,466.88</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,468.55</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,470.25</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,470.84</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,470.83</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,473.63</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,498.75</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1061" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/bebede1f-9fde-45e8-9abf-07cee5d98010.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/7fff4ee5-d12c-4bd2-8a56-d47fa1ab5b0d.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>EUR</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,615.22<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,629.93<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,607.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,595.95<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,613.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,616.42</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,598.95</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,604.14</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,617.84</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,608.32</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,681.43</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/10/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1062" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/280be717-5c83-46be-b0c7-d0b2cf9575f2.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/73256f8e-4c86-438d-9d39-350646eb7f40.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>JPY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.35<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.44<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.33<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.51<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.69</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.62</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.64</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.92</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.85</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>23.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/9/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1063" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0e866dbf-0eff-45bc-aa83-c145b2345900.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/170ec7e9-2636-4b7d-a624-7ae9fef54841.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>GBP</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,983.49<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,005.02<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,992.60<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,995.36<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,015.51</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,029.40</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,030.01</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,035.80</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,100.15</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,086.72</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>3,183.26</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>8/13/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1064" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/33370dc8-8964-434b-8694-6462f39746fb.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a481156f-5e01-436d-b063-c22ecd3ed0dd.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>RUB</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>41.69<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>41.61<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.57<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.35</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.31</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.33</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.73</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>54.32</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>6/27/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1065" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/c37f3eb9-e9ba-4c1d-bc0f-2669bc4c1412.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/56dc9518-41a5-4bb4-9d57-167f6de07f2e.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CNY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>355.30<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>356.03<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>355.82<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>356.41<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>357.53</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>357.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>357.85</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.01</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.62</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.70</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>363.02</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/5/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1066" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e5792094-f0b8-4c3a-a82b-97ddd5401a38.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ab781b89-2767-4b9c-b3cb-b3c6cc603016.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>KRW</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.14<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.14<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.13<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.13<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.15</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.13</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.13</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/6/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1067" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/75233918-55b6-4977-a5ef-f682c93bbdb0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/9a4a44a5-6be7-4141-8159-5aa30a12bb45.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>SGD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,737.19<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,741.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,735.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,736.07<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,749.50</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,750.12</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,746.44</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,751.75</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,758.66</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,750.00</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,758.66</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/24/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1068" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a8311ed8-a900-4237-bf18-4ebf7b10bbf0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/53fdb4a8-f38e-4f01-b01a-c2dee4a6895d.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CAD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,825.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,827.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,823.13<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,826.88<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,842.12</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,841.24</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,844.09</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,850.82</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,888.08</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,881.52</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,908.84</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/18/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1069" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/5d744e37-53d2-4c10-aa04-7bc77a3c3abc.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/6ec5578f-dca9-4257-b326-e755e3b2400b.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>AUD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,855.22<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,862.05<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,851.40<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,853.05<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,877.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,871.53</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,866.15</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,892.17</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,906.25</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,902.35</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/16/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1070" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6f012c2-8c16-455d-b0b0-8427d7512a2b.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6b9f8ce-b8d2-4ce7-bdce-b85ce1812325.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>HKD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.42<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.99<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>317.26<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>317.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>317.95</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.18</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.29</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.40</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.78</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>322.21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1071" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0588bbef-101c-4211-8d37-8045475e110d.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ae638f8b-a29a-4d70-90b3-52ad2a79d482.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CHF</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,435.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,431.45<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,430.69<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,427.47<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,439.32</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,446.41</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,439.39</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,445.65</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,456.83</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,447.81</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,497.77</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/09/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:red'>Bank USD rates at time of sending</span></b>: <a href="https://www.khanbank.com/en/home/rates">Khan</a> (Buy ₮2,448 Sell ₮2,460), <a href="http://tdbm.mn/en/exchange">TDB</a> (Buy ₮2,450 Sell ₮2,460), <a href="https://www.golomtbank.com/home/citizen">Golomt</a> (Buy ₮2,445 Sell ₮2,458), <a href="http://xacbank.mn/en/calculator/rates">XacBank</a> (Buy ₮2,448 Sell ₮2,458), <a href="https://www.statebank.mn/w/en/m1">State Bank</a> (Buy ₮2,448 Sell ₮2,460)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/graphic_dailyrate.aspx">USD (blue), CNY (red) vs MNT</a> in last 1 year:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhRZWxtCyKKKYk71ckSJ5_j6ku-GnBuUfYG6EUQT3Kwdw0ETq0NPIVoJDgY9eZbs9Xsi5XOxNDb2L_uozfSB3DIFyRufoEsUgohh15cP2H_H79EB5OrpEZUCnlwJvVVvhXEmYVUKQ5dg/s1600/image020-798869.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhRZWxtCyKKKYk71ckSJ5_j6ku-GnBuUfYG6EUQT3Kwdw0ETq0NPIVoJDgY9eZbs9Xsi5XOxNDb2L_uozfSB3DIFyRufoEsUgohh15cP2H_H79EB5OrpEZUCnlwJvVVvhXEmYVUKQ5dg/s320/image020-798869.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577555448673890" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistofficialdailyrate.aspx">Link to rates</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2>BoM declines USD, CNY bid, ask, MNT swap offers<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 14 (Bank of Mongolia) Spot trade: <b>Commercial banks bid weighted average rate of MNT2458.10 for USD1.3 million</b>, <b>asked weighted average rate of MNT2458.62 for USD5.4 million</b> and <b>bid weighted average rate of MNT353.08 for CNY39.0 million</b> respectively. The BoM did not accept the bid offers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Swap and forward trade: The BoM received buying bid offers of USD1.5 million of MNT swap agreements from commercial banks and the BoM not accept the bid offers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=182">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_UB_Housing_Price"></a>UB Housing Price Index Rises 2.85% in February, Down 4.44% from 2016<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing>By BoM Research Division, Tenkhleg Zuuch LLC.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 14 (Bank of Mongolia) Following is the public report of the February 2017 results of the "Housing Price Index" (HPI) research conducted independently by Tenkhleg Zuuch LLC at the request of Mongol Bank.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The research shows that the <b>general index of housing price was 1,01 in </b>February 2017. It shows a growth by 0.9<b> percent</b> in January 2013. The index increased by 2.85 percent compared to the previous month. The general index dropped by 0.07% compared to the starting period, and by 4.44 % compared to the same month in previous year. Below are the Price index indicators classified by new and old houses.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>The new house </b>price index was at <b>1</b>,<b>14</b> percent. This shows a growth by 1.44 percent compared to the previous month. The index dropped by 1.03% compared to an earlier period of this year, and by 2.33% compared to the same month in previous year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>The old house</b> price index was at 0.92. This shows a decline by 7.8 percent in January 2013. The index increased by 0.26 percent compared to the previous month and dropped by 5.53 % compared to the same month in previous year<span lang=MN>. </span><o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td nowrap valign=top style='border:solid #F79646 1.0pt;border-right:none;background:#F79646;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Indicators</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:solid #F79646 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #F79646 1.0pt;border-right:none;background:#F79646;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>General</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:solid #F79646 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #F79646 1.0pt;border-right:none;background:#F79646;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>New houses</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border:solid #F79646 1.0pt;border-left:none;background:#F79646;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Old houses</b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.25pt'><td valign=top style='border:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#FDE9D9;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Index</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;border-right:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;background:#FDE9D9;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>1.01<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;border-right:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;background:#FDE9D9;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>1.14<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;border-right:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;background:#FDE9D9;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>0.92<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.25pt'><td valign=top style='border:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Index change /starting period -2013.01/<o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;border-right:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>0.9%<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;border-right:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>14.3%<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;border-right:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>-7.8%<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:16.6pt'><td valign=top style='border:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#FDE9D9;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:16.6pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Compared to previous month<o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;border-right:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;background:#FDE9D9;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:16.6pt'><p class=MsoNormal>2.85%<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;border-right:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;background:#FDE9D9;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:16.6pt'><p class=MsoNormal>1.44%<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;border-right:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;background:#FDE9D9;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:16.6pt'><p class=MsoNormal>0.26%<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td nowrap valign=top style='border:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Compared to the beginning of the year<o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;border-right:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>-0.07%<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;border-right:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>-1.03%<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;border-right:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal>-0.05%<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:12.1pt'><td valign=top style='border:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#FDE9D9;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:12.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Compared to the same month in previous year<o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;border-right:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;background:#FDE9D9;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:12.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal>-4.44%<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;border-right:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;background:#FDE9D9;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:12.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal>-2.33%<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;border-right:solid #FABF8F 1.0pt;background:#FDE9D9;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:12.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal>-5.53%<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal>HPI was calculated by applying Hedonic regression methods and the calculation was based on the information available for 49<span lang=MN>78</span> old and new houses supplied for sale at the real estate market of Ulaanbaatar for the particular month. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=1447">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='margin-bottom:3.75pt'><a name="_Mongolia_may_see"></a>Mongolia may see 7-8 pct economic growth after recovery – IMF<span style='font-size:28.5pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#232323'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ULAANBAATAR, March 14 (Reuters) - Mongolia can likely look forward to 7-8 percent economic growth once it rebounds from its economic troubles, the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) country head to Mongolia said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"I see 7-8 percent (economic growth), which I think is achievable and sustainable," IMF Resident Representative for Mongolia Neil Saker said at a panel discussion on Monday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>That would still be far slower than the boom days when the resource-rich country grew 17.3 percent in 2011.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The IMF and other partners bailed Mongolia out with a $5.5 billion economic stabilisation package in February, after the landlocked nation was hit hard by an economic crisis in 2016 due to government overspending and declining revenues from commodity exports.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This rescue package boosted investor confidence and helped in a successful debt swap of the $580 million bond due 2017 issued by the state-owned Development Bank of Mongolia (DBM).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Holders of $476 million DBM bonds received new sovereign bonds in exchange and new investors bought $124 million bonds, taking the aggregate of the new sovereign bonds due in 2024 , to $600 million. The remaining $104 million bonds issued by DBM will be redeemed on March 21.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The Development Bank bond is now being settled," Saker said, referring to the bond due on March 21.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Mongolia did a good job talking to investors and the bond was five times oversubscribed."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.kitco.com/news/2017-03-14/Mongolia-may-see-7-8-pct-economic-growth-after-recovery-IMF.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0EiQW8dGrJAjY9ido5KFDsIQIDbWEDdodPvDihdiK9NcR9nW7MCCusl1-H36ltqMcjzIb26OsvP-VfjTGqG525me6775u_H5Q6yO8wNeuqzH3vU9d8UgUflk4xjiiYh2PAb9dQx6jkU/s1600/image004-787047.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0EiQW8dGrJAjY9ido5KFDsIQIDbWEDdodPvDihdiK9NcR9nW7MCCusl1-H36ltqMcjzIb26OsvP-VfjTGqG525me6775u_H5Q6yO8wNeuqzH3vU9d8UgUflk4xjiiYh2PAb9dQx6jkU/s320/image004-787047.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577507390983922" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Politics></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Politics & Legal<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_Appeals_court_denies"></a>Appeals court denies S.Zorig family's request for open hearing<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 14 (news.mn) The much-publicised murder case of the renowned political figure S.Zorig has gone to the Municipal Court of Appeals in the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar. Bayar, brother of the murdered politician has attended the hearing which took place on Tueday, 14<sup>th</sup> of March. The attorney of the former member of parliament S.Oyun, younger sister of the murdered politician and founder of the Zorig Foundation participated in the hearing. S.Oyun filed a complaint to the Court of Appeals following the initial court decision; this was subsequently accepted and the date announced.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The defendants in the S.Zorig murder case were not present in the court. After the trials, conducted last December behind closed doors, Ts.Amgalanbaatar, T.Chimegee and O.Sodnomdarjaa were sentenced to between 24 and 25 years of imprisonment for violent assault motivated by greed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>S.Zorig was an iconic figure in Mongolia's peaceful democratic revolution in the early 1990s. At the time of his brutal murder in 1998, he was a senior member of the government. Many questions have been asked as to why no-one was charged with the murder of such a renowned political figure for almost twenty years. Clearly, the December verdict leaves questions unanswered.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327387">Link to article</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9141">Court of Appeals conducting closed trial in murder of S.Zorig</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 14<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Campaign_launched_in"></a>Campaign launched in Ulaanbaatar to educate the "true" Mongolian<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 14 (MONTSAME) Launching ceremony for the campaign named "A Mongolian" took place today March 14. The education campaign is being hosted by the Social Development Committee of the Municipal Citizens' Representatives Khural and Education Department of Ulaanbaatar city administration.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The ceremony was held in manner of a discussion, which touched on the upbringing of children and creation of "true Mongolian". <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Throughout the years until 2020, 623 public and private kindergartens, 225 general education schools and eight educational centers will be involved in the campaign.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"A Mongolian" educational campaign's main objectives, in the margin of the implementation of the Comprehensive Policy on National Development under the Sustainable Development Goals, are to pass down the traditional values, compassion for the surrounding environment, to discover and support children's talents, and bringing up the next generation as creative, responsible, far-sighted, hospitable, friendly and honest citizens.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Purpose of education is more than just teaching how to read and write. It has to be an instrument to bring up an individual who possesses responsible life skills and ethical values", said J.Gantulga, head of the Education Department. Therefore, he said, improving educational services and concern for children's upbringing must be in forefront of priorities for educational institutions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Outputs of the campaign are to be analyzed by June 1, 2020.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Present at the launching ceremony were, Minister of Education J.Batsuuri, campaign initiator and Chairman of the Social Development Committee of the Citizens Representatives Khural D.Munkhjargal along with the leaders of educational organizations in Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9150">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_MP_D.Sumyabazar_appointed"></a>MP D.Sumyabazar appointed President of Mongolia-Japan Business Council<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 14 (MONTSAME) Mongolia and Japan business council held its meeting yesterday, March 13, appointing president and executive body of the council. MP and head of Mongolian and Japanese Parliamentary Group D.Sumiyabazar was appointed as the President of the council, which is joined by some 60 members.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Over 30 business councils work at the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry aiming to encourage bilateral trade and business ties as well as to support companies and protecting their interests. The Mongolia-Japan Business Council works to improve legal conditions through studying the possibilities of exports, investment and entering of companies to the markets of the two countries within the Economic Partnership Agreement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>" – I will strive to intensify the councils' activities to broaden cooperation and partnership of business entities and to improve trade turnover, making many Mongolian companies to enter the Japanese market and exporting a variety of products to Japan" said the new President of the council D.Sumiyabazar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/9142">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Agriculture_minister_P.Sergelen"></a>Agriculture minister P.Sergelen visits local industries<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 14 (MONTSAME) On March 10, P.Sergelen, Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry of Mongolia visited some larger Mongolian companies, Monfresh Group, Gobi, Sunshiroh and Best Shoes to get familiar with their activities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Firstly, the Minister visited Monfresh Company, which uses 100 percent liquid milk for its milk products and three types of cheese made by French technologies. It provides 15 percent of the domestic consumption and has been exporting its products to Japan since February 2017. J.Temuulen, General Manager of 'Monfresh' company said "We got involved in a project of the Asian Development Bank in 2010 and received USD 2.4 million financing to make technological renovation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Afterwards, the Minister visited Gobi cashmere factory engaged in manufacturing of knitted goods, coat, shawl and blanket. The Gobi Company, employing over 1800 people now, aims to have over 3000 workers by 2020 and to become number 1 cashmere coat manufacturer by 2018.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He then got acquainted with the activities of Sunshiroh, which exports its wool and cashmere goods to the UK, Switzerland and Japan. P.Borkhuu, Director of 'Sunshiroh' Company said that credit system of Mongolia imposes burden on domestic manufacturers. In other words, producers would get benefit from long-term loans with low interest rates.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Minister P.Sergelen visited the last company "Best shoes". B.Tuvdennyam, Director of "Best shoes" Company requested Minister P.Sergelen to continue the government support manufacturers with its procurements and noted that government's promotion with procurement for three years would help local producers to grow further.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In conclusion, Minister P.Sergelen said "In the scope of the 'Industrial 21:100' program, Mongolia needs to increase the capacity of factories and develop small and midsized enterprises. In order that, we are getting familiar with some industries to study the current situation. Subsequently, we will develop a plan to establish new industries and increase the present capacities. The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry will be working to promote local producers of Mongolia".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9134">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for March 14, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>State budget deficit reaches 211.7 billion MNT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The National Statistical Office reported that in February 2017, the state budget deficit had reached 211.7 billion MNT, a decrease of 46.7 billion MNT compared to the same time last year. Budget revenue stood at 963.4 billion MNT and expenditure at 1.1 trillion MNT. Budget revenue increased by 35.9% and expenditure rose by 21.5% from 2016. The drastic increase in income tax revenue and increase in revenue from the payment of fees contributed to the lower budget deficit. Fees that will be applied under the IMF's extended fund facility program is set to be included in the 2017 state budget.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> state budget, deficit, NSO</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Official Gazette /page 11/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>MINING<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Designing cost-efficient megaprojects<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Five feasibility studies are currently being conducted in Mongolia for proposed coal liquefaction and gasification factories. The factories would be built at the Aduunchuluun mine, the Tugrug Lake coal mine, and the Baganuur mine, based on logistics and their proximity to potential markets and available natural resources. The factories will be designed to meet international standards and the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority estimates that 1.1 billion to 2.4 billion MNT of investment is required for their construction. The opening of the factories could bring GDP up to 15% and manufacturing volume could double. Officials note that the outflow of currency could decrease by 15-20%, and the USD exchange rate could decrease by 18-25%. Up to 2.5-6 million tons of coal could be processed at the factories, and 0.4-1.2 million tons of engine oil and 500 to 100,000 tons of liquefied gas could be produced. Erdenes Mongol is set to cooperate with Polaris Asset Corporation on a coal liquefaction fuel project, and according to preliminary estimates, if 10,000 barrels of liquid fuel is produced, 269.5 million USD could be generated for the economy. If financing for the coal liquefaction and gasification factories can be raised, the factories could be operational by 2020.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> coal, development, natural resources</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Official Gazette /page 11/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The results of the Petromatad tender will be announced this month <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Petromatad will announce the results of a tender this month for drilling and other services their two planned oil and natural gas projects in Mongolia, choosing from three companies that sent bids. The deadline for other tender services for the projects has been postponed until May. The Non- Executive Director of Petromatad, Dr. Phil Vingoe, has retired and former CEO of Falkland Oil and Gas Limited Tim Bushell will be the new Non-Executive Director of Petromatad Group. After the news of Bushell's appointment was announced, the company's stock on the London Stock Exchange decreased by 13.6%.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Entrée Gold reported on their operations and says it is planning to invest 1.8 to 2 million USD for marketing and legal expenses to focus on their projects in Nevada and Mongolia. Entrée Gold budgeted 500,000 USD for technical reports for operations at Oyu Tolgoi's Baruun Shivee mine.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Petromatad, oil, natural gas</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Official Gazette /page 11/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ONLINE STORY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>IMF: No deadline set for Mongolia's negotiations to participate in the IMF's EFF program<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Since Parliament's discussion of amendments to the Law on the State Budget has been postponed, the IMF has been patient about the matter. The Resident Representative of IMF noted that there is no deadline for the negotiations for Mongolia to participate in the IMF's extended fund facility (EFF) program, and that it is of the utmost importance that suitable policy for the economy be implemented. In order to participate in the EFF, a total of three billion USD of investment must be secured from international organizations. Currently, discussions are being held at the head office of Asian Development Bank to decide on financing to offer Mongolia. The IMF Representative Office in Mongolia noted that since the financing package has not been concluded, the amount cannot be announced to the public. World Bank noted that once the IMF's financing is concluded, the World Bank will provide support, but the date of issue and the amount of their financing is still unclear.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> IMF, Mongolia, economy</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i><a href="http://bloombergtv.mn/%D0%BE%D1%83%D0%B2%D1%81-%D0%BC%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%BB-%D1%83%D0%BB%D1%81%D1%8B%D0%B3-%D1%82%D1%83%D1%81%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%BC%D0%B6%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D1%85%D3%A9%D1%82%D3%A9%D0%BB%D0%B1%D3%A9%D1%80%D1%82-%D1%85%D0%B0%D0%BC%D1%80%D1%83%D1%83%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%85-%D1%85%D1%8D%D0%BB%D1%8D%D0%BB%D1%86%D1%8D%D1%8D%D0%BD%D0%B4-%D1%8D%D1%86%D1%81%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D1%85%D1%83%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%86%D0%B0%D0%B0-%D0%B3%D1%8D%D0%B6-%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%B9%D1%85%D0%B3%D2%AF%D0%B9/?cid=7" target="_blank">www.bloombergtv.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-march-14-2017/">Link to newswire</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRyu1_axmZ_lJfg4dMe2rry4MATavrr_92zpQHCE8ymTS3WA_1TzFHpZLjP6Mnx9rf_49whiR-xiPlf2rIoOWgocVykkYmbCtalRkx9hqfkVAi0DBjk_F_UAg7Q7XenlQkI5bZ8Ov3fo/s1600/image005-789286.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRyu1_axmZ_lJfg4dMe2rry4MATavrr_92zpQHCE8ymTS3WA_1TzFHpZLjP6Mnx9rf_49whiR-xiPlf2rIoOWgocVykkYmbCtalRkx9hqfkVAi0DBjk_F_UAg7Q7XenlQkI5bZ8Ov3fo/s320/image005-789286.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577515528060498" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Business></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Business<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_Economic_Forum"></a>Mongolia Economic Forum 2017, March 30-31<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia Economic Forum (MEF) 2017 is scheduled to be held on March 30-31st at the State Palace, under the motto "Think sustainable, Act responsible".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The forum aims to bring together policy makers, the private sector, and civil society representatives to discuss economic issues. Over 1,500 participants attend the forum each year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Forum guests include the President of Mongolia, Prime Minister of Mongolia, Speaker of Parliament, Members of Parliament, Cabinet Ministers, representatives of foreign company, local businessmen, public stakeholders, local and international media, and representatives of international organizations. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Registration is now open at <a href="https://meforum.mn/register" target="_blank">www.</a><a href="https://meforum.mn/register%E2%80%8B" target="_blank">meforum.mn/register</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157695">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BCM_holds_monthly"></a>BCM holds monthly meeting with "IMF" panel discussion<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 14 (gogo.mn) On 12 March, Mongolian Business Council held its regular monthly meeting among its members.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the beginning of the meeting, new members of the council were introduced. Following John Langtry, Australian Ambassador to Mongolia briefly introduced Women`s Leadership Program (WLP), which is a sub component of the Australia Awards Mongolia and is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Australia. WLP is designed for male and female alumni of the Australia Awards Mongolia who have completed Masters degree programs in Australia and are currently working as mid career professionals in public, private and civil society organizations. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia has reached Staff-Level Agreement with International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Three-Year Extended Fund Facility. Meeting participants discussed the effects of IMF`s program on economy. Economist D.Jargalsaikhan moderated the discussion and James Anderson, World Bank's Country Manager for Mongolia, Neil Saker, the IMF`s Resident Representative in Mongolia, B.Lkhagvasuren, vice president of Bank of Mongolia answered questions of participants. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>B.Lkhagvasuren, vice president of Bank of Mongolia stated that previous authorities spent US$ 8 billion in vain which caused current budget deficit. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Economist D.Jargalsaikhan noted that now the Government officials will hear our voice. They become more obedient during economic difficulties. Thus we should constantly express our voice and demands.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Participants questioned that in scope of IMF`s Extended Fund Facility Program, Mongolia will increase six types of tax rates and social insurance contributions. Will it shrink the economy and cause bankruptcy for private sector?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In response, Neil Saker, the IMF`s Resident Representative in Mongolia:<b> "</b>Mongolian tax rate is low compared to other developing countries. 10 percent of personal income tax rate is at the same level as countries in the Middle East".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157656">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_The_8th_National"></a>The 8th National Renewable Energy Forum – Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia – 5 May 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 14 (Global Wind Energy Council) Mongolia has huge wind and solar resources. With large areas of Class I and Class II wind, the technical potential for wind power was estimated by NREL in 2001 to be in excess of 1TW. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mongolian government is committed to exploiting the country's rich renewable energy resources in order to meet the rapidly growing energy demand and to improve energy security, and in 2007 the Renewable Energy Law was adopted, introducing a feed-in-tariff for wind power. Additionally, the government's National Renewable Energy Programme for the period 2005-2020 has a target of 20-25% share of renewable energy of total electricity production by 2020, which makes Mongolia one of the most strategic and most ready of the emerging wind markets in East Asia. The FIT, combined with the good wind resource, is already attracting wind developers, with the 50MW 'Salkhit Wind Farm' project in operation since 2013; the second project, the 'Tsetsii Wind Farm', is now under construction in the Gobi Area. There are dozens of other projects in the pipeline and are in varying stages of development.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Join us in Ulaanbaatar on 5 May at the 8th National Renewable Energy Forum, for a full day of dialogue and presentations to gain a better understanding of the real opportunities currently available in Mongolia. GWEC is a co-partner of this event, led by the Mongolian Wind Energy Association and supported by the Ministry of Energy, the Energy Regulatory Commission of Mongolia, the Global Green Growth Institute, and under the auspices of the Prime Minister of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sponsorships are available for this event. Please enquire at <a href="mailto:Isabelle.prosser@gwec.net">Isabelle.prosser@gwec.net</a>. GWEC members benefit from a 20% discount on sponsorship and entrance fees.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.gwec.net/the-8th-national-renewable-energy-forum-ulaanbaatar-mongolia-5-may-2017/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_International_Women's_Federation"></a>International Women's Federation of Commerce and Industry Mongolia launched<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 14 (MONTSAME) The International Women's Federation of Commerce and Industry (IWFCI) Mongolia held its opening ceremony at the ASEM Villa Complex in Ulaanbaatar on March 8 International Women's Day. The ceremony was attended by over 150 representatives from Mongolia, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan and UK and addressed by Kh.Bulgantuya, Deputy Minister of Finance of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The IWFCI NGO, founded in 1992 in Melbourne, Australia, has over 5 million members from China, India, South Korea, USA, Singapore, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Russia. During the International Women's Forum held in Melbourne, Australia in 2016, Mongolia officially received a right to establish its branch in Ulaanbaatar and O.Baigal was appointed as the President of the IWFCI Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On March 9, O.Sodbileg, MP received Dato' Elaine Teh, President of the IWFCI in Malaysia, who also attended the opening ceremony to talk about female business and entrepreneurs and opportunities of international cooperation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9143">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s1600/image006-791293.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s320/image006-791293.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577522328046690" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Ulaanbaatar></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_3rd_anti-pollution_demonstration"></a>3<sup>rd</sup> anti-pollution demonstration to be held on March 18<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 14 (news.mn) Since spring arrived in Mongolia, the skies have cleared and the smoke has decreased. However, the demonstrations against air pollution will continue even during the summer. The third air pollution protest will be organised on Sukhbaatar Square, on 18<sup>th</sup> of March, coinciding with Armed-Services Day. This demonstration will be a crowd funding campaign calling on the government to do more to protect citizens and build hospitals. Since December, these protests have been organised by 'Parents against Air-Pollution'.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Levels of particulate matter in the air have risen to almost 80 times above the recommended safety level set by the World Health Organization - and were five times worse than Beijing during the month of December when the worst smog of the year was recorded. Public anger over the government's handling of pollution has been growing on social media, where residents share pictures of the smog and encourage methods of protection. One of the latest trends is that Mongolians have been changing their profile pictures on Facebook to show themselves wearing air pollution masks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For centuries, Mongolia's nomads have dwelt in tent-like structures made of felt known as gers (yurts). But the promise of a better education and jobs has lured hundreds of thousands to the big city. Ulaanbaatar has 1.3 million residents — almost half the country's population — and gers have proliferated as a cheap and familiar form of housing. With no access to the city's central heating grid, the ger dwellers must burn coal to stay warm. The smoke created by the ger-districts, most of which are located on the city's northern slopes, combines with the winter air to form smog which covers the city in a thick blanket.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327381">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Ulaanbaatar_to_expand"></a>Ulaanbaatar to expand its tax base, signs MOU with tax authority<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 15 /MONTSAME/ "We will work towards expansion of tax base and increase of revenue", remarked Ulaanbaatar Mayor S.Batbold during the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Mongolian Taxation Authority on March 14.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On behalf of the Mongolian Taxation Authority, Director S.Zorig signed the memorandum formalizing the two side's cooperation this year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Mayor's Office is responsible for strengthening the material base of taxation entities and enabling working conditions for the staff which we will ensure. Today, we are establishing a memorandum to cooperate on assistance to taxpayers with the Taxation Authority ", the Mayor said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For his part, the Taxation Authority Director said, "This memorandum is important for laying the foundations for further cooperation between the Taxation Authority and Governors' Offices of districts".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the frameworks of the memorandum, implementation of taxation laws will be ensured in the capital and district levels and realization of VAT law will be intensified.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9157">Link to article</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Ulaanbaatar_mayor_meets"></a>Ulaanbaatar mayor meets with the city's entrepreneurs<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 15 (UB Post) On Tuesday, Mayor of Ulaanbaatar S.Batbold met with entrepreneurs to listen to their ideas and to promote their business initiatives and efforts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Entrepreneur N.Munkhbayar introduced Mayor S.Batbold to his company that makes rubber paving slabs by recycling used tires.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He emphasized that his company's technology has a positive impact on reducing trash and air pollution, and that he wanted to provide Ulaanbaatar with low-priced, domestically made products for its landscaping projects.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mayor S.Batbold told N.Munkhbayar to submit his company's information, including pricing for his products, to the Office of Manufacturing and Innovation, the Procurement Agency of Ulaanbaatar, and other state authorities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mayor said the Ulaanbaatar Mayor's Office will promote entrepreneurs who are creating jobs and developing domestic manufacturing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>N.Ganbaatar, the director of a construction company, said that his company started collaborating with Russian companies to build a 6,837 square meter apartment complex. He said the concrete foundation of the complex was poured four years ago, but their construction project has stopped due to issues concerning the land it sits on.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He asked the Mayor to resolve the problem facing the project. A state official in charge of urban planning told him that the issues concerning the location of the construction project are being investigated by a court, and after Ulaanbaatar's urban planning officials talk with state authorities on land affairs, the Mayor's Office will follow up on the project.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/15/mayor-of-ulaanbaatar-meets-with-the-citys-entrepreneurs/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s1600/image006-791293.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s320/image006-791293.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577522328046690" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Diplomacy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Diplomacy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Will_a_Selenge"></a>Will a Selenge dam damage Lake Baikal?<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 14 (news,mn) Experts from Mongolia and Russia will hold their first meeting in June to discuss the construction of a chain of hydropower plants (HPP) on the Selenga river and its tributaries, Mongolia's Ambassador to Russia, Her Excellency Banzragchiin Delgermaa told TASS on Monday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"A mutual decision was made according to the results of the intergovernmental commission meeting [in December 2016 - TASS] that we will exchange information in the first instance," the diplomat said. "Mongolia has received the conclusions of a specialist French company that also built HPP in Russia, regarding our two projects. According to their conclusion, the construction of the HPP will not actually exert negative influence on the environment. Moreover, Russia has its own conclusions and studies," the ambassador said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"It was decided to set up a joint research team with scientists and experts of both sides," Ambassador Delgermaa said. "We suggested holding the meeting with the participation of Russian and Mongolian experts in March but the Russian group proposed postponing such a meeting until June," she said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Lake Baikal is unique, the ambassador said. "This is not merely a Russian treasure but one belonging to the whole world. Therefore we will undertake measures to prevent environmental problems and will jointly settle any issues arising arising" the diplomat added.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Russian environmental and scientific circles have repeatedly expressed their concerns about Mongolia's plans to build three dams on rivers that feed Lake Baikal, the world's largest and deepest freshwater lake and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Under the plan, three dams are to be built: one on the River Selenge, that accounts for some 80% of all water that flows into the lake, and two at its main tributaries - the Eg and the Orkhon.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The announcement coincided with the unprecedented decline in the Baikal water level that started in the autumn of 2014 and continued through 2016. (Tass.ru)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327399">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_US_military_aircraft"></a>US military aircraft makes emergency landing at Chinggis Khaan airport<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 14 (news.mn) A US military plane made an emergency landing at Chinggis Khaan airport today (13<sup>th</sup>of March). According to our source, the aircraft requested permission to land after one of its four engines failed. Permission was granted and the plane successfully landed at Ulaanbaatar's international airport.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327401">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_secures_safety"></a>Mongolia secures safety for US military plane's emergency landing<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 15 /MONTSAME/ Ulaanbaatar-bound US military airplane C-17 made an emergency landing at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, just reaching its destination.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A faulty engine led to the plane's emergency landing at 13:59 PM on March 14, Tuesday at the capital airport, confirmed Mongolian Civil Aviation Authority. The airplane was conducting a scheduled flight from Qatar to Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Chinggis Khaan International Airport staff secured readiness for the emergency landing of the C-17 airplane operated by 8 crew members, reported the officials.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9154">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Cuban_biotechnology_delegation"></a>Cuban biotechnology delegation begins visit to Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>MONGOLIA, March 13, 2017 (Cuban Embassy in Mongolia) - The delegation of the Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology of Cuba began its working week today with meetings with health authorities, pharmaceutical companies and businessmen interested in the products and therapies developed by the Center. Accompanied by Cuban Ambassador Raúl Delgado Concepción, specialists Dr. Manuel Raíces, Business Executive of the CIGB and Dr. Abel Hernández, Head of Department of Plant Biotechnology held meetings with the two largest Mongolian pharmaceutical companies EM-Impex Concern and "Monos Pharm "LLC and a group of businessmen from the sector convened by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>During the meetings the Mongolian companies and institutions expressed interest in the Cuban products and therapies which were exposed taking into account the main diseases and causes of death in Mongolia. The study by Cuban specialists suggested specific solutions and joint work strategies to combat Diabetes, Hepatitis B, Diabetic foot conditions among other health problems in Mongolia, involving all sectors of society.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>With the arrival tomorrow of Dr. Eulogio Pimentel, Director of CIGB, the program of the delegation will continue with meetings with the Ministry of Health of Mongolia and the National Center for the Study of Infectious Diseases. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.minrex.gob.cu/es/node/39331">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_Ambassador_to"></a>Mongolian Ambassador to Jordan presents credentials<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 14 (MONTSAME) On March 5, Ch.Bayarmunkh, Non Resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan presented his diplomatic credentials to Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, King of Jordan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After conveying greetings from Ts.Elbegdorj, President of Mongolia to King Abdullah II, Ambassador Ch.Bayarmunkh expressed his willingness to work towards intensifying relations and cooperation between Mongolia and Jordan in all spheres of possibilities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>King Abdullah II noted that political collaboration between Mongolia and Jordan is being maintained at a high level and underlined the necessity to broaden and strengthen bilateral ties in the fields of economy, trade and culture. He continued "Jordan will render support to Mongolia in every aspect.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In accordance with the presenting of diplomatic credentials, Ambassador Ch.Bayarmunkh met with dignitaries of Jordan to exchange views on bilateral relations and cooperation between Mongolia and Jordan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9126">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a name="_Canada-Mongolia_FIPA_investment"></a><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1>Canada-Mongolia FIPA investment accord in effect after ratification by Canadian Parliament, announced during PDAC; full text of agreement<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 14 (NAMBC) On March 7, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada's Minister of International Trade, met with H,E, Tsedev Dashdorj, Mongolia's Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry, on the sidelines of the annual convention of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) in Toronto to jointly announce that the long-awaited Canada-Mongolia Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) has entered into force, following its recent ratification by the Canadian Parliament.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This agreement will lead to a more transparent and predictable regulatory environment for Canadian investors. It sets out a framework of legally binding rights and obligations that will protect Canadian investors in Mongolia, and vice-versa. Strong reciprocal protections in the FIPA will help Canadian and Mongolian companies deepen commercial ties with confidence and spur job creation. Canadian Ambassador Ed Jager and Mongolian Foreign Minister Ts. Munkh-Orgil signed the FIPA on September 8, 2016 in Ulaanbaatar after over six years of negotiations; Mongolia's parliament, the State Great Khural, ratified the agreement late last year. The US and Mongolia signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) on October 6, 1994, which entered into force on January 1, 1997<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia is one of 25 nations designated as a "country of focus" for Canada's development funding, with seven operational projects worth $40 million over five years, 2015 to 2020, promoting sustainable economic growth and democratic development. Canada is the second largest foreign investor in Mongolia, largely in the mining sector. In 2015, Statistics Canada estimated Canadian investment in Mongolia at approximately $6.4 billion.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Click <a href="http://international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/mongolia-mongolie/fipa-apie/text-texte/canada_mongolia-mongolie.aspx?lang=eng&_ga=1.9431037.958617860.1489357253" target="_blank">here</a> for full text of Canada-Mongolia FIPA 2017</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Click <a href="https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/43579.pdf" target="_blank">here</a> for full text of US-Mongolia BIT 1997</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://nambc.org/canada-mongolia-fipa-investment-accord-in-effect-after-ratification-by-canadian-parliament-announced-during-pdac-full-text-of-agreement/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s1600/image006-791293.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s320/image006-791293.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577522328046690" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HealthEdu></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Health & Education<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Russia_to_share"></a>Russia to share experience on tobacco control with Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 14 (MONTSAME) Delegates from the Russian Federation, including Olga Knorre, member of the Coordinating Council for Tobaccor Control and Victor Zikov, Deputy Head of the Federal Research Institute for Health Organization and Informatics of the Ministry of Health of Russia are paying an official visit to Mongolia with a view to support Mongolia on including principles of the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC) into the Mongolian Law on Tobacco Control.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Health Minister of Mongolia A.Tsogtsetseg met with the delegates today, March 14 to exchange views on the legal environment of tobacco control and emphasized on a demand to make amendments to Law on Tobacco Control of Mongolia in compliance with social needs. The Russian specialists shared their experience on tobacco control and expressed their willingness to work with related officials of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia became a party to WHO The Framework Convention for Tobacco Control (FCTC) in 2004 and ratified the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, which followed the FCTC in 2012. The Law on Tobacco Control of Mongolia was developed and approved in 1993 and revised in 2005, 2012 and 2015 respectively.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9151">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_From_Mongolia,_With"></a>From Mongolia, With Love<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 13 (Love Without Boundaries Foundation) Over the last fourteen years of our work providing pediatric medical care, children born with congenital heart defects have always been so dear to us. As most of you know, LWB actually began trying to help one little baby get the heart surgery he needed. Today, keeping in mind baby Kang who began it all for us, we are asking you to consider helping a beautiful baby girl from Mongolia get her life-saving operation and a chance for a healthy future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia lies between Russia to the north and China to the south, and it is the most sparsely populated country on earth. Winters in this expansive land are cold and harsh, and access to complex medical care can be challenging.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>We recently learned about a five-month-old little girl we are calling Annabelle. Born to an impoverished family, Annabelle has a large VSD (a hole between the lower chambers of her heart). This causes her to feel weak and to have to breathe harder than normal. More dangerously, this VSD is causing high pressure in the blood vessels to her lungs. Left untreated, this will cause permanent damage and will eventually end her life. The doctors in Mongolia who evaluated Annabelle told her family that their only hope is to find a heart center outside of Mongolia who can perform surgery.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>LWB has arranged for Annabelle and her family to fly to China in order to have surgery with the wonderful pediatric heart surgeons at Fudan Children's Hospital. Doctors feel surgery should be done as soon as possible, and so everything has come together quickly. Annabelle is actually leaving Mongolia today. Her family does not speak Mandarin or English, so LWB staff in China have arranged for Mongolian students in Beijing to meet the family and help them through the process of connecting to their flight headed to Shanghai. Additional volunteer students will meet the family in Shanghai and help them get to the hospital for check-in. Such a wonderful team effort!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Surgery is estimated to cost $10,000, and we are still in need of $9,300 to pay for this essential operation. We are so glad that we can show "Love Without Boundaries" to this desperate family from Mongolia as we work together to make sure their beautiful daughter has a chance at a full and healthy life.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Thank you for thinking of them today as they make this long journey. We know being in a hospital where they won't understand the language will be stressful, but hopefully our welcoming committee will help ease their fears.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>If you would like to be part of Annabelle's life story, we would be truly grateful for <a href="http://bit.ly/2lLk3pB"><b>donations in any amount.</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=circle><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://bit.ly/2lLk3pB"><b>Donate to help Annabelle today</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.lwbcommunity.org/from-mongolia-with-love">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s1600/image006-791293.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s320/image006-791293.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577522328046690" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Culture></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Culture & Society<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_UN_dispatches_humanitarian"></a>UN dispatches humanitarian aid to 3500 households<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ The second batch of a dzud-relief aid provided by the UN is on the way to the most vulnerable herder households.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last December, Mongolian Government requested for humanitarian aids from international organizations operating within Mongolia, and the UN resolved to show assistance worth USD 1.1 million, and has been rendering supplies and aids to aimags in difficult wintering situation complementing the efforts of the Government.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Before Tsagaan Sar or Lunar New Year which fell on February 27, the UN provided the first batch of its aid in the form of monetary support.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As such, the second batch which contains fodder for livestock, minerals and drugs was dispatched on March 13, Monday, with a ceremony which was attended by Deputy Prime Minister U.Khurelsukh, UN Resident Coordinator Beate Trankmann and other officials.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Deputy Prime Minister expressed his gratitude towards the UN for its continued support to Mongolian herders in dzud-affected regions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The UN-CERF funded aid will reach 3500 herder households in 36 soums of 13 aimags.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9153">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Exhibition_encourages_women"></a>Exhibition encourages women to embrace their bodies<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 14 (MONTSAME) This year, March - International Women's History Month is being celebrated nationwide under the slogan "Be Bold for Change". Within the framework of the annual celebration, a photography exhibition under the theme "Beautiful body 2.0" organized by "Women for Change" NGO and "ICT Creative Division" studio with the support from the US Embassy in Ulaanbaatar opened at the Ulaanbaatar Art Gallery yesterday, March 13.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The exhibition aims to demonstrate that there is no universal fixed standard of beauty. Some 22 photos are being displayed at the exhibition, each of which has its own character re-imagined from the world famous fine art works addressing the beauty of women and self-esteem on their bodies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the opening ceremony of the exhibition, D.Zolzaya, Director of "Women for Change" NGO said "Bodies of "flawless and skinny" models on magazine are seen as beautiful bodies and many of us tend to compare our body shapes with them, only to get upset for not being able to be "perfect" as they are. It has a connection to the consequences of self-doubt, eating disorder or other negative psychological effects".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>She continued "Women who were featured in photos of the exhibition are willing to break this petty concept of beauty through recreations of famous art works belonging to different periods by showing off their own unique beauty. Therefore, we would like to encourage young girls to have a positive attitude to their body shapes and look into the beauty of their own bodies by being bold for change".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The exhibition will end on March 26. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/9127">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mobile_culture_museum"></a>Mobile culture museum tours the countryside<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 14 (MONTSAME) A mobile museum named "Ancient Culture" of Dornogobi aimag journeyerd to Airag soum of the aimag on March 11. A total of 50 exhibits, including items that reflect local people's culture and tradition as well as natural and historical findings in Airag soum were displayed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Specifically, two-horsehead fiddle (Morin Khuur), a Mongolian national instrument attracted people with their designs. One morin khuur with pictured leather surface has a nodding horse head, while the other one has three heads and three strings. Among exhibits there were saddle, pack and stirrup, related to the 13-14th century, found in the cave of Khetsuu teeg in Airag soum.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The museum, training and research center of Dornogobi aimag intends to make the moveable museum toured to 14 soums.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/9133">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_War_horse_monument"></a>War horse monument to be inaugurated on Victory Day<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 15 /MONTSAME/ Mongolian sculptor A.Ochirbold's work 'On the roads of war' monument will be erected at Victory Park, Moscow during the upcoming Victory Day, May 9.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A working group of the Mongolian Embassy in Moscow, designated to solve the placement of the monument, has acquired necessary permissions from the governing body of the Russian capital and other organizations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian President Ts.Elbegdorj gifted the war horse monument to the Russian Federation in commemoration of the 70th Victory Day in Moscow in 2015.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The monument has been kept in the backyard of the Embassy until the date.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During WWII, Mongolia was a big contributor of war horses to the former Soviet Union. The people of Mongolia sent a half million horses to assist the soldiers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9158">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_ICH_of_Mongolia:"></a>ICH of Mongolia: Mongolian traditional art of Khoomei<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 15 (GoGo Mongolia) GoGo Mongolia delivers you the intangible cultural heritages of Mongolia as series<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>WHAT IS KHOOMEI?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>UNESCO registered Khöömei in 2010 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Khöömei is a form of throat singing originated in western Mongolia, in the Altai mountains. Mongolian traditions of nature worship influenced a lot to the origination of the khöömei. Khöömei usually praises nature, mountains, rivers, and so on. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The performer imitates sounds of natural surroundings, animals, mountains, streams, and the winds of the steppe, simultaneously emitting two distinct vocal sounds: along with a continuous "drone", the singer produces a melody of "harmonics". <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The multitude of Khöömei techniques in Mongolia are grouped within two main styles:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo6'><b>Kharkhiraa</b>, the singer sings a drone in a normal voice, while emphasizing the undertone or subharmonic one octave below. <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo6'><b>Isgeree</b>, it is the overtones above the fundamental note of the drone that are emphasized, creating a higher-pitched whistle.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'></span>In both cases, the drone is produced with very taut vocal cords, and the melody is created by modulating the size and shape of the mouth cavity, opening and closing the lips and moving the tongue. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition to that, there are more than twenty existing techniques to enrich vocal timbre, or the ones of ornamental character. They can be used in combination as well. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>WHERE TO LISTEN</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Khöömei is performed by Mongolians in a variety of social occasions, from grand state ceremonies to festive household events. Traditionally, Khöömei is transmitted orally from bearer to learner, or via master-to-apprentice.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Khöömii is also popular in Tuva, a republic in south-central Siberia, Russia. Tuvan khöömei is less strong than Mongolian khöömei. One can play world classics with Mongolian khöömei. Lately Mongolian ethnic groups including Altan Urag, Khusugtun, the grand finalists of the "Asia`s Got Talent" show, Khalil and Domog are promoting khoomei to the world combining modern music. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Khöömei matches perfect with sound of Morin khuur, the traditional music instrument of Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>WHERE TO STUDY </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Arts Council of Mongolia, The Mongolian Throat singing Association and The Association for Protection of Altai Cultural Heritage NGO organize the international throat singing summer course 2017 in Khovd province in West Mongolia. Course is scheduled on July 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Registration is available at <a href="http://throatsingingcourse@gmail.com/" target="_blank">throatsingingcourse@gmail.com</a> and <a href="http://www.fb.com/throatsingingcourse" target="_blank">www.fb.com/throatsingingcourse</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In order to promote Mongolian culture and cultural heritage in Europe, through the awareness-raising activities on khöömii, Routes Nomades Association offers a series of lessons.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more info please visit at <a href="http://www.routesnomades.fr/en/teaching" target="_blank">www.routesnomades.fr/en/teaching</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157640">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Identifying_culinary_development"></a>Identifying culinary development opportunities with chef Ts.Mendjargal<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 14 (UB Post) <i>Mongolian sushi chef D.Mendjargal won the Asian cuisine competition at the 15th International Istanbul Gastronomy Festival, which took place from February 2 to 5 at Tuyap Fair Convention and Congress Center in Istanbul, Turkey.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>The Mongolian team, consisting of master chefs D.Mendjargal, J.Otgonpurev and B.Battulga, seized six medals and came in fourth place in the team competition at the fiercely competitive event which saw more than 2,800 master chefs from 30 countries.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>D.Mendjargal currently operates Miko Sushi Restaurant in Ulaanbaatar, allowing people in Mongolia to get a taste of Japan's finest cuisines. He spoke about the 15th International Istanbul Gastronomy Festival and Asian cuisines in the interview below.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Congratulations on winning the International Istanbul Gastronomy Festival this year. Can you tell us about the competition?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The World Association of Chefs Societies organized the festival in collaboration with the Cooks and Chefs Federation of Turkey earlier this year. Over 2,800 chefs from 30 countries competed in 70 categories.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I specialize in Japanese culinary, so naturally, I entered the Asian cuisine competition. Chefs from Japan, Korea, China, India and other Asian countries took part in this competition. Although I doubted that I could outshine them, I was able to win a gold medal. The Japanese and Koreans have standard principles and recipes for cooking certain cuisines. Hence, I tried to break the traditional Japanese way and infuse it with European food. I made it easier to eat for anyone.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I made a roll, maki sushi, during the competition. Japanese chefs put rice on top of seaweed. Instead of seaweed, I made a rice ball with fried shrimp inside it. I paid a great deal of attention to presentation and won.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>How many times have you entered the festival? Have you participated in other categories?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I competed in this festival for the first time this year. Director of the Mongolian Association of Master Chefs (MAMC)'s Chefs' Academy J.Otgonpurev won silver medal in the Asian cuisines competition and head chef of SouthGobi Sands LLC B.Battulga took part too. It was really good that B.Batbaatar, a member judge of the World Master Chefs Society and executive director of MAMC, was appointed as one of the judges of the festival. It's a huge achievement for Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We came in fourth in the team competition, which was very competitive. The organizers gave us a box of ingredients that could and couldn't be used together. We had to make an appetizer, main dish and a dessert using the given ingredients within a time limit of one-and-a-half hour. Points were deducted for using the wrong combination of ingredients. You have to start plating when there's five minutes left on the clock otherwise points are deducted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Only 30 minutes are given for individual competitions. You have to make enough food for two within a time used for boiling water. Chefs are required to have expert cooking skills, manage their time well, and be clean.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>How long have you been cooking?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I have been cooking for 18 years. I worked as a chef for over 10 years in the USA. I opened a sushi restaurant when I came to Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Is it possible to compete in an international competition with Mongolian cuisines?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian chefs used to compete with Mongolian cuisines in the past. However, Mongolian cuisines aren't consistent with European standards.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Why is that so? Is it related to the use of meat?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It hasn't been recognized yet. I think it's because they don't really know Mongolian cooking. In general, the understanding and awareness of Mongolian food is very poor worldwide. This is partially the fault of Mongolian chefs for not promoting the national food. So we shouldn't say that Mongolian food isn't internationally accepted because of the meat.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Meat produced in Mongolia contains more than 300 types of nutrients. Meat from other countries isn't like that. I noticed that Mongolians aren't very good at processing and storing meat. Families make buuz for Tsagaan Sar. They season the minced meat with black pepper and artificial flavoring. The meat starts to lose color a bit later. I deduced that Mongolian meat doesn't go well with excessive seasoning. We need to observe these kinds of things and change the way we use meat. Moreover, people place large quantity of buuz on the balcony to freeze it. The buuz will likely absorb all kinds of chemicals in the air. We have to pay attention to these little details.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I don't put various artificial flavoring in the meat for buuz. I put in jamts salt (rock salt), anise, onion, and sheep tail fat. Sheep tail fat has low cholesterol and is good for the eyes and helps improve memory. As rock salt doesn't contain various chemicals, the meat doesn't change color. Overall, it's important to keep the Mongolian taste strong.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>How challenging was it to learn to make sushi?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is difficult. You need an extremely sharp knife for making sushi. One wrong move and you could slice off a finger or two. It could become a mess if you cut your hand in front of customers. Americans are scared of blood and find it gruesome. I don't know if it's due to the high prevalence of blood-borne diseases like HIV. If I do cut my hand, I silently go back to a room without causing chaos. People also don't like to eat food made by someone with a band on their finger. Only people with precision and fast hands make sushi. You also need to be friendly with customers since you work right in front of them in a sushi restaurant. You'll need to converse with them while working and even drink sometimes. I leaned to make all kinds of cuisines, not just sushi, while working in the USA. I believe I managed to learn it all with sheer effort and enthusiasm.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>It's said that Japanese people don't teach cooking and that you have to learn from observation. You must have also had language barriers, right?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It wasn't easy to work all day on your feet and in front of people in the beginning. I was exhausted after a while. Moreover, people were telling me to find another job while I'm still young instead of tiring myself by working all day in a restaurant. Then I started thinking that I could actually work as a substitute driver, taxi driver or construction worker. I tried working at a construction site for a month. It wasn't for me. Other workers drank during breaks. I took out a loan so I ended up spending all my salary on loan repayment. A person who can't speak the language needs to work hard. When I was working at the construction site, the restaurant owner phoned me. He offered to raise my salary so I went back. Despite long working hours, you'll at least get to fill your stomach and get tips while working at a restaurant. I could manage miscellaneous costs with the big tips I received. Later, my friend kept asking me to work at his restaurant. I accepted even though I knew it wasn't really nice (to my old boss) because I needed money. I helped the restaurant thrive before returning to Mongolia. I lived in the USA for exactly 10 years and two months.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Mongolians eat buuz and khuushuur, which aren't light food, on a daily basis. Are there recipes for making lighter food using meat? Is it possible to use it to establish a fast food chain?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fast food chains like KFC, Pizza Hut and Burger King conduct extensive research of the market before opening a branch in Mongolia. According to the research, people usually ate khuushuur and buuz. We must use these food to compete against foreign fast food chains. It's clear that buuz and khuushuur can't become light food. We need just a little bit of effort. We could add color to the flour batter and add ingredients essential to the body.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I tried experimenting before. I minced meat for khuushuur by hand and added sheep tail fat, cheese and other ingredients. It improved the taste and became easier to digest. There's nothing stopping us from coming up with a light meal recipe for Mongolians which uses meat. Mongolian chefs have already started paying attention to this area.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Light breakfast have been developed for Japanese, French and American people and people are raising the topic of creating breakfast specifically for Mongolians. Apparently, Mongolians have over 180 types of tea based on geographical regions. Teas should also be made specifically for one's taste and health. I attended the Word Green Tea Conference in October 2016. Japanese people make the finest green tea. They annually award the best green tea makers. I tasted green tea made by a seven-time tea champion. It was wonderful. Taste and quality of tea can differ depending on harvest and region. There's even a tea worth 120,000 JPY per 100 grams. Mongolia has opportunities to create our own tea culture in a similar fashion.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Can you share some of your goals for the future?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I joined MAMC with the hope to help in developing the Mongolian food industry and services. Now, we have established an Integrated Union of Mongolian Food Industries and Services, which has over 20 member associations. Our target is to increase the professional values of the food service industry and identify development goals. We also plan to introduce international standards to the Mongolian food industry, enhance the skills of chefs, and further develop the Mongolian culinary.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/14/identifying-culinary-development-opportunities-with-chef-ts-mendjargal/">Link to interview</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s1600/image006-791293.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s320/image006-791293.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577522328046690" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Nature></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Nature & Environment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Rare_wild_antelope"></a>Rare wild antelope facing extinction in Mongolia<span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 14 (Al Jazeera) A rare species of wild antelope in Mongolia is facing extinction because of a highly contagious disease.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Almost 4,000 saiga have already died and scientists expect the total to reach 10,000 within the next two months.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Al Jazeera's Pearly Jacob reports from the province of Gobi-Altai.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqhGLU030Kk">Link to video</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_PPR_outbreak_in"></a>PPR outbreak in Mongolia a threat to snow leopards<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>A recent outbreak of PPR, a viral disease common among ruminants, has killed nearly a quarter of Mongolia's population of saiga, an endangered antelope species. The disease has the potential to spread to key snow leopard prey species in the area as well.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 14 (Snow Leopard Trust) PPR is a disease that affects small ruminants, both domestic and wild, and can lead to high mortality rates. For rural communities in Mongolia who depend on livestock for food security and income, this is a very urgent threat.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The government has started a large-scale effort to vaccinate livestock across the affected area – but that's not feasible when it comes to wildlife.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The endangered saiga antelope appears to have been particularly affected, with an estimated 2,500 animals dying in just a few weeks. According to specialists, that's more than 20% of the local population.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>PPR ('Peste des Petits Ruminants") is also believed to infect gazelle, ibex, wild Bactrian camels, wild boars and other animals. If those species are infected, it could pose a serious threat to the region's apex predators, such as wolves and snow leopards.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Many of the wild ruminants that could be affected are snow leopard prey species. If they perish in large numbers, the snow leopard's food resources may become critically low. In addition, the capacity of local communities to absorb and tolerate livestock depredation will be limited by this outbreak as well, so we could see more conservation conflicts in the area", says Bayara Agvaantseren, the Snow Leopard Trust's Mongolia Program Director.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Along with the Mongolian government, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Mongolia is leading an effort to monitor the PPR outbreak in Khovd and Gobi Altai Provinces. They will mobilize a team of veterinary and wildlife experts who will collect fresh fecal samples and run PPR rapid test to monitor various wildlife populations. They'll also collect and map data on sick or infected herds and populations to aid with the livestock PPR Vaccination and Eradication National Strategy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While this isn't the Snow Leopard Trust's primary area of expertise, we will assist in this effort as much as possible.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"This is a serious situation not only for snow leopards, but for entire ecosystems as well as for local communities in the affected areas", says Gustaf Samelius, the Snow Leopard Trust's Assistant Director of Science. "The efforts by the Mongolian government and the NGOs working on this issue are critically important. We'll do whatever is in our power to help combat this outbreak, and prevent the disease from spreading further."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.snowleopard.org/ppr-outbreak-mongolia-threat-snow-leopards/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Additional_motion_sensor"></a>Additional motion sensor cameras installed in snow leopard habitat<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 14 (MONTSAME) Administration of Gobi Gurvan Saikhan National Park and Snow Leopard Trust NGO have made an agreement to conduct a multilateral study on snow leopards. Specialists have started the first phase of a study to determine the population of snow leopards in Mongolia last month.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They have installed around 41 automatic cameras in different areas of the Umnugobi aimag in the South Gobi region the main distribution area of the snow leopard in Mongolia. The study will be conducted in 40 days using the remote sensing cameras. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Notably, 179 snow leopards were caught in 94 cameras installed in the area last year. Mongolia is home to the second largest population of snow leopards in the world. It is estimated that the population of snow leopard in Mongolia reaches 500-1000.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9140">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_2,343_birds_died"></a>2,343 birds died from electric shock in 2013-2016<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 14 (MONTSAME) In 2013-2016, a total of 2343 birds of 20-26 types died due to electric shock, a study result shows. Out of them, 867 birds were saker falcon, a bird of national pride. Today, a consultation workshop "Risk of raptorial birds to be hit by power of electric lines and possibilities to reduce it" was held at the Center of Clean Water Reserve and Nature Protection.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Over the last 10 years, a great progress has been achieved in the energy sector of Mongolia, starting to provide all soum centers with reliable energy and electricity lines based on concrete pillars has been used for it. "Although it is a durable and effective solution, it causes remarkable damage to the environment", said Deputy Minister of Environment and Tourism Ts.Batbayar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"- According to researchers and scientists, birds including falcons, buzzards, and eagles are commonly hit by electric power. These birds have own ecological and economic values. For example, one saker falcon is valued at MNT16 million. We cause huge damage that costs billions to nature. Therefore, government, private sector and citizens should collaborate to solve this issue" the Deputy Minister said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Officials from Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Energy Ministry and electricity distribution companies and researchers of scientific organization, universities, international organizations and NGOs attended the meeting. They highlighted the necessity to make electric lines safe for birds, set up infrastructure and financial source needed to tackle the problem and foster public and private partnership.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9152">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s1600/image006-791293.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s320/image006-791293.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577522328046690" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Sports></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Sports<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_National_adult_chess"></a>National adult chess championship to be held in Khentii's Dadal<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 14 (MONTSAME) After 35 years, National Adult Chess Championships are coming to a soum, this time Dadal soum of Khentii aimag.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Back in 1982, the competition took place in Biger soum of Gobi-Altai aimag. And this year, the championships are being hosted by Dadal soum, the said birthplace of Chinggis Khaan on March 17-26.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The qualifying round of the championships are thus going to be organized by the Mongolian Chess Federation, Khentii Community Council with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and Governor's Office of Khentii aimag as co-organizers. Magnai Trade Group and State Bank are sponsoring the event.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Interestingly, average of chess players to compete in the qualifying round is 22.7. Also, the 2017 competition is the 16th championships for national champion Ts.Batchuluun.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9128">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_prepares_for"></a>Mongolia prepares for Tokyo 2020 with senior coach appointments<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 14 (news.mn) Mongolian athletes brought home four medals (one silver and three bronzes) from the XXXI Olympic Games which were held in Rio-de Janeiro in August. Now, the Mongolian National Teams are setting their sights on Tokyo-2020 in earnest. The names of the senior coaches who work with the country's various teams have been officially announced by Physical Culture and Sports Authority. The will take an oath together with the athletes on 20<sup>th</sup> of March at Mongolia's National Sports Centre.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The following coaches achieved the highest scores at the selection examination:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5'>Freestyle wrestling –Senior coach B.Battulga as well as coaches Ts.Bayarsaikan, A.Tsedensodnom and O.Uuganbayar<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5'>Judo – Senior coach O.Baljinnyam as well as coaches D.Battulga, Kh.Erdenet-Od, G.Dashdavaa<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5'>Boxing – Senior coach D.Batsuren as well as coaches N.Munkhsaikhan, B.Purev-ochir and S.Erdenebat<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5'>Archery- J.Narantuya<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5'>Powerlifting – Ts.Khosbayar<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5'>Taekwondo – N.Erdenebat and Kur Ying Yong<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5'>Para archery – D.Baatarjav<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5'>Para judo – B.Narantuya<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5'>Para powerlifting – Sh.Enkhsaikhan<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo5'>Para shooting – B.Gantsooj<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327389">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_BMW's_International_GS"></a>BMW's International GS Trophy heads to Mongolia for 2018<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 14 (Motorcycle News) BMW's International GS Trophy - an off-road event open to all non-professional riders - will take place in Mongolia for 2018.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The event will pit three-rider teams from 19 countries, including Brazil, China, Canada, America and the vast majority of Europe against each other with a variety of challenges which in the past have included getting a bike down a river bank, across a river and up the other side to crossing a rope bridge carrying glasses of water with the winner being the team with the most water still in their glasses.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>MCN Sport Editor Michael Guy took part in the 2016 event in Thailand as part of the UK team. You can read his thoughts throughout the trip by reading his <a href="http://www.motorcyclenews.com/site-search/?_query=MCN%27s%20GS%20Trophy%20Diary">GS Trophy diary</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Simon Pavey, chief instructor at BMW Off Road Skills, said: "The GS Trophy is aimed at every BMW Motorcycle rider being able to come and have fun on some great roads in great company. Of course this means the finalists will be skillful motorcyclists, but we want to make sure that the event is open, achievable and enjoyable for riders of all abilities to come and enjoy on their own bikes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The main route can be ridden on road tyres and entrants will be able to use BMW Off Road Skills bikes for the off-road tasks. We have the off-road options on the routes, so if you have off-road tyres fitted, you'll have the chance to enjoy the Welsh countryside close up."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To take part in the event you'll have to enter the qualifiers, which for the UK team take place May 28-29 in Wales.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Head to <a href="http://www.gstrophy.com/">www.gstrophy.com</a> for more info.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2017/march/bmw-gs-trophy-2018-mongolia/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s1600/image006-791293.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s320/image006-791293.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577522328046690" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Art></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Art & Entertainment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Crescendo_fine_art"></a>Crescendo fine art exhibition to open at UMA<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 14 (MONTSAME) An art exhibition called "Urnult" (Crescendo) by J.Anunaran is opening at the gallery of the Union of Mongolian Artists on Thursday, March 16. The paintings highlight the patterns, which were made by life and left on human bodies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The moles, spots and wrinkles, gifted by life to humans unplanned. These are telling the different stories, in which the people have cheered and suffered", explains the artist, who also named her previous exhibitions Metamorphosis and Freewill.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Her paintings are usually asymmetrical, in her own words, "anti-symmetrical", and have been painted in negative effects.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The exhibition will last until the end of March 23.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/9129">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Live_concert_of"></a>Live concert of five music genres to be held this Saturday<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 14 (MONTSAME) Music artists of Ulaanbaatar Ensemble will be organizing "5 Tones" live concert of traditional and electric instruments on March 18.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The concert will include violinist Deegii, zither musician Otgoo, dulcimer musician Baraa, flautist Miigaa, horn trumpeter Chinbaa, "Khangarid" national music orchestra and FIX band. With the mixture of different waves of music, the concert will play world classics and famous songs. Directed by R.Munkhsaikhan and produced by composer O.Chinbat, the concert will take place at the Ulaanbaatar Ensemble stage.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Artists in details:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3'>- Ch.Delgertsetseg /Violinist, State Honored Musician/<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3'>- O.Chinbat /Horn brass musician, State Honored Musician/<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3'>- Kh.Barkhuu /Dulcimer musician, State Honored Musician/<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3'>- B.Otgonchimeg /Zither musician, State Honored Musician/<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3'>- B.Myagmartseren /Flautist, State Honored Musician/<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3'>- R.Ganbat /Conductor, State Honored Musician/<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3'>- "Khangarid" national music orchestra<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3'>- Dancers of Ulaanbaatar ensemble<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo3'>- FIX band<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Music genres:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'>- Rock<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'>- Pop<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'>- Classics<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'>- Modern<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'>- Folk music<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/9130">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_The_Eagle_Huntress:"></a>The Eagle Huntress: eagle eye for a story with wings<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 15 (The Australian) The story of <i>The Eagle Huntress</i> began with a photograph: a rosy-cheeked, smiling girl standing on a snowy mountaintop, with a golden eagle on her forearm. It's an image that seems like a fairytale or a fantasy, and in some ways, it represents both truth and dream.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It was taken in the Altai Mountains, in Mongolia. Among the nomadic Kazakhs, training a golden eagle to hunt for meat and fur has been part of their way of life for centuries — but only for men. Aisholpan, the 13-year-old girl in the photograph, has other ideas. She wants to be the first female member of the family to become an eagle hunter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The photograph caught the eye of New York-based Englishman Otto Bell. He decided to go to Mongolia to meet the subject of the image and make a film about her.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bell describes his trip as whimsical. It was certainly impulsive. He hadn't made a feature-length documentary before, but he was a seasoned traveller with plenty of experience shooting footage for short-form branded content.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I'd made a lot of short films in foreign parts of the world," he says. "I've made more in a foreign language than I have in English, so I wasn't worried about working with a translator or anything like that. Or the remoteness of it, although it probably is the most remote location I've ever been to."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On his first trip, his plan was to make contact with Aisholpan and her family, convince them to take part in the film, and shoot some images for a "sizzle reel" that he could take back to show to potential investors. He travelled with Asher Svidensky, who took the original photograph, and another camera operator, Christopher Raymond.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It took a while to locate the family, he says. Yet what happened on that first day was an extraordinary stroke of luck. They had arrived at the moment when Aisholpan and her father — who encourages his daughter's ambition — were preparing to steal a young eagle from its nest, ready for her to train. They agreed to be filmed doing it. Once they made their way to the location, Bell hastily worked out where to put the cameras, and he gave Aisholpan a small GoPro camera, which she placed under her cardigan. They shot for about 12 minutes, enough time to remove the young bird from its nest before the mother returned.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Often, Bell says, documentary makers are "telling a story to some degree in retrospect". Something has already happened that sets things in train or creates the impetus for the film. Then, he says, "you turn up, and often you have to tell the first part of the story using archives or talking head interviews. But in this case we were there at the beginning, we got that magic first step."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Several reviewers have cast doubt on this scene, suggesting that it was set up or shot more than once. If he'd set it up, Bell says, he would have done a better job — he still gets a bit frustrated that you can see the little camera strapped on to Aisholpan. But he can hardly complain, he adds. "I think what lends it this fairytale-esque quality is that we were there at the very beginning and followed her through to the very end. We have the perfect story arc — and that's why it feels like a fairytale."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For the second trip, he returned to film a major event, the annual Golden Eagle Festival, in which Aisholpan would be competing against 70 men. It takes place in a huge natural arena outside the regional capital.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He brought in an old friend, director of photography Simon Niblett, who had the equipment and expertise that he needed. "I said to him, this land is so vast, if we are going to do justice to it I'm going to need you to bring your drone and that amazing crane that folds away into a snowboard bag" — a sturdy, lightweight device made out of aluminium. He wanted a sense of occasion, a sense of the place and space. "After that first visit, I started to really get a sense of responsibility towards the family, the film and the audience," he says. "I'm a firm believer in the idea that just because something is true it doesn't mean that it can't also be beautiful. You want to do the best possible job in the highest style you can. We only had three crew members, but we threw the kitchen sink at it."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We see the various phases of the competition, from the judging of looks and presentation to a race against the clock, calling the eagle down from the mounting to alight on the hunter's arm. Some filmmakers might have made the contest the culmination of the film, and Bell is happy to admit that this was something he considered.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There was plenty of discussion in the editing suite about how to end it, he says. The competition has drama and tension; the hunt has frustrations, false starts, less obvious pay-offs. Yet the contest wasn't what Aisholpan was most concerned with. "It seemed to me that all she really wanted to do was go out and hunt with her dad. And that was really the victory she was going for."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Following her for that part of the story was extraordinarily difficult, he says. Shooting in the mountains in the depths of winter was "a bit like being underwater, when you are filming in minus 40 or minus 50. And that's how cold it was at the start of the day — everything moves two or three times slower than normal." They quickly realised that if they waited until the temperature had "warmed up to about minus 20", things got a bit easier. "That when your equipment would kind of come back to life, that's when you would get five, 10 minutes out of your batteries, things like that."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They had set aside five days for this, and ended up spending more than 21 days following her first eagle hunt.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Only one part of the story is out of sequence, Bell says, the opening scene in which Aisholpan's father sets an eagle free, after hunting with it for seven years. He speaks affectionately to the bird as he says farewell.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The ritual of farewell involves the sacrifice of a sheep. "When a family member dies or immigrates to a different country, they'll kill a sheep and have a big feast," Bell says. "So it's a real mark of respect to give that same honour to the eagle. They are treated like a member of the family." There's a practical reason for the ritual. "They've worked out that those birds reach the age of maturity at seven or eight, that's when they're ready to breed. It's about releasing them so that they can go off and start their own family.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"They're not fully tamed, they're not housebroken. And when they are released into the wild, they know how to hunt." The connection remains, however. "When the hunters look up in the sky, they can recognise a bird circling the yurt, and say, that was my eagle 10 years ago." Eventually, that will be part of Aisholpan's experience too.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>The Eagle Huntress opens tomorrow.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/film/the-eagle-huntress-eagle-eye-for-a-story-with-wings/news-story/1c323c1f29e090aad33024f58ccf78dd">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://www.winghamchronicle.com.au/story/4531886/visually-stunning-but-factually-loose/?cs=36">The Eagle Huntress: Visually stunning but factually loose</a></b> – <i>Wingham Chronicle</i>, March 15<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s1600/image006-791293.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s320/image006-791293.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577522328046690" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Travel></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Travel<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_In_the_wilds"></a>In the wilds of Mongolia: Horses, sand dunes and stargazing<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia, March 14 (AP) — I'm a city girl. I did not grow up camping, have never pitched a tent and know nothing of the Girl Scouts beyond Thin Mints or Samoa cookies. Certainly no one would use the words "rugged" or "outdoorsy" to describe me.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>So I definitely had a few reservations when my husband suggested a vacation in the wilds of central Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>My trepidation only grew as I binged on travel reviews bemoaning makeshift bathrooms and swarming insects.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But I ended up loving every minute in Mongolia, a country steeped in history, stunning scenery and welcoming locals. I stepped outside my comfort zone and into the trip of a lifetime. And here's why you should too.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>GET OFF THE GRID<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia, a country of 3 million people slightly smaller than Alaska, is one of the most sparsely populated places in the world.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You can go hours, even days, without seeing another human while traveling through Mongolia's countryside. Instead, you'll find a vibrant blue horizon and empty, rolling grasslands dotted with horses, cows, sheep, goats and yaks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You'll be forced to unplug as cell service and Wi-Fi is mostly non-existent outside of the larger cities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>So say goodbye to Facebook rants and traffic jams and say hello to a seemingly endless untouched landscape. Your only roadblock is the occasional cow.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>BOOK A GUIDE<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>As avid travelers accustomed to DIY adventures, we rarely book tours. But my top tip for this wonderland is to find yourself an expert.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are few road signs and English is not widely used, so a local guide with knowledge of the routes and language is highly recommended.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You will also need a four-wheel drive vehicle to navigate the mostly unpaved terrain.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our expert, good-humored guide, Munkh Bileg, whom we hired through <a href="http://www.nomadicdiscovery.com/">Nomadic Discovery</a> , tailored our private tour to our interests and time constraints to maximize our Mongolian experience.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We rode camels across sand dunes and horses at sunset. We met herder families and sampled local cuisine, including fermented mare's milk and dried curds. Most of our days were spent off-roading over mountains and across rivers, simply soaking in Mongolia's other-worldly landscape.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>MUST-SEES<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>For the history buff: Erdene Zuu Monastery is located in Kharkhorin, on the northern border of the Ovorkhangai Province. Get your fill of ornate Buddha statues, elaborate wall paintings and artifacts dating back to the 18th century while exploring the three remaining Chinese-style temples at one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For the nature lover: The Orkhon waterfall (also called the Ulaan Tsutgalan waterfall) is located in Ovorkhangai Province, around 75 miles (120 kilometers) from the town of Kharkhorin. A hike to the edge of this massive, 65-foot (20-meter) waterfall offers stunning views of dark volcanic rock surrounded by a lush valley.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also, be sure to stop by the pristine Lake Ogii in the south eastern corner of the Arkhangai Province. Like most of Mongolia, it felt like we had traveled back to a time before humans as the only other visitors were a group of horses splashing and lounging about in the calm waters.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For a glimpse of desert dunes: Elsen Tasarkhai is a sand strip located in Bulgan Province. While we didn't have time to explore Mongolia's famed Gobi Desert, we made a quick stop at this 50-mile (80-kilometer) stretch of golden hills for a relaxing tour via camels.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>GER LIFE<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>As the sun sets there is little else to do besides stargazing and cozying in your ger (pronounced "gare"), a traditional nomad home.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Apparently we were right on trend as an $8,000 version of the circular tent, or yurt, was featured in the holiday gift guide from Gwyneth Paltrow's lifestyle website, goop.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our home base was the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Tsagaan-sum-Hot-Springs-tourist-camp-1414194985537890/">Tsagaan Sum hot springs and tourist camp</a> in Khoton Soum, Arkhangai Province (approximately 280 miles or 460 kilometers west of Ulaanbaatar).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The hustle and bustle of city life was but a distant memory as we fell asleep to the crackle of a wood-burning stove and woke to the sounds of horses neighing outside our ger.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>GOOD TO KNOW<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>The flies will swarm as soon as you step outside, as will the mosquitoes. So pack bug spray and long-sleeved layers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Western-style bathrooms are few and far between outside of Ulaanbaatar. Be prepared to cop a squat when nature calls.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar is Mongolia's bustling, traffic-jammed capital city, but tourist attractions are few. Stop by a grocery store to load up on water, snacks and essentials. Then head to the countryside.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Speaking of food, get ready for meat— mostly lamb_and lots of it. Mongolian cuisine is about as "farm to fork" as it gets. Refrigeration in the countryside isn't common so your dinner was likely plucked from the pasture that very day.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>___<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AP Video: A Minute in Mongolia <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9n7hVK7s08&sns=em">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9n7hVK7s08&sns=em</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://bigstory.ap.org/article/be166c779e6446cca6e44d8846177453/wilds-mongolia-horses-sand-dunes-and-stargazing">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Family_Journey_Among"></a>Family Journey Among Nomads, Khangai Mountains<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>Ulaan Baatar – Central Grasslands – River Valleys & Lakeland – Central Grasslands – Ulaan Baatar</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>ITINERARY<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Journey to the land of Genghis Khan where you'll witness spectacular scenery, spend time with nomadic families, camp alongside pristine lakes, climb extinct volcanoes, relax in a hot spring, gaze at spellbinding night skies and more on this <b>nine-day family adventure</b> to magical Mongolia. These family itineraries are private trips of discovery adapted to suit your family and can be <b>fully customised</b> whether you're looking for be adventure, education or exploration.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This holiday traditionally starts and ends in the capital Ulaan Baatar. For this holiday you will have your own private vehicle and your own dedicated trip assistant.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>See sample itinerary below:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://globetotting.com/project/journey-among-nomads-khangai-mountains/">Link to package</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWrmV__5XAt1zGs1hrOTHgOvMAjRnOfvf7TVqXes1cDGpM4Idhzg-VZPWWpQW0XnGHqSg033mLqArSKIV4ZZJuDrSixRRASvMMMRt8W5h0tqPKoD0MMaPg2zdqCB1Gj9Rj8U9aC6K4LE/s1600/image006-791293.jpg"><img 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/></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'> </span><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:#365F91;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8dszvdNv3Ran3x2um51hgY654AOVic6733llAAUuQOohWUyrtfdp1HvfQrB-Gdw7LFi0tYV5ggEpd5H7m5hovb37Vu3-G7DQUk7kx41cfZsc7Oy7SlE67RD40oze5qxJ82eEeaUmRU8/s1600/image016-712508.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx8dszvdNv3Ran3x2um51hgY654AOVic6733llAAUuQOohWUyrtfdp1HvfQrB-Gdw7LFi0tYV5ggEpd5H7m5hovb37Vu3-G7DQUk7kx41cfZsc7Oy7SlE67RD40oze5qxJ82eEeaUmRU8/s320/image016-712508.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397577615600504642" /></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Suite </span><span lang=MN style='color:#1F497D'>303</span><span style='color:#1F497D'>, Level 3, Elite Complex<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>14 Chinggis Avenue, Sukhbaatar District 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia<br></span><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Email</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: </span><a href="mailto:info@covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@covermongolia.com</span></a><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Website</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: <a href="http://www.covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>www.covermongolia.com</span></a></span><u><span style='color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Phone (Office)</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: +976 7711 6779</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:Webdings;color:#339966'>P</span><span style='color:#339966'> </span><span lang=EN-AU style='color:#007F00;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-14003229451081479382017-03-14T12:17:00.000+08:002017-05-01T11:25:41.742+08:00[MMC reiterates TT interest; MATD to choose driller soon; NPLs up 12.4% in Feb; and justice sought for journalist 'killing']<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieD4PcO93Ib1gIDRfUVFlzl8XIudtVBaPDTaYXpR9zyOhpm0HoLtb1IT1IZiGaIqAwkoTW9N2hyphenhyphen6qDtezaNcG6amYUKSmtr_YArIVGh2Do2Q5ktseUIrQPg7kunWEq3LGPs4D-CiWEH9c/s1600/image001-711690.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieD4PcO93Ib1gIDRfUVFlzl8XIudtVBaPDTaYXpR9zyOhpm0HoLtb1IT1IZiGaIqAwkoTW9N2hyphenhyphen6qDtezaNcG6amYUKSmtr_YArIVGh2Do2Q5ktseUIrQPg7kunWEq3LGPs4D-CiWEH9c/s320/image001-711690.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397203951441270338" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcBJ_X5BwrXjQ9CuTNWdu7JcMx1MBmgOkfHlCcmSFWppkj01bNLxe2SnJBVwVkzW9DLtSjxFzEBvDwg48G49cds_HYcfvxrVgBFljKbiDwWc145TE6-JIHUbfvrDT7F9j4MC80PhXDis/s1600/image002-714876.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcBJ_X5BwrXjQ9CuTNWdu7JcMx1MBmgOkfHlCcmSFWppkj01bNLxe2SnJBVwVkzW9DLtSjxFzEBvDwg48G49cds_HYcfvxrVgBFljKbiDwWc145TE6-JIHUbfvrDT7F9j4MC80PhXDis/s320/image002-714876.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397203967715930178" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Tuesday, March 14, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'>Cover Mongolia</span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span style='color:#4472C4'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></u>, <span style='color:#00B0F0'><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#00B0F0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#2F5597'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#2F5597'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span style='color:black'>, </span><span style='color:#C55A11'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><b><span style='color:#C55A11'>Instagram</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#C00000'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><b><span style='color:#C00000'>YouTube</span></b></a></span> and <span style='color:#FFC000'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><b><span style='color:#FFC000'>Blogspot</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><u>Jump to</u>: <a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> - <a href="#Local">Local Market</a> - <a href="#Economy">Economy</a> - <a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> - <a href="#Business">Business</a> - <a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> - <a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> - <a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> - <a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> - <a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> - <a href="#Sports">Sports</a> - <a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> - <a href="#Travel">Travel</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Headlines in <b><i>Italic</i></b> are ones modified by Cover Mongolia from original<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>HEADLINES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadIntl></a><u><a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_IIB_facilitates_sustainable">IIB facilitates sustainable financing for capital markets in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MMC_CEO:_We">MMC CEO: We want to be involved with Tavan Tolgoi as we consider it a pure business project</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Petro_Matad_Extends">Petro Matad Extends Mongolia Farm-Out Process, To Pick Contractor Soon</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Entree_Gold_Announces">Entree Gold Announces Fiscal Year 2016 Results and Reviews Corporate Highlights</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Haranga_Resources:_Half-Year">Haranga Resources: Half-Year Financial Report, December 2016</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Viking_Mines:_Interim">Viking Mines: Interim Report, December 2016</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6lIktArhF43qlinRmFU1_7KKNqq-nNsTDrVVCF4P40QVXjX6VCK0QApFqVN-PIZ91k_c_CfxI5Xu7c5ccZSEfKFhhdMeeXdpZ7nsh18iYawul4rlUA8NQRl9yuHXG6bg8vcsCYMlIao/s1600/image003-719042.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6lIktArhF43qlinRmFU1_7KKNqq-nNsTDrVVCF4P40QVXjX6VCK0QApFqVN-PIZ91k_c_CfxI5Xu7c5ccZSEfKFhhdMeeXdpZ7nsh18iYawul4rlUA8NQRl9yuHXG6bg8vcsCYMlIao/s320/image003-719042.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397203985551821170" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadLocal></a><u><a href="#Local">Local Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MSE_Weekly_Report:">MSE Weekly Report: Top 20 Unch, ALL +0.22%, Turnover ₮307M Shares, and ₮12.5B Primary, ₮1.5B Secondary T-Bills</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MSE_Trading_Report,">MSE Trading Report, Mar 13: Top 20 -0.42%, ALL -0.13%, Turnover ₮125.9M Shares, ₮150.7M T-Bills</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Government_securities_trading">Government securities trading available through 5 commercial banks</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Will_tax_on">Will taxing deposit interest help spur underdeveloped stock exchange?</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixqhmL3XGf7Aw-OSrlYlDIGUA0lwDuk_fy_eDIFde-NWTXjO0N9ZYUJSkp2gVyzB_YD9IgCj2nteWlAf_pTRh7vwziQTgKWCliDCsQvqx_qyd5DJPyasVI-NERnwHd-8XCUzbgq0oTgs/s1600/image004-721864.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixqhmL3XGf7Aw-OSrlYlDIGUA0lwDuk_fy_eDIFde-NWTXjO0N9ZYUJSkp2gVyzB_YD9IgCj2nteWlAf_pTRh7vwziQTgKWCliDCsQvqx_qyd5DJPyasVI-NERnwHd-8XCUzbgq0oTgs/s320/image004-721864.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397203999880098450" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadEconomy></a><u><a href="#Economy">Economy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_MNT_Rates:">MNT gains for 6<sup>th</sup> straight day vs USD</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_issues_₮394">BoM issues ₮394 billion 1-week bills, total outstanding +11.9% to ₮1.06 trillion</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_IMF:_US$_440">IMF: US$ 440 million to be transferred to Bank of Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_Revenue_Shortfall">Mongolia Revenue Shortfall in Jan.-Feb. Reaches $85m, NSO Says</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_NSO:_Social_insurance">NSO: Social insurance revenue increased 26.5 percent in first 2 months</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_NSO:_Average_wages">NSO: Average wages and salaries increased by 8.6 percent in 2016</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_NSO:_Air,_rail">NSO: Air, rail transport jump in first 2 months, revenue up</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJ5lgnSAmt5AJyN8nvhb-FSHYmGCLidYxCfeI96OxNBGhDGSydqK0XWq2DZwf_tmKigZf7i6S9yHNN8wrEedCK4CISx8bMNM47ZwBY3s8rsb8-2i2BnAG-eKYaCU3qbk8KsIBWd_bR0A/s1600/image005-724976.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJ5lgnSAmt5AJyN8nvhb-FSHYmGCLidYxCfeI96OxNBGhDGSydqK0XWq2DZwf_tmKigZf7i6S9yHNN8wrEedCK4CISx8bMNM47ZwBY3s8rsb8-2i2BnAG-eKYaCU3qbk8KsIBWd_bR0A/s320/image005-724976.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204009145819202" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadPolitics></a><u><a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Defacto_Review,_March">Defacto Review: Khuraldai bonds, Dunjingarav controversy, DP internal election</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Appeal_for_justice">Appeal for justice in the killing of journalist in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Murder_of_Zorig's">Murder of Zorig's case goes to Court of Appeals</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Government_bodies_to">Government bodies to unite against corruption</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Elders_allowed_to">Elders allowed to get pension in advance without interest</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_German_alumni_of">German alumni of Mongolia meeting to address development</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_₮22.6_billion_allocated">₮22.6 billion allocated for wool incentives in 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Conflicts_of_interest">Conflicts of interest keep Mongolian child jockeys in the saddle</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_A_tiny_person">A tiny person against the giant world</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Jargal_Defacto:_Behind">Jargal Defacto: Behind the scenes of March 8</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire_1">AmCham Daily Newswire for March 10, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire">AmCham Daily Newswire for March 13, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s1600/image006-728254.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s320/image006-728254.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204023763668914" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadBusiness></a><u><a href="#Business">Business</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Milbank_Acts_on">Milbank Acts on Successful Exchange Offer and New Issuance by the Government of Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_and_Cambodia">Mongolia and Cambodia Partner to Promote Sustainable Finance</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_ERA_advances_MLAT">ERA advances MLAT projects in Italy and Mongolia airports</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_"Mongolia_Mining_2017"">"Mongolia Mining 2017" expo to be held in April</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Gold_industry_forum">Gold industry forum taking place next week</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_A_farmer_barters">A farmer barters vegetables for livestock</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_"Mongolian_American_Career">"Mongolian American Career Fair – 2017" to take place in Seattle</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Need_help_recovering">Need help recovering defaulted agreement in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_New_import-substitutive_products">New import-substitutive products</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s1600/image006-728254.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s320/image006-728254.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204023763668914" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadUlaanbaatar></a><u><a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Hazardous_levels_of">Hazardous levels of air pollution hits areas near MNB this morning</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_New_standard_stoves">New standard stoves to be retailed from April 1</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_97.3_percent_of">97.3 percent of pit latrines of ger district lack standards</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Public_cleaning_campaign">Public cleaning campaign to be launched in May</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Ulaanbaatar_Apartment_Monthly">Ulaanbaatar Apartment Monthly Rental Rates, March 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Let's_Discuss_Together">Let's Discuss Together Lecture Series: Human Rights, Environment, Women Leadership, …</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Ulaanbaatar_City_Guide">Ulaanbaatar City Guide</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s1600/image006-728254.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s320/image006-728254.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204023763668914" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadDiplomacy></a><u><a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Defacto_Interview:_Haoliang">Defacto Interview: Haoliang Xu, UNDP Asia-Pacific Director</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_PM_to">Mongolian PM to visit Russia in first half of 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Russian,_Mongolian_experts">Russian, Mongolian experts to meet for discussion of power plants in Lake Baikal area</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Canadian_mounted_police">Canadian mounted police reps visit Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_New_Turkish_Ambassador">New Turkish Ambassador receives media delegates</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_India:_Mongolia's_new">India: Mongolia's new third neighbour?</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Indian_Embassy_in">Indian Embassy in Ulaanbaatar celebrates ITEC Day</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_Investment_Promotion">Mongolia Investment Promotion Agreement With Canada</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia,_Canada_Roundtable">Mongolia, Canada Roundtable Meeting Held in Ottawa</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_signs_visa">Mongolia signs visa exemption agreement with Argentina</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Foreign_Affairs_Ministry">Foreign Affairs Ministry discusses developing agricultural cooperation with Argentina</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Parliamentary_cooperation_between">Parliamentary cooperation between Mongolia and Poland discussed</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Ambassador_Tugsbilguun_Meets">Ambassador Tugsbilguun Meets Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_H.E_Mr._D.Bilegdorj,">Ambassador of Mongolia to Vietnam, Presented Credentials</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Russia_ready_to">Russia ready to increase supplies of agricultural machinery to Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Dr._J._Enkhsaikhan:">Dr. J. Enkhsaikhan: Nuclear Disarmament Is Humanity's Common Cause</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Anti-Chinese_Attitudes_in">Anti-Chinese Attitudes in Mongolia through Generational Imprinting</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s1600/image006-728254.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s320/image006-728254.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204023763668914" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadHealthEdu></a><u><a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Infant_mortality_rate">Infant mortality rate down 12% in first 2 months of 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mobile_health_technology">Mobile health technology improves primary healthcare service</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Weekend_school_for">Weekend school for Mongolian children opens in Seoul</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_School_of_Public">School of Public Policy delivers first-of-its-kind UCalgary certificate in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s1600/image006-728254.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s320/image006-728254.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204023763668914" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadCulture></a><u><a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Difficult_spring_expected">Difficult spring expected in 60 percent of territory</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_WHO_to_aid">WHO to aid medical equipment to dzud-affected areas</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Women's_needs_take">Women's needs take back seat under threat of dzud in Mongolia</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_linguists_discuss">Mongolian linguists discuss Cyrillic spelling rules</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Peace_Corps_Volunteer:">Peace Corps Volunteer: Celebrating Tsagaan Sar</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_VIEWS:_Mongolian_Lunar">VIEWS: Mongolian Lunar New Year Celebration | Family Visit</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Tim_Pelkey_Publishes">Tim Pelkey Publishes Debut Thriller, The Baljuna Covenant: The Search for Genghis' Tomb</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_'See_the_ability">'See the ability and happiness' photo exhibition of children with Down syndrome - Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s1600/image006-728254.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s320/image006-728254.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204023763668914" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadNature></a><u><a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_4.2_magnitude_earthquake">4.2 magnitude earthquake registered in Bayan-Ulgii aimag</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Endangered_Siberian_ibexes">Endangered Siberian ibexes provided salt supplements</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Census_on_degraded">Census on degraded land due to mining to be conducted in 2017-2018</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s1600/image006-728254.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s320/image006-728254.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204023763668914" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadSports></a><u><a href="#Sports">Sports</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_judokas_win">Mongolian judokas win two medals at Baku Grand Slam</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Best_judokas_to">Best judokas to compete for cash prize competition</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_sends_off">Mongolia sends off athletes to Special Olympics</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_J.Otgontsagaan_appointed_member">J.Otgontsagaan appointed member of IOC Sport and Environment Commission</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s1600/image006-728254.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s320/image006-728254.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204023763668914" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadArt></a><u><a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> <b><o:p></o:p></b></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia's_Next_Top">Mongolia's Next Top Model announces first winner</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Milky_Way_short-film">Milky Way short-film festival to stand against child abuse</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Five_artists_to">Five artists to represent Mongolia at Venice Biennale</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_The_Eagle_Huntress">The Eagle Huntress is an amazing documentary. But is it actually true?</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s1600/image006-728254.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s320/image006-728254.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204023763668914" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadTravel></a><u><a href="#Travel">Travel</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_UB-Darkhan_road_to">UB-Darkhan road to be paved with cement concrete</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AP_travel:_A">AP travel: A minute in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Photographers_to_promote">Photographers to promote nomadic culture</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_What_to_Expect:">What to Expect: Khuvsgul Ice Festival 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_Eagle_Hunters">Mongolia Eagle Hunters Photo Tour</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Jeju_Olle_Foundation">Jeju Olle Foundation expands sister trail network to Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Finite_Infinity_|">Finite Infinity | Mongolia by Claudia Ioan</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Friends_prepare_to">Friends prepare to drive to Mongolia living out of a van</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l15 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_How_to_Get">How to Get From Ulaanbaatar to Karakorum (Mongolia) for 7 Dollars</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s1600/image006-728254.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s320/image006-728254.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204023763668914" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>ARTICLES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=International></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Int'l Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_IIB_facilitates_sustainable"></a>IIB facilitates sustainable financing for capital markets in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (IIB) The International Investment Bank (IIB) is continuing to provide sustained support for the financial markets of its member states by participating in the new placement of Mongolian international sovereign bonds denominated in US dollars alongside with large international investment companies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This placement was of particular importance to the Mongolian government as it was underpinned by the need to refinance the debt burden of the strategically important Development Bank of Mongolia by the government.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The new bond placement created an increased interest among the world's leading investors such as Goldman Sachs, Aberdeen Asset Management, BlueBay Asset Management, Pioneer Investments, etc. The total volume of the order book exceeded USD 3.5 billion, and it was oversubscribed by up to 30 times more than the original offer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"<i>By implementing its mission of a multilateral development institution, the IIB provides assistance in financing and sustainable functioning of the capital markets of its member states. In this respect, the Bank supported Mongolia during a period of radical economic reforms and in a complex financial and economic situation, participating in the new placement of sovereign bonds</i>," - said Deputy Chairman of the IIB Board <b>Josef Kollar</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The IIB's Treasury is consistently expanding its activities in Mongolia. During the last few years, the turnover of its depositary investments to banking institutions in Mongolia was approximately USD 500 million, and the total volume of transactions with Mongolian securities exceeded USD 50 million. The Treasury plans to further develop this particular area of its business.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://iib.int/en/articles/iib-facilitates-sustainable-financing-for-capital-markets-in-mongolia">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a name="_MMC_CEO:_We"></a><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=HKG:0975">975</a> trading +1.96% mid-Tuesday at HK$0.26, +364.3% YoY<o:p></o:p></p><h1>MMC CEO: We want to be involved with Tavan Tolgoi as we consider it a pure business project<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 14 (Mongolian Economy) The Mongolian Mining Corporation (MMC) has successfully restructured its investment credit raised on international markets due to the sharp fall in coal prices. It was a needed experience and a new thing to learn for others. In addition, the working group of the Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry that revived Tavan Tolgoi negotiations invited the consortium that participated in the previous negotiations. We invited G.Battsengel, the CEO of Energy Resources LLC, a company that represents the Mongolian side of the consortium, to our magazine's Premium Interview section.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>- Your company has successfully updated its credit structure. How much in loans did the company take out from foreign banks in addition to the USD 600 million bond?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- It was one of the measures taken due to conditions in the coal market. Our company has attracted funds from international banks and international capital markets in order to finance the construction carried out in Ukhaa Khudag. We have done many things that had not been taken done in Mongolia. We were the first company in Mongolia to take USD 150 million loan from Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and BNP Paribas. Then we issued USD 600 million in bonds on international markets in spring 2012. We used it to finance the construction of a power plant, a water supply system and a coal processing plant with an annual capacity to enrich 15 million tonnes of coal. However, the coal market has declined due to factors unrelated to us. Not just MMC, but coal companies around the world are facing difficulties in supply and demand, as well as the Chinese economic deceleration. Many companies were forced to restructure credit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>- Would you please share your company's experience on restructuring credit with international investors and banks?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Financial markets are based on trust. Our company has been very frank and open with investors. We had no need to convince investors as we always give detailed financial statements on time and regularly met with them. Investment funds are holding on to the USD 600 million bond. So, the main holders of the bond established a bond holders' committee. We stepped into negotiations with them at first in accordance with international standards. Many things depend on a company's trustworthiness. There were difficult issues to solve, but the sides openly discussed the issues and had a willingness to resolve the issue, so we reached an agreement relatively quickly and set the general foundation of the agreement last May. We came to the same understanding after carefully looking over the calculations and reviewing the current conditions. Then we discussed how to implement the reforms, and we think you are aware that we issued an official statement that includes the general conditions for reforms on July 9, 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>- It was reported at the time that substantial progress has been made on loan interest rates, amount and duration. What was the exact agreement you reached?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- We have payables of USD 750 million, which includes the USD 600 million bond, USD 93 million loan and accrued interest unpaid in 2016. This means that we finalised the negotiations on how to update this loan portfolio and how to change its structure just before the end of last year. The loan period was extended by six years, meaning the bond repayment we had to pay in March of this year has been postponed until October 2022. Secondly, we were able to reduce the amount. The total debt is USD 750 million as previously mentioned, and the bond payment was reduced to USD 395 million and loan payment to USD 30 million, which means that it was reduced to a total of USD 425 million. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>- I understand that the interest on the loan is correlated with the coal market, am I correct?</b> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- The loan interest rate has become floating. Previously, it had a fixed interest rate of 8.875 percent, but now the interest will be determined in relation to the price of coal. The company's interest payable will decrease if market conditions get bad. We will not have to pay loan interest with cash if market conditions worsen and coal prices fall back to USD 40-50 per tonne. It includes flexible terms that will provide us with an opportunity to delay payment by adding low-interest penalty in such cases. An opportunity to avoid financial difficulties in any situation and conduct stable operations for six years has been presented.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>- What works are there to do now?</b> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>-Procedural works are remaining. The old bond will expire in March. At that time, we should make a clear decision and make it official by organising the collected documents on paper. The old loan agreement will become a new loan agreement, and the old bond agreement will also become a new bond agreement. We might not do it in the first quarter, but there is entirely possible to resolve it in the second quarter. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>- Is it possible get the Ukhaa Khudag enrichment plant running at full capacity this year?</b> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- We have been trying to conduct operations without any interruptions. Even though production and exports have declined due to conditions in the market, we will get the factory to run at full capacity this year. We are aiming to reap the benefits our investments now, so we will focus on restoring and accelerating activities in 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>- Has the government met with your side regarding issues concerning the Tavan Tolgoi agreement since the start of the year?</b> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- The sides have not met yet in this year. We have received written proposals from the working group. The consortium members have to give a response from common ground. Therefore, we are working to foster understanding on both sides. It may not be resolved that easily as there are many issues. If we reach an agreement with the working group, the working group must submit the conditions agreed upon to the government. If the government agrees to it, it will submit the agreement to parliament for approval. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>- The Tavan Tolgoi investment agreement was postponed indefinitely, saying that it was not discussed by parliament when the previous government was in power. There is the criticism that the agreement was done in investors' interests. What is your take on this?</b> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- The investor, the consortium in other words, did not want to prevent parliament from discussing the agreement. On the contrary, we are working to get discussions going by parliament in case we reach an agreement. We expect to reach a decision by letting the matter be discussed in parliament. Let's imagine that the government signs the agreement on its own. Then we make the investments and start operations, and then suddenly parliament halts operations saying that the government did not let parliament discuss it. Who will lose in this case? Only the investors will be at a loss. Should we sue the government? How many years would arbitration take? Arbitration is not something we want. It requires a lot of time and money. We do not want to create a controversy with the Mongolian government as we are a Mongolian company. It seems like some people hold the suspicion that we are trying to secretly make a hasty agreement. This is not the case. We want everything to be done openly under official capacity, with the press and media reporting on it. In the end, the investors are bearing the most risk. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>- A team led by M.Enkhsaikhan negotiated with the investors when the previous government was in office. I personally think that it was a beneficial deal for our country. What are the chances of getting the same conditions in the current agreement?</b> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- The consortium is working to express its position from the same ground. Naturally, it will reflect proposals from all three sides. It will not go by the wishes of solely Energy Resources LLC. So, it is difficult to answer this question. The most important thing is the conditions and criteria set by the working team and the Mongolian government. The next issue is whether we will be able to agree to those conditions and reflect it in the agreement. The position and criteria must be made clear by the government. A rather large working group is handling the matter. Their thoughts and opinions will be reflected. We will work to give joint responses from the official consortium. In the end, the authorities, not us, will decide whether this project will move forward or not. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>- Is it possible to get Tavan Tolgoi moving forward this year? What is your opinion as a person who has sat at the negotiation table?</b> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- It is said that haste makes waste. Many issues will arise during the talks. There are legal issues in addition to commercial conditions. There are other things to consider too, such as the state of relations between countries as it is an international consortium. There are many factors that are out of our hands. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>- The Ukhaa Khudag project of Energy Resources is definitely a historical project for Mongolia. What is your company's goal?</b> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- Mining still plays a key role in the Mongolian economy. It is the only sector feeding Mongolia even though it receives much criticism. If a global company cannot be born from Mongolia's private sector, we need to at least aim to establish a major regional company of international standards. Such a company can only come out of the mining sector. Energy Resources LLC had this goal from the beginning. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Major international investors and international corporations such as Rio Tinto, Areva and Centerra Gold will naturally come into Mongolian mining. However, Mongolia's private sector also needs to participate alongside with them. Why can't a major regional mining company come out of Mongolia? The main goal of the steps we have taken up to today had this in mind. We traded on international stock exchanges, attracted funds from international capital markets and undertook large financing. The investments made in the Ukhaa Khudag project were not less than any other mining projects in the world. It is possible to work sustainably in the future. We expressed our opinions and said that we want to participate in Tavan Tolgoi if the government chooses the option to attract investors to it. Obviously we will follow the decision made by the government. In general, our company is interested in implementing the experience we gained as we understand the coal sector the best, and made the biggest investments in this sector among other Mongolian companies. It is a normal and healthy business interest. We have expressed our interest in being involved with Tavan Tolgoi as we consider it as a pure business project. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>- There are rumours that Energy Resources will fall into a difficult situation if the government does not move forward with Tavan Tolgoi. What would you say about this?</b> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>- It does not make sense to think that Tavan Tolgoi is the only option and that there is no other way to work. We have many options and things to do. We are considering Tavan Tolgoi because it is a little closer and one of the possible options. We will continue our work by focusing on our projects in Ukhaa Khudag and Baruun Naran. It is clear that we will focus on expanding our business based on the above-mentioned goals.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolianeconomy.mn/en/w/9671">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/quote/MATD:LN">MATD</a> closed -12.15% on the announcement Friday to 23.5p<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Petro_Matad_Extends"></a>Petro Matad Extends Mongolia Farm-Out Process, To Pick Contractor Soon<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>LONDON, March 10 (Alliance News) - Petro Matad Ltd on Friday said it expects to have chosen by the end of this month its preferred contractor from three bids submitted to provide drilling services for the company's upcoming programme at two oil and gas blocks in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Petro Matad also said it has <b>extended the deadline by which interested parties looking to farm-in to the blocks can show their interest</b>, and said the bid deadline will now be "until May 2017".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"<b>The company is encouraged with progress to date, and has received several offers and requests for exclusivity</b>. The evaluation of these offers is in progress but no decision has yet been made," it said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Due to the high level of interest shown from numerous existing and new interested parties who have yet to complete their studies and internal processes prior to making an offer, the company has decided that it is in the best interest of the company to further extend the bid deadline," Petro Matad said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition, the <b>contractor to provide the rig and services for the upcoming drill programme will be chosen this month</b>, ahead of drilling in July.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"<b>This [extension] will ensure the best possible deal outcome(s) to fully explore the company's acreage in 2017 and 2018</b>. The company's clear strategy is to commit early and extend the drilling programme to the end of 2018, thereby significantly increasing the chance of material exploration success. The company will update the market on the current offers once they are formalised and an agreement is completed," said Petro Matad.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition, Petro Matad said <b>Non-Executive Phil Vingoe has chosen to retire</b> as it announced the <b>appointment of Tim Bushell as a new non-executive</b>. Bushell was until recently was CEO for Falkland Oil and Gas Ltd.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bushell is currently a non-executive and executive adviser to Rockhopper Exploration PLC.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Petro Matad shares were down 1.9% to 26.24 pence per share on Friday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.lse.co.uk/AllNews.asp?code=6pdggsu9&headline=Petro_Matad_Extends_Mongolia_FarmOut_Process_To_Pick_Contractor_Soon">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail/MATD/13154332.html">Link to MATD release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a name="_Entree_Gold_Announces"></a><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSEMKT:EGI">EGI</a> closed +7.12% Monday at US$0.525, +85.5% YoY<o:p></o:p></p><h1>Entree Gold Announces Fiscal Year 2016 Results and Reviews Corporate Highlights<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - March 10, 2017) -</b> Entrée Gold Inc. (TSX:ETG)(NYSE MKT:EGI)(FRANKFURT:EKA) ("Entrée" or the "Company") has today filed its annual operational and financial results for the year ended December 31, 2016. All numbers are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>2016 HIGHLIGHTS</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>OUTLOOK AND STRATEGY</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Entrée is primarily focused on advancing its principal assets in Mongolia and Nevada, while undertaking various additional initiatives in an effort to maximize shareholder value. On February 28, 2017, the Company announced the Arrangement, pursuant to which the US Projects will be transferred to Mason Resources. Once the Arrangement becomes effective, the result will be two separate and focused, well-capitalized entities, each with a high quality advanced project providing new and existing shareholders with optionality as to investment strategy and risk.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Entrée is undertaking the Arrangement in order to focus on its carried 20% interest in the Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi joint venture property in Mongolia and potentially acquiring other value accreting and synergistic assets. The Arrangement is also intended to maximize shareholder value by allowing the market to value Entrée's assets independently of the US Projects. It is expected that transferring the US Projects from Entrée to Mason Resources will help accelerate development of the Ann Mason Project and give scope to new acquisitions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Both Entrée and Mason Resources will be managed by Entrée's current team of officers and employees for the upcoming 2017 year. The companies will utilize a share service model to allocate administrative costs proportionately to each company based on a ratio to be determined prior to closing of the Arrangement. It is expected that there will be some additional costs associated with the operation of Mason Resources as a separate publicly traded company, such as listing fees, marketing costs and some additional board related costs. Concurrently, the Company will continue to remain prudent with its expenditures.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Without giving effect to the Arrangement, the Company expects to spend between $2.8 million and $3.2 million for the 2017 year (2016 year - $4.0 million) on exploration and general administration costs. The Company expects to release an updated technical report for its interest in the Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi joint venture property and Shivee West in 2017, following the release of the 2016 OTTR by Turquoise Hill on October 21, 2016. The Company estimates the cost to prepare this report to be approximately $0.5 million. Upon completion of the Arrangement, it is expected that Mason Resources will incur an additional $0.2 million in annual corporate costs associated with having a second public company.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition, the Company is anticipating a potential one time cost of approximately $0.3 million for fees associated with the Arrangement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Corporate</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company has focused, and will continue to focus its efforts on conserving cash reserves. Corporate objectives for 2017 include maximizing the market value of the Company's assets through restructuring, increasing investor awareness and cash conservation. Without giving effect to the Arrangement, total corporate costs, which include marketing and compliance costs, are estimated to be between $1.8 million and $2.0 million for the 2017 year. An additional $0.2 million of corporate costs at Mason Resources is expected for the 2017 year in order to support the new publicly traded company.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi Joint Venture Property</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With the release of the 2016 OTTR, the Company intends to develop complementary PEAs for Entrée's interest in the second lift of the Hugo North (including Hugo North Extension) block cave and the Heruga deposit and file these as part of an updated NI 43-101 technical report. The Company anticipates commencing this process in the first half of 2017 and estimates the cost to be approximately $0.5 million to complete and publish the report.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Development of the OT project continues to advance with a number of positive milestones achieved in 2016. As part of the Company's corporate restructuring initiative, management commenced a market awareness program in late 2016 and will continue through 2017 to improve the investment community's understanding of Entrée's interest in the Entrée/Oyu Tolgoi joint venture property, including its potential value as compared with the interests of other OT project stakeholders.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company maintains an office and administration in Mongolia. Excluding the costs associated with the preparation of an updated NI 43-101 technical report referenced above, the Company expects to spend approximately $0.2 million for the 2017 year on legal costs and general administration in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Ann Mason Project</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/entree-gold-announces-fiscal-year-2016-results-and-reviews-corporate-highlights-tsx-etg-2202245.htm">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=ASX:HAR">HAR</a> last traded A$0.003 on March 8<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Haranga_Resources:_Half-Year"></a>Haranga Resources: Half-Year Financial Report, December 2016<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 10, Haranga, Resources Ltd. (ASX:HAR) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170310/pdf/43gq8j3wtphg00.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a name="_Viking_Mines:_Interim"></a><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=ASX:VKA">VKA</a> trading +5.26% mid-Tuesday at A$0.02<o:p></o:p></p><h1>Viking Mines: Interim Report, December 2016<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 14, Viking Mines Ltd. (ASX:VKA) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170314/pdf/43gs6nz8rck778.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03oQa1bgZQj4fEzHjBKs-dsUJhTkHzSGhuPL0N9aUuxaaF0UsyIJEgmIt-NuvMFz74b9X2K117q2bAuMzH49g336g62KCj9eFtXMvpBhW6nhC_1tW5hJDgq0gNUijVjvml9ayrAouoBI/s1600/image007-731164.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh03oQa1bgZQj4fEzHjBKs-dsUJhTkHzSGhuPL0N9aUuxaaF0UsyIJEgmIt-NuvMFz74b9X2K117q2bAuMzH49g336g62KCj9eFtXMvpBhW6nhC_1tW5hJDgq0gNUijVjvml9ayrAouoBI/s320/image007-731164.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204035134584946" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Local></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Local Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_MSE_Weekly_Report:"></a>MSE Weekly Report: Top 20 Unch, ALL +0.22%, Turnover <span lang=MN>₮</span>307M Shares, and <span lang=MN>₮</span>12.5B Primary, <span lang=MN>₮</span>1.5B Secondary T-Bills <span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 13 (MSE) Mongolian Stock Exchange organized 5 securities trading sessions and made transaction of MNT2.6 billion, with daily average of MNT14,280,904,855.00 in period between 06 March 2017 and 10 March 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Share trading</b>:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>382,244.00 shares of 45 joint stock companies worth of MNT307,027,515.00 were traded.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Most actively traded securities</b><o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>№ </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b> Securities Name </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Value /MNT/</b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>1</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>TTL<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Tavan tolgoi <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>86,870,660<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>2</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>EER<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Arig gal<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 58,771,400<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>3</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>GOV<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Govi<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 47,063,270<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>4</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>APU<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>APU<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 46,611,072<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>5</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>MMX<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Makh impex<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 12,029,420<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b>Most active brokerage companies</b> <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>№ </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b> Company Name </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Value /MNT/</b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>1</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>BDSC<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>BDSec<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 181,852,037 <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>2</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>GLMT<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Golomt capital<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 77,695,084<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>3</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>ARD<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Ard capital group<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 71,265,952<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>4</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>MNET<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Ard securities<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 58,810,346<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>5</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>STIN<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Standard investment <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 45,808,187<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b>Government retail bonds trading:<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>130,000 Government retail bonds worth of MNT12,513,020,000.00 traded through one trading session. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Most active brokerage companies for Government securities trading</b><o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>№ </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b> Company Name </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Value /MNT/</b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>1</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>TNGR<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Tenger capital<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>3,624,100,000<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>2</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>BDSC<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>BDSec<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>3,543,600,000<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>3</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>GLMT<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Golomt capital<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>1,833,100,000<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>4</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>ARD<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Ard capital group<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 1,814,300,000<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>5</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>NOVL<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Novel investment <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 1,616,000,000<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal>16,184 government retail bonds traded on secondary market of Government securities trading and total of 1,460,857,340.00 transaction has been made. <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>№ </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b> Company Name </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Value /MNT/</b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>3<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>BZIN<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Mire Esset Securities Mongolia <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 2,921,714,680<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal>As of 10 March 2017, market capitalization was MNT1,520,789,224,971.60 which indicated decreases of 0.64% and MSE ALL index reached 866.81 units which indicated increased of 0.22% from the previous week.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/news/4092">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_MSE_Trading_Report,"></a>MSE Trading Report, Mar 13: Top 20 -0.42%, ALL -0.13%, Turnover <span lang=MN>₮</span>125.9 Million Shares, <span lang=MN>₮</span>150.7 Million T-Bills <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 13 (MSE) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2v_AIwBzHnfv8NELTeslPx4Kj7gyGMcmpP78ZVWNoXFPp4PES69cuiIVWUggMhShlcJ2zAD8Fj47j_aBxJ4gg4IK99XBITNJj8YLib_4rQCM3h3ASABU6j3fcYr38-PPpuX17hR9wh2I/s1600/image018-733932.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2v_AIwBzHnfv8NELTeslPx4Kj7gyGMcmpP78ZVWNoXFPp4PES69cuiIVWUggMhShlcJ2zAD8Fj47j_aBxJ4gg4IK99XBITNJj8YLib_4rQCM3h3ASABU6j3fcYr38-PPpuX17hR9wh2I/s320/image018-733932.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204046214222562" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/uploads/ariljaa/reports/report_en-17.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Government_securities_trading"></a>Government securities trading available through 5 commercial banks<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 13 (MONTSAME) Last Friday, the Financial Regulatory Commission of Mongolia finalized more than 20 issues on its regular meeting. Khan Bank, Golomt Bank, Trade Development Bank, XacBank and State Bank had their licenses extended to conduct government securities trading services.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The FRC also granted new permits of operations to non-banking financial organizations, namely, "Khan Altain Nuruu", "Gold Capital Invest" and "Dari Finance" in consideration of their fulfilment of requirement of having base asset of more than MNT 2.5 billion.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/9100">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Will_tax_on"></a>Will taxing deposit interest help spur underdeveloped stock exchange?<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 12 (UB Post) As part of Mongolia's staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund to enroll in a 440 million USD extended fund facility (EFF), the government has accepted the responsibility to increase state budget revenue and cut its deficit. One of the biggest measures that will be taken is raising rates on seven taxes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The one amendment that has been getting the most attention and scrutiny, is the proposed decision to tax all savings interest. The decision has been met with much opposition, as would any increase on taxes that impacts such a large number of people. Analysts seem to be divided in their opinions about the measure, with one group worried that the new tax would only encourage informal savings and cut off the banking system's main source of income. Other economists have highlighted the potential long-term positive effects of the tax, such as the development of a more sophisticated financial system.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is important to note that the new tax policy has not been approved, or even discussed, by Parliament. However, it is likely that Parliament will have to approve the seven new tax policies in order for the country to enroll in the EFF. What has been discussed at this point is a ten percent fixed tax rate on savings interest, regardless of the duration and amount of the savings. This means a person with 10,000 MNT in their bank account will be taxed at the same rate as a person with 100 million MNT in their account. At this point, however, it is not clear whether it will be a fixed interest rate on all savings or if there will be classifications. This decision will ultimately be decided by the Mongolian People's Party (MPP) and their 65-seat majority in Parliament, as has been the case since June 2016. But what's different about this situation is the vocal opposition to the EFF amongst members of the MPP. It is more than likely, however, that these critical MPs will bite their tongues and pass the necessary amendments and measures in order to implement the much needed EFF.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The one prediction that most pundits have agreed upon is the notion that savings will most likely decrease. A 15 percent savings interest rate has not only encouraged many people to place all their assets into safe and reliable institutions, it has been a lucrative source of income. For instance, a person with 100 million MNT in the bank receives 15 million MNT in savings interest annually. Now, the decision to tax that lucrative return on savings may spur many individuals to search for other ways to invest and save their money. According to Mongol Bank statistics in 2016, there are more than 2.4 million people with savings accounts in the nation's 14 commercial banks. Of those 2.4 million people, 80 percent of them own only three percent of all savings. Three percent (72,000) of those 2.4 million people have large savings, and the remainder have small to medium-sized savings. There is an estimated 11 trillion to 12 trillion MNT in savings in the nation's banking system, of which seven trillion to eight trillion MNT is attributed to personal savings accounts. As noted by the Deposit Insurance Corporation of Mongolia, the volume of savings has not grown in recent years due to the weak economy. The new savings interest tax policy could push that trend further.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Naturally, as commercial bank savings accounts becomes less attractive, it would be logical for people to turn to the stock exchange and consider investment. However, the Mongolian Stock Exchange (MSE) has been widely criticized for being underdeveloped as a result of government intervention and bureaucracy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In January 2017, many news outlets reported that the stock exchange of war-torn Palestine had been named a frontier market by the FTSE index, while the MSE has made multiple unsuccessful requests to be considered for frontier market classification. Many pundits have criticized the government and called its handling of the MSE unsatisfactory. Proponents of privatization of the MSE have been vocal, with even the CEO of MSE, Kh.Altai, noting that the MSE is one of the last state-owned stock exchanges in the world. The privatization of the exchange has long been discussed, and it was even named by Parliament to be one of the seven state-owned enterprises that will be privatized in 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the past, many people have been reluctant to invest in the turbulent MSE, which has largely failed to meet expectations for growth. The security of the 15 percent savings interest rate offered by commercial banks has, in contrast, been a lucrative and attractive option for people with disposable income. Now, with the potential for people to begin looking for other investment opportunities for their savings, many analysts are banking on the hope that the MSE quickly brings its operational structure up to modern standards. The exchange could be an attractive option, as there are large domestic companies that trade stocks on the exchange and the government bonds issued on the exchange with 18 to 19 percent interest rates are seen as the most secure investments.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If the government is able to quickly privatize the MSE and carry out reforms and improvements in terms of operational management within the exchange, savings finding their way to the exchange could be the catalyst that the MSE needs to move out of its infancy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/12/will-a-tax-on-savings-interest-help-spur-an-underdeveloped-stock-exchange/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgm4P244KMvCaOPvBGDOslb5pcj1FUrKRVhIKn_7beXQKaA4wZcrPQpLJDkn6lMNlqqCPtz1ZFnNE053ItI11qGgK8GZ4ctMPMlUa2RHfdKmtQy8j6IrdCCo2ajRqDNcTE7EG5J8FOCY/s1600/image008-736639.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxgm4P244KMvCaOPvBGDOslb5pcj1FUrKRVhIKn_7beXQKaA4wZcrPQpLJDkn6lMNlqqCPtz1ZFnNE053ItI11qGgK8GZ4ctMPMlUa2RHfdKmtQy8j6IrdCCo2ajRqDNcTE7EG5J8FOCY/s320/image008-736639.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204057158927106" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Economy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Economy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>Reds</span> are when MNT fell, <span style='color:#00B050'>greens</span> when it rose.<b> <span style='color:red'>Bold reds</span></b><span style='color:red'> </span>are rates that set a new historic high at the time. </i><o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_BoM_MNT_Rates:"></a><span lang=MN>BoM MNT Rates: </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>Monday</span><span lang=MN>, </span>March 13 <span lang=MN>Close </span><o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoTable15Plain5 border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=952 style='width:714.0pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/13</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/10</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/9</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/7</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/6</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/3</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>4</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>High</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>Date</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1060" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/b27dbc49-e16d-41ae-8557-f99cdb40c367.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e147de94-098c-41fc-a613-e68b961bc287.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>USD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,458.80<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,461.32<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,464.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,466.88</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,468.55</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,470.25</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,470.84</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,470.83</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,473.63</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,476.02</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,498.75</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1061" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/bebede1f-9fde-45e8-9abf-07cee5d98010.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/7fff4ee5-d12c-4bd2-8a56-d47fa1ab5b0d.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>EUR</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,629.93<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,607.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,595.95<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,613.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,616.42</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,598.95</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,604.14</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,617.84</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,608.32</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,601.68</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,681.43</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/10/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1062" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/280be717-5c83-46be-b0c7-d0b2cf9575f2.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/73256f8e-4c86-438d-9d39-350646eb7f40.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>JPY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.44<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.33<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.51<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.69</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.62</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.64</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.92</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.85</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.83</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>23.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/9/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1063" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0e866dbf-0eff-45bc-aa83-c145b2345900.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/170ec7e9-2636-4b7d-a624-7ae9fef54841.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>GBP</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,005.02<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,992.60<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,995.36<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,015.51</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,029.40</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,030.01</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,035.80</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,100.15</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,086.72</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,091.68</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>3,183.26</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>8/13/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1064" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/33370dc8-8964-434b-8694-6462f39746fb.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a481156f-5e01-436d-b063-c22ecd3ed0dd.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>RUB</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>41.61<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.57<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.35</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.31</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.33</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.73</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.99</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>54.32</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>6/27/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1065" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/c37f3eb9-e9ba-4c1d-bc0f-2669bc4c1412.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/56dc9518-41a5-4bb4-9d57-167f6de07f2e.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CNY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>356.03<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>355.82<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>356.41<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>357.53</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>357.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>357.85</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.01</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.62</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.70</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.97</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>363.02</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/5/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1066" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e5792094-f0b8-4c3a-a82b-97ddd5401a38.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ab781b89-2767-4b9c-b3cb-b3c6cc603016.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>KRW</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.14<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.13<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.13<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.15</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.13</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.13</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/6/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1067" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/75233918-55b6-4977-a5ef-f682c93bbdb0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/9a4a44a5-6be7-4141-8159-5aa30a12bb45.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>SGD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,741.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,735.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,736.07<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,749.50</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,750.12</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,746.44</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,751.75</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,758.66</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,750.00</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,744.60</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,758.66</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/24/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1068" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a8311ed8-a900-4237-bf18-4ebf7b10bbf0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/53fdb4a8-f38e-4f01-b01a-c2dee4a6895d.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CAD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,827.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,823.13<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,826.88<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,842.12</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,841.24</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,844.09</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,850.82</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,888.08</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,881.52</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,883.12</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,908.84</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/18/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1069" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/5d744e37-53d2-4c10-aa04-7bc77a3c3abc.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/6ec5578f-dca9-4257-b326-e755e3b2400b.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>AUD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,862.05<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,851.40<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,853.05<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,877.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,871.53</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,866.15</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,892.17</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,906.25</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,902.35</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,905.17</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/16/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1070" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6f012c2-8c16-455d-b0b0-8427d7512a2b.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6b9f8ce-b8d2-4ce7-bdce-b85ce1812325.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>HKD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>316.99<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>317.26<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>317.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>317.95</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.18</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.29</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.40</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.78</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.03</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>322.21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1071" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0588bbef-101c-4211-8d37-8045475e110d.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ae638f8b-a29a-4d70-90b3-52ad2a79d482.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CHF</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,431.45<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,430.69<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,427.47<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,439.32</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,446.41</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,439.39</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,445.65</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,456.83</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,447.81</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,446.66</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,497.77</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/09/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:red'>Bank USD rates at time of sending</span></b>: <a href="https://www.khanbank.com/en/home/rates">Khan</a> (Buy ₮2,448 Sell ₮2,460), <a href="http://tdbm.mn/en/exchange">TDB</a> (Buy ₮2,450 Sell ₮2,460), <a href="https://en.golomtbank.com/home/citizen">Golomt</a> (Buy ₮2,450 Sell ₮2,462), <a href="http://xacbank.mn/en/calculator/rates">XacBank</a> (Buy ₮2,449 Sell ₮2,459), <a href="https://www.statebank.mn/w/en/m1">State Bank</a> (Buy ₮2,450 Sell ₮2,462)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/graphic_dailyrate.aspx">USD (blue), CNY (red) vs MNT</a> in last 1 year:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUQihY1UoDhE22vsWWY40OBqn8UCNjiLJIJeiNgu_bzIAgKTdhtS2lXSBMHm1ZO6fRELCjitoPTIdVEH09A5symVigNKYML-mLvoPIa5lqsl6NF3Fe1_LDeAFrr6fI2i8hsULs17at78/s1600/image019-739736.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivUQihY1UoDhE22vsWWY40OBqn8UCNjiLJIJeiNgu_bzIAgKTdhtS2lXSBMHm1ZO6fRELCjitoPTIdVEH09A5symVigNKYML-mLvoPIa5lqsl6NF3Fe1_LDeAFrr6fI2i8hsULs17at78/s320/image019-739736.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204070822406610" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistofficialdailyrate.aspx">Link to rates</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_issues_₮394"></a>BoM issues <span lang=MN>₮</span>394 billion 1-week bills, total outstanding +11.9% to <span lang=MN>₮1</span>.<span lang=MN>06</span> trillion <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 13 (Bank of Mongolia) BoM issues 1 week bills worth MNT 394 billion at a weighted interest rate of 14.0 percent per annum /<a href="http://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistcbb.aspx">For previous auctions click here/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=173">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_IMF:_US$_440"></a>IMF: US$ 440 million to be transferred to Bank of Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 10 (gogo.mn) Democratic Party (DP) group members in State Great Khural including Z.Narantuya, L.Bold, B.Purevdorj met with Neil Saker, the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Resident Representative in Mongolia and discussed the Extended Fund Facility program. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr. Neil Saker said that US$ 440 million to be transferred to Bank of Mongolia and is expected to increase the foreign exchange reserves. Also, the certain amount of the fund will be invested to budgeted projects. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Support from other international partners will offer the lowest interest rates. The main purpose of the IMF`s program is to restore economic stability and reduce the budget deficit which now exceeded the amount stated in Budget Stability Law. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover he added IMF decided not to cut the social welfare costs, continuing to grant children`s benefit to 40 percent while offering food stamps for 20 percent of the children. Also, IMF discussed with the Government of Mongolia to suspend pay rise for civil servants for two years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the end of the meeting Mr. Neil Saker stated that State Great Khural of Mongolia must approve supplementary budget<span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'></span> 5-10 days prior to Apr 10, 2017. We hope that Bank of Mongolia has started to perform outsourcing audit to commercial banks. Also, Bank of Mongolia must not perform quasi-fiscal<span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'></span> activities. Following the Board of IMF will consider Mongolia's request.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157616">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_Revenue_Shortfall"></a>Mongolia Revenue Shortfall in Jan.-Feb. Reaches $85m, NSO Says<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>By Michael Kohn<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 13 (Bloomberg) -- Mongolia's total revenue and grants to the general budget in Jan.-Feb. were <a href="http://www.en.nso.mn/content/189">963.4b tugrik</a> compared with total expenditure of 1.18t tugrik, a revenue shortfall of 211.7b tugrik ($85.4m).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>* National statistics office releases data on website<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>* NOTE: Revenue shortfall in same period yr ago was 258.5b tugrik<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>* <b>Tax revenue increased 192.5b tugrik or 30.7% y/y</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>* Gross industrial output reached <a href="http://www.en.nso.mn/content/188">1.8t tugrik</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>* <b>Money supply (M2) reached <a href="http://www.en.nso.mn/content/187">12.3t tugrik</a></b> at the end of February, a 22.5% increase y/y<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>* Currency in circulation reached 944.7b tugrik, a 44.1% increase y/y<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>* Loans outstanding amounted to 12.7t tugrik, an increase of 9.2% y/y<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>* <b>Principal in arrears totaled 1.05t tugrik at the end of Feb</b>., a 6.2% increase y/y<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>* <b>Non-performing loans totaled 1.19t tugrik at end-Feb</b>., a 12.4% increase m/m and 30.3% increase y/y<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>* <b>Foreign trade surplus was <a href="http://www.en.nso.mn/content/184">$334.2m</a> in the first 2 months of the year</b>, with total trade at $1.3b<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>* <b>February CPI was <a href="http://www.en.nso.mn/content/182">+2.1% y/y</a></b>, +0.9% m/m<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>* In Jan.-Feb natural <b>loss of livestock due to bad weather or infectious disease reached <a href="http://www.en.nso.mn/content/179">133,900 animals</a></b>, a decrease of 65.8% y/y<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>(BFW)<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_NSO:_Social_insurance"></a>NSO: Social insurance revenue increased 26.5 percent in first 2 months<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>In the first 2 months 2017, The General Authority for Health and Social Insurance of Mongolia reported that revenue of Social insurance fund amounted to 304.5 billion togrog, reflecting an increase of 63.7 billion togrog (26.5%) and expenditure of the fund reached 296.3 billion togrog, showing an increase of 31.4 billion togrog (11.9%) compared to the same period of the previous year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Figure 1. Revenue and expenditure of the Social Insurance Fund, monthly<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The General Office of Labor and Welfare Service reported that in first 2 months 2017, 20.3 billion togrog granted to 162.6 thousand persons for pensions and allowances from the Social Welfare fund. The number of persons who received pensions and welfare allowances decreased by 13.8 thousand persons (7.8%), and the amount of pensions and allowances decreased by 3.5 billion togrog (14.7%) compared to same period of the previous year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In first 2 months 2017, 13.1 billion togrog were granted to 627.7 thousand children aged below 18 as Children's cash allowances.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Definition:<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.en.nso.mn/content/176">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_NSO:_Average_wages"></a>NSO: Average wages and salaries increased by 8.6 percent in 2016<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 10 (NSO) Social insurance payment report of the Government implementing agency General Authority for Health and Social Insurance of Mongolia covered 577.9 thousands employees in 37.3 thousand establishments for fourth quarter of 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Of those 28.3 thousand employees (5.0%) are paid lower than 192.0 thousands.tog, 51.8 thousand employees (9.0%) are paid 192.0-300.0 thous.tog, 93.0 thousand employees (16.1%) are paid 300.0-500.0 thous.tog, 218.5 thousand employees (37.8%) are paid 500.0-900.0 thous.tog, 103.2 thousand employees (17.0%) are paid 900.0-1300.0 thous.tog, 22.5 thousand employees (3.9%) are paid 1300.0-1500.0 thous.tog and 60.6 thousand employees (10.5%) are paid more than 1500.0 thous.tog for monthly wages and salaries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Figure 1. Monthly average wages and salaries of employees in establishments, by employment size class, for fourth quarter of 2016, thous.tog<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Monthly average wages and salaries of employees in mining and quarrying establishments were highest at 2311.7 thous.tog while those in house holding enterprises were lowest at 626.3 thous.tog.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.en.nso.mn/content/186">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_NSO:_Air,_rail"></a>NSO: Air, rail transport jump in first 2 months, revenue up <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Traveling by air transport of domestic passengers increased, thus creating the revenue growth.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the first 2 months of 2017, 3142.1 thousand tonnes of freight and 406.0 thousand persons (double counting) were carried by railway transport. Compared to the same period of the previous year, the number of <b>carried freight has increased by 248.5 thousand tonnes (8.6%) </b>and the <b>number of carried passengers has decreased by 24.7 thousand persons (5.7%).<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <b>revenue from railway transport reached 64.6 billion togrogs which has increased by 9.3 billion togrogs (16.8%) </b>compared to the same period of the previous year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Figure 1. Carried freight by railway transport and air transport<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the first 2 months of 2017, 403.4 tonnes of freight and 99.2 thousand persons (double counting) were carried by air transport. The volume of carried <b>freight increased by 4.6 tonnes (1.2%)</b> and the number of <b>carried passengers increased by 14.3 thousand (16.9%) </b>compared to the same period of the previous year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <b>revenue from air transport reached 37.2 billion togrogs which has increased by 2.6 billion togrogs (7.5%) </b>compared to the same period of the previous year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Figure 2. Carried passengers by railway transport and air transport<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Methodology:<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.en.nso.mn/content/177">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixqhmL3XGf7Aw-OSrlYlDIGUA0lwDuk_fy_eDIFde-NWTXjO0N9ZYUJSkp2gVyzB_YD9IgCj2nteWlAf_pTRh7vwziQTgKWCliDCsQvqx_qyd5DJPyasVI-NERnwHd-8XCUzbgq0oTgs/s1600/image004-721864.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixqhmL3XGf7Aw-OSrlYlDIGUA0lwDuk_fy_eDIFde-NWTXjO0N9ZYUJSkp2gVyzB_YD9IgCj2nteWlAf_pTRh7vwziQTgKWCliDCsQvqx_qyd5DJPyasVI-NERnwHd-8XCUzbgq0oTgs/s320/image004-721864.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397203999880098450" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Politics></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Politics & Legal<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Defacto_Review,_March"></a>Defacto Review, March 12<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 13 (Jargal Defacto via VTV) Reviewed topics:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>1. Khuraldai Bonds rise on debut.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>2. Can courts overrule government decisions?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>3. Democrats squeeze candidates for cash.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>4. Mongolia's women heroes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9WypGSqdx0">Link to video</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Appeal_for_justice"></a>Appeal for justice in the killing of journalist in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>This statement was originally published on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Globe-International-Center-288179841217398/" target="_blank"><b>GIC's Facebook page</b></a> on 29 February 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 9 (IFEX) Over three months have passed since Luntan Bolormaa, a female journalist and publicist, was found dead at her home on the night of 21 November 2015. Bolormaa's family members, friends, relatives, co-workers, the journalism community and the public are anxious for police to investigate and report on her sudden death. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Sources said that the National Institute of Forensic Science conducted an autopsy of Bolormaa's body and concluded that she died due to a brain hemorrhage caused by a concussion in the occipital bone. Police are continuing their investigation into Bolormaa's death. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Bolormaa was a well-recognized investigative reporter and publicist. She was a founder and editor-in-chief of the Mongolian Mining Journal. Bolormaa published mainly on economic, political, business, and mining issues. Moreover, she managed the non-governmental organization, "Journalism for Development", which trained and supported journalists in reporting on economic and mining related issues. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>GIC expresses its deepest condolences to her family, friends, relatives and co-workers, and believes the police will complete a thorough investigation of the crime, determine if her death was somehow linked to her journalism duties, and bring the perpetrators to justice.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Signed by: <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Amnesty International Mongolia, Bayansharga, Centre for Human Rights and Development, Confederation of Mongolian Journalists, Environment and Health Centre, Global Meridian, Globe International Center, Government Citizen Partnership, Kazakh Women's Arular Federation, Law and Human Right Centre, LGBT Centre, Media Council of Mongolia, Media Council Club, Mitchell Foundation, MONFEMNET National network, Mongolian Gender Equality Center, Mongolian Women's Employment Support Federation, National Center against Violence, Oyu Tolgoi Watch, Psychological Responsiveness, Rivers without Boundaries Coalition, Sayanaa Well-being Association, Steps Without Borders<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.ifex.org/mongolia/2016/03/09/investigate_case_journalist/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Murder_of_Zorig's"></a>Murder of Zorig's case goes to Court of Appeals<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 13 (news.mn) The much-publicised murder case of the renowned political figure S.Zorig has gone to the Municipal Court of Appeals in the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar. The hearing will take place on Tueday, 14<sup>th</sup> of March.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After the trials, conducted last December behind closed doors, Ts.Amgalanbaatar, T.Chimegee and O.Sodnomdarjaa were sentenced to between 24 and 25 years of imprisonment for violent assault motivated by greed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Former member of parliament S.Oyun, younger sister of the murdered politician and founder of the Zorig Foundation, filed a complaint to the Court of Appeals following the court decision; this was subsequently accepted and the date announced.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>S.Zorig was one of the "Golden swallows of democracy", as the pioneers of democratic movement of Mongolia that took place in the early 1990s are known. He had been working as a Member of Parliament and cabinet at the time of his murder in 1998.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327281">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Government_bodies_to"></a>Government bodies to unite against corruption<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 13 (MONTSAME) Public organizations will collaborate in order to implement and promote the "National Program on Combating Corruption". Within the framework, "National Program on Combating Corruption and Cooperation of State Bodies" meeting took place on March 13. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting was attended by representatives from Parliamentary Office, Cabinet Secretariat, State Secretaries of government ministries, heads of public agencies, governor's office and district offices.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Kh.Enkhjargal, Commissioner General of Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAAC) said "Cooperation of state bodies and public engagements are crucial in combating corruption. IAAC will create a public approach that opposes bureaucratic and corrupted public service".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Within the framework of the national program, seven working groups from IAAC will be working in the ministries, state agencies, governor's office and district offices for a month. The working groups will be responsible for promoting a national program on combating corruption, monitoring the implementation of the law on anti-corruption, receiving complaints and information from the public, making risk assessment of corruption, conducting trainings and providing methodologies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On behalf of the government, head of the Cabinet Secretariat MP J.Munkhbat attended the meeting. J.Munkhbat said "The current circumstances have to be reported accurately. The anti-corruption work has to be free from politics and personal interest of any individual and cooperation with the media and civil society organizations should be brought into focus in order to prevent corruption as well as to educate and advocate the public".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9112">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Elders_allowed_to"></a>Elders allowed to get pension in advance without interest<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 10 (MONTSAME) "Regulation on delivering pension in advance" approved by an order of the General Authority of Health and Social Insurance chairman has taken effect.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Aimed at satisfying elders' need, the regulation enables elders to receive 50 per cent of their three months pension in advance without paying any interest or fee, just applying to relevant banks. Commercial banks used to get interest for giving pension in advance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Now pensioners, who want their pension in advance, should have no pension- guaranteed loans.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9089">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_German_alumni_of"></a>German alumni of Mongolia meeting to address development<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 14 /MONTSAME/ By the initiative of Parliament Member D.Terbishdagva and under the slogan 'Hardworking Mongolian – Keystone in Development', a meeting of 1000 Germany alumni is going to take place on March 17 at the State House.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Educational cooperation between Mongolia and Germany is believed to have begun in 1926 since when about 30,000 Mongolians have studied in the central European country.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The alumni meeting aims to relay messages, new ideas and initiatives from young people who studied in Germany and are working towards a better future for Mongolia to the heads of state and government.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The output of the meeting will be a recommendation regarding political, economic and social development of Mongolia which will be delivered to the Parliament and the Cabinet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9122">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_₮22.6_billion_allocated"></a><span lang=MN>₮</span>22.6 billion allocated for wool incentives in 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (UB Post) A total of 22.6 billion MNT will be distributed this year to nearly 93,000 herders as incentives for last year's wool supply, as announced by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The ministry's Livestock Protection Fund reviewed details of the state's 2016 wool supply in February and decided to distribute incentives through Mongol Bank this year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Details of the 2016 wool supply</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Compared to 2015, the number of herders who supplied wool in 2016 increased from 79,407 to 92,885, and the volume of wool produced increased by 1.3 million kg. Since the government launched incentives for sheep and camel wool production in 2011, more than 400,000 herders have received a combined 112.7 billion MNT in incentives for their contributions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Details of wool collection and incentives allocated since 2011</i><o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=484 style='width:363.0pt;background:white;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td width=58 style='width:43.8pt;border:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>Year</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=154 style='width:1.6in;border:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>Number of herders</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=110 style='width:1.15in;border:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>Wool volume (tons)</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=90 style='width:67.8pt;border:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>Monetary value (billion MNT)</b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=58 style='width:43.8pt;border:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>2011<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=154 style='width:1.6in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-right:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>32,977<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=110 style='width:1.15in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-right:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>4,924.9<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=90 style='width:67.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-right:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>9.8<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=58 style='width:43.8pt;border:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>2012<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=154 style='width:1.6in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-right:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>103,162<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=110 style='width:1.15in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-right:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>14,696.6<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=90 style='width:67.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-right:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>29.4<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=58 style='width:43.8pt;border:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>2013<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=154 style='width:1.6in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-right:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>117,667<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=110 style='width:1.15in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-right:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>18,307.3<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=90 style='width:67.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-right:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>36.6<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=58 style='width:43.8pt;border:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>2014<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=154 style='width:1.6in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-right:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>80,619<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=110 style='width:1.15in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-right:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>16,643.5<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=90 style='width:67.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-right:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>18.3<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=58 style='width:43.8pt;border:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>2015<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=154 style='width:1.6in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-right:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>79,407<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=110 style='width:1.15in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-right:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>16,897<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=90 style='width:67.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-right:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>19.3<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=58 style='width:43.8pt;border:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>Total</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=154 style='width:1.6in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-right:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>413,832</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=110 style='width:1.15in;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-right:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>71,468.4</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=90 style='width:67.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;border-right:solid #EDEDED 1.0pt;padding:1.5pt 6.0pt 1.5pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>112.7</b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:5.75pt;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:5.75pt;margin-left:0in;line-height:10.85pt'><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/09/more-than-20-billion-mnt-allocated-for-wool-incentives-in-2017/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Conflicts_of_interest"></a>Conflicts of interest keep Mongolian child jockeys in the saddle<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Mongolia holds an average of 600 horse races with over 16,000 children participating as jockeys, according to government figures<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 10 (AFP) Mongolian courts banned them, human rights groups slammed them and the labour ministry demands they cease, but none of that has stopped Mongolia's politicians from letting child jockeys saddle up.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Despite the outcry, coaches still hire child riders to race at breakneck speeds across the freezing steppe in high stakes contests with powerful backers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The contests have been met with outrage on social media, where commenters share photos of young riders suffering painful falls from the saddle and call on authorities to enforce the court order suspending the event.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Child jockeys are forbidden from appearing in winter and spring races, according to regulations issued by the country's ministry of labour in February 2016.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>But that has not stopped Mongolian Prime Minister Jargalsaikhanii Erdenebat from approving a recent horse race about 20km outside of the capital of Ulan Bator in Tsagaan Hutul, as well as in two other provinces later this month.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Winter-spring horse races are often held in temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius, which can lead to frostbite, particularly in long distance races in high winds.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Temperatures dipped as low as -12 degrees during Sunday's race in Tsagaan Hutul.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>At one race last Sunday, at least 10 horses crossed the finish line without riders after their jockeys apparently fell off. In total, 31 of the young jockeys took a spill at the event, according to Mongolia's authority for children and family affairs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Medics on scene refused to answer questions about whether any children had been injured.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia holds an average of 600 horse races with over 16,000 children participating as jockeys, according to government figures.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A 2014 Unicef report said that some 326 child jockeys were hospitalised in 2012, mostly with head or bone injuries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Displays of skilled horsemanship are an important part of traditional Mongolian culture, but professional child jockeys are a relatively recent phenomenon, only appearing during the last 10 years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As little as two decades ago, horse races were organised only during the country's summer festival Nadaam, and riding coaches, known as "<i>uyach</i>" in Mongolian, used their own children or relatives as jockeys.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Since that time, racing has become a popular, albeit shadowy business and uyach seek out boys between the ages of seven and 10 to ride in the competitions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The riders are often sponsored by local politicians, who tout their ownership of race horses during their campaigns. Ownership of livestock is an important measure of success for rural voters, many of whom continue to lead traditional pastoral lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Children's light weight gives them an advantage in horse races that often run for 18 to 26km , among the longest on earth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Most of the recruits come from lower income families in rural areas, where uyach are widely respected.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ya Boldbaatar, the chief organiser of the Uyach Association, told local reporters that organisers had not received notice of the court's decision to ban child jockeys before the most recent race: "We only heard the decision from the media."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Khurelchuluunii Bayasgalan, a public relations officer at the metropolitan administrative court said that the horse-racing coaches association still has 14 days to appeal against the court decision, meaning that the order was not yet final.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>But the ruling should have been put into immediate effect, Odonkhuugiin Munkhsaikhan, a legal expert at Mongolian National University, wrote on his web site.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"However, the government has conflicts of interest. Some of the cabinet members are uyach and have been allowed to organise the race without considering the court's decision."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Sanchir Jargalsaikhan, a political scientist in Ulan Bator, said that the case showed how Mongolian plutocrats could increasingly ignore the country's laws.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The speaker of the country's parliament, the Great Khural, is also a member and head of the Uyach association, he said, adding that "because of this confluence of interests, an amateur association is able to override the decision of the court and go unpunished".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Last winter, 16 children fell off their horses and two broke their legs during a race that was held over objections by the Mongolian National Human Rights Commission and civil society groups.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/2077844/conflicts-interest-keep-mongolian-child-jockeys-saddle">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_A_tiny_person"></a>A tiny person against the giant world<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 10 (MONTSAME) Women who are shorter than 130 cm and men shorter than 140 cm are recognized as "little people" in Mongolia. The shortest person ever-recorded is Ms.Ichinkhorloo Jurmed living in Choibalsan, Dornod Aimag. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It was noted in the fourth series of the 'Compendium of Mongolian Secrets', the record book of Mongolia published in 1990, that "The shortest person of Mongolia J.Ichinkhorloo was born in 1951 in Choibalsan of Dornod Aimag. She is 90 cm tall and weighs 36 kg". Her unique short stature is caused by dwarfism, although both her parents did not have the syndrome and are of ordinary height as well as her older sister. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ichinkhorloo was born, raised and still lives in her hometown. Owning 20 cows for milking, 30-40 sheep and over 200 goats, she is just an ordinary livestock herder. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ichinkhorloo, like any other women, had a chance at life as a mother. She had a healthy son in 1971. Her son Baljir lives with his wife and two children. Before going into military service, her grandson B.Tsendsuren helped Ichinkhorloo most of the time.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I am right in mind, if not brighter than some people. It is positivity and mental strength that counts in life" said Ichinkhorloo. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Video credit to "Tumnii neg"</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>(literal meaning One of the Thousand)</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>program broadcasted on Mongolian MNC TV</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/video/society/tiny-person-against-giant-world">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Jargal_Defacto:_Behind"></a>Jargal Defacto: Behind the scenes of March 8<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 12 (UB Post) March 8 is marked every year to celebrate the achievements of women. Mongolia is one of few countries that has declared the day a public holiday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On this day, countries also look at their progress on raising women's social status, and ensuring equality between men and women. It is a great opportunity to praise the brave women who have made strong progress in this endeavor and recognize the ordinary women who have achieved extraordinary feats. Today, we are taking pride in our female soldiers who are serving in Sudan as United Nations peacekeepers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As Mongolia's population increases, our economic growth is far from being sustainable, and the unemployment rate is not going down. We are seeing a rise in domestic violence and crimes while people are increasingly going abroad in search of jobs. The majority of victims of domestic violence are women and children, who sometimes end up losing their life. Although laws against domestic violence are getting tougher and we are seeing more government and non-government organizations working for the cause, the results are still not sufficient.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Therefore, on International Women's Day, we – as a society – should have discussions around domestic violence. In order to have a meaningful dialogue, we need to focus not on how the day is celebrated, but on what it means and what is happening behind the scenes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>DOMESTIC</b> <b>VIOLENCE</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to the General Police Department, 2010 saw 248 cases of domestic violence, where nine people died and 225 people were injured. These numbers have increased over the years, and there were 1,449 domestic violence cases in 2016, where 18 people died and 1,217 sustained injuries. This means that the number of people who have died and been injured as a result of domestic violence has increased five-fold within only six years. A total of 104 people lost their lives due to domestic violence in the last seven years. This number does not include suicides, and it is generally impossible to determine the exact number of domestic violence victims.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During her Defacto Interview in October 2016, Head of the National Center Against Violence D.Enkhjargal said that 80 percent of the 104 people who died as a result of domestic violence were attempting to secure protection from law enforcement agencies until the day they died. This is an alarming signal, and it makes one wonder how many Mongolian mothers, sisters, and children are seeking protection on this day of celebration.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Domestic violence is regarded as an issue exclusive to the private realm, and one that has aspects of confidentiality and privacy. Therefore, it is often likened to an iceberg, in the sense that you can only see the tip of the iceberg, but not the 90 percent that is beneath the water. Thus, the number of domestic violence cases could be ten times larger than the numbers mentioned before. It does not help that Mongolia has not had any dedicated initiatives at a national level to study domestic violence cases, the number of cases, and what causes domestic violence.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Domestic violence does not only mean issues between spouses, but also affects thousands of male and female members of a family, children, and the elderly. Domestic violence against the elderly often has roots in economic struggles. It has become common for seniors to be pressured by their sons and daughters to acquire loans, using their pension as collateral. Or, they are asked to sell their property for money. Also, problems arise when the children of seniors are allowed to collect pensions from the bank.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Furthermore, the concept of "living with a partner" has spread widely, which weakens the ownership rights and protections of unmarried people. When calculating how much ownership of shared property each partner has, they do not take into account the time women sacrifice to give birth and raise their children. It leaves women vulnerable.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The women's rights organizations are emphasizing that our society still has the stipulation that women have to be tolerant of everything, trying to hide problems under what they are calling a "traditional value".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>COUNTERMEASURES</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Given the spread of domestic violence and its increasing number of victims, the government has been making attempts to improve the situation through laws and rules.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In 2004, the parliament passed a law dedicated to combating domestic violence, yielding to demands from NGOs. However, it has been 10 years now and the law has not been in full effect because amendments to other laws have not been made. A month ago, a revised domestic violence law was passed, and it included approximately 10 critical changes. These changes include legal protection for victims, people having the duty to inform the police and other agencies about domestic violence, clearer responsibilities for the police, special protection services for children who are victims of domestic violence, and distinguishing between crimes and violations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Branches of the National Center Against Violence have been established in 16 provinces. These centers are operated in cooperation with the local governor. Police and doctors are available at the center to provide required services. Two provinces now have accommodations dedicated to offering protection from domestic violence. Japan's Grassroots project and the United Nations Population Fund are providing financial and technical assistance to these centers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hotlines such as 102 and 107 for the police and 108 for children and family centers are now available for victims and witnesses. An average of 3,000 victims of domestic violence contact the National Center Against Violence every year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With the purpose of protecting witnesses and victims, Mongolia established the Takhar Agency in 2013. However, the new government has recently abolished the organization to cut spending and declared that its functions would be governed by the police. These examples and statistics show that despite the various initiatives to stop domestic violence, their outcomes are not good enough.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In order to combat domestic violence, many new initiatives need to be taken besides the ongoing activities. Where our work needs to start is with people's ideas about violence. Everyone needs to understand and acknowledge that conflicts are bound to arise when people from different backgrounds, education, or opinions are living together. The key is that such conflicts can and should be resolved peacefully, the most sensible and smartest step to take to end violence.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We need to have arts, cultural, and educational activities focused on human and social relations, where violence is not acknowledged or tolerated.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Given that the majority of violence cases trace back to economic roots, we need to take all measures to increase employment and increase the competitiveness of our private sector, so that income levels of vulnerable households increase.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In short, we need to establish a brand new social relations paradigm to stop domestic violence. March 8 is a great opportunity for everyone to stop and think about this, recognize achievements, and identify what we are lacking.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Countries are regarded as highly developed and happier when women enjoy freedom and are, of course, happy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Translated by B.Amar</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/12/behind-the-scenes-of-march-8/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire_1"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for March 10, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Irregular parliamentary session is not needed to discuss EFF amendments<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> In order to fully implement the IMF's extended fund faculty (EFF), seven types of taxes must be amended and several policy changes put in place. Before Tsagaan Sar, it was expected that Parliament would hold an irregular session to discuss the amendments required, and the Ministry of Finance drafted amendments to the Law on the State Budget for 2017, which were approved by Cabinet. The Governing Board of the MPP convened and decided not to hold an irregular session prior to the start of the spring session of Parliament. Head of the MPP Caucus D. Khayankhyarvaa stated, "An irregular session is not required to discuss the amendments to the budget, and it can be discussed during the spring session of Parliament." The spring session is scheduled to start on April 5. The final date for implementation of the IMF's EFF requirements is March 31. Some sources say that by agreeing to the IMF deal, the approval rating of the MPP party could fall and possibly affect the results of the presidential election and the public's perception of the party meeting its parliamentary election promises.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> IMF, Parliament, MPP</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>Today /page 1/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>WHO will provide 35,000 USD in aid<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Deputy Prime Minister U.Khurelsukh met with the Resident Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) in Mongolia Soe Nuynt-U to discuss the WHO's operations in Mongolia. The Deputy Prime Minister thanked Dr. Soe for his contributions to the Mongolian health sector, and for the WHO's work in developing the Mongolian health sector and improving the health of the population. The WHO is planning to contribute aid packages valued at 35,000 USD to help overcome difficult winter and spring conditions. The WHO will establish a task force to address possible disasters and critical dangers that threaten the population.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> WHO, foreign aid</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The National Post /page 2/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ECONOMY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Canada-Mongolia Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement enters into force<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> During the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention being held in Toronto, Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry Ts. Dashdorj met with the Canadian Minister of International Trade, Francois-Philippe Champagne, and noted that Mongolia has created a favorable environment for Canadian investors. In 2015, Canada invested 6.4 billion USD in Mongolia. Canadian officials noted that the governments of the two countries could cooperate not only in the mining sector but in agriculture and infrastructure as well. Representatives from Mongolia met with representatives from the Toronto Stock Exchange and discussed the possibility of dual listings. Currently, there are 10 Mongolian companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Centerra Gold is currently in negotiations with the Government of Mongolia concerning investment in the Gatsuurt mine and an agreement to conduct mining operations there. The negotiations are advancing, noted a representative from the ministry.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> bilateral relations, PDAC, Canada, investment</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Official Gazette /page 11/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ONLINE STORY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Khuraldai bond's primary market transactions are paid<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The Khuraldai bond, aimed at replacing Development Bank of Mongolia's 580 million USD Euro bond, was released in the international market and its primary market transaction fees have been paid. Investors finished their bond transactions for ownership of the government's bond. The Khuraldai bond's first interest payment will be made in September 2017, and the current price of the bond stands at 107 USD. The new bond is worth 600 million USD, with a nominal price of 100 USD per share. It has an 8.75% interest rate with a seven-year duration.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Khuraldai bond, finance</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i><a href="http://bloombergtv.mn/%D1%85%D1%83%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%B9-%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%8B%D0%BD-%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%85%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%B3%D1%87-%D0%B7%D0%B0%D1%85-%D0%B7%D1%8D%D1%8D%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%B6%D0%B0%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%8B-%D1%82%D3%A9%D0%BB%D0%B1%D3%A9%D1%80-%D1%85%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%B3%D0%B4%D0%BB%D1%8D%D1%8D/?cid=3" target="_blank">www.blooombergtv.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-march-10-2017/">Link to newswire</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for March 13, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Meeting held to discuss 50 million EUR loan from Poland <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Parliament's Head of the Mongolia-Poland Caucus D. Damba-Ochir, B. Batzorig, A. Sukhbat, and L. Eldev-Ochir paid an official visit to the Republic of Poland and met with Deputy Marshal of the Senate Maria Koc and Deputy Marshal of the Sejm Ryszard Terlecki to discuss cooperation between the parliaments of the two countries. The two sides discussed concluding an agreement this month on 50 million EUR in tied aid for export and social protection in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> bilateral relations, foreign loans, Poland</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>Today /page A2/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In run-up to DP party elections transparent financial reporting demanded<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The Democratic Party will hold an election to choose its leaders at each level of the party on April 2. The heads of party caucuses in the 21 provinces, Ulaanbaatar's 9 districts, and 338 soums, and the chairmen of DP committees in 152 khoroos will be elected next month. Some members of the party have expressed their disapproval about the cost of being eligible to run in the local elections election. For the party chairmanship election, five candidates have each paid 240 million MNT to run. It costs 90 million MNT to run for the seat of Ulaanbaatar's party chair, 15 million MNT to run to become a province party chair, and 20 million MNT to run to be a district party chair. Since such significant payments to the party must be made to run in elections, party members have proposed making the process of financing more transparent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> WHO, foreign aid</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Official Gazette /page 2/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>MINING<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Canada could invest another 20 million USD in the Mongolian mining sector<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry announced that Mongolia has signed an MOU with Canada to open up and attract investment of 20 million USD. The MOU was the result of discussions at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) convention and a roundtable meeting on Mongolian mining that was attended by the Mongolian and Canadian Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry, and industry representatives from each country. The two sides discussed developing cooperation in trade, economic partnership, investment, construction, infrastructure, agriculture, and education, and improving polities ties. The Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry highlighted that over 200 representatives took part in the Mongolian mining forum at PDAC.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> foreign investment, PDAC, Canada</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Official Gazette /page 11/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ONLINE STORIES<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Investigation of Erdenet Mining Corporation concludes<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> A working group comprised of representatives from the Ministry of Finance and Government Agency for Policy Coordination for State Property has finished their investigation of Erdenet Mining Corporation. The working group is expected to announce their findings to the public in seven days.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Erdenet Mining Corporation, Ministry of Finance</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i><a href="http://www.ikon.mn/n/yix" target="_blank">www.ikon.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>AmCham to engage 100 university students for Mentor Day for free of charge<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Mongolia is organizing its second CSR initiative, AmCham Mentor Day 2017, at Corporate Hotel and Convention Center on April 1. Third and fourth year university students will be able to attend a day-long mentoring event giving students the opportunity to learn from the nation's top business leaders and attend workshops on career development, confidence building, and teamwork, as well as resume development, led by the human resource directors of Mongolia's leading companies. The event will host the following speakers: Mr. Ganzorig Ulziibayar, CEO of Golomt Bank; Mr. Gankhuyag Chuluun, CEO of Ard Holdings; Mr. Gantumur Lingov, CEO of MCS Holding LLC; Mr. Garret Wilson, Managing Director of Wagner Asia Automotive; Ms. Beatrice Camp, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy; and Ms. Munkhnasan Narmandakh, CEO of Monpolymet Group.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Applicants are required to submit an essay of up to 200 words before the application deadline of March 17. The essay should include a brief introduction, a history of community involvement, why the applicant would like to attend AmCham MentorDay 2017, and their goals for the future. Participant selection will be based on the content of the essay as well as written English skills. For more information, send an email to info@amcham.mn or call 7000-3437.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Application Form: <a href="https://form.jotform.me/70508180552452" target="_blank">https://form.jotform.me/70508180552452</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> AmCham Mentor Day</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i><a href="http://www.ikon.mn/n/yj0" target="_blank">www.ikon.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-march-13-2017/">Link to newswire</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJ5lgnSAmt5AJyN8nvhb-FSHYmGCLidYxCfeI96OxNBGhDGSydqK0XWq2DZwf_tmKigZf7i6S9yHNN8wrEedCK4CISx8bMNM47ZwBY3s8rsb8-2i2BnAG-eKYaCU3qbk8KsIBWd_bR0A/s1600/image005-724976.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJ5lgnSAmt5AJyN8nvhb-FSHYmGCLidYxCfeI96OxNBGhDGSydqK0XWq2DZwf_tmKigZf7i6S9yHNN8wrEedCK4CISx8bMNM47ZwBY3s8rsb8-2i2BnAG-eKYaCU3qbk8KsIBWd_bR0A/s320/image005-724976.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204009145819202" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Business></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Business<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Milbank_Acts_on"></a>Milbank Acts on Successful Exchange Offer and New Issuance by the Government of Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>HONG KONG, March 14, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP advised Credit Suisse and J.P. Morgan as dealer managers and initial purchasers in a US$600 million sovereign bond exchange offer and new issuance by the Government of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The transaction was successfully completed amid highly challenging economic circumstances. Mongolia has faced potential liquidity issues over the past year related to slower economic growth, mainly as a result of the country's dependence on commodities which have suffered from slumping prices. Initially the Government was able to secure preliminary approval from the International Monetary Fund ("IMF") for a package of relief measures, which gave the exchange offer and new issue strong momentum in the market.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Despite challenges which included an extremely tight deadline, the ongoing IMF discussions and rapidly approaching maturity of the Development Bank of Mongolia ("DBM") bonds in March 2017, the transaction was successfully completed on very favorable terms that achieved all of the Government's objectives. Approximately $476 million in new sovereign Government bonds were exchanged for outstanding DBM bonds, while an additional $124 million in new Government bonds were issued for cash. Holders of more than 80% of outstanding DBM bonds agreed to remain in the credit by exchanging for new Government bonds at a yield of 8.75%. Meanwhile new Government bonds were issued for cash at a premium of 106.016%, with the proceeds to be used for further repurchases of remaining DBM bonds.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Capital Markets partner Jim Grandolfo led the Hong Kong-based Milbank team, which included counsel Paul Pery, senior associate Kurt Sherwood and associates Adam Heyd and York Wu.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr. Grandolfo commented: "Despite the challenging economic conditions, the Government of Mongolia, with the assistance of our clients Credit Suisse and J.P. Morgan, was able to successfully address the concerns of the IMF and its international investor base to achieve their objectives, all within a limited timeframe. This marks an incredible turnaround for the Government and the country of Mongolia, providing what we hope will be a strong basis for long-term, sustained economic recovery. We are pleased to support our clients Credit Suisse and J.P. Morgan and the Government of Mongolia on a transaction of such national importance."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.prnasia.com/story/172041-0.shtml">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_and_Cambodia"></a>Mongolia and Cambodia Partner to Promote Sustainable Finance<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>March 8, 2017, Ulaanbaatar (IFC) </b>– IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, the Association of Banks in Cambodia (ABC), and the Mongolian Bankers' Association (MBA), have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly develop and promote an environmental and social risk-management system and sustainable finance principles for Cambodian financial institutions. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>IFC, through SBN, will facilitate the information exchange and knowledge sharing, providing practical guidance and support. Both ABC and MBA are members of the IFC-supported Sustainable Banking Network (SBN). <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Founded in 2012 by IFC and ten countries, SBN is a unique, pioneering initiative that is changing the global landscape of green finance through knowledge sharing and capacity building for banking regulators and banking associations in 31 countries representing 85 percent of emerging market-banking assets. IFC convened the network and provided technical support, supported members in policy development, and facilitated a series of cross border learning exchanges among members across regions, contributing to replication of practical knowledge and cooperation. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mongolian Bankers Association, supported by IFC and FMO, the Dutch development bank, started to develop the Mongolian Sustainable Finance Principles in 2013. To date, all 13 Mongolian commercial banks have adopted sustainable finance policies, along with the relevant procedures and risk-assessment tools. They have appointed dedicated staff for sustainable finance and the Mongolian Sustainable Finance Principles have become the key component of the Mongolian Government's Green Development Policy. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Over the past years, Mongolia has made some great progress to transform its domestic financial systems to support national goals on climate change and sustainable growth," said Mr. Unenbat Jigjid, CEO of Mongolian Bankers Association. "We'd like to promote cross border cooperation and share our best practices to other emerging markets and SBN members, like Cambodia." <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Association of Banks in Cambodia has played an active and vital role in promoting dialog and cooperation among its 53 members at national and regional levels to strengthen the capacity and address the challenges faced by sustainable finance in the country. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"It is great to see Mongolian banks sharing their successful journey in sustainable finance with Cambodian peers and other SBN members," said Tuyen D. Nguyen, IFC Resident Representative in Mongolia. "IFC is strongly committed to continue supporting sustainable finance through our global expertise and local knowledge. With IFC's support, the Sustainable Banking Network connects 31 member countries around the world to share experience and good practices in developing national sustainable-finance frameworks."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://ifcextapps.ifc.org/ifcext/pressroom/ifcpressroom.nsf/0/7D47E58F0F949DC5852580E20016D7E6">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_ERA_advances_MLAT"></a>ERA advances MLAT projects in Italy and Mongolia airports<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 10 (IHS Jane's Airport Review) Czech Republic-based ERA, part of the Omnipol group of companies, has reported progress on a multilateration (MLAT) project in Mongolia and a new contract win in Italy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Italian project covers surface MLAT for Turin-Caselle Airport. ERA teamed with local-partner Victrociset to propose a bespoke turnkey surveillance solution for Turin that is based on the NEO multisensor surveillance system (MSS), and implementation is under way to meet exact specifications from Italian air navigation service provider ENAV.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Turin will be the first airport in Italy to feature ERA MLAT technology. Italian air navigation service provider ENAV awarded the contract to the ERA/Vitrociset team after a competitive tender.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.ihsairport360.com/article/8879/era-advances-in-italy-and-mongolia">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_"Mongolia_Mining_2017""></a>"Mongolia Mining 2017" expo to be held in April<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 10 (gogo.mn) Mongolia Mining 2017, one of the biggest and most significant events in Mongolian mining industry is to be held on 5-7 April at Buyant Ukhaa Sports Palace, Ulaanbaatar city. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This year 120 best mining suppliers around the world will attend the expo. Meanwhile China, Russia, USA, Japan, Netherlands, Sweden, Kazakhstan, the Czech Republic, Australia, Belarus, Germany, South Korea and France will exhibit their country pavilions. Moreover, cooperation meeting is scheduled to be held in seminar rooms. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Exhibitors are mostly producers and communications, logistics, catering, camping and rehabilitation service providers including mining suppliers, crushing plant equipment, oil and lubricants, power generator, mining cables and lighting system. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the expo, the Ministry of Mining and Mineral Resource Authority of Mongolia will provide information on current situation of mining industry and its prospects. Erdenes Mongol SOE, Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi JSC, Erdenet Mining Corporation, Baganuur JSC, Shivee-Ovoo JSC and Oyutolgoi LLC are serving as co-organizers of Mongolia Mining 2017 while representatives of these companies to discuss with exhibitors and suppliers about ongoing projects, prospects and procurement requirements. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia Mining expo is considered as the biggest meeting of mining industry. As expanding and growing year by year, the expo becomes the most effective way to expand businesses for not only mining but also road and construction industries. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Therefore Mongolia Mining 2017 expo allows businesses and entrepreneurs to meet global technologies from home country, saving their time and money. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'></span>Visitor registration for the expo is available at <a href="http://www.mongolia-mining.org/" target="_blank">www.mongolia-mining.org</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157619">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Gold_industry_forum"></a>Gold industry forum taking place next week<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 10 (Mongolian Economy) The "Mongolia Gold 2017" investment forum will take place on March 17, with the aim of discussing a number of issues surrounding investment in the gold mining industry. Projects in the gold industry will also be introduced to investors in order to seek financing, create partnerships in gold mining and extraction projects and elevate the current level of business cooperation, bringing advanced technology, sharing experiences and promoting research.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is expected that gold exports will be fluctuate between 15.8-40.0 tonnes, and export revenues of the gold sector is forecasted to reach USD 1.2 billion in 2020 and USD 1.6 billion in 2025. Revenues are expected to increase by 26.7 percent by 2020 and 68.4 percent by 2025 compared with 2015. The organisers of the forum noted that a great amount investment is needed to exploit gold mines on schedule. Thus, Mongolia needs to utilise financing sources, such as loans, bonds and other instruments to attract domestic and foreign investments to those large-scale gold projects.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Growing investment in extraction and exploration in the gold industry as well as sustainable growth of gold reserves is a result of a stable legal environment. Production and sales are expected to raise the output of gold by 20.0-47.7 tonnes to eventually reach 353.2 tonnes a year. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolianeconomy.mn/en/i/9660">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_A_farmer_barters"></a>A farmer barters vegetables for livestock <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 13 (MONTSAME) A resident of Delgherkhangai soum, Dundgobi aimag (central Gobi province) Kh.Bazarsukh runs family cultivation business and exchanges his harvest for livestock. His family has been running crop farming since 1982 on their 2 ha of agricultural land, where trees are planted on one ha and the rest is used for planting potatoes and other vegetable and harvesting 6-7 tons each year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"- Running crop farming business in Gobi is tough job, as much more care and attention are needed to grow vegetable than in Khangai region (forested region). We estimate that one kilo of potato should be sold at least MNT1000, however in whole autumn potatoes from Selenge aimag are sold at MNT600-700 here. Because this imposes burden for us, we decided to sell our vegetable in exchange of animal" said Kh.Bazarsukh. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As herders are often hit by lack of cash, bartering is suitable for both sides. The family starts selling its crop as soon as harvesting begins and all vegetables are sold out when the harvesting finishes. Their crops are also sold to kindergartens, hospitals and schools.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/agriculture/9105">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_"Mongolian_American_Career"></a>"Mongolian American Career Fair – 2017" to take place in Seattle<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 13 (MONTSAME) "Mongolian American Career Fair – 2017" will take place in Seattle, Washington between March 18 and 20. The event will be organized for the fourth year with a purpose of connecting future workforce that are studying in the US to Mongolian human resource specialists.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Within the three-day program, special guests will be giving lectures and the attendants will have a chance to travel around Seattle and major American companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Space Needle, Pike Place and University of Washington. Also, a workshop on writing CV/resume and giving job interview will be given.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the workshop, human resource experts from Mongolia will be introducing the current labor market in Mongolia, giving guidelines on starting a career in their home country. Furthermore, the guests who graduated in the US will also share their experience by holding an open discussion on common mistakes of students studying in the country.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The previous career fairs were held in Chicago in 2014, Washington D.C in 2015 and San Francisco in 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Every year, approximately 200 students attend the fair and the Mongolian Embassy along with the Ministry of Labor and UB City Department of Labor has started collaborating on the event since last year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/education/9101">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Need_help_recovering"></a>Need help recovering defaulted agreement in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 11 (Upwork) -- <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Details<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>We have a defaulted letter of appointment and invoice which unfortunately falls under NYC law. I know that my chances of recovering the money are zero if its not undr Mongolian law but I want to know if I may still file a civil complaint, and, more specifically, alert the mayor's office of Ulaanbataar to not do business with these gentlemen. Thank you, Simon<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo26'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Project Type: One-time project<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo26'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Other Skills: <a href="https://www.upwork.com/o/jobs/browse/skill/legal-writing/">Legal Writing</a><o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.upwork.com/job/Need-help-recovering-defaulted-agreement-Mongolia_~013d21b026ff51015a/">Link to posting</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_New_import-substitutive_products"></a>New import-substitutive products <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 13 (Mongolian Economy) It is entirely possible for Mongolia's youth possibility to a have a nice life in their motherland without working abroad illegally. One of the many examples showing that Mongolia's young people can work, create and be an owner in this country is Mon Arts LLC. Unproductive people have many excuses, while productive people find solutions. If a person just has the desire to make and create, he or she can make money – even from manure.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Products of Mon Arts can be seen lined up in any market along the road. When I asked about their products from a salesperson, she answered: "People view this company's products positively. Their products called 'Argal' and 'Ganga' sell especially well. Even their prices are affordable." It seemed like those three sentences almost fully described the performance of this company. The packages and wrappings of the products will inevitably attract attention, and the instructions are written not only in Mongolian, but also English, Japanese and Chinese, which is indicative of their goals for the future. After seeing their products, I wanted to meet with someone from the company.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I arrived outside their factory building. It seemed like a one-floor building from the outside, but when I entered, it was rather spacious, and hot. Although they did not heat it with firewood, the factory building was warm from the body heat of the young staff working there. It had three compartments inside, and the process of pumping and forming raw materials is carried out in the first compartment. A plaster pumping machine operates beside this section to produce perfume stands made by plaster. However, the packaging is done manually. Six women were packaging manure, thyme products and cedar incense piled in front of them.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Although we did not graduate from a university, we graduated from the school of life," said Battsooj, the passionate head of company. He is a native of Dulaankhan soum of Selenge Province and served in the armed forces. When I asked him why he started this business, he answered: "The idea to start a business came to me when I was in China with my uncle Ganbaatar. In other words, I was filled with envy. Chinese people are producing incense sticks and selling them to us. Incense is made of just cardboard, aromatisers and tree bark. It has no benefits to human body at all. So, I started the business with my uncle, thinking to myself, 'why can't we produce import-substitutive products, which are good for health?'" His company has operated continuously for seven years. During this time, they have not taken out any loans and were not included in projects. They have been doing everything through their own will and desire.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They did not avoid certain "growing pains" common to small and medium-sized enterprises. The company started with two employees, with everything done manually. People did not buy their products as the company was not well-known. "There are advantages in not taking out loans. You will not fall into debt whether the company is working profitably or not. At that time, we understood the importance of getting recognised. Good management and marketing is crucial," said Battsooj. They have started focusing more on product promotion and advertisement since then, and now they are seeing the results. Now the company produces three types of products: Ganga (Thyme), Argal (cow dung) and Arts (cedar incense). They produce 2-3,000 finished products per day with 13 employees. Battsooj said that the company hires students during busy times. The company sells its product in the provinces of Khuvsgul, Gobi-Altai, Erdenet and Darkhan-Uul in addition to Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The products of Mon Arts have many advantages distinguishing them from others, one of which is packaging. "We pay careful attention to packaging. Our products can be divided into three types of packaging: cardboard packaging, pottery and felt packaging. The products can be divided into several types by designation such as charity packaging, normal and prayer offerings," said Deputy Director of the company M.Tengis. All the employees contributed to the design of the packing. Very soon the company is going to make a product with packaging made of felt which looks like the Mongolian ger. Another advantage of this company is that they purchase their packaging from domestic producers and order 180 thousand packages and boxes per month. They also domestically order the pottery for cedar incense.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A picture of Otgontenger Mountain was hung at the centre of the factory, because the company takes raw materials from Zavkhan Province and uses cedar and thyme from Dayan Mountain. This organisation's mission is "To love the mother earth and increase vegetation." Mongolia is rich in cedar (the raw material for incense cones) as it has 100 tonnes of reserves, but cedar requires 200 years for recovery. Therefore, the company is producing incense cones in order to develop proper usage. Incense cones are easy to use and also prevent over-usage. In addition, the company uses old cedar wood and has obtained a special licence to gather cedar wood in accordance with the law.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They prepare manure only from Arkhangai Province, because the company tries to use only yak dung in their product. The reason is that cattle have started eating garbage and weeds due to poor pastures and environmental destruction. Therefore, the company uses yak dung, and it is their main way of attracting customers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian people have used cedar incense and thyme since ancient times to ward off bad luck and evil, and used cow dung instead of firewood. Modern science has determined that the smell of cow dung has stress and headache relieving effects. In this way, their product is several times more valuable than the chemical-filled Chinese imports.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Everything is related to management. If a leader of an organisation administers good policies by paying attention to future trends and calculating risks, the organisation will suffer less loss, even during times of economic difficulty," said Battsooj when I asked him how he is handling the current economic difficulties. He added: "We did not fire our employees because of economic difficulties and did not cut salaries or output. We have our customers to thank for that."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mon Arts LLC began exporting its products from October of last year. Currently, the company sells their products in six locations in Inner Mongolia through a distributor. In the future, they plan to sell their products throughout China. In addition, they are planning to increase the number and types of products. For example, menthol aromatisers and soothing incense are being planned. As such, they are planning to upgrade their equipment and technology to start off. The equipment they currently use was brought from China, but the quality is poor and it regularly breaks down. The employees said that they have changed 50 percent of their equipment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Consumers' mentality has changed compared to the past. Domestic manufacturers are recovering following the shift in consumer mentality. Our company is competing with Chinese incense and trying to push it out from the market. This is our contribution to the development of the country," said Director Battsooj about his future goals.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolianeconomy.mn/en/i/9666">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s1600/image006-728254.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s320/image006-728254.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204023763668914" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Ulaanbaatar></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Hazardous_levels_of"></a>Hazardous levels of air pollution hits areas near MNB this morning<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 14 (GoGo Mongolia) As of today at 9 a.m (14th Mar), areas nearby Mongolian national broadcasting have the highest air quality index of 507. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to the <a href="http://agaar.mn/index?lang=en#chemmenu" target="_blank">agaar.mn</a>, an air quality monitoring webstie, levels of PM2.5 particulates reaches;<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l23 level1 lfo28'><b>452 </b>micrograms per cubic meter area nearby Mongolian National Public Television,<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l23 level1 lfo28'><b>165 </b> micrograms per cubic meter in Bukhiin Urgoo (Wrestler`s Palace),<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l23 level1 lfo28'><b>187</b> micrograms per cubic meter in Bayankhoshuu. <o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Levels of PM2.5 particulates, which are the most hazardous to health, in heavily polluted areas of Ulaanbaatar city exceeds 18 times above the recommended levels, as compared with the World Health Organization safe level of 25. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157655">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_New_standard_stoves"></a>New standard stoves to be retailed from April 1<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 14 /MONTSAME/ During a recent press conference, Air Pollution Reduction Department of the Ulaanbaatar Administration informed that an order regarding the sales of a new standard stove has been delivered to main markets like 'Narantuul and Kharkhorin.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The press conference was co-held by Air Pollution Reduction, Environment, Health and Land Departments of the Ulaanbaatar Administration last Friday, and addressed the implementation of Ulaanbaatar Mayor's ordinance issued in January and commonly asked questions by citizens.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>M.Delgerekh, Head of the Air Pollution Reduction Department said, "National Security Council's meeting on January 10 concluded that air pollution in the capital city had reached a hazardous level. In scope of the statement, Citizens' Representative Khural of the capital city and aimags were ordered to draft a set of measures to be taken".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Our department has taken several measures, including the implementation of City without Smoke 2030 project and 2016-2020 action plan of Ulaanbaatar Mayor, authorizing specialized inspectors to inspect air pollution in four zones and inspections at steam boilers in Ulaanbaatar. We've also installed 200 air filter equipments in 50 kindergartens in the most polluted zones", he said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to him, main markets will begin new standard stove sales from April 1 onwards and furthermore, stove producers will be under inspection. The new stove is estimated to reduce air pollution in the capital by up to 35 percent.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9123">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_97.3_percent_of"></a>97.3 percent of pit latrines of ger district lack standards<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 13 (gogo.mn) 97.3 percent of ger district households living in Ulaanbaatar city are using pit latrines that do not comply with the standards, resulting adverse impact on human health, soil and environment as much as air pollution. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Meanwhile very small percentage of households, schools, kindergartens are using improved sanitary facilities in countryside. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>International consultation meeting under the topic of Sanitation facility solutions suitable to cold-climate countries is taking place in Shangri-La Hotel Ulaanbaatar starting today. The 3-day meeting aims to share experiences of cold-climate countries, research best ways to improve sanitation facilities, find solutions and advanced technologies. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting has gathered more than 150 guest and representatives from international, governmental and non-governmental organizations. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In scope of following main topics, 16 speeches will be delivered and the meeting attendees will discuss the possible solutions.<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l14 level1 lfo27'>water supply and sanitation facilities,<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l14 level1 lfo27'>responsibility to the children and facing problems,<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l14 level1 lfo27'>sanitation facility solutions suitable to cold climate countries, <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l14 level1 lfo27'>ways to reduce soil pollution. <o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>According to the 2015 statistics, 218 thousands of households of ger districts were using over 100 thousands of pit latrines. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A person<b> </b>average approximately 200 grams of poop and 1.2 liters of urine per day, according to the World Health Organization. If one household has four people, they eliminate 720 grams of poop and 4.3 liters of urine per day. Thus, around 1 million liters of feces pollute the soil through the pit latrines everyday. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Intestinal infectious diseases took 9.9 percent of infectious diseases caused by microbial contamination of soil while 84.1 percent of hand-foot-and-mouth disease was registered in Ulaanbaatar city. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sulfur and ammonia produced from pit toilet belong to a category of toxic gases and stand 4th in toxicity ranking. Ammonia is harmful to human health, affects fetus and causes birth defects. Also, it causes infertility.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157641">Link to article</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9117">Proper solutions of sanitation facilities discussed</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 13<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Public_cleaning_campaign"></a>Public cleaning campaign to be launched in May<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 13 (MONTSAME) Department of Environment at the capital city administration is planning to launch a public cleaning campaign this May.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Following tradition, Mongolians prefer to visit Buddhist monasteries to have monks perform religious rituals and blessings to fix one's prospect for the year within Shiniin 15, the 15th day of new lunar year or the 15th day since Tsagaan Sar. Such tradition involves common use of khadag, long silk cloth Mongolians use for various purposes, leading to environmental pollution and tree damage.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Therefore, the Department of Environment has resolved to wage public cleaning campaign in the green zone of the capital city.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover, the authority has started encouraging use of fabric bags instead of plastic bags so as to reduce the level of environmental pollution and stimulate cost efficiency.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9092">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Ulaanbaatar_Apartment_Monthly"></a>Ulaanbaatar Apartment Monthly Rental Rates, March 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 10 (gogo.mn) We at GoGo Mongolia delivers you the apartment rental rates as of March, 2017 that located in main 6 districts of Ulaanbaatar city. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>SUKHBAATAR DISTRICT:</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This district marks the center of the city. Most government, educational and cultural organizations are located here, such as; The Mongolian Government house, The Parliament house, 13 Embassies, Government Ministries, the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the National University of Monglia, and the University of Science and Technology. <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=500 style='width:375.0pt;margin-left:97.35pt;background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0;border-left:solid #DADDE0;border-bottom:solid #3C414E;border-right:inset;border-width:1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>Room type<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>Min monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>Max monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>1-bedroom <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 350 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 700 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>2-bedroom<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 500 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 1 million <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>3-bedroom or more<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 800 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 4.5 million<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b>CHINGELTEI DISTRICT: </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chingeltei is located in the north, at the foot of one of the four mountains of Ulaanbaatar, the Chingeltei mountain. Some areas of the district covers the center of the city, such as State Department Store, Tengis Cinema and 5th secondary school. <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=500 style='width:375.0pt;margin-left:133.15pt;background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0;border-left:solid #DADDE0;border-bottom:solid #3C414E;border-right:inset;border-width:1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>Room type<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>Min monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>Max monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>1-bedroom <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 300 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 700 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>2-bedroom<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 550 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 1.6 million <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>3-bedroom or more<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 700 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 3.8 million<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b>BAYANGOL DISTRICT: </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This district is located in the west of the city, covering the 3rd and 4th micro district, areas near railway station, 10th micro district, Grand Plaza, Maxmall and Narnii bridge. <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=500 style='width:375.0pt;margin-left:133.15pt;background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0;border-left:solid #DADDE0;border-bottom:solid #3C414E;border-right:inset;border-width:1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>Room type<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>Min monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>Max monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>1-bedroom <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 350 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 700 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>2-bedroom<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 450 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 1.5 million <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>3-bedroom or more<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 520 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 2 million<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b>BAYANZURKH DISTRICT: </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is the largest district in the capital and lies in the southeast of the city. Bayanzurkh is located in the east, at the foot of one of the four mountains of Ulaanbaatar, the Bayanzurkh mountain. The district covers areas near Emart, National Amusement Park, Wrestling Palace, 13th micro district, and Officer`s Palace. <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=500 style='width:375.0pt;margin-left:133.15pt;background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0;border-left:solid #DADDE0;border-bottom:solid #3C414E;border-right:inset;border-width:1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>Room type<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>Min monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>Max monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>1-bedroom <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 250 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 850 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>2-bedroom<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 450 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 1.5 million <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>3-bedroom or more<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 520 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 2 million<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b>SONGINO KHAIRKHAN DISTRICT: </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Songino Khairkhan is located in the west, at the foot of one of the four mountains of Ulaanbaatar, the Songino Khairkhan mountain. The district covers 3rd hospital, 5 shar, 21st micro district, Sapporo and 1st micro district. <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=500 style='width:375.0pt;margin-left:133.15pt;background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0;border-left:solid #DADDE0;border-bottom:solid #3C414E;border-right:inset;border-width:1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>Room type<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>Min monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>Max monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>1-bedroom <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 250 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 450 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>2-bedroom<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 350 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 550 thousand <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>3-bedroom or more<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 450 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 750 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b>KHAN-UUL DISTRICT: </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Khan Uul is located in the south, at the foot of one of the four mountains of Ulaanbaatar, the Bogd Khan mountain. The district covers the most expensive residential areas and considered as the less polluted areas of the city. Also, areas near the Chinggis Khan airport and Yarmag, Hunnu mall are located in Khan Uul district. <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=500 style='width:375.0pt;margin-left:133.15pt;background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0;border-left:solid #DADDE0;border-bottom:solid #3C414E;border-right:inset;border-width:1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>Room type<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>Min monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>Max monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>1-bedroom <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 400 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 800 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>2-bedroom<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 450 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 1.5 million<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>3-bedroom or more<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 1 million <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'>MNT 7 million <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157602">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Let's_Discuss_Together"></a>Let's Discuss Together Lecture Series: Human Rights, Environment, Women Leadership, …<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 12 (UB Post) The Mongolian Association of State Alumni (MASA) and the US Embassy in Ulaanbaatar will jointly organize the Let's Discuss Together lecture series on March 15 at Blue Sky Hotel and Tower.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Let's Discuss Together lecture series will take place under the topics of human right, environment, women's leadership, entrepreneur, and youth participation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The second lecture will be held under the topic "Women's Leadership".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Vice Minister of Finance Kh.Bulgantuya, Director of Mongol TV Ch.Nomin, head of Women for Chance NGO, coordinator of youth campaign "Hands Up For Your Rights" B.Bolorsaikhan, and vice president of MASA P.Gandolgor will attend the event.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Details</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Where: Blue Sky Hotel and Tower<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When: March 15, 6:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Admission: Free<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>More Information: 70076296<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/12/lets-discuss-together/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Ulaanbaatar_City_Guide"></a>Ulaanbaatar City Guide<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 28 (Indy Guide) Known as Ulan Bator to the residents, Ulaanbaatar is not only the capital and largest city of Mongolia; it is also the main tourist attraction for any foreigners to visit when seeing this sizeable country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>To further demonstrate the above point, the city holds 45% of Mongolia's population split between 9 districts. If all you did was visit Ulaanbaatar, odds are you would be quite busy with things to do every day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>For open-minded travelers, seeing Ulaanbaatar for the first time can be extremely eye-opening and fascinating.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>You will find that the diversity of people is based on nearly every attribute you could think of from social class to appearance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Walking around the city, the immediate distinction that catches your eye is the businessman and suits strolling along the footpath, only to be side by side to evidently poor nomads who have shifted their livelihoods to the city. If you take the time to observe and talk to the locals, you will find there is almost no judgemental tone or opinions to their different counterparts. Although there is immense diversification, the majority of people who live there are warm hearted, and will gladly demonstrate this to you in most cases when you visit. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ulaanbaatar's History<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The history of the city lives up to its current magnitude, going all the way back to 1639 when it was only a mobile monastery. Although Ulaanbaatar was not the official name back then, it did have several labels due to the constant change in locations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ikh Khuree became the dominant name that the city kept from 1778, during the Chinese Manchu control, till 1911 when the country of Mongolia proclaimed its independence from China. After several wars and invasion from the Soviets, Mongolia had a historic turning point when they were renounced officially part of Soviet Russia in 1924.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Following the above, the city became known as Ulaanbaatar which means red hero, to signify the communist victory.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The reformat of the towns aesthetics began almost immediately within the coming years. Soviets rebuilt Ulaanbaatar so it would be congruent to the Russian style. As a result, many tourist attractions came to fruition including performance centers, theaters, galleries and a rich nightlife.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>What to do in Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Due to the vast diversity of the city, there is an abundance of things to do and see on an average Ulaanbaatar day. No matter what your interest or passion may be, chances are this city will showcase and offer something that nurtures it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Live Entertainment</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Theatre and Cinema<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>If you are someone who likes performances and movies during the day, then Ulaanbaatar will cater you in style. You will be glad to know that the region hosts year-round shows and performances that are highly anticipated and prepared for, when live action isn't enough, the city also features western style cinemas with the same selection of Hollywood blockbusters.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Live Action<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>When visiting mid-year, make sure you attend the Naadam (see <b><a href="http://indy-guide.com/mongolia/tours?q=Naadam">Naadam tours</a>)</b> for some real entertainment and Mongolian culture. Featuring three popular sports in the country- horse racing, archery, and wrestling. If you're a man who is missing your hometown sports fan culture, then attend the Naadam, held on July 10th-12th.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Amusement Park<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>If your traveling with your family, then the National Amusement Park is your place to be. Locally it is known as "Children's Park", everything that would entertain kids is featured here including mini-games, amusement park rides, and competitions. The season you go in will determine what they have open, during winter there is ice skating available for both kids and adults.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Sightseeing</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Monastery<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Being a Buddhism dominated country, there are many avid meditators and religious individuals in Ulaanbaatar. A worthwhile visit is to the Gandan Monastery, located northwest of the central square; you can visit during the morning as-as early as 9 am, ending during the afternoon based on the level of activity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Within the Gandan Monastery lies one of Mongolia's most famous nation symbols, the statue of Megjid Janraisag. The sight was rebuilt In 1996 and now serves as a Mongolia's leading Buddhist landmark.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Chinggis Khan Square<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A sight and famous Asian landmark, the Chinggis Khan Square not only is significant among Ulaanbaatar and Mongolia but is also in the top 15 largest city squares in Asia. Although the square serves an adamant purpose in educating viewers through their statues of Chinggis Khan and his sons, the available space and beautiful landscape also serves as a festival and concert ground where a wide array of events take place.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Zaisan Memorial<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Located in the south of Ulaanbaatar, Zaisan Memorial dedicates its grounds to the Soviet soldiers that passed away during WW2. For history lovers who love sights that are attractive and informative, then visiting here will give you a pleasant surprise due to the elevated ground and visually portrayal of stories from the past.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Museums</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Zanabazar Museum</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Perfect for a particular demographic of history lovers, the Zanabazar Museum contains items dating all the way back to the stone age, with a focus on the Buddhist culture. Located in Chingeltei district, the musuem contains roughly 500 pieces on display that are changing constantly. For anyone who loves prehistoric art and painting, you will love this musuem.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Bogd Khaan Palace Musuem</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>An ideal musuem for any traveler who is curious about the nations history, the Bogd khaan located in Khan-Uul District displays items that depict Mongolias religion, cultural and political history through predominately artistic language.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Choijin Lama</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Targeted at buddhists, the Choijin Lama located in Chingeltei district displays in detail the history and art of Buddhism as a religion. It is likely that there is no other musuem in Ulaanbaatar that better explains the previous centuries Buddhist culture then this. Featuring over 5000 items, you can be sure to get more then what you came for.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ulaanbaatar's Nightlife<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ulaanbaatar's nightlife is paradise for singles, couples or any groups wanting to have lots of fun. With an influx of nightclubs and bars that offer every type of music genre as well as stretching long after midnight in open hours, for a wild night, check out the below-<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Nightclubs</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>New Mass Club<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Arguably one of the most famous and wildest nightclubs in town, New Mass includes live performances that are comprised of predominately traditional hip hop. Often you will find the crowd there to be either locals or Russians, with the occasional tourist groups. It goes without saying that it is pricey compared to some of your other options, but if you have the cash, then don't leave without visiting!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Pubs</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Grand Khaan Irish Pub<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Although it is the largest Irish pub in the city, Grand Khaan serves a mix of international drinks which makes it a tourist favorite. Be sure to visit here to not only endulge in the alcohol, but also share stories with some of your fellow foreigners. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Foods<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Although Mongolia isn't associated with a rich food culture in the eyes of foreigners, they still provide tasty dishes in the right places. Fortunately, Ulaanbaatar offers a broad range of options, and if you explore, you might just find your favorite one.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>California</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>For a variety of foods, California is a good place for a delicious breakfast. It's not cheap, but a great treat after a tour through Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Rosewood</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The best burger in town. This restaurant is hidden in an back alley, but you won't regret it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ba Shu 888</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>For traditional food, the Ba Shu 888 is a great place to eat. The restaurant offers a range of Chinese and Mongolian dishes, for a relatively small price, making it optimal for the curious cultural traveler who is on a low budget.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ursgal Khuushuur</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Ursgal Khuushar would be the equivalent of a western fast-food shop in Mongolia. At a fair price, you can purchase some of the most regular quick meals such as noodles, soup, and several continental choices. Do not refer to these options as these labels when there, they will often have traditional names for them, but just by observing you can work out which one is the dish your after.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ivy Restaurant</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ideal for the big spender, the Ivy is arguably the most renowned and highly rated restaurant in Ulaanbaatar. The food choices do not include many Mongolian dishes, rather they give most of their focus and attention to traditional European Cuisine, making it worthwhile to check out if you have the money.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Vegan Lounge</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Due to the tourists that Mongolia and Ulaanbaatar attract, this was a must to mention. Vegan Lounge is an optimized venue for its target customers, offering a peaceful and relaxing space to sit in. Not only do they offer traditional dishes, but all meat dishes that are commonly loved are made from vegan guidelines and are available to serve.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Le Triskell</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>For French food, French people, and French tongue, Le Triskell provides the whole trio. As you might have guessed, the price is quite high in this venue. If you are an expatriate, then give this restaurant a visit as it is a common favorite. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Transport<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ulaanbaatar being a diverse but compact city, transport is either going to be one of your biggest problems, or conveniences depending on whether you plan properly and decide what your primary method of moving around is.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Driver</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Undoubtedly, the most convenient way of getting around is with a private <b><a href="http://indy-guide.com/mongolia/tours/car-slash-driver2">driver</a></b> or better with a <b><a href="http://indy-guide.com/mongolia/tours/personal-guide1">guide</a></b>. Don't waste your time with looking for directions and get the most of your stay in Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Taxi</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ulaanbaatar being a diverse city, using taxi's is going to be very convenient for the new traveler, and price friendly too. Although there are official taxi services, despite what your thinking before you arrive, you will end up taking the several lifts offers that will undoubtedly come from locals once realizing you're a tourist. Ensure that before you enter any cab, find out the average prices to determine whether you are being overcharged or not, which you will be at least once.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Bus/walk</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Both walking and the bus are applicable when visiting the cities attractions. Fortunately, most places that attract foreigners are also very close to each other, which is why Ulaanbaatar has designed a system where you can catch buses to each one, or just use good old fashion walking. I do not recommend the bus for extensive traveling, as methods like taxi's are much better considering the cost to service ratio, rather they should just be used for quick stops to sights.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Other methods</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I recommend using the above methods as they are the most convenient way to get around the city, if for some reason you choose not to, there are other options to choose from. If you are also traveling outside the city, hiring a car might be an option for you. Ideally, you should make this only a consideration if you're going to be traveling long distances.Also, a consideration to make when deciding transport options is a minivan. Unless you just want to blow money, hire these only in a situation where you will be sharing and splitting costs. Otherwise, you might as well just hire a car. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Safety in Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Fortunately Ulaanbaatar is relatively safe. Ensure that during the nighttime you are always in a group or crowded area, because of the active nightlife there is always the chance for robbery or theft in isolated areas and bus stops.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Besides the above, overcharging in taxis are the only caution, which can be avoided if you make friends with locals so they confirm that prices are safe, or do your research beforehand about average prices.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ulaanbaatar is a city with an abundance of activities to see and do, to get the best and most fulfilling experiences out of these, make sure that you visit the places and sights mentioned.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Whilst taking safety measures, don't be afraid to venture out to new places. Due to the diversity of the structures and interests in Ulaanbaatar, there is something for literally everyone!<b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Gallery<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://indy-guide.com/en/articles/ulaanbaatar-city-guide">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s1600/image006-728254.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s320/image006-728254.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204023763668914" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Diplomacy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Diplomacy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Defacto_Interview:_Haoliang"></a>Defacto Interview: Haoliang Xu, UNDP Asia-Pacific Director<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 10 (Jargal Defacto via VTV) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kp5ja84tkP8">Link to video</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_PM_to"></a>Mongolian PM to visit Russia in first half of 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. Mongolia's Prime Minister Jargaltulga Erdenebat will pay a visit to Russia in the first half of 2017, Mongolian Ambassador to Russian Banzragchin Delgermaa told TASS on Monday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"At a meeting of the intergovernmental commission in Ulan Bator in 2016, we had a very efficient discussion of issues in all spheres, not only in the trade-and-economic sphere but also in humanitarian and other areas," she said. "We have already adopted a detailed plan to deal with the problems that have been piling up for years, including railway transport, excise duties during railway shipments, building a water storage facility, cooperation in border regions. Our embassy is working with Russian ministries and agencies in all spheres."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"As for concrete results, we expect that about 40-50% of problem issues in relations between our countries will be regulated and resolved in practical terms before the Mongolian prime minister's visit which is expected to take place in the first half of this year," the ambassador said, adding that the next regular meeting of the intergovernmental commission is scheduled to be held in Moscow in late 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev visited Mongolia in July 2016. He had a series of bilateral meetings with Mongolia's top officials and took part in a summit meeting of heads of state and government of ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) member states.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://tass.com/world/935289">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Russian,_Mongolian_experts"></a>Russian, Mongolian experts to meet for discussion of power plants in Lake Baikal area<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Russian environmental and scientific circles have repeatedly expressed their concerns about Mongolia's plans to build three dams at rivers that feed Lake Baikal<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>MOSCOW, March 13. /TASS/. Experts of Mongolia and Russia will hold the first meeting in June to discuss construction of a chain of hydropower plants (HPP) on the Selenga river and its feeders, Mongolia's Ambassador to Banzragchiin Delgermaa told TASS on Monday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"A mutual decision was made according to results of the intergovernmental commission meeting [in December 2016 - TASS] that we will exchange information in the first instance," the diplomat said. "Mongolia has a conclusion of a French expert company that also built HPP in Russia regarding two our projects. According to their conclusion, construction of the HPP will not actually exert negative influence on environment. However, Russia has its conclusion and its studies," the ambassador said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"It was decided to set up a joint research team with scientists and experts of both sides," Delgermaa said. "We suggested holding the meeting with participation of Russian and Mongolian experts in March but the Russian party made a proposal to postpone such a meeting until June," she said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Baikal Lake is unique, the ambassador said. "This is not merely the Russian but also the global treasury. Therefore we will undertake measures to prevent environmental problems and will jointly settle arising issues," the diplomat added.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Russian environmental and scientific circles have repeatedly expressed their concerns about Mongolia's plans to build three dams at rivers that feed Lake Baikal, the world's largest and deepest freshwater lake and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Under the plan, three dams are to be built: one at the Selenga River, that accounts for some 80% of all water that flows into the lake, and two at its main tributaries - the Eg River and the Orkhon River.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The announcement coincided with the unprecedented decline in the Baikal water level that started in fall of 2014 and continued through 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://tass.com/economy/935291">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Canadian_mounted_police"></a>Canadian mounted police reps visit Mongolia<span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828;letter-spacing:-.75pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 10 (MONTSAME) On March 6 and 7, representatives of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police visited the General Police Department of Mongolia and held several business meetings and training.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Professors of the University of Law Enforcement were invited to the training dubbed "Improving Criminal Investigation Skills", where official representative of the Royal Mounted Police at the Canadian Embassy in Thailand shared the best practices of the Canadian police force.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The visiting delegation got familiarized with the operations of the Divisions for preventing and fight domestic violence. The sides have exchanged practices on the cases of gender-based domestic violence, reported the Press and Media Center of the General Police Department. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9078">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_New_Turkish_Ambassador"></a>New Turkish Ambassador receives media delegates<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 10 (MONTSAME) Muhittin Ahmet Yazal, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Mongolia held a meeting with Mongolian media delegates at the Embassy of Turkey in Ulaanbaatar on March 9.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After extending his greetings on the occasion of the International Women's Day, the recently appointed Ambassador noted that he'll be focusing more on economic cooperation as it was previously showing unsatisfying results.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>M.Ahmet Yazal said on this matter, "When developing trade and investment with other countries, Turkey prioritizes two factors, firstly, establishing an Embassy and the second one is to set up an airline in that country. When these requirements are met, the Turkish investors will be more confident in investing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Conducting nonstop flights between Ulaanbaatar and Istanbul as wll as sending airplanes with large capacity will definitely surge trade turnovers and tourism between Mongolia and Turkey. Therefore, the Turkish Airlines is negotiating with Mongolian Government on this matter". <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Ambassador is planning to increase the capacity of air transport, initiate high level vists, cooperate on tourism and cultural sectors, invite Turkish investors and introduce Mongolian market in Turkey.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9081">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_India:_Mongolia's_new"></a>India: Mongolia's new third neighbour?<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 10 (The Economist Intelligence Unit) Despite the distance, Mongolia and India appear to be natural allies owing to historical and cultural links. Mongolia has strong incentives to lessen its economic dependence on China, not least to reduce future unwelcome political influence. Meanwhile, India wishes to establish greater leverage against China's growing influence in the region. However, India will struggle financially to expand its pool of allies and for now has prioritised strengthening its existing ties.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>China's <a href="http://country.eiu.com/article.aspx?articleid=684883252&Country=Mongolia&topic=Politics&subtopic=Forecast&subsubtopic=International+relations&u=1&pid=615063045&oid=615063045&uid=1" target="_blank">strong response to a visit by the Dalai Lama</a> to Mongolia in November 2016 plainly exposed the influence the former has over its northern neighbour. Mongolia was forced to capitulate to the former's demands in aftermath of the event, as it was offered little other bilateral assistance during its recent economic crisis. Russia did not have the financial capacity as it struggled out of a two-year recession, while so-called third neighbours (countries other than adjacent China and Russia) such as Japan and the US were not willing to extend assistance beyond development aid disbursements. Although Japan and the US are wary of China's growing influence in the region, they have greater and growing concerns in the region, such as the East and South China Seas disputes. Besides, in the case of the US, its economic interests in Mongolia have diminished—US mining companies take a back seat to dominant Canadian and Australian firms. Mongolia's third neighbour policy thus appears to be weakening while China's looming presence persists. More recently, however, India has appeared as a means to revive this international relations strategy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>India's turn<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Despite the geographical separation, from a political and cultural viewpoint India is highly favoured to become a close ally of Mongolia. Historical links and affiliations are plentiful. For instance, Mongolia played a key role in the pre-modern development of Tibetan Buddhism and similar schools of religious thought practiced in northern areas of the Indian subcontinent. Around half of Mongolian adult citizens still self-identify as Buddhist, with many recognising the India-residing Dalai Lama as their religious spiritual leader. More recently, India was the first non-communist country to recognise Mongolian independence in 1954. India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, argued for Mongolia's membership in the UN and gave positive accounts of Mongolia and its empire in his historical writings. In return, he has been civically commemorated by Mongolia on several occasions. This helped to cement positive public sentiment towards India, especially compared with the hostility to China that still pervades public life. For its part, India's supposed kinship with Mongolia was ostensibly consolidated by the state visit of the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, in 2015—the first by an Indian head of state.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For India, the geopolitical incentives for expanding relations with a country in Mongolia's position are only growing. China continues to increase financial assistance to countries throughout Asia, not to mention expanding co-operation programmes and co-orchestrating multilateral assistance through the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. More pressingly, China's current and promised financial assistance to immediate neighbours including Pakistan and Bangladesh, which is heavily tied into the "One Belt, One Road" (OBOR) initiative, threatens to supplant India's economic and political interest in securing a dominant role in South Asia. As China's influence in India's immediate neighbourhood in South Asia grows, the Indian government sees a necessity to counteract this by strengthening its presence in China's immediate neighbours (such as Mongolia and Vietnam). <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A look at the data shows that the rationale behind closer Indo-Mongolian ties is not driven by economics. Mongolia is not currently an important trading partner for India. The relatively low levels of imports from Mongolia consist mainly of textile commodities, and goods transit routes between the two countries are long and will remain so for the foreseeable future. However, with surging domestic power demands, India must hedge its bets over future supply—Mongolia has substantial, but mostly unexploited, reserves of uranium, which could serve India well in its future energy strategy that focuses more heavily on nuclear power. In geopolitical terms, India recognises that Mongolia is a moderately important trading partner for China, owing to the latter's appetite for commodities, so it would not be unwise to gain political leverage over Mongolia to counter the growing sway China has over India's smaller neighbours such as Nepal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Priorities elsewhere<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>These fertile conditions aside, India's commitment so far has been clearly lacking if either side hopes to accelerate integration. In the <a href="http://country.eiu.com/article.aspx?articleid=1435080927&Country=India&topic=Economy" target="_blank">union budget</a> for fiscal year 2017/18 (April–March), presented in February this year, the Indian government detailed an allocation of only Rs50m (US$715,800) in foreign aid to Mongolia. This compares with allocations for the Maldives and the Seychelles of Rs2.5bn (US$35.8m) and Rs3bn respectively. Although a credit line of US$1bn was announced during Mr Modi's visit in 2015, requests from Mongolia for further financial assistance during the height of the recent economic woes in late 2016 came to no avail. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>India is, to a large extent, constrained by domestic financial pressures and the need to focus on developing its economy given its relatively low per-head incomes. These pressures are exacerbated by the strategic imperative to channel its external assistance to immediate neighbours, such as Bangladesh, as China steps up infrastructure projects as part of OBOR. Consequently, Mongolia will continue to be highly, if somewhat reluctantly, integrated with China and rely on it as its sole bilateral lender of last resort in 2017–21. Although India has displayed a willingness to expand ties with Mongolia, financial shortcomings mean that it is not yet prepared to take the role of third neighbour.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Indian_Embassy_in"></a>Indian Embassy in Ulaanbaatar celebrates ITEC Day<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 13 (MONTSAME) The Embassy of India in Ulaanbaatar celebrated the 52nd Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day at the Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel on March 10, last Friday. The event was attended by about 200 guests, including ITEC alumni, officers from the National Statistics Office of Mongolia and media representatives.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The opening remarks were delivered by Suresh Babu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Mongolia and D.Odbayar, member of the Constitutional Court of Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Indian Ambassador to Mongolia said that the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program was founded by a decision of the Indian Cabinet on 15 September 1964 as a bilateral program of assistance by the Government of India. Since then, the ITEC Day has been celebrated by all Indian missions in ITEC partner countries. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Ambassador informed that as a part of the program, India implements a number of activities, such as sending specialists, organizing training tours, providing technical know-how and developing feasibility studies. "The ITEC program plays an important role in boosting bilateral ties and cooperation with other developing countries. On the other hand, it's our contribution to the promotion of the well-being of mankind and achievement of common goals" he underlined.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In his address to the gathering, the member of the Constitutional Court of Mongolia D.Odbayar spoke about an ITEC program organized by the Government of India on sharing India's experience toward the development with other countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mongolia, the quota of Mongolians to be involved in the ITEC civilian training programs was increased to 150-200 per year. Prior to that, around 120 Mongolian people were earmarked per annum by the ITEC.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Afterwards, some of the recent ITEC participants shared their experiences in India, which were quite positive. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The ITEC programs in Mongolia have been implemented since 1987.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9116">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_Investment_Promotion"></a>Mongolia Investment Promotion Agreement With Canada<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 12 (LehmanLaw) Canadian Minister of International Trade Francois-Philippe Champagne met March 12, 2017 with Mongolia Mining Minister Ts.Dashdorj, to issue a joint announcement that the Mongolia-Canada Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) has entered into force.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Global Affairs Department of the Canadian government is quoated as saying, "This agreement sets out a framework of legally binding rights and obligations that will protect Canadian investors in Mongolia. The strong reciprocal protections in the FIPA will help Canadian and Mongolian companies deepen commercial ties with confidence and spur job creation."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Canada is estimated to have invested over 6.4 billion USD in Mongolia in 2015, one of the larest individual country contributions. Most of this Canadia investment in Mongolia is in Mining and related sectors. It is hoped that FIPA will encourage diversification in investments in areas such as agriculture and infrastructure.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to the agreement each nation will accord the other "Most Favored Nation" status.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We are happy to see Canada double down on economic engagement with Mongolia. Canada's efforts include working with Mongolia to develop capacity in natural resources management, official transparency and accountability, and environmental sustainability.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The benefits Mongolia gains from these policy improvements will be felt not only by Canadian investors, but for all foreign investors in Mongolia, along with local Mongolian companies and individuals.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://lehmanlaw.mn/blog/mongolia-investment-promotion-agreement-with-canada/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157620">Canada-Mongolia investment agreement enters into force</a> </b>– <i>GoGo Mongolia</i>, March 10<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9070">Mining-oriented Mongolia-Canada cooperation expanding to other sectors</a> </b>– <i>Montsame</i>, March 10<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/12/canada-and-mongolia-activate-their-investment-promotion-and-protection-agreement/">Canada and Mongolia activate their investment promotion and protection agreement</a></b> – <i>UB Post</i>, March 12<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia,_Canada_Roundtable"></a>Mongolia, Canada Roundtable Meeting Held in Ottawa<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 10 (MFA Mongolia) The VII Roundtable meeting between the Government of Mongolia and the Government of Canada has been successfully held in Ottawa on the 9<sup>th</sup> of March 2017. The Roundtable meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Ts.Dashdorj, Minister for Mining and Heavy Industry of Mongolia, and Mr. Donald Bobiash, Assistant Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Canada. The two sides have reviewed the current state of Mongolia and Canada bilateral relations in political, economic, investment, and defense fields as well as educational scientific and culture exchanges, and had broad discussions on activities and actions to be taken in the years to come.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While emphasizing the significant role of economic and investment cooperation in relations between two countries, both sides have agreed to further strengthen the cooperation in sectors of mining, agriculture, infrastructure and environment. Parties have noted their confidence that the recent entry into force of the Agreement on Promotion and Protection of Foreign Investment would give an important impetus in enhancing the economic cooperation between Mongolia and Canada.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also, parties have agreed to increase the efficiency and expand the areas of development assistance programs. The government of Canada listed Mongolia as one of the Countries of focus in 2014 and today, 6 projects in mining, agriculture and civil service are being successfully carried out.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover, parties have exchanged views on topics of mutual interest in the frame of international and regional cooperation. Namely, both sides agreed to continue to work in promoting democracy, human rights, freedom, encouraging UN reform and peace keeping.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Under the expanded partnership frame, the cooperation between Mongolia and Canada has been advanced and currently, Canada has become an important North American partner, third neighbor and top investor to Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The 7<sup>th</sup> Roundtable meeting held efficiently with assessment of the expanded bilateral relations and identification of goals of mutual cooperation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mfa.gov.mn/?p=39261&lang=en">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_signs_visa"></a>Mongolia signs visa exemption agreement with Argentina<span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828;letter-spacing:-.75pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 10 (MONTSAME) During the 1st political consultative meeting between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Argentina hosted in Ulaanbaatar on March 9, Thursday, sides agreed on the terms of and signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of all passports.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting was chaired by D.Davaasuren, Secretary of State of the Mongolian Foreign Ministry and Gustavo Zlauvinen, Argentina's Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and addressed means of developing bilateral political, trade, economic and humanitarian ties, short-term goals for cooperation and possible sectors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Particularly, sides agreed that there are opportunities and resources for agricultural cooperation between Mongolia and Argentina. The Argentine side expressed its willingness to share its experience of eradicating highly contagious animal diseases, and cooperate in this area. Furthermore, the side expressed readiness to arrange a visit by Mongolian Minister for Food, Agriculture and Light Industry to the country, and deploy Argentine agricultural specialists to Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Argentine side will be focusing on the matter of Mongolians studying agriculture and diplomacy in Argentina.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9066">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='margin-bottom:6.0pt;background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Foreign_Affairs_Ministry"></a>Foreign Affairs Ministry discusses developing agricultural cooperation with Argentina<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 12 (UB Post) The first consultative meeting of the foreign affairs ministries of Mongolia and Argentina took place on March 9, in Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>State Secretary of the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs D.Davaasuren and State Secretary of the Argentinean Ministry of Foreign Affairs Gustavo Zlauvinen chaired the meeting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The sides discussed developing political, trade, economic, and humanitarian cooperation, as well as other sectors with the potential for collaboration and objectives for developing cooperation between the two countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Argentinean delegation pointed out that Argentina has collaborated with Indonesia to improve dairy technology; with Cambodia to improve animal health and to adapt beef processing technology that meets international standards; and with Armenia to develop agriculture based on the use of innovative technology.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The delegation said that Argentina is ready to send its agricultural specialists to Mongolia and to arrange a visit to Argentina for Mongolia's Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the meeting, they also noted that promoting collaboration between Argentinean and Mongolian entrepreneurs working in agriculture will be of importance to developing agricultural cooperation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Argentinean side stated that they will pursue possibilities to train Mongolian students in agriculture in Buenos Aires, and to enroll Mongolian diplomats in the National Foreign Service Institute.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the end of the meeting, the state secretaries initialed a draft agreement between the governments of Mongolia and Argentina on establishing a visa waiver for all passport holders of the two countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/12/foreign-affairs-ministry-discusses-developing-agricultural-cooperation-with-argentina/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mfa.gov.mn/?p=39177&lang=en">Link to MFA statement</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Parliamentary_cooperation_between"></a>Parliamentary cooperation between Mongolia and Poland discussed<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 13 (MONTSAME) On March 09, Head of Mongolia-Poland parliamentary group, MP D.Damba-Ochir met with Deputy Marshal of the Sejm of the Republic of Poland Richard Terletzki and Deputy Marshal of the Senate Maria Koc to exchange views on parliamentary cooperation of the two countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>MP D.Damba-Ochir conveyed invitation of Speaker of the Mongolian Parliament M.Enkhbold to Marshal of the Sejm Marek Kuchcinski and Marshal of the Senate Stanislaw Karczewski to pay visit to Mongolia at their convenient time.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He highlighted the importance of Parliamentary groups' cooperation in the development of parliamentary ties and suggested mutual visits and meetings as well as exchanges and trainings of officers of the Parliamentary Office in order to intensify the Parliamentary groups' cooperation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The sides also exchanged views regarding the establishment of Intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in Social protection sector as well as conditioned credit of EUR 50 million within March.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9098">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Ambassador_Tugsbilguun_Meets"></a>Ambassador Tugsbilguun Meets Senior Management of Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (MFA Mongolia) On 7 March 2017, H.E. Mr. Tugsbilguun Tumurkhuleg, Ambassador of Mongolia to the Kingdom of Thailand met with Ambassador Krisda Piampongsant, Advisor to the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Trade of Thailand as well as other senior officials of the Chamber and Board.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the meeting, the two sides concurred on the need of greater role to be played by private sectors of the two countries in expanding Mongolia-Thailand trade and economic cooperation and to this end, agreed to exchange delegations between chambers of commerce. Moreover, the sides exchanged their views on the possibilities for organizing Mongolia-Thailand Business Forum and concluding Memorandum of Understanding between commerce and business organizations of the two countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mfa.gov.mn/?p=39170&lang=en">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_H.E_Mr._D.Bilegdorj,"></a>Ambassador of Mongolia to Vietnam, Presented Credentials<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (MFA Mongolia) H.E. Mr. Dash Bilegdorj, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam presented his Letter of Credence to H.E Mr. Tran Dai Quang, President of Vietnam on March 8, 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Upon presentation of the Letter of Credence, the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam granted an audience with the Ambassador.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While conveying the heartfelt greetings from H.E Ts.Elbegdorj, President of Mongolia to the President of Vietnam and expressing his desire to advance and enhance the bilateral relations, Ambassador highlighted the opportunities for promoting the potential trade and economic relations between the two countries and brought attention on particular/specific issues relating to the two-way trade. Ambassador further extended appreciation for the support of the Government of Vietnam on the UNHRC election and expressed belief that Vietnam will by all means support Mongolia's intention to becoming a dialogue partner to ASEAN and membership to APEC.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The President Tran Dai Quang underlined the importance of broadening the friendly relations and cooperation between Mongolia and Vietnam and expressed his confidence that the bilateral ties would further expand during the tenure of the Ambassador and wished a success for his endeavors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr. Dao Viet Trung, Head of the President Office and Mr. Vu Hong Nam, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and other officials were present at the Credentials Ceremony.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mfa.gov.mn/?p=39142&lang=en">Link to release</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Russia_ready_to"></a>Russia ready to increase supplies of agricultural machinery to Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>This was discussed at the meeting, Director of international cooperation Department Olga Garshina and Director of the office of agriculture of the Ministry of food, agriculture and light industry of Mongolia, Candombe Barcelona<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 10 (Agro2b) The main topic of the meeting was the question of the domestic supply of agricultural machinery on the territory of Mongolia. The Russian side expressed its willingness to increase party supply agricultural machinery and expansion of their range on a commercial basis. The parties discussed possible schemes for financing of agricultural equipment with the involvement of mechanisms of JSC "Russian export center."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting also discussed the implementation of the second phase of the joint programme "Improvement of Mongolian livestock", providing for the supply of FMD vaccine production in Russia in Mongolia. The Russian side expressed readiness to increase the supply on a commercial basis in Mongolia vaccines against sheep pox and plague of small ruminants.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The negotiators discussed the issue of implementation of joint programs in the field of production on the territory of Mongolia of grain crop varieties of Russian breeding. Representatives of the FANO Russia reported about readiness to continue scientific and technical cooperation with Mongolia in the field of breeding and seed production, and promote the development of this direction at the regional level.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://agro2b.ru/en/news/39952-Russia-ready-increase-supplies-agricultural-machinery.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Dr._J._Enkhsaikhan:"></a>Dr. J. Enkhsaikhan: Nuclear Disarmament Is Humanity's Common Cause<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>By Dr. J. Enkhsaikhan<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Note: Dr. </span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>J.<i> Enkhsaikhan is Chairman of Blue Banner NGO and former Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the United Nations in New York and Vienna. This article comes in run-up to the UN General Assembly's two sessions – scheduled for March 27-31 and June 15-July 7 – to negotiate "a legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons, leading towards their total elimination".</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia, March 10 (IDN-INPS) - Some believe that those that do not possess nuclear weapons have no basis to demand that those that do possess alter their nuclear policies. However, as the three recent international conferences on humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons vividly demonstrated yet again, the detonation of a nuclear weapon, intentionally or otherwise, will have catastrophic consequences with far-reaching climatic, genetic and other devastating effects.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This, of course, will surely trigger a chain reaction of its own as well. Therefore global nuclear disarmament cannot be the exclusive domain of nuclear weapon states and their allies. Moreover, Article VI of the <a href="http://www.un.org/en/conf/npt/2005/npttreaty.html">NPT</a> commits all of its states parties to "pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date and to nuclear disarmament". The establishment of nuclear-weapon-free zones is one of the concrete regional measures of promoting nuclear non-proliferation and contributing to greater confidence.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Though in the post-cold war period nuclear weapons have been reduced to around 15.000 worldwide, the number of nuclear weapons possessors has increased. The race to modernize such weapons, to "perfect" the means of their delivery and to regulate their destructive capacity is making them more "useable," thus making deterrence doctrines even more dangerous.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>That is why in response to a lack of tangible progress in nuclear disarmament, the non-nuclear-weapon states and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have launched a campaign aimed at starting without delay international negotiations to prohibit and abolish such weapons. This has found reflection in the recently adopted resolution of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) <a href="https://www.un.org/disarmament/geneva/multilateral/">"Taking forward multilateral nuclear disarmament negotiations"</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia's case</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As in other cases, Mongolia's policies are connected with its geographical location and is a microcosm of the major events of a particular time period. In many cases, its policies are reflections of or reactions to the events happening in its immediate neighborhood, i.e. in Russia and China, in their mutual relations as well as with other major powers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>From the point of view of nuclear risks, Mongolia's geographical and geopolitical location is unenviable. However that does not mean that it has to be a prisoner of geography and doomed to geographical determinism. On the contrary, its location demands that it be more creative so as not to be harmed or used to harm others.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Hence Mongolia tries, to the extent possible, to influence events in order to reduce possible unforeseen risks for itself. It could choose either to be passively affected by the perils of the nuclear age or try to play a somewhat active role by promoting its national interests and, mindful of the past history, by contributing to shaping its own future. Mongolia chose the latter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Reminder of the recent risky past</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>During the cold war Mongolia was a Soviet satellite and closely followed pro-soviet policies. Thus<b>,</b> though Mongolia was against nuclear weapon tests in general, it condemned all such tests except for those of the Soviets, which had been conducted not far from the Mongolian territory. At that time it was considered politically incorrect to condemn Soviet tests since, Mongolia believed, Soviet nuclear weapons balanced the US, NATO and Chinese forces, and served as a "guarantee of world peace and stability".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In the 1960s, during the Sino-Soviet dispute, Mongolia found itself involuntarily involved in it and, by implication, in their military standoff. When China developed nuclear weapons and the Sino-Soviet dispute turned into border clashes in 1969, the Soviets briefly entertained the idea or, at least made believe, of contemplating a preemptive strike against China's fledgling nuclear weapons facilities and communicated their thoughts to its Warsaw Pact allies. The Soviets also approached the US for its possible reaction.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A preemptive strike would surely have had a devastating effect on international relations, especially on Mongolia since the Chinese side was well aware of the Soviet bases in Mongolia and the dual use weapons placed therein, and surely had plans to take counter measures. Mongolia's role was that of a pawn that was to support the Soviet forces and their military activities. The US arsenal was also trained in the Soviet bases in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The US response to the Soviets was that it would not idly sit by was perhaps decisive in avoiding a possible catastrophe. Had the conflict occurred, it would have made the 1962 Caribbean missile crisis a mere footnote in the annals of XX century history. This was an important lesson for Mongolia not to blindly side with one of the belligerent nuclear powers.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>New security environment</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The end of the cold war in early 1990s, normalization of Sino-Russian relations and withdrawal of Russian military bases and troops from Mongolia have radically changed the country's external security environment. Mongolia was no longer a junior partner of a nuclear weapon state.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Moreover, its two neighbors have committed not to use territories or airspace of their neighboring third states against each other. Mongolia, in its turn, declared that henceforth it would pursue balanced relations with its neighbors and maintain neutrality in possible bilateral disputes between Russia and China that did not directly affect Mongolia's vital interests.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia takes a stand</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mindful of the lessons of the cold war period, in September 1992 Mongolia declared itself a single-State nuclear-weapon-free zone (SS-NWFZ) and pledged to work to have that status internationally guaranteed. The gist was to underline that it did not have nuclear weapons on its territory and that no country near or far would be allowed to place such weapons on its territory. In practice this meant that no nuclear weapon threat would emanate from the Mongolian territory, which in size is as large as the territories of UK, France, Germany and Italy taken together. Thus Mongolia intended to serve as a positive contributor to the common cause of promoting greater confidence, predictability and stability.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Selection of path to achieve the goal</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Non-proliferation of nuclear weapons is one of the most pressing international issues and can only be achieved by joint efforts and with the participation of the nuclear weapon states. In Mongolia's case it was the first time that due to its geopolitical location a country decided to establish a SS-NWFZ despite the somewhat reluctance of the P5 to accept the novelty of this status in international relations. They saw it as precedent-setting for other small or island states to follow suit and declare their territories SS-NWFZs and expect security assurances from the P5 (five permanent members of the Security Council: USA, Russia, China, Britain and France).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>To achieve its aim and contribute to the common efforts, Mongolia chose to follow the path of engagement, dialogue, 'strategic patience' and search for compromise. Working in that spirit with the P5 and other members of the United Nations, it was able to have the UNGA adopt in 1998 a resolution entitled "Mongolia's international security and nuclear-weapon-free status" that welcomed its policy as contributing to stability and predictability in the region and even inscribed the issue on its agenda.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>On its part, in February 2000 the State Great Hural (parliament) adopted a law that criminalized acts that would violate the nuclear-weapon-free status. It also formally outlawed the stationing and transit through its territory of nuclear weapons by any means. Mindful of the importance of the issue for the society as a whole, the law empowered NGOs and even individual persons, within the mandate provided by the legislation, to exercise public oversight of the implementation of the law and submit suggestions or proposals thereon to relevant state authorities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Blue Banner NGO, established in 2005 for the purpose of promoting the country's nuclear-weapon-free status<b>,</b> has three times initiated consideration by the Mongolian authorities on the implementation of the legislation and has submitted recommendations to the Government regarding the needed follow-up measures.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Numerous bilateral, trilateral and P5+Mongolia meetings were held to find a common ground and agreement on the issue. As a result of these meetings, Mongolia agreed to not insist on a legally-binding treaty that would define its unique status provided that the P5 would pledge to respect Mongolia's status and refrain from any act that would contribute to its violation. In September 2012 the P5 and Mongolia signed parallel declarations on the understandings reached, underlining the utility of pursuing interests of all involved through dialogue, by political and diplomatic means.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In practical terms the P5 joint declaration meant that Mongolia would be an area of stability and predictability since none of the P5 would involve the country in their future nuclear rivalries, including in possible regional defense system(s), or counter defense system(s). In that sense the joint P5 declaration did not only serve the national interests of Mongolia, but also, in an age when time and space have become important strategic military assets, served the interests of regional stability and predictability; through the joint declaration the P5 and Mongolia also reassured each other that Mongolia and its vast territory would not be used against one other.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>At present Mongolia is working to make the SS-NWFZ status an organic part of the East Asian security arrangement. As a Mongolian proverb says, a duck is calm when the lake is calm. This provides the country with the opportunity to spend less on its defenses (less than 1 percent of the state's budget) and more on addressing the country's developmental challenges, promoting human development and furthering human security for every member of the society, as prescribed in the <a href="http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/">Sustainable Development Goals</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>At the regional level, Mongolian NGO Blue Banner is working with the like-minded NGOs and think tanks of Northeast Asia to promote the idea and elaborate the basic elements of a possible regional NWFZ, mindful, of course, of the region's specific needs and challenges.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.indepthnews.net/index.php/nuclear-weapons/1007-nuclear-disarmament-is-humanity-s-common-cause">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Anti-Chinese_Attitudes_in"></a>Anti-Chinese Attitudes in Mongolia through Generational Imprinting<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>By Mendee Jargalsaikhan</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 9 (Mongolia Focus) A few years back, Julian introduced me the concept of generational imprints and pointed out the work of Karl Mannheim. Mannheim (1952) defined a generation as a social creation and argued that each generation receives imprints from the social and political events during their formative age. Fascinated with this work, I did a little brainstorming for my MA thesis. I am still hoping that the study of generational aspects could lead to more insightful examination of anti-Chinese attitudes in Mongolia instead of over-emphasizing its persistence among general public. Here is a bit long excerpt.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Logically, all generations talk differently about China, Chinese people, and their culture, because they have collective memories of significant events based on their first-hand or second-hand learning experience. Without rigorous interviews and analysis, it is impossible to prove generational aspects. Nevertheless, I will advance the following speculations to dis-entangle overall claim of persistent anti-Chinese attitudes in Mongolia a little further. Table 9 correlates seven generations, their sources of foreign education and orientation, experience (either first or second hand) of events, and political status to speculate potential attitudinal outcome in regards with China, Chinese people, and culture. If a generation received all sources of schemas, their attitude toward China may be neutral. In opposite, if a generation is only exposed to negative schemas during their formative age and has limited interactions with China, their attitude towards China could be mistrusted. And, even if they are exposed to positive and neutral schemas after their formative ages, their attitude to China may be cautious. At the same time, attitudes of generational cohorts also may alter significantly overtime due to dramatic changes such as start and end of Cold War and democratization. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWAuGh-7ny6i6jBNbUSMXuty8nUMtWmu_Kwl-ntgsks_fipwCjLuzG-ieQ9JUeEbaTlwIQEXfWyYwGeDJjeFsYzf_bz3y5bFcW1MVEB_NuotaDq_grzluCPcwhg8huOr6pqKYtUX3a6A/s1600/image025-742546.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWAuGh-7ny6i6jBNbUSMXuty8nUMtWmu_Kwl-ntgsks_fipwCjLuzG-ieQ9JUeEbaTlwIQEXfWyYwGeDJjeFsYzf_bz3y5bFcW1MVEB_NuotaDq_grzluCPcwhg8huOr6pqKYtUX3a6A/s320/image025-742546.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204084427909458" /></a><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A cohort born in 1930 would have seen high-level exchanges of Sino-Mongolian leaders, a visible presence of Chinese workers and their families in Ulaanbaatar, unique Chinese goods (e.g., silk, fruits, and tea), and culture (e.g., song and table tennis), and heard about Mongolian participation in the Liberation War in northern China during their formative years (17-25 years). Many of those who were educated in the Soviet Union would have interacted with Chinese students in Moscow and a few might have had opportunities to study in Beijing. The generation would have also lived through a period of three decades, when all these interactions would have ceased. They would have seen a good China (providing assistance to Mongolia) and a bad China (cultural revolutions, political struggles, and the Tiananmen incident). This group of people might have played a crucial role in resuming normal relations with China at the end of the 1980s, since most members of the Political Bureau of the Mongolian Communist Party had been born in the 1930s.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The second cohort, born in the 1940s, witnessed some friendly Sino-Mongolia relations. But the students abroad in the Soviet Union would have had few interactions with Chinese people in Mongolia, because the Chinese workers in Mongolia were strictly guarded and influenced by the extensive propaganda and anti-Chinese attitudes. They would have been mostly aware of the images of bad China, and would have interacted closely with Russians in Mongolia and abroad, from their formative years, starting from the 1960s. As Mongolia transitioned into a democracy in 1990, the political elites from this cohort would have dominated most of the leadership posts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The third cohort, born in the 1950s, would have had first-hand experience with anti-Chinese attitudes, but would not have interacted with Chinese until the 1990s. They were brought up under the "China threat" atmosphere and would have fulfilled their extensive military and civil defense obligations. Although they would have had first-hand experience of the Soviet-Mongolian brotherly relations, and been knowledgeable about the Soviets and the communist world, their views on China would be one-sided, since they would have lacked any exposure to neutral or positive views about China. This group has been a driving force for the democratic movements, and abhorred the Chinese and Romanian repressions of democratic movements.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The 1960s generation had experiences that were similar to those of their previous generations, though Sino-Soviet tensions had been reduced and the cohort began questioning the need to have military and civil defense obligations. During their study in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, the members of this generation would have had first-hand experience with the negative images of the Soviets in Eastern and Central Europe, and been exposed to liberal ideas and anti-communist discourses. They would be attracted to the ideas of democracy, market economy, and developments in the capitalist world. Their knowledge about China would have been influenced by the negative views; they would have disliked the Chinese repressions of 1989. On the other hand, this generation enjoyed free access to Chinese markets and infrastructure. This cohort is becoming the most influential group in Mongolian politics today.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The 1970s generation has mixed views about both China and Russia. They would have first-hand experience of the anti-Chinese propaganda, strained relations with Russia (withdrawal of Russian military and the anti-Soviet attitudes), and increasing interactions with China. They would likely have similar feelings about the Tiananmen incident and the growing Chinese economy, as would earlier cohorts. Nevertheless, Russia would no longer be the window through which to see the world, as it was for earlier generations. Cohorts from the 1940s and the 1960s were more familiar with Russia, its people, and culture, since 32,000 Soviet civilian workers with their large numbers of dependents, and 80,000 Soviet troops were in Mongolia in the 1970s and 1980s. The Russian language was a mandatory second language for thousands of Mongolians who were studying in the Soviet Union, from the time of their elementary school. This was not the case for generations, from the mid-1970s and afterwards.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Logically, generations of people, who were born in the 1980s and 1990s, will likely have the most neutral view of China and be rather cautious and mistrusting of Russia. They have not experienced the anti-Chinese (pro-Soviet) propaganda, and are able to have multiple views on most issues, links with the West, and access to vast amounts of information (from the Internet, cable TV, and newspapers). The most significant events they are likely to recall are the winning of two gold medals by Mongolians at the Beijing Olympic game, rather than second-hand knowledge about the Tiananmen incident and bad images of China from the 1960s. The increasing number of Mongolian students in China and China's sustained projection of its soft power policy (e.g., visa waiver, granting access to Chinese infrastructure and medical facilities, developmental aid, and assistance) for Mongolia will certainly affect the attitudes of future generations in Mongolia. However, the results from AsiaBarometer (2005) and Asian Barometer (2006) yield interesting outcomes. First, all generations tend to hold neutral and negative views of China in both polls. Although there was no significant deviation between generations of 1930-40s and 1950-70s, younger generations (1980-90s) have slight positive impression of China in the Asian Barometer study. But younger generations in both polls were overly polarized while other generations have more neutral views (about 28-36%). Second, there are noticeable correlations between view of China and gender along with educational level of younger generations. Male participants and people with low educational levels hold more unfavorable view of China. The question will remain why views of younger generations are polarized and holding similar negative views as older generations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>These barometer studies are not likely reveal attitudinal shifts of generations. First, number of the sample, questions, conducting organizations, and timeframe of two barometers were different. For instance, when AsiaBarometer (2005) asks about Chinese influence, Mongolians responded in more negative while more positive as Asian Barometer (2006) asks about impressions about China. Second, each poll had a single question on China and one possible response. More insightful examination of anti-Chinese attitudes would need a specific set of questions. For instance, questions whether a person allow his children marry to Chinese, live next to a Chinese neighbor, or work in Chinese-Mongolian run business may help us to understand emotional components of anti-Chinese attitudes. Moreover, degree of awareness of Chinese culture (e.g., language, literature, religion, customs, and traditions), history, contemporary Chinese politics and socio-economic situation as well as Sino-Mongolian relations need to be examined by a carefully-designed questionnaire will contribute to our understanding of anti-Chinese attitudes. In addition to variables like age, gender, geographic location, it might be possible that other variables such as personal income, social status, and degree of interactions with Chinese people could correlate person's attitude to China.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Without further study, it would be difficult to make firm conclusions about the anti-Chinese attitudes of different generations and their key generational imprints. Nevertheless, it is fair to speculate about the existence of lingering impacts from the artificially-consolidated past schemas on the younger generations, since the past schemas have not been de-constructed in historical textbooks, the literature, entertainment, or the political leaders' discourses in post-communist Mongolia. A handful of empirical studies suggest that Mongolians generally hold unfavorable views about China, and the intensity of the anti-Chinese discourses in the media, blogosphere, and public domain is apparent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Note: this excerpt is directly taken from my graduate thesis, <i>Anti-Chinese Attitudes in Post-Communist Mongolia (2011), </i>pp. 34-38. Here is the link to the full <a href="https://open.library.ubc.ca/cIRcle/collections/ubctheses/24/items/1.0078410">thesis.</a><o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/2017/anti-chinese-attitudes-in-mongolia-through-generational-imprinting/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s1600/image006-728254.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s320/image006-728254.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204023763668914" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HealthEdu></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Health & Education<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_Infant_mortality_rate"></a>Infant mortality rate down 12% in first 2 months of 2017<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 14 (NSO) First 2 months of 2017, there were 4741 mothers giving birth and 4771 live births, down of 1375 mothers (22.5%) and 1384 live births (22.5%) from the same period of the previous year. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Figure.1 Live birth, monthly, thousands of children<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>First 2 months 2017, the <b>infant mortality reached 84, down 39 (31.7%)</b>, and the <b>under-five mortality reached 179, up 32 (21.8%)</b> compared with the same period of the previous year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Figure.2 Infant mortality rate, monthly (per 1000 live births)<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>First 2 months 2017, <b>infant mortality rate per 1,000 live births reached 18, down 2 (11.9%)</b>, and <b>under-five mortality reached 20 down by 4 (16.6%)</b>, compared with the same period of the previous year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Definition:<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.en.nso.mn/content/183">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mobile_health_technology"></a>Mobile health technology improves primary healthcare service<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 10 (MONTSAME) Mobile health technology has put a foundation of practices to prevent and reveal diseases in early stage and the technology is proper to provide sparsely populated people with primary healthcare service. Health Minister A.Tsogtsetseg said it in an experience sharing workshop on "Introduction of mobile health technology at the primary healthcare and community level in Mongolia" project, held today, March 10 at the Health Ministry. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Minister also noted that mobile health technology is important to realize State policy on health and achieve Millennium Development Goals and Sustainable Development Goals.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The project aims to improve health state of population, particularly vulnerable groups through introducing mobile health technology at the primary healthcare and community level within the principle to strengthen local health system. The project has been implemented in the Governor's office of Songino-Khairkhan district, remote khoroos of 7 and 26, Gurvantes, Nomgon and Manlai soums of Umnugobi aimag.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The project is to be implemented further in medical centers in Undur-Ulaan of Arkhangai aimag, Bogd soum of Bayankhongor, Zuunkhangai soum of Uvs aimag, Erdenetsagaan soum of Sukhbaatar aimag as well as family clinic "Gerelt Manal" in Sukhbaatar district and 'Ugtakh-Ireedui" in Chinggeltei district of Ulaanbaatar city.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Over 13000 people have been involved in health examination and diagnosis to reveal non-infectious diseases in early stage and in health education program. Moreover, vehicles and equipment necessary for mobile healthcare service have been supplied and medical officers have been trained to use mobile equipment. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9082">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Weekend_school_for"></a>Weekend school for Mongolian children opens in Seoul<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 13 (MONTSAME) A Mongolian school has opened in Seoul, South Korea in light of the implementation of the Mongolian President's initiative aimed to pass down the traditions, culture and mother tongue to Mongolian children, who were born and are living in foreign countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The school is named "Mongolian Weekend School" and located in the Seoul Global Center. The opening ceremony, which took place on March 12, was attended by Mongolian Ambassador in Seoul B.Ganbold, Mayor of Seoul Park Won-soon and other officials, as well as nearly 150 people including Mongolian parents and teachers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The school will be operational on Sundays for 7-12 year old children.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Today, a total of 35 thousand Mongolians are living in South Korea, more than 2,000 of whom are children. The school curricula were developed based on the results of Embassy's complete survey among Mongolian nationals in the country and the studies on programs in national general education schools. Mongolian Weekend School will teach Mongolian language, cognitive and art subject and have play dates incorporating Mongolian traditional games.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9102">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_School_of_Public"></a>School of Public Policy delivers first-of-its-kind UCalgary certificate in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Leading decision-makers trained in managing resource sector wealth<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 13 (University of Calgary) Surrounded by the Bogd Khan Mountains in downtown Ulaanbaatar, a team of School of Public Policy experts delivered a week-long training program for Mongolian government officials on best practices in fiscal governance within the extractive sector.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This training program, delivered by The School of Public Policy's Extractive Resource Governance Program (ERGP), is a first-of-its-kind training program that provides much-needed expertise to developing jurisdictions for not only managing the wealth of the resource sector, but also how to be fiscally responsible with that wealth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Delivering the program in Mongolia were Bev Dahlby, PhD, scientific director, research director, Distinguished Fellow and program director, tax and economic growth at The School; Jean-Francois Wen, PhD, professor of economics and Research Fellow; and course co-ordinator Niloo Hojjati, research associate, ERGP/Tax and Economic Growth Program. The training was supported in Calgary by Shantel Jordison, manager, ERGP.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Hands-on learning and lively discussion</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Each day of the training program encompassed technical presentations by School of Public Policy experts and breakout sessions for analytical financial model exercises, providing the participants with a hands-on learning experience. One participant remarked that the "training program will be critical in developing increased technical capacity within the Mongolian government," adding that "including key ministries from across the spectrum to take part in this training program will enable officials to speak the 'same policy language' when it comes to fiscal policy decision-making processes."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The training program generated a great deal of lively discussion, with Wen noting, "Our session on petroleum production-sharing contracts led to very interesting comments and reflections on the part of the participants, some of whom had been involved in the design of Mongolia's existing contracts." Course co-ordinator Niloo Hojjati adds, "There was a tremendous amount of energy in the room; participants were very engaged learners."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A total of 28 leading decision-makers successfully completed the week-long certificate program. Participants were from several Mongolian government departments and academic institutions, including the Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry, Department of Taxation, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Environment and Green Development, Mineral Resource and Petroleum Authority, University of Finance and Economics, and the National University of Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Fundamental policy challenges similar around the world</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Alberta is a leader in sustainable resource development — the world sees that," says Dahlby. "The School is creating a critical mass of sustainable resource development expertise, and that is in demand internationally."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"A big part of what we do in the ERGP is bringing practical policy and regulatory solutions to the table to support decision-makers in other jurisdictions facing complex problems in their extractive resource sectors," adds Jordison. "While no two countries are exactly the same, many of the fundamental policy challenges we face here in Canada are similar to those faced by other governments. A really interesting part of the work we do is to engage in a two-way dialogue about what policy solutions are possible: History, culture, politics, and market conditions all matter when you're finding policy solutions that can be successful over the long term."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This training program is part of a larger project funded by the Government of Canada and managed by Agriteam, with the aim of strengthening extractive sector management in Mongolia's mining sector.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Agriteam is happy to work with the UCalgary School of Public Policy for the implementation of the SESMIM project. The SPP's unique team of experienced regulators, highly respected economists and public policy experts brings the right combination of theory and practice to our capacity-building program in Mongolia," says Debra Rasmussen, Canadian project director, Strengthening Extractive Sector Management in Mongolia (SESMIM), Agriteam.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Future deliveries of the ERGP certificate program are planned in Mexico and Mozambique in 2017. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://ucalgary.ca/utoday/issue/2017-03-13/school-public-policy-delivers-first-its-kind-ucalgary-certificate-mongolia">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s1600/image006-728254.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s320/image006-728254.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204023763668914" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Culture></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Culture & Society<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Difficult_spring_expected"></a>Difficult spring expected in 60 percent of territory<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 13 (MONTSAME) There is a risk of difficult spring in around 60 percent of the territory of Mongolia, reported National Emergency Management Agency.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the winter of 2016-2017, Mongolia was covered in 70-80 percent snow cover which led to difficult wintering situation in some 150 soums of 17 aimags. According to a National Agency for Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring report, 100 soums were in a white dzud condition whereas 53 soums were in a milder dzud condition this winter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition to international aids worth MNT 9 billion provided to help herders overcome the difficult wintering situation, Mongolian Government rendered aid worth MNT 3.7 billion. Also, 137 soums received fodder.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/agriculture/9095">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_WHO_to_aid"></a>WHO to aid medical equipment to dzud-affected areas <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 10 (MONTSAME) Deputy Prime Minister U.Khurelsukh received Dr. Soe Nyunt-U, the Resident Representative of World Health Organization in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After expressing his gratitude towards WHO's contribution in Mongolia, Deputy Prime Minister signified WHO's cooperation on strengthening the health sector in Mongolia since 1962.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>World Health Organization has planned to provide USD 35 thousand worth medical equipments to Mongolia in order to help overcome harsh conditions of winter and spring. This includes intravenous infusion equipment, oxygen concentrator, health monitoring device, pneumonia diagnosis equipments set and thermal blanket.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>WHO will soon be establishing a team to respond to potential disasters and social health emergencies in Mongolia and Deputy Prime Minister U.Khurelsukh said to support these matters.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Source: <a href="http://www.ikon.mn/n/yg1" target="_blank">Ikon.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9074">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Women's_needs_take"></a>Women's needs take back seat under threat of dzud in Mongolia <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>by Dr. Shinetugs Bayanbileg and Angelica Esguerra<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>DORNOD/KHENTII, Mongolia, </b><b>March 12 (UNFPA) – </b>Mongolia was struck by harsh conditions this winter, raising risks for pastoral and nomadic communities. An estimated 165,000 people were affected, <a href="http://reliefweb.int/report/mongolia/mongolia-severe-winter-humanitarian-report-15-feb-2017" target="_blank">according </a>to the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Mongolia. The situation has caused particular concern for women and girls, who are experiencing limited access to sexual and reproductive health supplies and care and increased vulnerability to gender-based violence.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The heavy snowfall and subzero temperatures – which can fall as low as -40 degrees Celsius even in a normal winter – have caused mass losses in livestock, a financial disaster for many herder communities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With families struggling to cope, women's health and hygiene needs have taken a back seat, many report.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Hygiene needs unmet<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Some 127 districts in 17 provinces and two districts in Ulaanbaatar were affected by the harsh weather, which some officials feared would reach <a href="http://reliefweb.int/report/mongolia/herder-households-affected-dzud-have-received-humanitarian-aid" target="_blank">dzud</a> levels.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For Munkhtsetseg*, the challenges began even before winter. "It was a very dry summer," she said. "And after that, there was too much rain. This made it difficult to gather hay, which we need to store for the animals in winter."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>She and her husband, Munkhzul*, had to take out a loan to get by.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When warnings were issued about the possibility of a dzud, they and many other herders feared their livestock would not survive. In response, they sold or butchered their animals, flooding the market and causing meat prices to drop.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We did not get much from the sales," Munkhtsetseg shared.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They were not alone.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Narantsetseg* explained that her needs as a woman fall low on the priority list. Her family spends what little they have on items like food and fuel, so she must ration sanitary napkins.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During her most recent cycle, she said, she used only four commercially produced sanitary napkins – not nearly enough to maintain proper hygiene.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The alternative is to use less hygienic, less comfortable materials like rags.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Relief packages<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>With roads blocked by snow, women in remote areas have limited access to sexual and reproductive health care, including family planning supplies. Contraceptive stocks were depleted at all levels.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In response, UNFPA has provided $52,000 worth of contraceptives, and procured an additional $58,000 worth of contraceptives with state funding, to improve availability of family planning supplies to women. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are also fears that the worsening economic pressures, especially when coupled with high alcohol consumption, are increasing risks for women and girls.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are no comprehensive statistics on gender-based violence in Mongolia, but evidence indicates these abuses are widespread. According to police data, over 90 per cent of victims of violence are women and girls. Few cases are prosecuted, and support services for survivors are scarce.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Herder women are additionally vulnerable when they leave their homes – even in extreme temperatures – to use the toilet. Traveling alone on the steppe leaves them vulnerable to assault and harassment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>UNFPA recently took part in a multi-organization mission, headed by the National Emergency Management Agency, to deliver relief supplies to herder families in the affected provinces of Dornod and Khentii.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>UNFPA distributed dignity kits containing toiletries and sanitary products, including sanitary napkins, as well as clothing items like socks and underwear. They also include flashlights with batteries to allow women and girls to move about more safely at night, as well as whistles to use in case of distress.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Over 2,400 of these kits were distributed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Undaunted</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Apart from distributing relief packages, the joint mission was an opportunity to engage with communities to learn about their needs and challenges.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Women overwhelming expressed a resolve borne of experience. It is, unfortunately, not the first time they have experienced these harsh conditions. Last year's winter was even more severe, affecting 965,000 people and killing more than 1 million livestock – a blow from which many are still trying to recover.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This year's winter has only compounded their hardships. Still, many are undaunted, saying simply, "This is all part of the herder's life."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>*Names changed to protect privacy</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.unfpa.org/news/womens-needs-take-back-seat-under-threat-dzud-mongolia">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_linguists_discuss"></a>Mongolian linguists discuss Cyrillic spelling rules<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 14 /MONTSAME/ "Confusions on Mongolian Cyrillic orthography will be settled once and for all", said D.Zayabaatar, Head of Institute of Mongolian Studies at National University of Mongolia on March 13 during a forum among Mongolian linguists.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Nowadays, there are two or more spelling alternatives for number of Mongolian words which create confusion among the general public, leading to disbelief in the linguists.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hosted by the National University of Mongolia, the forum also coincided with the launch of a new publication titled 'Mongolian language for public learning' and its website <a href="http://www.mongolkhel.mn/">www.mongolkhel.mn</a>, financed by Mongolian Science and Technology Fund.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The website is expected to play a central role in elucidating the basic grammar of Mongolian Cyrillic script and correcting negative tendencies and confusions related to different spelling rules among the public. Overall, the website can be understood as a one-window reference for all grammar-related arguments and inquiries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As such, the linguists' forum aimed to reach consensus on a common spelling rules of Mongolian Cyrillic script. D.Zayabaatar, who compiled the 'Mongolian language for public learning' handbook said, "A working group was established by an ordinance of the Minister of Education, Culture, Science and Sports, and is working towards the finalization of spelling rules for Mongolian Cyrillic script which are to be complied with nationwide. The working group's target is a dictionary of Mongolian Cyrillic script".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/education/9125">Link to article</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Peace_Corps_Volunteer:"></a>Peace Corps Volunteer: Celebrating Tsagaan Sar<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 10 (Anna Buchanan) </span><b>Ready…Set…Tsagaan Sar!</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Tsagaan Sar felt like a race that began weeks in advance. Stores were being emptied out, I had to wait 30 minutes in a line at the ATM as a dead goat was being shoved into my back, and many folk from the countryside came in for weekend shopping trips. I heard the word "Opoc" (Russia) being whispered as I stealthy weaved through the crowds. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>What is Tsagaan Sar?</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Tsagaan Sar is Mongolia's Lunar New Year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Because this is a brand new holiday for all of us, Peace Corps prepared us with what to expect and taught us the proper greetings. Below are just three examples:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Сар шинийн мэнд хүргэе! – Happy Tsagaan Sar!<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Сайхан шинэлээрэй! – Have a good Tsagaan Sar!<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Сар шиндээ сайхан шинж байна уу? – Are you having a good Tsagaan Sar?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In my new winter deel, I visited five homes where I stuffed myself like a glutton. It was the epitome of being fat and happy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Every Mongolian household puts together a display of food on the eve of Tsagaan Sar. The layers of all the bread represent happiness and sadness. Always beginning and ending the year in happiness. On top are white food items such as sugar cubes, aaruul, and white mints. The color white represents the moon. Then there is a massive chunk of beef guests can carve from, fruit, and a bowl of sweets.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>What does Tsagaan Sar entail?</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l13 level1 lfo5'><b><u><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Food</span></u></b><u><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> </span></u><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>– So much food! The main entre is buuz. Every family makes over a thousand buuz. There are also more plates of meat with slices of pickles plus chocolate. You can drink milk tea, airag, vodka, beer, and juice.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Two weeks before the holiday, I went to the supermarket. The atmosphere of the supermarket was much like a gladiatorial fight. People were fighting over boxes; straight, organized lines at the cashier no longer existed. People were trying to step in front of each other while old women showed no mercy as they shoved themselves to the very front; the last couple of eggs, bags of bread and apples, and packages of chocolate chip cookies were swiftly scooped up. But before I got caught up in all of it, I promptly made a u-turn and bee- lined it to another less raucous supermarket. Thus, I had to stock my kitchen with food as if the apocalypse was approaching. Later, on 6 March, stores still didn't have dairy products or bread.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l12 level1 lfo8'><b><u><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Family</span></u></b><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>– Tsagaan Sar is all about visiting family. Depending on how large a family is… and Mongolian families are large…you can spend two-weeks or more visiting each others gers and apartments. Visits can be short or long depending on how busy your day is.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l12 level1 lfo8'><b><u><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Winter deels</span></u></b><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>– Tsagaan Sar is a blast to the past honoring Mongolian tradition by wearing a deel. Seamstresses are busy months in advance creating new winter deels for men and women, boys and girls.<b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></li></ul><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l12 level1 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Symbol;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><u><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Presents</span></u></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> – After every visit, Mongolians give presents to every visitor before they leave. It can be a variety of items such as candy, cookies, money, soap, and makeup.<b><u><o:p></o:p></u></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Some Peace Corps Volunteers have described the holiday as being a lot like Halloween (going out and visiting houses), Thanksgiving (eating a lot of food), and Christmas (giving and receiving presents) all rolled up into one big holiday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>My school also had a ceremony.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A Buddhist monk attended the ceremony. We were all given three white food items: a wafer, a peppermint, and a sugar cube. As the monk chanted and incense wafted up into the air, we had to circle our hands, while holding the items, when directed by the monk. I was very close to chomping down on the wafer beforehand but quickly stopped myself when I saw no one else was eating.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Now its Spring!<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Tsagaan Sar also symbolizes the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The weather already feels warmer. It won't be shorts weather until May or June but the sun is shining bright.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://goneawhile.com/2017/03/10/celebrating-tsagaan-sar/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_VIEWS:_Mongolian_Lunar"></a>VIEWS: Mongolian Lunar New Year Celebration | Family Visit<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 11 (ARTGER) During the New Year celebration Mongols visit family and greet each other with holiday-specific greetings such "Amar baina uu?" meaning "Are you living peacefully?". Family will meet in the home dwelling of the eldest in the family.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkIvLrMNxd8">Link to video</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Tim_Pelkey_Publishes"></a>Tim Pelkey Publishes Debut Thriller, The Baljuna Covenant: The Search for Genghis' Tomb<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>"Science-driven novel attempts to unlock the secrets of 13th century Eurasia."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>(1888PressRelease) March 10, 2017 - ADA, Mich. - Pelkey's breakthrough novel is the story of archaeologist James Andrews's search for Genghis Khan's tomb. After discovering a bone on Burkhan Khaldun, Mongolia's holy mountain, Andrews and his colleague Abbey Conrad follow the strands of its DNA back in time. Past and present collide, revealing ancient truths along with a web of deception that tears Andrews's life apart and pushes the world to the brink of war.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"I was fascinated by a study that detected the presence of Genghis Khan's Y-chromosome among his living male descendants," Pelkey said. "Genetics can tell us about transformative and previously unknown historical events. The Y-chromosome study told us so much about Genghis Khan's sons. I wondered what detecting his X-chromosome might tell us about his daughters."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Part historic fiction, part archaeological mystery, and part political thriller, The Baljuna Covenant weaves together tales of modern and ancient Mongolia, telling stories of Mongolia's present-day struggles for independence, a poor boy's rise to the heights of world power, and of friends-their unyielding loyalty and unimagined betrayal. Most of all, it tells the story of a promise between Genghis Khan and his people, a promise kept until this day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The book has made the recommended reading lists for Kirkus Reviews and Stevo's Book Reviews. It was also a Featured Review for Kirkus Indie Reviews in February.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Baljuna Covenant can be purchased through SDP Publishing and at all major bookstores, including online retailer Amazon. Learn more at <a href="http://www.TimPelkey.com">http://www.TimPelkey.com</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>About the Author<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Tim Pelkey is the father of two. He lives in Ada, Michigan with his wife Leslie. The Baljuna Covenant is his first novel. He is currently working on his second novel The Ottoman Excursion. Learn more at <a href="http://www.TimPelkey.com">www.TimPelkey.com</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.1888pressrelease.com/tim-pelkey/the-baljuna-covenant/tim-pelkey-publishes-debut-thriller-the-baljuna-covenant-pr-609297.html">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_'See_the_ability"></a>'See the ability and happiness' photo exhibition of children with Down syndrome - Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Tuesday, March 21, 2017 to Thursday, March 30, 2017<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>(World Down Syndrome Day) 'See the ability and happiness' photo exhibition of children with Down syndrome will be opened in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st 2017.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>20 photographers of "Creative around Twenty" photo club will take photos of children with Down syndrome.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The photo exhibition aims to show the diversity and beauty of humankind, abilities of children with Down syndrome and real happiness and joy of their families and relatives. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://worlddownsyndromeday.org/%E2%80%98see-ability-and-happiness%E2%80%99-photo-exhibition-mongolia">Link to event</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s1600/image006-728254.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s320/image006-728254.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204023763668914" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Nature></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Nature & Environment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_4.2_magnitude_earthquake"></a>4.2 magnitude earthquake registered in Bayan-Ulgii aimag<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 13 (gogo.mn) On 13th March, an earthquake was recorded in an area located 27 kilometres east of the Deluun soum of Bayan-Ulgii aimag at 05:41:06 a.m. local time in Mongolia, reports the National Emergency Management Agency. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It was an earthquake with magnitude of 4.2, says Astronomy and GeoPhysics Research Center. There were no damages registered as a result of the earthquake.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157639">Link to article</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327282">4.2 magnitude earthquake shakes Bayan-Ulgii</a> – <i>news.mn</i>, March 13<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Endangered_Siberian_ibexes"></a>Endangered Siberian ibexes provided salt supplements <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 10 (MONTSAME) Specialists of the Environment and Tourism Department of Bayan-Ulgii aimag have worked at wildlife hunting areas of Kharasai in Tolbo soum, Toshint in Bort, Burgast and Bugat soum and Bakhlag mountain in Nogoonnuur soum, examining endangered animals' population and spring situation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Over 1500 of the Siberian ibex listed in the Mongolian Red Book inhabit in these areas. The specialists delivered 1.6 tons of salt on habitat areas of the wild goats. For this measure, MNT2 million was spent from the Nature Protection Fund and MNT1.5 million from the local budget.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The specialists predict that the number of female wild goats, which give birth in the middle of May will grow significantly, as last winter was warmer than previous years and death of wild goat population was low.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9077">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Census_on_degraded"></a>Census on degraded land due to mining to be conducted in 2017-2018<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 13 (MONTSAME) A census on degraded land, which was conducted in 2012 covering 20 aimags revealed 42556 ha of land in 699 units are degraded and abandoned. 60 per cent of the destroyed land had been caused by companies and entities, while 40 per cent by artisanal gold miners. Since 2012, such kind of integrated census has not been conducted and utilization of the data of the last census has been insufficient.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A workshop themed "Census of degraded land due to mining" "Regulation on mining closure" started today with participation of over 70 specialists of 21 aimags in charge of nature protection and rehabilitation in mining and officials from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Mining Ministry and General Authority of Special Inspection.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>" - The results of this workshop are significant to the implementation of the Government action plan, conducting census on degraded land due to mining in 2017-2018, developing a regulation on mine closure and starting to adhere the regulation" said Deputy Minister of Environment and Tourism Ts.Batbayar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Closing of mine and rehabilitation works are not being done in compliance with the law on Mineral Resources, because regulation on mine closure has not been approved yet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/mining/9111">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s1600/image006-728254.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s320/image006-728254.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204023763668914" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Sports></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Sports<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Glory_for_Odbayar"></a><a name="_Mongolian_judokas_win"></a>Mongolian judokas win two medals at Baku Grand Slam<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 13 (news.mn) Mongolian judokas have taken gold and bronze medals at the Grand Slam which took place on 10-12<sup>th</sup> of March in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. A total of 204 judokas (126 men and 78 women) from 32 countries participated in the competition.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Five men and one woman from Mongolia have competed in the event, which offers a total cash prize amount of USD 154 thousand. G.Odbayar won gold in the men's 73 kg category and O.Uuganbaatar silver in the men's 81 kg category. Two other Mongolians, D.Amartuvshin and G.Kherlen, were awarded cash prizes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>G.Odbayar, champion of Baku Grand Slam defeated Lasha Shavdatuashvili, a gold and silver medalist of the 2016 Olympics as well as Riki Nakaya, another silver medalist of Rio.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/327277">Link to article</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9097">Judoka G. Odbayar wins gold in Baku</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 13<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Best_judokas_to"></a>Best judokas to compete for cash prize competition <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 10 (MONTSAME) Mongolian best judokas' match named after State honored athlete of Mongolia D.Tserenkhand will be held on March 16 at 'ASA" circus. Eight male and six female judokas compete for the contest with prize fund of MNT50 million.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>International masters including Olympic Champion N.Tuvshinbayar, Olympic bronze medalist and world champion Kh.Tsagaanbaatar, Olympic silver medalist D.Sumya, World Champion M.Urantsetseg and G.Boldbaatar are among the contenders. Bronze medalist of Rio Olympics 2016 G.Otgontsetseg, who wrestles for Kazakhstan, will participate in the match by invitation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9080">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_sends_off"></a>Mongolia sends off athletes to Special Olympics<span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828;letter-spacing:-.75pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 10 (MONTSAME) March 9, Thursday saw a send-off ceremony for Mongolian athletes to partake in the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games which will take place in Austria on March 14-25.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Team Mongolia first participated at the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Pyeongchang, South Korea. And Mongolia sent 14 athletes to the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games who claimed 4 gold, 4 silver and 4 bronze medals in 3 categories.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This time, 14 Mongolian athletes are to compete under the supervision of 3 coaches in bandy, cross-country ski and snowshoeing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Present at the send-off ceremony were S.Oyun, Head of Mongolian Special Olympics Committee, O.Gerel, senior specialist at Department of Sports Policy at the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sports, Ts. Sharavjamts, Authority of Physical Culture and Sports and coach Ch.Nasantogtokh, Hero of Labor.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the ceremony, bandy player D.Tuguldur was handed over the national flag by Ch.Nasantogtokh.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9068">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_J.Otgontsagaan_appointed_member"></a>J.Otgontsagaan appointed member of IOC Sport and Environment Commission<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 10 (MONTSAME) On March 9, International Olympic Committee announced new members of its Commissions. Secretary General of the Mongolian National Olympic Committee and State Merit Figure of Mongolia J.Otgontsagaan was appointed as a member of the Sports and Environment Commission of the IOC.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He worked at the Mongolian National Olympic Committee and has been working as the Secretary General since 2004. Also, he is an advisor to the President of the Olympic Council of Asia, member of the Executive Committee of the East Asian Games and founder of the Mongolian Sport Press Union. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Previously, Sh.Magvan was working as a member of the IOC in 1977-2007 and has been an honorary member of the IOC since 2007.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9083">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s1600/image006-728254.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s320/image006-728254.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204023763668914" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Art></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Art & Entertainment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia's_Next_Top"></a>Mongolia's Next Top Model announces first winner<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 13 (MONTSAME) A winner was announced for the first cycle of the 'Mongolia's Next Top Model' reality show format which has been a popular agenda among Mongolians for the last two months.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 12, Sunday saw the last episode of the show which aired its first episode last January, and has thus been co-produced by Edutainment TV and Buro 24/7 online fashion magazine with an aim to reinforce Mongolian fashion industry with new expression.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Out of 22 young ladies who made the cut to enter the show, 3 were in line for the winner's crown which has been earned by contestant B.Tserendolgor who received 67 marks in the last photo shoot which was to model for the new collection of national 'Gobi' brand.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The other contestants Yu.Baljidmaa and T.Nomin-Erdene received 48 and 39 marks respectively. Although Yu.Baljidmaa received the highest marks from audience, 10 or 32972 votes, B.Tserendolgor's audience score 7 or 26208 votes didn't slightly slim her chance of winning as her photo-shoot earned 20 marks from each three judges T.Nansalmaa, M.Orgil and Nora Dagva.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia's newest fashion sensation B.Tserendolgor is a dental student at 'Ach' University of Medical Sciences. Having claimed the title of Top Model, she is entitled to a one-year commercial contract with national mobile phone operator G-Mobile, cash prize MNT 20 million, a certificate of Paris tour and a two-year contract with 'Looque' fashion agency in Singapore.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/9091">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Milky_Way_short-film"></a>Milky Way short-film festival to stand against child abuse<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 12 (UB Post) Rotaract Club of Nairamdal will hold the third Milky Way short-film festival through a project with the same name, which promotes action against child abuse.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The project is aimed at protecting the victims and potential victims of child abuse by raising awareness among the public.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This year's film festival will have the theme "If I were a Wizard". Participants registered for the film festival must make a short film within the theme of the festival.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Short films must be made to inform the public about child abuse and its consequences, and that each person's participation is important for its prevention.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The top films sent to the Milky Way festival will be screened at iCinema in the State Department Store on April 15, and an award ceremony will also take place at the same time.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The first place winner will receive three million MNT, the second place winner will be awarded 1.5 million MNT, and the third place will get 500,000 MNT.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Registration for the festival is open until March 24.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/12/milky-way-short-film-festival-to-stand-against-child-abuse/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Five_artists_to"></a>Five artists to represent Mongolia at Venice Biennale<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 12 (UB Post) One of the most important events in the art world, the La Biennale di Venezia 2017 (Venice Biennale 2017), will hold its 57th international art exhibition from May 13 to November 26, with the inclusion of five Mongolian artists.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian artists are taking part in the Venice Biennale for the second time, after first taking part in 2015. A Mongolian pavilion has been commissioned by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia Ts.Munkh-Orgil, and will be organized by the Mongolian Contemporary Art Support Association.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mongolian Contemporary Art Support Center have announced the names of the artists who will be representing Mongolia at the Venice Biennale this year: State Honored Artist Ch.Chimeddorj, O.Enkhtaivan, G.Munkhbolor, J.Bolortuvshin, and Ts.Davaajargal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mongolian pavilion will host "Lost in Tengri" (Lost in Heaven), an exhibition about the frailty of human nature and its effect upon society and the environment. While the context of the exhibition is uniquely Mongolian, the curators believe its impact will be global and universal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>O.Enkhtaivan and J.Bolortuvshin will present video works, while Ch.Chimeddorj and G.Munkhbolor will bring sculptural installations. Ts.Davaajargal will present a series of haunting sound installations that bring together sounds from nature and traditional and electronic music.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>MIAT Mongolian Airlines, Erel Group, Max Group, Eco Construction, Monnis Group, MCS Group, Bats Urgoo Co.,Ltd, Monre Impex, Deloitte Onch LLC, and individual patrons of the arts are sponsoring the Mongolian pavilion in 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/12/5-artists-to-represent-mongolia-at-venice-biennale/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_The_Eagle_Huntress"></a>The Eagle Huntress is an amazing documentary. But is it actually true?<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>It's a remarkable story about a remarkable girl, but not everyone is convinced The Eagle Huntress is entirely true. Director Otto Bell responds to his critics.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 10 (The Age) I took my young daughter to see <i>The Eagle Huntress</i> and I think every father should do the same (take your daughter, that is, not mine). For this is an utterly joyous, life-affirming tale about what a girl can achieve when she has determination, application and the support of her family (and especially, though not only, her father): any damn thing she sets her mind to.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It sounds a little like a Disney movie, perhaps, but <i>The Eagle Huntress</i> is a documentary of uncommon beauty, shot in western Mongolia in three grabs between July 2014 and February 2015.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But while it has wowed them at festivals around the world since its debut at Sundance in January 2016, not everyone has been convinced.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"People say 'oh, this is staged, it's too good to be true'," observes director Otto Bell of the backlash against the film in some quarters. "I get it; I understand why the cynical critics pooh-pooh it. I take it as a bit of a compliment, actually."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But to those who don't believe it's real, he has a simple rejoinder. "Get lost! We didn't stage anything."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The film follows the fortunes of a 13-year-old Kazakh girl called Aisholpan, who wants to learn the ancient art of eagle hunting – hunting foxes on horseback, with an eagle – from her father. He is a two-time champion in the annual Golden Eagle festival; his father was a champion, too.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In all, the men of the Nurgaiv clan have been hunting with eagles for 12 generations. No girl or woman, though, has ever been permitted to spread her wings in this way, so when Aisholpan says it's what she wants to do, it ruffles a few feathers, though her father and mother support her wholeheartedly. Bell has a series of elder-statesmen in the rarefied world of eagle hunting address the camera with their views: it's not for girls; women should make tea, not hunt; women are not strong enough. That sort of thing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They sound typically patriarchal and hidebound, but gee they look good, sitting cross-legged in their gers (portable tents similar to yurts) resplendent in their handcrafted finery.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Those guys are used to being photographed, let's put it that way," says Bell. "There's quite a bit of peacocking involved – they grab their furs, they sit in state."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>And so, the central conflict of <i>The Eagle Huntress</i> is established: a young girl wants to follow her passion. Tradition stands in her way. Who will win?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The marketing for the film has suggested, without ever quite stating, that Aisholpan is the first ever female eagle hunter. She's not; <a href="https://web.stanford.edu/dept/HPS/EagleHuntress2016long.pdf">as Stanford academic Adrienne Mayor convincingly argues</a>, there have been many female eagle hunters, dating back to ancient times, and a handful of them in the modern era. But Aisholpan is a rarity, and an especially telegenic one at that.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With her broad face, perfect teeth and sparkling eyes, Aisholpan could have come straight from central casting. Her quiet confidence, application to her studies – she's a straight-A student at the school at which she boards during the week – and, above all, her bond with her family make her a dream.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The first time I saw Aisholpan, having flown across the world to see her, was incredible," Bell has said. "They are very reserved people, so I had to keep my feelings in check, but inside I was punching the air."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But in truth that wasn't the first time Bell had seen her. In April 2014, the New York-based Englishman saw an online image of her setting an eagle free. The shot had been taken by Israeli photographer Asher Svidensky, and Bell immediately made contact. "I stalked him on Facebook," he says, "and then I Skyped him."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Others were already on the trail, so Bell had to move quickly. He had been shooting long-form documentary-style commercials for years, and had been dreaming of making a film of his own. "I wanted to not have a client or brand objectives, that sort of stuff," he says.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He was sure that girl and that bird would be his subject. So in July he traded a flight home from a job in Egypt for a ticket to Mongolia, persuading the cameraman on the job to come along . "I can't pay you," he warned, "but we're going to go track down this girl, see what the story is."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Simply finding them was a challenge – "they're nomadic, so it was like, 'oh yeah, I think they're over that mountain'," Bell says – but the effort was worthwhile. On day one, Nurgaev announced he and Aisholpan were going to try to steal a young eagle from its nest, so that she might train it up for hunting. "Is that the kind of thing you'd like to film?" he casually asked.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bell could hardly believe his luck, though he hadn't brought high-end camera gear because he hadn't imagined he'd be leaping straight into production.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I was hoping to get the exclusive rights to tell the story, and maybe film a bit of her life – 'this is her, she walks, she talks; it's real' – and bring that back to financiers," he says. "But we ended up filming that amazing sequence, and that became the heart of the first act."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>And it is amazing – so much so that is one of the reasons people have concluded much of the film has been staged.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But, Bell insists, he just got lucky. "We did it in one take, on the first afternoon. When you've got a mother eagle circling above, threatening to descend on you, you tend to do things pretty quickly."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In October, he went back – with a full crew and proper gear – to shoot more sequences, including the Golden Eagle competition, a kind of gymkhana in which 70 eagle hunters are judged on a range of criteria, from riding to dress to their hunting abilities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bell spent $US80,000 – "my whole life's savings" – and took out a high-interest loan to fund the trip. "I thought we need to throw the kitchen sink at this thing, to do justice to this big landscape and these remarkable characters," he says. "My feeling was just because it's a true story that doesn't mean it can't also be beautiful."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Aisholpan's performance at the competition provides the film with a climax of sorts, but to Bell it felt too much like a sports movie. And when he went back to the old men to ask what they thought, they coughed up a laundry list of reasons why she still couldn't be considered a real eagle hunter: "They said, 'her dad's a great coach, the bird is phenomenal, it's because tourists were there and it's nice for them. But you know she'll never be able to hack it in winter.' And I was like, 'Oh, God, we're going to have to come back'."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He was broke, but a friend had years earlier given him an email address for Morgan Spurlock, the gonzo documentary maker who came to fame with <i>Super Size Me</i>. Bell edited the eagle-stealing sequence and sent it to Spurlock, who responded the same day. "I haven't seen anything like this, how can I help you get this thing finished," he wrote.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Spurlock set him up with producers, editors, space to work on it. "Up to that point," Bell says, "I'd been kind of alone and going a bit mad. It was fine when I was directing it, because everything was going our way. But then when you get back home and you don't have any money left and it all gets a bit depressing – he helped build a village of people around me."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In February 2015, Bell and his team went back to film the final act, in which Aisholpan and her father trek on horseback into the Altai mountains in deepest winter to capture a fox. It was 22 days of trial and error, in sub-zero temperatures that caused the filmmakers' hands to stick to their equipment. It was worth it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But is it all just a bit too neat?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It's clear that Bell approached his subject with the canny eye of a man trained in the art of crafting images to sell a message. And it's true that when he first saw that image of Aisholpan, he knew there was something zeitgeisty in it. "I was looking around at pop culture at that time and you had Khaleesi, the mother of dragons [from <i>Game of Thrones</i>], you had Katniss Everdeen [from <i>The Hunger Games</i>], you had Rey [from <i>Star Wars: The Force Awakens</i>]. And I thought, 'My God, this girl is the real thing'."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It's true, too, that he felt he had the makings of a cool little fable about female empowerment on his hands – if only he could make it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But as the project progressed, he says, "it just became very clear that it was a story about a dad and his daughter. Aisholpan wasn't looking for some sort of public validation. I know that at heart what she really wanted to do was go out hunting with her dad."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The only artistic licence he took, he insists, is the opening sequence in which a hunter sets his bird free (the Kazakhs release their eagles after seven years, deeming them to have entered the stage of their lives when they are ready to become parents themselves). That one, he says, came out of order, but nothing else did.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I didn't have to cook the books," says Bell. "It was all laid out for me. I just had to get there and make sure we captured it."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>The Eagle Huntress</i> is on limited release nationally from March 16. On Sunday March 12, Melbourne's <a href="http://www.cinemanova.com.au/movies/12033.php">Cinema Nova</a> and <a href="http://www.cameocinemas.com.au/Movie/The-Eagle-Huntress">Cameo Belgrave</a> will host preview screenings with wedge-tailed eagle demonstrations. The <a href="https://www.lidocinemas.com.au/Promotion/The-Eagle-Huntress-Advance-Qa-Screening-Photo-Exhibition">Lido in Hawthorn</a> is hosting a preview on March 13, with an exhibition of photos taken at the Golden Eagle festival by former Big Day Out photographer Sophie Howarth in the foyer.</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/movies/the-eagle-huntress-the-reallife-story-every-father-should-see-with-his-daughter-20170309-guucy4.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Similar:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/movies/new-movies/mongolian-teenager-wins-her-doubters-over-in-triumphovertheodds-story/news-story/a3bda1b7c02b0381eed31cbefe73581b">Mongolian teenager wins her doubters over in triumph-over-the-odds story</a></b> – <i>news.com.au</i>, March 10 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s1600/image006-728254.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s320/image006-728254.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204023763668914" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Travel></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Travel<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_UB-Darkhan_road_to"></a>UB-Darkhan road to be paved with cement concrete<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 13 (MONTSAME) "Construction of cement concrete pavement on the road between Ulaanbaatar and Darkhan will aid domestic production, and will retain USD 90 million in the domestic economy", highlighted D.Ganbat, Minister of Road and Transport Development on March 10, Friday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>His remark was made during his visit to Ulaanbaatar-BUK JSC which specializes in concrete production.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In scope of the mission to build road with domestically produced cement concrete, the Minister thus officially familiarized with operations of the company with his visit which aimed to explore new technologies to introduce in road sector.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar BUK Co.Ltd is capable of producing 30,000 cubic meters concrete products per month, and the company manufactures wide-ranging products such as concrete block, pipe, heavy concrete tube, pedestrian crossing tunnel and road fence.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/9096">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AP_travel:_A"></a>AP travel: A minute in Mongolia<span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 10 (AP) Take a trip through the wilds of Mongolia where you'll find a vibrant blue horizon and empty, rolling grasslands dotted with horses, cows and yaks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9n7hVK7s08">Link to video</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Photographers_to_promote"></a>Photographers to promote nomadic culture<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 10 (MONTSAME) Confederation of Mongolian Photographers organized its first spring photography event with the theme 'Movement – 2017' in Ugtaaltsaidam and Tseel soums of Tuv aimag this week.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>More than 70 photographers including State Honored Cultural Figure S.Tsatsralt partook in the event which aimed to promote traditional nomadic culture and develop rural tourism.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition to local photographers from Selenge, Tuv, Darkhan, Gobisumber and Erdenet, 5 photographers came to participate in the nomadic cultural event from Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region of China.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The photographers visited the winter camp of herdsman N.Saruul in Tseel soum, and witnessed the shooting of 'Horseman' TV program of Mongolian National Broadcaster to capture precious moments of Mongolian herders and horsemen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian National Broadcaster, UBS TV, Unuudur and Ardchilal (Democracy) newspapers and other news websites supported the photography event. The Confederation of Mongolian Photographers plans to organize such an event to promote local tourism and nomadic culture through photography on annual basis.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9069">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_What_to_Expect:"></a>What to Expect: Khuvsgul Ice Festival 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 13 (gogo.mn) Blue Pearl International Ice Festival 2017 was successfully held for the 17th time this year at Khatgal village, the southern shore of lake Khuvsgul on Mar 3-4th. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The 2-day event comprised various fun sports and competitions such as ice sculptures, horse sled races and shaman`s fire ceremony. Also, traditional Mongolian ice shooting competition, skating competition and ice sumo competition were held among participants. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Meanwhile local people were selling souvenirs, jewelries and traditional costumes while 5-6 gers (Mongolian traditional dwelling) were serving hot food and beverages during the festival. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The funniest activity at the festival was horse sledding. Everyone can take part in the horse sledding at small charges starting 20,000 MNT. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover, the festival organizers offered many interesting side activities to the guests including reindeer riding, camel riding and horse sled. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Apart from the festival, one must enjoy the spectacular<span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'></span> Khuvsgul lake and its surrounding landscape. You can walk and drive on the deepest and purest frozen lake of Mongolia while shooting the untouched b <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Year by year, a number of both foreign and domestic tourists visiting the festival has been increasing, as the scope has been expanded with international participants, adding international status to the ice festival. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>ABOUT KHUVSGUL LAKE</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The pristine lake Huvsgul stretches for 136km in the Alpine-like mountains, and the deepest point of the lake is 262m. The lake freezes over from December until April or May revealing fantastic lacy ice patterns. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Huvsgul region itself is a home to the Tsaatan – Reindeer Herders of Mongolia, an ethnic group famous for their distinctive lifestyle based on keeping reindeers in the depth of the Taiga.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>HOW TO GET THERE:</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You can join existing tour groups from Ulaanbaatar or take a private tour with your family and friends (enquire from travel agents near you).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you drive in Mongolia (you have a driving permit) you can drive yourself (make sure your vehicle is good for snow, and you travel with a Mongolian friend who can assist you with directions). The Lake Huvsgul is some 12hr drive (895 kilometer) from Ulaanbaatar with some good stops on the way for food and accommodation (all paved road).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Take a public transport from Ulaanbaatar Dragon centre to Murun (centre of Huvsgul province) and hire a local transport from Murun to the ice festival.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover, flight to Murun city, the center of Khuvsgul aimag is available on the occasion of the festival at about 500-600 thousand MNT. Then you can take taxi to the Khatgal village which is 100 km away from Murun city.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157621">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_Eagle_Hunters"></a>Mongolia Eagle Hunters Photo Tour<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>Hosted by: NOMAD PHOTO EXPEDITIONS<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>July 3, Mongolia</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>11 DAYS – 6,950 US$</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Maximum: 10 participants<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Tour Leader: HARRY FISCH</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>INCLUDED: One internal flight , All meals except three days, 1st Class Hotel in Ulaan Baatar, tourist and local hotels and tents in double rooms </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This is a <b>Mongolia Photo Tour</b> on the <b>NAADAM FESTIVALS</b> where we will stage private photo sessions with eagle hunters, former <b>MONGOLIA EAGLE HUNTERS</b> <b>Festival champions</b> and also with <b>horse trainers</b>, <b>nomads living in their camps</b>, <b>Mongolian models traditionally dressed</b>, as well as other typical sports (horse racing, Mongolian fighting, archers, etc..) come to show off for the Naadam festival.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>VISIT THE –> <a href="http://www.nomadphotoexpeditions.com/photo-tours/mongolia/">MONGOLIA PHOTO TOUR </a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://workshop-directory.com/photography/mongolia-eagle-hunters-photo-tour/">Link to tour</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Jeju_Olle_Foundation"></a>Jeju Olle Foundation expands sister trail network to Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Two walking trails will open in the Ulaanbaatar region in June<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 13 (The Jeju Weekly) An "olle" was originally a Jeju word for the narrow path leading from a house to the street. Since 2006, it has taken on another meaning altogether.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Olle Trails are a series of extensive walking and hiking paths that cover Jeju. Founder and Jeju native Suh Myoung-suk was inspired to develop these trails after walking the "Camino de Santiago", or Way of St. James, in Spain.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are now 21 trails covering 422 kilometers on the island, as well as <a href="http://www.jejuweekly.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=4567" target="_blank">three sister trails and six friendship trails in Canada, Australia, England, Switzerland, and Lebanon</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Jeju Olle Foundation will open its newest sister trails in Mongolia on June 18 and 19 after an agreement was reached between the Jeju Tourism Organization, the Ulaanbaatar tourism board, and the Mongolian capital's tourism agency association.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The trails - both in the vicinity of Ulaanbaatar - are 14.5 and 11 kilometers respectively.<br>The longer 14.5 km trail takes walkers through a traditional yurt tent village near the city before returning through a forest path to give walkers a taste of both Mongolian culture and nature.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The shorter 11 km trail includes an overnight stay in a yurt tent in Terelj National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors will be able to see firsthand Mongolian herding culture with yaks and horses.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Representatives for the Mongolian trails have visited Jeju to receiving training to create the famous Jeju "ganse" pony symbol and colored ribbons as trail markers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Jeju Olle Foundation is helping to develop the trail routes, and produce manuals and trail facilities. The Jeju Tourism Organization is also helping to promote and fund the project.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are plans to add two more trails to the Mongol network by 2019. Trail organizers hope that the partnership helps to boost travel and cultural exchange between Mongolia and Jeju.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Jeju Olle Foundation has teamed up with travel agency Pongnang to organize four-night, five-day treks in the land of Genghis Khan in order to coincide with the opening of the Mongolian trails in June.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The deal includes a return direct flight from Jeju Island to Ulaanbaatar with Jeju Olle staff and supporters. For further details visit jejuolle.org or email jejuolle@jejuolle.org.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.jejuweekly.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=5343">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Finite_Infinity_|"></a>Finite Infinity | Mongolia by Claudia Ioan<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>(Roam Magazine) <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A journey proving to be mainly inner, the one in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A planet of spatial immensity and apparent temporal suspension, in which everything elicits to turn one's look inside oneself.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This land is governed by elementary forces: atmospheric ones. Unstoppable. The power of elements is such that man is obliged to muster all of his energies so as to harmonise with the environment, without trying to fight its extremes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is a land of threshold between those extremes, of concurrence of opposites, of border between epochs, continents, mental and cultural worlds. All is complementary without being in contrast with anything.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ancient gestures add up to one another and are repeated, in the alternation of light and dark ruling this world. Everything cohabits in the immutable flowing of days, in this dilatation of time and space:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>– Infinity with the embodiment of finite, which is man himself:<br>– History (a load of imperial magnificence and subjugation imposed and suffered over the<br>centuries, and of all the traditions easily readable in the contemporary lifestyle) with the present,<br>showing the indelible mark of change;<br>– Asia with Europe; East with West; buddhist and shamanic Mongolia with the Russian imprint , so<br>visible everywhere;<br>– Nomadic life with sedentary life, the latter being currently further motivated by severe climatic<br>conditions, especially by the dzud, terrible winters characterised by abnormal rigours, but also<br>by the ongoing, pressing desertification threatening the land;<br>– Geographical isolation with the promiscuity of life within the gers (Mongolian yurts).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia is a vast sovereign state, one of the largest landlocked states in the world, and the most sparsely populated. It is a semi-presidential representative democratic republic. Almost half of the population lives in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city, while 35% of the country's inhabitants are still nomadic. The horse culture is still integral, and most of the land is covered by grassy steppe. Although Mongolia is known as "The Land of the Eternal Blue" (there are more than 250 sunny days a year), its climate is harsh, being very hot in summer, but reaching easily -30° in winter. The recurrent dzuds are devastating, causing the death of animals.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The population (about 3,000,000) is mainly buddhist. Tibetan Buddhism has become once again the most practised religion in the country, after the end of religious repression in the 1990s. Nonetheless, Shamanism has left a deep mark in the country, and is still largely practised. Shamanism, occasionally called Tengerism, is the animistic and shamanic ethnic religion practised by Mongolians through history. It is a fascinating system of belief encompassing medicine, a cult of nature, religion, and a cult of ancestor worship.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The main national festival is Naadam, including the Three Manly Games of traditional sports: archery, horse-racing and wrestling. This festival has been organized for centuries and attracts an incredibly large public.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In August 2012, I have travelled through Mongolia and the Gobi Desert, 2,500km off-road, gazing at horizons apparently growing farther and farther.<br>Ever since the very first days, I heard these lines by Emily Dickinson resounding in my mind:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"There is a solitude of space A solitude of sea<br>A solitude of death, but these Society shall be<br>Compared with that profounder site<br>That polar privacy<br>A soul admitted to itself – Finite Infinity"<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I have elaborated a new notion of emptiness, a new notion of endlessness, a new notion of horizon. My inner journey.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://roam-magazine.co/photo-essay/finite-infinity-mongolia/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Friends_prepare_to"></a>Friends prepare to drive to Mongolia living out of a van<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 13 (The Argus) A TEAM of four will embark on a 13,000 mile-rally to Mongolia in a van to raise money for charity.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The friends, who all work for global aviation components supplier Avtrade, will set off from the company's headquarters in Sayers Common, near Hassocks, in July to travel to the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the four-week journey across two continents, the group will go via Avtrade's new China office in Guangzhou.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Luca Galelli, 25, marketing executive at Avtrade, said: "I am looking forward to taking part in this epic challenge and getting to see the many sights and experiencing the cultures along the way.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We will be travelling through South East China and will aim to finish the trip in four weeks if all goes to plan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"All of our bosses are very excited for us to complete the challenge and we will be raising money for some very good causes. The final route we will end up taking depends on the visa requirements for each country and whether that part of the trip goes smoothly."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr Galelli will be joined by Dan Gravenor, 23, from Denton, Kylie Levoi, 29, from Findon and Scott Pederson, 29, from Shoreham.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As they travel through 15 countries across desert and open plains and through forests and cities, the team will be exposed to the elements in an experience of a lifetime.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The current route they have planned will take them through England, France, Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Belarus, Russia, Khazakstan, Kyrgyzstan, China and Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr Galelli said: "Preparation for the final trip is extensive, starting with the vehicle as we will be living out of a Ford Transit for four weeks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We have tried to make the vehicle as comfortable and homely as possible.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We have built beds in the back of the vehicle and we have a sink which will provide water from a tank on the roof.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"By the time we leave in July we will know the route like the back of our hand."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The charities the four will be raising money for are Go Help, Chestnut Tree House children's hospice in Angmering and national charity Mind.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more about the trip, visit <a href="http://www.avtrade.com/mission-mongolia/">www.avtrade.com/mission-mongolia/</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/15151512.Friends_prepare_to_drive_to_Mongolia_living_out_of_a_van/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_How_to_Get"></a>How to Get From Ulaanbaatar to Karakorum (Mongolia) for 7 Dollars<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 12 (Out of Your Comfort Zone) If you're visiting Mongolia, you'll probably pass through Ulaanbaatar (Ulan-Bator). Besides being the country's capital and its biggest city, – 50% of the population lives there! – it also has the main <a href="http://outofyourcomfortzone.net/how-to-find-cheap-flights/" target="_blank">airport</a>, <a href="http://outofyourcomfortzone.net/the-4-best-and-cheapest-sites-to-find-and-reserve-accommodation/" target="_blank">hotels</a>, and <a href="http://outofyourcomfortzone.net/the-top-10-most-incredible-train-trips-in-the-world-european-rail-passes-info/" target="_blank">train</a> station. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar itself does have a few attractions that are worth visiting:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l21 level1 lfo9'>Chinggis Khan (or Genghis Khan) Square in the center of the city<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l21 level1 lfo9'>The parliament building in the same square<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l21 level1 lfo9'>The Zaisan Memorial (an homage to the Soviet and Mongolian soldiers that fought in WWII) on a hill behind the city<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l21 level1 lfo9'>The various museums and Buddhist temples <o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Although to be honest, you'll only get the real Mongolia if you leave the city.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Of course, you can explore the Gobi Desert sleeping with nomads in their "gers," but this will take time, money, and needs to be done through a tour. (Although the Gobi was our FAVORITE part of visiting Mongolia….so I'd definitely recommend it if you can.)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you're short on time, some other alternatives are to visit Gorkhi Terelj National Park (about 50 km from Ulaanbaatar) or Karakorum (about 5 hours from Ulaanbaatar).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Gorkhi Terelj National Park is definitely worth a visit. But since it's not a city but an actual national park, there's no public transportation going there. So, you'll also have to arrange a tour or hire a driver to visit it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You can easily visit the park itself and the GIGANTIC Chinggis Khan statue in one day. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>But why visit Karakorum?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Well, unlike many places in Mongolia, it's easy and cheap to get to without a tour.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>And after Ulaanbaatar, Karakorum is the most visited place in Mongolia. The first reason is that Karakorum is one of Mongolia's largest attractions and it's relatively close to the capital.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The second reason is because of Karakorum's history and <a href="http://outofyourcomfortzone.net/things-and-activities-to-do/" target="_blank">touristic points</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Just as a side note – Mongolian names have lots of variation in spelling, so you may see "Karakorum" or "Kharkhorin." They are the same place. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Some info about Karakorum</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Karakorum is the old capital of Mongolia established by Genghis Khan. Remnants of this ancient settlement can still be seen in the city. However, the biggest attraction is the is the Erdene Zuu Monastery – Mongolia's oldest surviving monastery and one of the few that survived the communist purges in the early 1900s.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Karakorum is located in about 360 km from Mongolia's capital city within the Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape – a UNESCO World Heritage region. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Where to stay in Karakorum</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We ended up staying at Gaya's Guesthouse and we would highly recommend it! We contacted her through her website to make a reservation. The guesthouse was well-located and Gaya was super helpful – from picking us up at the bus station, to giving us a lot of travel tips, and more!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We recommend you also stay in one of the gers for a proper Mongolian experience. <br>She can also help you arrange extra activities and tours in Karakorum and around the area.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Here's her website: <a href="http://gayas-guesthouse.strikingly.com/?utm_campaign=collected_email_notice&utm_content=control&utm_medium=email&utm_source=vero&utm_term=Transactional&vero_conv=GBpYhsIpFSmO05TsgO6NNhJmk8QSH0m8S0xHdmUZfDO7lr1UBXlQUy6glIovwMl9LQ7Ej79YDk6iYnUuxr5qeFNnlJV9RJzICkz4DEg%3D#about-us" target="_blank">Gaya's Guesthouse</a>.**<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>The cheapest way to get from Ulaanbaatar to Karakorum</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Although there are tours and special vans that go from Ulaanbaatar to Karakorum, you don't need to pay the extra cost for them. You can go from Ulaanbaatar to Karakorum just using <a href="http://outofyourcomfortzone.net/save-on-transportation-costs/" target="_blank">public transportation</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Here's the route: <o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo10'><b>From the center of Ulaanbaatar to Dragon Bus Station</b> <o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Dragon Bus Station is on the west end of Ulaanbaatar on "Peace Avenue." This is Ulaanbaatar's main avenue as it cuts the city from east to west. If you visit the capital, you'll definitely pass along this avenue because this is where Genghis Khan square is.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On the avenue, you'll find buses that pass its entire length. So, it's pretty easy to take any bus from the center (or anywhere along Peace Avenue) and head west in the direction of Dragon Bus Station.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Personally, we took bus # 1. It cost ₮ 500 Mongolian Tugriks (MNT), or around 20 cents…a bargain!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The bus station will be on your right. It's easy to find but we'll put a photo here. <br>Either way, just ask the bus driver or one of the passengers to let you know when to get off for the station.<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l19 level1 lfo11'><b>From Dragon Bus Station to Karakorum</b> <o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Once at Dragon bus station, just go to the ticket counter and ask for Karakorum.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Otherwise, you can just show the cashier this image of Karakorum in Cyrillic: Хархорин<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We bought our ticket for 11:00 AM and it cost ₮ 17,000 Mongolian Tugriks (MNT) or around USD $6.91.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The gate for your bus will be marked on your ticket, but it's right next to the ticket counter. Just look for the bus that has that same word in Cyrillic written on it. <br>The trip itself was about 5-6 hours with one stop for lunch and the bathroom. So, hold tight!<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo12'><b>From Karakorum's bus station to your accommodation</b> <o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Like we mentioned above, we stayed in Gaya's Guesthouse. She came to pick us up at the bus station for free, so that made things easy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you are staying somewhere else, see if they offer free pickups as well. Otherwise, the city is small enough that you can likely walk to your accommodation wherever it is.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>How to explore Karakorum</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Karakorum is a fairly small city. So, if you don't mind, you can walk to all the main attractions. Well, this was what we did, at least… <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>What to do in Karakorum – activities and points of interest </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo13'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]><b>Wander around Erdene Zuu Monastery</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This is probably Karakorum's biggest attraction. With its incredible walls, the monastery is the highlight of the city. <br>Set aside a few hours to explore its interior and the many Buddhist temples, as well as its surroundings. <br>Behind the wall (in relation to the main entrance) a short walk away is where you'll find the ruins from the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire (The Ruins of the Grand Temple of Munkh Khaan)…besides a monument for it…and the famous tortoise!!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l24 level1 lfo14'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]><b>Hike up to Monument for Mongol States and a view of the Orkhon River</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Arriving here will take a bit of a walk. It took us about 45 minutes to walk from the guesthouse to the top of the hotel where the monument is. But once there, you'll have a beautiful view of the valley, the river, and the monument itself. <br>With a bit of patience, maybe you'll have the lucky of seeing some eagles hunting in the area.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo15'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]><b>Learn some history at the Kharakhorum Museum </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yeah, yeah I know. There's a little 'h' in this spelling. But that's how it's written on the front of the museum. I really liked visiting this museum. It's fairly new and has a lot of cool info. It's essential if you want to understand a bit about the history of Karakorum as the ancient capital of the Mongol Empire. There's even a model inside the museum showing how the capital was in the past. It's very close (within walking distance) to Gaya's Guesthouse.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo16'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]><b>Find peace at the small stupa at the top of the hill next to the city</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Stupas are small Buddhist shrines that are usually found on the tops of hills and mountains. They are used as areas of meditation…and you can easily visit one!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Plus, it's the perfect activity to do the day you arrive in Karakorum. Since it'll already be the end of the afternoon when you arrive, just climb up to see the stupa and have a great view of the area…plus get a bit of <a href="http://outofyourcomfortzone.net/9-tips-to-stay-in-shape-while-backpacking-or-during-your-travels/" target="_blank">exercise</a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTFxTTBevc3dF12HgcbgxFccT9ZFUicBrqjkDP50vdECpDouXG0_LBfjZmQRtZBmF81AmFA4LyulLxrfUybHwnG493aWsDoyqYWm9X5_-vp2G9bjUCiMBRNi8BbCRLqr8ogVbbf7j-bo/s1600/image024-745459.gif"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTFxTTBevc3dF12HgcbgxFccT9ZFUicBrqjkDP50vdECpDouXG0_LBfjZmQRtZBmF81AmFA4LyulLxrfUybHwnG493aWsDoyqYWm9X5_-vp2G9bjUCiMBRNi8BbCRLqr8ogVbbf7j-bo/s320/image024-745459.gif" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204096207173618" /></a>. Plus, the hill is just outside the entrance to Gaya's (so you really can't miss it).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l22 level1 lfo17'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>5.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]><b>Become a detective and find the phallic rock</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yes, I really do mean a carved rock that is in the shape of a penis. Apparently, it's sort of famous and was built to remind the monks of their celibate vows.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Anyway, it's somewhere not far from the monastery but we weren't able to find it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l16 level1 lfo18'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>6.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]><b>Venture into Karakorum's surroundings on longer excursions</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you have time, there are a lot of other places to visit and things to do in the region such as an overnight stay with a nomadic family, horse trekking, a visit to Ugii Lake, and more. You can check Gaya's site for more ideas and organize with her.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>How to get from Karakorum to Ulaanbaatar</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It's very easy! Just do the opposite of what you did before. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you're staying with Gaya, she'll give you a ride to the Karakorum bus station (and even buy your ticket for you beforehand).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Once you arrive at Dragon Station in Ulaanbaatar, just take any bus along Peace Avenue going in the direction of the city center.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Total cost of roundtrip journey from Ulaanbaatar to Karakorum:</b> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b> </b>– 2x local bus in Ulaanbaataar = 2 x ₮ 500 MNTS = ₮ 1,000 MNTs<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> – 2x bus from Ulaanbaatar to Karakorum = 2 x ₮ 17,000 MNTS = ₮ 34,000 MNTS<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b> </b>Total: ₮ 35,00 MNTS or around USD $14.23*…not bad!! <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>And that's it! Now you can visit Karakorum from Ulaanbaatar independently without having to pay for an expensive tour! Then you can stay for as long as you like and explore at your own pace.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>And stay tuned for some new articles about Mongolia in general, the Gobi Desert, and the west of the country (Khovd/Hovd).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Any questions? Want to know something else about Mongolia that's not in the article? Put your questions in the comments area below since we've traveled to other parts of Mongolia and can maybe help!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>*Exchange rate for MNT to USD as of 03/10/2017<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>**No, we didn't receive any sort of discount or freebies for staying at Gaya's Guesthouse and writing about it. We just thought she was a great lady with a wonderful guesthouse and we wanted to share that with our readers!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://outofyourcomfortzone.net/how-to-get-from-ulaanbaatar-to-karakorum-mongolia-for-7-dollars/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJESnw1nrXI-CvxBnADPHu0Mrfoy7lFymqtTvsA601nA227PPBv2D_AQOpzIcaOKoaGzF3In4sDNjZehNtOwbhd0zjZ_uLEVXnoyTwR3Q3NVWlFE5049KKXsXyxhFh50RhprxoiCOoYk/s1600/image006-728254.jpg"><img 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/></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'> </span><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:#365F91;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnixQtAFyHMabmz01B1yi2sMxdUKQ0lYySlgRTs3sgVAmv95kD2a8d6f1xtaOOa6GaZskArmxvKQYXHetmVvemACDKgoaB0PGdKwaCoevjwzhxTJJoO92VJmbmMMbnmVxJzSpnIzWhCSg/s1600/image016-766194.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnixQtAFyHMabmz01B1yi2sMxdUKQ0lYySlgRTs3sgVAmv95kD2a8d6f1xtaOOa6GaZskArmxvKQYXHetmVvemACDKgoaB0PGdKwaCoevjwzhxTJJoO92VJmbmMMbnmVxJzSpnIzWhCSg/s320/image016-766194.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6397204185949355394" /></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Suite </span><span lang=MN style='color:#1F497D'>303</span><span style='color:#1F497D'>, Level 3, Elite Complex<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>14 Chinggis Avenue, Sukhbaatar District 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia<br></span><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Email</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: </span><a href="mailto:info@covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@covermongolia.com</span></a><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Website</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: <a href="http://www.covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>www.covermongolia.com</span></a></span><u><span style='color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Phone (Office)</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: +976 7711 6779</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:Webdings;color:#339966'>P</span><span style='color:#339966'> </span><span lang=EN-AU style='color:#007F00;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-35207579841638116682017-03-10T11:42:00.000+08:002017-04-28T08:26:49.239+08:00[WB requires complaint line; MNT gains for 4th day; population reaches 3.1m; and green credit fund to fight pollution]<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xPF9uyD5S2KFweam_bQoKoeHwQgXF0iVBJQq6PGe1ehLLRkPgmHNl0vZx0hecnVDOsXRnITQ3GT_3xaS8qvf-yX9KzOg7o4rcOUnItIASeLIOBv6h7jXiLWYii4Fhphc0O_uy4LkgbQ/s1600/image001-740747.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xPF9uyD5S2KFweam_bQoKoeHwQgXF0iVBJQq6PGe1ehLLRkPgmHNl0vZx0hecnVDOsXRnITQ3GT_3xaS8qvf-yX9KzOg7o4rcOUnItIASeLIOBv6h7jXiLWYii4Fhphc0O_uy4LkgbQ/s320/image001-740747.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711146086311362" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdiYe3-xKVIaT0R0XHp-T3eljDtf2bFpU_ls-6rUBfIkiX7Ckh2ue2fd7lLnVpWpfeFslJCjyqIfrMD6IusPWFcv61P6__y-3mQ537ONg_vMLeOZovP-S2QYnmei39P5OfYccSHYD4hE/s1600/image002-743630.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKdiYe3-xKVIaT0R0XHp-T3eljDtf2bFpU_ls-6rUBfIkiX7Ckh2ue2fd7lLnVpWpfeFslJCjyqIfrMD6IusPWFcv61P6__y-3mQ537ONg_vMLeOZovP-S2QYnmei39P5OfYccSHYD4hE/s320/image002-743630.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711157738586018" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Friday, March 10, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'>Cover Mongolia</span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span style='color:#4472C4'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></u>, <span style='color:#00B0F0'><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#00B0F0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#2F5597'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#2F5597'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span style='color:black'>, </span><span style='color:#C55A11'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><b><span style='color:#C55A11'>Instagram</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#C00000'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><b><span style='color:#C00000'>YouTube</span></b></a></span> and <span style='color:#FFC000'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><b><span style='color:#FFC000'>Blogspot</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><u>Jump to</u>: <a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> - <a href="#Local">Local Market</a> - <a href="#Economy">Economy</a> - <a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> - <a href="#Business">Business</a> - <a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> - <a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> - <a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> - <a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> - <a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> - <a href="#Sports">Sports</a> - <a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> - <a href="#Travel">Travel</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Headlines in <b><i>Italic</i></b> are ones modified by Cover Mongolia from original<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>HEADLINES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadIntl></a><u><a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Jan_du_Plessis">Jan du Plessis to retire as Rio Tinto chairman after planned leadership transition</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_Complaint_Line">Mongolia Complaint Line Could Ease Investors' Woes, IFC Says</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvu9a3mUnjUXW6cPn12HPPMVx0ak-HtrecOch0e6iK7n5N-oMVq6dgW-GbqDDT4GDocMFXp5Uky8gMVaWve-FIcszSHA8_11gjbg68CJKxR-AAh7ilm0wEc_EuOO9q9DpfvdxOjR3o08/s1600/image003-746672.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvu9a3mUnjUXW6cPn12HPPMVx0ak-HtrecOch0e6iK7n5N-oMVq6dgW-GbqDDT4GDocMFXp5Uky8gMVaWve-FIcszSHA8_11gjbg68CJKxR-AAh7ilm0wEc_EuOO9q9DpfvdxOjR3o08/s320/image003-746672.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711168993443682" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadLocal></a><u><a href="#Local">Local Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MSE_Trading_Report,">MSE Top 20 +0.23%, ALL +0.16%, Turnover ₮76.2 Million Shares, ₮549.1 Million T-Bills</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTBPoQEmScxu2Zu_-JfMhDK2wUK_VZl-4dCu2EogMysNsUlS6V0htsZpKpBOqY8Auze1HvM3TORQ-aPjmK-8mLS0CtRTmN1hyphenhyphenn9R7BJvdGBctDJaCyB2BB3YtIsKJAj1YeJlo8uhzrdU/s1600/image004-749515.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTBPoQEmScxu2Zu_-JfMhDK2wUK_VZl-4dCu2EogMysNsUlS6V0htsZpKpBOqY8Auze1HvM3TORQ-aPjmK-8mLS0CtRTmN1hyphenhyphenn9R7BJvdGBctDJaCyB2BB3YtIsKJAj1YeJlo8uhzrdU/s320/image004-749515.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711183806764386" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadEconomy></a><u><a href="#Economy">Economy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_MNT_Rates:">MNT gains for 4<sup>th</sup> day</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_buys_$14m">BoM buys $14m at ₮2,465.88, declines $2m MNT swap offers</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_GoM_sells_₮75">GoM sells ₮75 billion 28-week t-bills at 17.275% discount with ₮113 billion bids</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_₮5_billion_2-year">₮5 billion 2-year GoM bond auction fails to receive any bids</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia's_population_reaches">Mongolia's population reaches 3.1 million</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_METALS-London_copper_sinks">London copper sinks to seven-week low on dollar, Escondida talks</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_No_large-scale_cuts">No large-scale cuts from Chinese coal mines in 2017: NDRC</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Gold_Suffers_Worst">Gold Suffers Worst Run Since October as Slide Below $1,200 Looms</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Iron_ore_slides">Iron ore slides amid rising inventories at Chinese ports</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_U.S._crude_oil">U.S. crude oil slumps below $50 after stocks build</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtSpEA1SuYLX6_6wvLCuORNRKU_c2v7RMkczq5QxlSfvlSlI7k_DQjpeKnha0wNk4oWSFzHqRFTX9BLEpK_Ea4ckvC0LriDTr-SSvRHAxjSs_iAFKhx7LznCEDUlmkXJeQwyed7PFDTs/s1600/image005-752598.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtSpEA1SuYLX6_6wvLCuORNRKU_c2v7RMkczq5QxlSfvlSlI7k_DQjpeKnha0wNk4oWSFzHqRFTX9BLEpK_Ea4ckvC0LriDTr-SSvRHAxjSs_iAFKhx7LznCEDUlmkXJeQwyed7PFDTs/s320/image005-752598.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711200031837794" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadPolitics></a><u><a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Half-naked_women_demonstrate">Half-naked women demonstrate against corruption on Women's Day</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_President_greets_glorious">President greets glorious mothers</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_TI_finds_police">TI finds police and health services the most corrupt in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Private_Sector_Leaders">Private Sector Leaders Call For a Long-term and Stable Law and Policy at AmCham Monthly Meeting</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_PS:_Constitutional_Reform">PS: Constitutional Reform & Double Deel</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire">AmCham Daily Newswire for March 9, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s1600/image006-756175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s320/image006-756175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711214590112482" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadBusiness></a><u><a href="#Business">Business</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_"Goo"_Mongolian_organic">"Goo" Mongolian organic cosmetic products in demand</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Gold_industry_forum">Gold industry forum taking place next week</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Women_in_Business">Women in Business 2017 gala night event on Friday</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Green_Credit_Fund:">Green Credit Fund: Financial Weapon Against Air Pollution</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_New_TV_station">New TV station opens in Dundgobi aimag</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_ACMS_Speaker_Series:">ACMS Speaker Series: Bruno Grunau, Cold Climate Housing Research Center</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Tengri_at_Vancouver">Tengri at Vancouver Fashion Week Fall-Winter 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_EU_Call_for">EU Call for Proposals: EIDHR Country-Based Support Schemes 2017 for Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s1600/image006-756175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s320/image006-756175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711214590112482" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadUlaanbaatar></a><u><a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Monthly_Rental_Rates">Monthly Rental Rates for Ulaanbaatar Apartments by District</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_UB_city_to">UB city to implement "One Job for One Family" program in 2017-2020</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Capital_administration_honors">Capital administration honors 9 women</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Movie_Afternoon:_Hunt">Movie Afternoon: Hunt for the Wilderpeople, March 11</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Dreamers'_Day_at">Dreamers' Day at iCinema: The World of Kanako, March 11</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_'Sky_Resort_Open">'Sky Resort Open 2017' and DJ festival, March 11</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Concert_by_Braids">Concert by Braids in Ulaanbaatar, March 11</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s1600/image006-756175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s320/image006-756175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711214590112482" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadDiplomacy></a><u><a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Speaker_of_Mongolian">Speaker of Mongolian Parliament to visit Japan this month</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Far_East_Affairs:">Far East Affairs: Mongolia and Japan</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Deputy_Foreign_Minister">Deputy Foreign Minister visits Singapore</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_8th_Francophone_Film">8th Francophone Film Festival at Tengis Cinema, March 10-12</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_India_Can't_Be">India Can't Be Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s1600/image006-756175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s320/image006-756175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711214590112482" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadHealthEdu></a><u><a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Q3_school_holidays">Q3 school holidays to start on March 30</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s1600/image006-756175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s320/image006-756175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711214590112482" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadCulture></a><u><a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_livestock_herders">Mongolian livestock herders affected by climate change sent crucial supplies</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Nomad_2017_photo">Nomad 2017 photo tour highlights the camel</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Berkeley_event:_Evolution">Berkeley event: Evolution of the 20th century Mongolia/China border, in maps</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_The_Cartographic_Evolution">The Cartographic Evolution of the Sino-Mongolian Border at Zamyn Üüd/Erlian</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Looking_Into_The">Looking Into The Horse Milk Story That The Dalai Lama Told John Oliver</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s1600/image006-756175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s320/image006-756175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711214590112482" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadNature></a><u><a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_The_Interactions_Between">The Interactions Between Precipitation, Vegetation and Dust Emission Over Semi-Arid Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s1600/image006-756175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s320/image006-756175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711214590112482" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadSports></a><u><a href="#Sports">Sports</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_MMA_fighter">Mongolian MMA fighter to compete for one million dollar prize</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_National_academy_of">National academy of freestyle wrestling established</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mandakhnaran_Ganzorig_takes">Mandakhnaran Ganzorig takes 6th place in world wresting ranking</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_FIBA-endorsed_3x3_basketball">FIBA-endorsed 3x3 basketball workshop to be held in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s1600/image006-756175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s320/image006-756175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711214590112482" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadArt></a><u><a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> <b><o:p></o:p></b></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_"If_I_were">"If I were a magician" short film competition announced</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Imax_Awards_to">Imax Awards to select best Mongolian films of 2016</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s1600/image006-756175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s320/image006-756175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711214590112482" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadTravel></a><u><a href="#Travel">Travel</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_How_to_exchange">How to exchange your foreign driving license for Mongolian</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_participating_in">Mongolia participating in ITB Berlin 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Barclay_Travel:_Sidegames">Barclay Travel: Sidegames in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Redditors_want_more">Redditors want more information about this photographer riding across Mongolia on horseback</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s1600/image006-756175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s320/image006-756175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711214590112482" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>ARTICLES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=International></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Int'l Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSE:TRQ">TRQ</a> closed -1.9% Thursday to US$3.09<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Jan_du_Plessis"></a>Jan du Plessis to retire as Rio Tinto chairman after planned leadership transition<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 -- Rio Tinto chairman Jan du Plessis has informed the board that he intends to retire as chairman after the completion of an orderly succession process.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Planning for chair succession by the Rio Tinto board commenced in June 2016 after the announcement of the appointment of J-S Jacques as chief executive. Rio Tinto senior independent director John Varley is leading the process to appoint a new chairman. A successor is expected to be announced before the end of 2017, with Mr du Plessis retiring as chairman by no later than the 2018 annual general meeting in Australia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr du Plessis said "When we announced the appointment of J-S as chief executive a year ago, I committed to the board to serve as chairman for another two years, as part of a planned leadership transition. Today's announcement is the next step in that plan. I remain committed to leading the board until I stand down, supporting the management team and ensuring an orderly handover to my successor. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"It has been a great privilege to chair Rio Tinto over the past eight years, during which time I have worked with some outstanding people across the business. The company has withstood the challenges of a cyclical industry and performed well. We have a robust balance sheet and a strong management team, led by an impressive chief executive in J-S Jacques." <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>BT Group plc announced today that Mr du Plessis will join their board as a non-executive director on 1 June 2017 and become chairman of BT with effect from 1 November 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail/RIO/13152222.html">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_Complaint_Line"></a>Mongolia Complaint Line Could Ease Investors' Woes, IFC Says<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>By Michael Kohn<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (Bloomberg) -- The World Bank and the International Finance Corporation will help Mongolia activate a complaint system allowing investors a more direct line of communication with the prime minister's office after previous disputes led to a drop-off in foreign investment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Establishing the complaint mechanism under the Council for Protecting Investors' Rights was a requirement for funding by the World Bank, Tuyen Nguyen, the IFC's resident representative for Mongolia, said in Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Systematic Response Mechanism will be available to both foreign and domestic investors and will serve as a "one-stop shop'' to resolve investor complaints by coordinating different government ministries and agencies, including the office of the prime minister, Nguyen said at a meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce in Mongolia on March 7.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Foreign investment collapsed in recent years amid disputes between the government and foreign mining companies and banks that tarnished Mongolia's reputation as a safe place to invest.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A dispute with Rio Tinto Plc mothballed construction of the underground mine at Oyu Tolgoi for two years. Mongolia also lost court battles against South Africa's Standard Bank Group Ltd. and Canada's Khan Resources Inc.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>'Hotel Mongolia'<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Disputes with companies led to a few foreign executives being banned from leaving the country, a situation that became known as "Hotel Mongolia." While a few were held for weeks or months, other spent years stranded in the country, including three foreign executives from Canada's SouthGobi Sands LLC. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In September, Prime Minister Erdenebat Jargaltulga announced measures to cut red tape and improve ties with the business community through a Council for Protecting Investors' Rights. Within the council, a working group will be established to research and report cases of misconduct, bureaucracy or unlawful investigations against investors. Timing and other details of the complain line were not clear, and Nguyen said council hasn't yet been created.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last month the government and International Monetary Fund reached an initial agreement for a $440 million loan package as part of a $5.5 billion bailout that includes World Bank funds.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the height of Mongolia's mining boom five years ago, FDI topped $4.4 billion, mainly due to the construction of the first phase of the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine. Per month FDI has averaged $48.2 million over the past six months.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"When you have these problems, sometimes there is a lack of willingness at the upper levels of government to solve this and things escalate to arbitration or courts," Nguyen said. "And even if Mongolia wins in the court, it still loses its reputation."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>(BN)<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0GpzMQwzcK6U8AutLqohLprzuwrG9z5pBHcmXDVIFR0sraBTSKuhhYe-PXOW5DBcaoZW0X1SGOt0hP5Zc26Wk30AI7sUPzARBNHiCgc5Iacre4vPldxmG7GTwRdoWQgxXf1N3fBDmpQ/s1600/image007-759597.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq0GpzMQwzcK6U8AutLqohLprzuwrG9z5pBHcmXDVIFR0sraBTSKuhhYe-PXOW5DBcaoZW0X1SGOt0hP5Zc26Wk30AI7sUPzARBNHiCgc5Iacre4vPldxmG7GTwRdoWQgxXf1N3fBDmpQ/s320/image007-759597.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711225871602114" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Local></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Local Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_MSE_Trading_Report,"></a>MSE Trading Report, March 9: Top 20 +0.23%, ALL +0.16%, Turnover <span lang=MN>₮</span>76.2 Million Shares, <span lang=MN>₮</span>549.1 Million T-Bills <span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (MSE) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxEGcVFCnA8ciFD_N-9HFpdYtJExDOFVKBR1YsMsDaJU4Uwq6ELiiRSqjHZ3QC6Wrok5QP2-bFRUogolR2cTHGjw_bmA_yfjq8vNn7ab4SQnWwTpAn1hUlDA3eygfpNI4mX2eoz-CKDQ/s1600/image008-762450.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxEGcVFCnA8ciFD_N-9HFpdYtJExDOFVKBR1YsMsDaJU4Uwq6ELiiRSqjHZ3QC6Wrok5QP2-bFRUogolR2cTHGjw_bmA_yfjq8vNn7ab4SQnWwTpAn1hUlDA3eygfpNI4mX2eoz-CKDQ/s320/image008-762450.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711240039714210" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/uploads/ariljaa/reports/report_en-17.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10ID6y4JQo2i2SN2oJC7nUraCurKIBTEmVjccV62y9ngHlftf6ZJBxKxad-3UOnCFr_04WAITb8ULa_AhS54lt9yFKb1Pjgv7uBZn46fLiyJb_KOvzqNsKuJ8ZCfDZUUtpl8mEQ3BPfU/s1600/image009-765569.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh10ID6y4JQo2i2SN2oJC7nUraCurKIBTEmVjccV62y9ngHlftf6ZJBxKxad-3UOnCFr_04WAITb8ULa_AhS54lt9yFKb1Pjgv7uBZn46fLiyJb_KOvzqNsKuJ8ZCfDZUUtpl8mEQ3BPfU/s320/image009-765569.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711253410484546" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Economy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Economy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>Reds</span> are when MNT fell, <span style='color:#00B050'>greens</span> when it rose.<b> <span style='color:red'>Bold reds</span></b><span style='color:red'> </span>are rates that set a new historic high at the time. </i><o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_BoM_MNT_Rates:"></a><span lang=MN>BoM MNT Rates: </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>Thursday</span><span lang=MN>, </span>March 9 <span lang=MN>Close </span><o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=954 style='width:715.55pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/9</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/7</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/6</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/3</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>4</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>0</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>High</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>Date</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1646" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/b27dbc49-e16d-41ae-8557-f99cdb40c367.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e147de94-098c-41fc-a613-e68b961bc287.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>USD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,464.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,466.88</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,468.55</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,470.25</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,470.84</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,470.83</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,473.63</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,476.02</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,479.84</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,482.29</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,498.75</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1647" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/bebede1f-9fde-45e8-9abf-07cee5d98010.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/7fff4ee5-d12c-4bd2-8a56-d47fa1ab5b0d.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>EUR</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,595.95<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,613.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,616.42</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,598.95</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,604.14</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,617.84</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,608.32</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,601.68</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,623.05</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,635.45</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,681.43</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/10/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1648" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/280be717-5c83-46be-b0c7-d0b2cf9575f2.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/73256f8e-4c86-438d-9d39-350646eb7f40.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>JPY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.51<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.69</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.62</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.64</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.92</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.85</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.83</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.84</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.94</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>23.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/9/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1649" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0e866dbf-0eff-45bc-aa83-c145b2345900.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/170ec7e9-2636-4b7d-a624-7ae9fef54841.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>GBP</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,995.36<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,015.51</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,029.40</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,030.01</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,035.80</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,100.15</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,086.72</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,091.68</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,082.44</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,085.98</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>3,183.26</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>8/13/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1650" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/33370dc8-8964-434b-8694-6462f39746fb.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a481156f-5e01-436d-b063-c22ecd3ed0dd.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>RUB</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.35</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.31</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.33</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.73</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.99</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.85</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.75</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>54.32</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>6/27/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1651" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/c37f3eb9-e9ba-4c1d-bc0f-2669bc4c1412.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/56dc9518-41a5-4bb4-9d57-167f6de07f2e.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CNY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>356.41<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>357.53</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>357.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>357.85</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.01</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.62</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.70</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.97</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>360.12</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.01</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>363.02</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/5/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1652" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e5792094-f0b8-4c3a-a82b-97ddd5401a38.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ab781b89-2767-4b9c-b3cb-b3c6cc603016.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>KRW</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.13<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.15</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.13</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.13</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.17</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.16<o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/6/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1653" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/75233918-55b6-4977-a5ef-f682c93bbdb0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/9a4a44a5-6be7-4141-8159-5aa30a12bb45.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>SGD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,736.07<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,749.50</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,750.12</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,746.44</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,751.75</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,758.66</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,750.00</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,744.60</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,745.63</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,751.17</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,758.66</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/24/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1654" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a8311ed8-a900-4237-bf18-4ebf7b10bbf0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/53fdb4a8-f38e-4f01-b01a-c2dee4a6895d.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CAD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,826.88<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,842.12</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,841.24</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,844.09</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,850.82</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,888.08</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,881.52</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,883.12</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,886.74</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,896.62</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,908.84</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/18/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1655" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/5d744e37-53d2-4c10-aa04-7bc77a3c3abc.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/6ec5578f-dca9-4257-b326-e755e3b2400b.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>AUD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,853.05<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,877.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,871.53</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,866.15</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,892.17</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,906.25</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,902.35</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,905.17</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,900.55</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,907.02</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/16/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1656" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6f012c2-8c16-455d-b0b0-8427d7512a2b.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6b9f8ce-b8d2-4ce7-bdce-b85ce1812325.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>HKD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>317.26<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>317.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>317.95</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.18</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.29</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.40</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.78</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.03</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.52</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.84</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>322.21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1657" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0588bbef-101c-4211-8d37-8045475e110d.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ae638f8b-a29a-4d70-90b3-52ad2a79d482.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CHF</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,427.47<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,439.32</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,446.41</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,439.39</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,445.65</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,456.83</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,447.81</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,446.66</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,464.93</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,475.24</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,497.77</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/09/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:red'>Bank USD rates at time of sending</span></b>: <a href="https://www.khanbank.com/en/home/rates">Khan</a> (Buy ₮2,454 Sell ₮2,465), <a href="http://tdbm.mn/en/exchange">TDB</a> (Buy ₮2,454 Sell ₮2,464), <a href="https://en.golomtbank.com/home/citizen">Golomt</a> (Buy ₮2,454 Sell ₮2,465), <a href="http://xacbank.mn/en/calculator/rates">XacBank</a> (Buy ₮2,453 Sell ₮2,464), <a href="https://www.statebank.mn/w/en/m1">State Bank</a> (Buy ₮2,454 Sell ₮2,464)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/graphic_dailyrate.aspx">USD (blue), CNY (red) vs MNT</a> in last 1 year:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3L8bM9S7-6-ZAF_Ymr65R84KSfciFXXu6cGqfI7ODWurUSTwO7YZcAH3jPJYNZJnHU8a4ifPhZgTYjvTUakM_oL2I0nnTHKf0AI-BVYLgAm37AKNhxJywPmLW5ucgM1RpGGIwD-cZok/s1600/image010-768543.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3L8bM9S7-6-ZAF_Ymr65R84KSfciFXXu6cGqfI7ODWurUSTwO7YZcAH3jPJYNZJnHU8a4ifPhZgTYjvTUakM_oL2I0nnTHKf0AI-BVYLgAm37AKNhxJywPmLW5ucgM1RpGGIwD-cZok/s320/image010-768543.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711264058236114" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistofficialdailyrate.aspx">Link to rates</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_buys_$14m"></a>BoM buys $14m at <span lang=MN>₮</span>2,465.88, declines $2m MNT swap offers<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (Bank of Mongolia) Spot trade: <b>Commercial banks bid weighted average rate of MNT2465.00 for USD 0.2 million</b>, <b>asked weighted average rate of MNT2565.77 for USD23.7 million</b> and <b>bid weighted average rate of MNT353.58 for CBY21.0 million</b> respectively. The BoM bought USD14.0 million with closing rate of MNT2465.88.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Swap and forward trade: The <b>BoM received buying bid offers of USD2.0 million of MNT swap agreements</b> from commercial banks and the BoM did not accept the bid offers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=182">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_GoM_sells_₮75"></a>GoM sells <span lang=MN>₮</span>75 billion 28-week t-bills at 17.275% discount with <span lang=MN>₮113 billion bids<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (Bank of Mongolia) Auction for 28 weeks maturity Government Treasury bill was announced at face value of 75.0 billion MNT. Face value of 75.0 billion /out of 113.0 billion bid/ Government Treasury bill was sold at discounted price and with weighted average yield of 17.275%.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/documents/bond/2017/20170307_28_zguts_eng.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_₮5_billion_2-year"></a><span lang=MN>₮</span>5 billion 2-year GoM bond auction fails to receive any bids<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 7 (Bank of Mongolia) Auction for 2 years maturity Government Treasury note was announced at face value of 5.0 billion MNT. Government Treasury bill was not sold due to absence of both competitive and non-competitive bids.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/documents/bond/2017/20170307_104_zguts_eng.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia's_population_reaches"></a>Mongolia's population reaches 3.1 million<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (gogo.mn) National Statistics Office reported that population of Mongolia reaches 3 million 119 thousand as of Mar, 2017. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Population by gender:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo4'>1 million 585 thousand are males,<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo4'>1 million 533 thousand are females. <o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>In addition to the above, Mongolia had a population of 2.9 million at the end of 2014 while it was increased to 3.57 million at the end of 2015. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Interestingly, on January 24th, 2015, Mongolia welcomed its 3 millionth citizen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157599">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_METALS-London_copper_sinks"></a>METALS-London copper sinks to seven-week low on dollar, Escondida talks<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>MELBOURNE, March 9 (Reuters) <b>London copper fell on Thursday after solid U.S. jobs data increased the likelihood of an interest rate hike this month</b> and on signs that a disruption at the world's biggest copper mine may soon ease.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>U.S. private sector job growth recorded its biggest increase in more than a year in February amid a surge in construction and factory hiring, suggesting the economy remains on solid ground despite an apparent further slowdown in the first quarter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>That pushed up the dollar close to its strongest level this year, eroding the purchasing power of those paying for commodities in other currencies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"A Fed rate hike after the strong U.S. job report may strengthen the dollar, hitting copper, which is denominated in dollars," Argonaut Securities said in a report.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"(But) underlying fundamentals continue to reflect increasing demand and supply shortages. Therefore, we think any pullback in copper prices will be short-term and providing a buy-the-dip opportunity."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>London Metal Exchange copper fell 1.1 percent to $5,701 a tonne</b> by 0708 GMT, after ending a tad lower in the previous session. The metal earlier touched $5,688, its lowest since Jan. 19.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shanghai Futures Exchange (ShFE) copper futures fell 1.7 percent to 46,400 yuan ($6,710) a tonne.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Supporting copper prices, spot processing fees in Asia for copper concentrate have slid to their cheapest in four years as shutdowns at the world's top two mines in Chile and Indonesia grind on longer than anticipated.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However, an end to the disruption at the world's biggest copper mine may be on the horizon, after BHP Billiton, said it may try to restart production at Escondida in Chile using temporary workers once the strike surpasses 30 days.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>LME nickel eased 0.8 percent, while ShFE nickel tumbled 5.5 percent on the possibility that the Philippines' hardline environmental minister may not be confirmed by Congress, opening the door to a new minister who may be more permissive of the mining sector.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But Regina Lopez said on Thursday that President Rodrigo Duterte would reappoint her if a decision is delayed, giving her more time to press her case on mine closures.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>LME zinc succumbed to technical selling after it broke its 100-day moving average, sliding 2.2 percent to $2,651 and dragging LME lead down 1.8 percent.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On the demand side, a trade deficit in China for February has reinforced the growing view that economic activity in China picked up in the first two months of the year, adding to a global manufacturing revival.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/global-metals-idUSL3N1GM1EK">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_No_large-scale_cuts"></a>No large-scale cuts from Chinese coal mines in 2017: NDRC<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Singapore, 7 Mar 2017 (Platts) China's National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said Tuesday that it will not seek to lower coal output in large scale, even as it continues to rationalize supply. This is provided that prices remain in a reasonable boundary.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Although the task of cutting [coal] overcapacity task is tough but it is achievable and the fundamentals of supply and demand will improve further," NDRC said on its website.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Premier Li indicated that China plans to cut 150 million mt of coal capacity in 2017 earlier in the week.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The announcement comes in response to significant market anticipation as to whether NDRC would revert back to 276 work day policy in mid-March after they temporarily loosened the work day policy in November in attempts to curb increasing thermal and met coal prices.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Domestic coal prices jumped last year after the Chinese government reduced the number of working days for mines to 276 days from 330.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The price of FOB Qinhuangdao 5,500 NAR prices has surged 66% in the past one year to be assessed at Yuan 630/mt on Monday, according to S&P Global Platts data. The price had touched a high of Yuan 760/mt in November, when the Chinese government intervened to ease production and rein in the upward price trend.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>NDRC said early January this year that the reasonable price range for the domestic coal should be within 6% basis on Yuan535/mt FOB for 5,500 kcal/kg NAR coal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Imported metallurgical coal prices delivered into China also surged last year, reaching its highest point in November at $306.50/mt CFR China, more than tripled its sub-$100/mt value in April, according to S&P Global Platts data.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However it is important to note that NDRC did not make any distinction between thermal and coking coal mines in its recent statement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>NDRC also said that for those provinces which require more coal or which face supply pressure, the provincial governments could "make their own decisions" and the central government would not intervene in such instances.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As far as the coal prices are within in a reasonable range the government will not tweak its production policy, NDRC said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>NDRC'S IMPACT MIXED ON MET AND THERMAL COAL<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>NDRC's statement which seemingly alludes to maintaining the existing 330 work day policy for met coal might have limited impact on the physical market as Chinese supply of low ash, sulfur and high CSR coals are tight, a sell-side source said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The source said that even from November to March where work day policy loosened to 330 days, China was still short of such good quality coals and imported significant volumes of it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However from a confidence level point of view, such news might impact mills' desire to buy imports as it might encourage them to adopt a wait-and-see attitude, and wait for the impact to come in before making any procurement move, the source added.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The source said that NDRC's impact on thermal and coking coal has to be evaluated separately as thermal prices have been high in recent weeks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A trader said that NDRC's move might have less impact on met coal as previously circulated rumors already suggested that coking coal would not see a return of the 276 work day policy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Another trader suggested that this might have downward pressure on prices if implemented, but said that impact might not be as much as last year's policy did on met coal prices.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.platts.com/latest-news/coal/singapore/no-large-scale-cuts-from-chinese-coal-mines-in-26679785">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Gold_Suffers_Worst"></a>Gold Suffers Worst Run Since October as Slide Below $1,200 Looms<o:p></o:p></h1><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l8 level1 lfo9'>Bullion declines as investors reassess outlook for U.S. rates<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l8 level1 lfo9'>Investors awaiting non-farm payrolls data for guide on policy<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (Bloomberg) Gold is sliding toward $1,200 an ounce in its longest losing run since October as positive U.S. economic figures reinforce expectations that yields on other investments will rise this year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bullion for immediate delivery fell 0.1 percent to $1,206.87 an ounce by 9:21 a.m. in New York after touching the lowest level since Feb. 1, according to Bloomberg generic pricing. It slid for a fourth day as yields on 10-year Treasuries extended gains.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The precious metal has been hit by Federal Reserve officials including Chair Janet Yellen talking up the prospect of higher rates this month. Better-than-expected U.S. private jobs data this week also boosted the dollar before official payrolls figures on Friday. A stronger dollar makes gold costlier for those with other currencies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"If the data continues to be as good as it was, or improves, we could see the Fed move toward further hawkishness," said Brad Yates, head of trading for Elemetal, one of the biggest U.S. gold refiners. "That could hurt gold."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After the Fed raised rates once in 2015 and again in 2016, the pace may quicken this year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The so-called dot plot illustrating policy makers' projections suggests three increases this year. While economists see U.S. non-farm payrolls declining, possibly supporting gold, their <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/terminal/OMGJ5C6KLVR4" target="_blank" title="U.S. Job Growth Is Typically Underestimated in February: Chart">projections have underestimated</a> employment growth in February for five years in a row.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In other precious metals:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo10'>Silver futures for May delivery fell 0.3 percent to $17.255 per ounce. <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo10'>Platinum futures for April delivery dropped 0.3 percent to $946.80 per ounce.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo10'>Palladium futures for June delivery declined 2.3 percent to $753.05 per ounce.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo10'>The World Platinum Investment Council raised its <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/terminal/OMI6U46TTDS0" target="_blank" title="Platinum 2017 Deficit Est. Raised on Resilient Car Market: WPIC">2017 platinum supply deficit</a>to 120,000 ounces from 100,000 ounces on a resilient car market. The metal is used in auto-catalysts that help remove pollutants from vehicle exhaust.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-03-09/gold-suffers-worst-run-since-october-as-slide-below-1-200-looms">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Iron_ore_slides"></a>Iron ore slides amid rising inventories at Chinese ports<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (The Australian) Iron ore is back testing the $US85 a tonne mark after heavy selling across the past three sessions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to The Steel Index, the price of Australia's key export slumped 2.6 per cent to $US85.30 overnight, pushing it down from $US87.60 the session prior.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It represents the commodity's lowest level in a month and takes it 10 per cent from the multi-year peak of $US94.50 reached on February 21, with 6.9 per cent shed in the last three sessions alone.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It comes as rising port inventories in China have reverted to being viewed as a hindrance to prices, rather than the surprising tailwind they were considered earlier in the year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The notion rising inventories served as a boost to prices came from the perception it showed strong demand, but with stocks at Chinese ports surging to their highest level on record last week, traders have turned wary.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chinese iron ore port inventories jumped to 130.05 million tonnes last Friday, the highest mark since tracking began in 2004.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>HSBC analysts late last week warned prices "could be set for a massive fall" in 2017, tipping a swift return to the $US50 mark that threatens to push small and mid-tier out of the market.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"While some of the more speculative noise will likely abate, the key fundamentals remain weak and we believe that relatively strong supply growth will ultimately drive prices lower as demand growth fails to absorb additional volumes," the bank said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It coincided with <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/iron-ore-prices-could-halve-evans-analyst-andrew-hines/news-story/32b330771e8f7a44216f63a84ee29452">a bearish note</a> from broker Evans & Partners, with analyst Andrew Hines anticipating a return to $US45 a tonne later this year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"In our view, iron ore is on the verge of a multi-year bear market, and the current price spike is only going to make things worse," Mr Hines said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Iron ore is a bulk commodity, it is relatively abundant, and it is not difficult to mine or process. Iron ore producers should not expect to make supernormal returns in perpetuity."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The bears haven't taken over just yet, however, with UBS and Credit Suisse recently <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/mining-energy/iron-ore-price-surge-has-analysts-reassessing-expectations/news-story/114e22635c5cf669f824f56e08d3313f">sharply upgrading</a> their price forecasts to levels in the $US70s. Such a price would represent a significant further fall, but is notably above where most analysts were tipping the commodity would be at this time last year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Meanwhile, the big miners in Australia may need to push hard in coming months to meet their production forecasts after a wetter-than-usual summer in the Pilbara.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Several recent rainfall events have put pressure on export volumes," Macquarie said this week.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The weekly data show that the average shipping rate over the last week of January and first two weeks of February fell to 725mtpa, a reduction of 125mtpa from the December quarter run-rate.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"While rainfall has been significant we suspect that the lack of cyclones has subdued market focus on what has been a much wetter wet season than seen in the previous two years."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/markets/iron-ore-slides-amid-rising-inventories-at-chinese-ports/news-story/ab7a26e825a21b5adbf8615f937b8269">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_U.S._crude_oil"></a>U.S. crude oil slumps below $50 after stocks build<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (Reuters) Oil prices fell on Thursday, extending the biggest falls this year as record U.S. crude inventories kept sentiment weak, pointing to a global glut despite OPEC-led supply cuts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Crude oil stocks in the United States, the world's top oil consumer, surged last week to 528.4 million barrels, an all-time high and up 8.2 million barrels in a week, well above forecasts of a 2 million barrel build. [EIA/S]<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The surge in U.S. inventories came despite an agreement by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other exporters to cut output by almost 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) in the first half of 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"U.S. oil stockpiles have gained around 50 million barrels since the start of the year, raising some doubts over the effectiveness of OPEC cuts," said Hamza Khan, head of commodities strategy at ING Bank in Amsterdam.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Brent crude oil was down 50 cents a barrel at $52.61 by 1435 GMT</b>, after reaching an intraday low of $51.60, its lowest since Dec. 1. On Wednesday, Brent fell $2.81 a barrel, or 5 percent, in its biggest daily price move this year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>U.S. light crude reached an intraday low of $48.79, down $1.49, before recovering to trade around $49.70 a barrel. U.S. crude plummeted 5.4 percent on Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The market went into a meltdown yesterday," said Tamas Varga, analyst at London brokerage PVM Oil Associates. "The risk is now tilted to the downside. Lower numbers are not a foregone conclusion yet, but bears are in control."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Major oil exporters say they will gradually tighten global supplies as they reduce production.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Kuwait's oil minister has said OPEC's compliance with cuts has exceeded targets.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Kuwait will host a meeting on March 26 of OPEC and non-OPEC ministers to review compliance with the production cuts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>OPEC hopes it can persuade other oil producers to make deeper cuts to try to push up prices that have been below some breakeven costs for more than two years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But they will need to act fast, because low oil prices encourage producers to increase output to balance their budgets.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"If things stay unchanged, then this week will be the worst week for oil prices since the OPEC deal (in November)," said Olivier Jakob, managing director of Swiss consultancy Petromatrix.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"If a quick rebound cannot be organized by the end of the week, then banks will start to revise lower their oil price forecasts," he said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-global-oil-idUSKBN16G02Y?il=0">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTBPoQEmScxu2Zu_-JfMhDK2wUK_VZl-4dCu2EogMysNsUlS6V0htsZpKpBOqY8Auze1HvM3TORQ-aPjmK-8mLS0CtRTmN1hyphenhyphenn9R7BJvdGBctDJaCyB2BB3YtIsKJAj1YeJlo8uhzrdU/s1600/image004-749515.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYTBPoQEmScxu2Zu_-JfMhDK2wUK_VZl-4dCu2EogMysNsUlS6V0htsZpKpBOqY8Auze1HvM3TORQ-aPjmK-8mLS0CtRTmN1hyphenhyphenn9R7BJvdGBctDJaCyB2BB3YtIsKJAj1YeJlo8uhzrdU/s320/image004-749515.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711183806764386" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Politics></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Politics & Legal<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_Half-naked_women_demonstrate"></a>Half-naked women demonstrate against corruption on Women's Day<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (news.mn) On the occasion of International Women's Day, two forums were organized at State House whilst two other demonstrations were held on Sukhbaatar Square and the Peace Bridge in Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Half-naked women demonstrated on Sukhbaatar square, holding up banners with the slogans 'Remove Offshore-Account Holders' and 'Bring Back the Stolen Money'. These women appeared suddenly on square just as the participants of a forum of 1000 mothers who had been awarded Honoured Mother Medal came out of the State House.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also, some students demonstrated for women's rights on the Peace Bridge. Their action was entitled 'Strong women are a bridge of peace'.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/326977">Link to article</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9060">Women march in Ulaanbaatar for their rights</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 9<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_President_greets_glorious"></a>President greets glorious mothers<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 9 (MONTSAME) Under the auspices of President of Mongolia, Association of Motherhood Order Recipients organized a forum of merited mothers in the State House on March 8, International Women's Day which was a public holiday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Addressing the forum, President Ts.Elbegdorj gave a speech in which he congratulated every mother, emphasizing on the role and contribution of women in the prosperity of a family and further the country.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I am pleased that this tradition of gathering recipients of Order of Glorious Motherhood on International Women's Day for joined celebration is regularizing. As March 8 approaches, mothers wait for this forum, and I hope this tradition continues", he said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Role of women is critical in a happy family, and therefore, prosperity of the country depends on women. Mongolian Government must sustain a policy that ensures equal engagement of women in every area", the President remarked. He appreciated how the representation of women in Mongolian Parliament has been enlarging since 2012.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Reiterating the importance of women involvement, the President encouraged the mothers to stand up for themselves when their voices are needed. He also highlighted the vital role of mothers in shaping of the society and future of the country by bringing up their children to be responsible, hard-working and disciplined adults.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Interestingly, the President revealed that he was actually born on March 8 although his birth certificate points March 30. "I am the youngest of 8 children my mother gave birth to. She used to tell me that I was born on March 8. We lived in the country, and my father was able to register my birth on March 30. That's why my official birthday is March 30", he said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In accordance with Mongolian law, mothers of 4 children are awarded the 2nd class Order of Glorious Motherhood and those of 6 and more are awarded the 1st class.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9036">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_TI_finds_police"></a>TI finds police and health services the most corrupt in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (gogo.mn) Transparency International, the global coalition against corruption released the latest Asia Pacific edition of the Global Corruption Barometer, covered 22,000 people across 16 countries and territories on Mar 7, 2017. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In Mongolia, police and health services have the highest levels of corruption, out of 6 public services that were asked about. Across the region, 30 percent of respondent who had come into contact with a police officer in the last 12 months had paid a bribe. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"1500 people were attended the survey from Mongolia, of which 33 percent of them were representatives of 21 aimags and 67 percent of them were residents of Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia", said E.Munkhjargal, CEO of Transparency International Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Over 61 percent of people in Mongolia rated their government badly at addressing corruption.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When looking at the overall regional results, 38 per cent of the poorest people have paid a bribe, which was the highest of any income group. This may be because they have fewer alternative options available to them, or because they have less power or influence to avoid paying bribes<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The best ways people thought they could tackle corruption in their own countries are reporting corruption (22 per cent) and refusing to pay bribes (21 per cent) were most effective. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Based on the findings in this report, Transparency International makes the following recommendations to the Governments:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Make good on promises </b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo5'>Heads of states must speak out and act immediately and publicly, to assert their specific and time-bound commitment under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to substantially reduce bribery and corruption by 2030.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo5'>Governments must deliver on their anti-corruption commitments made globally and regionally by implementing legislation and practice at the national level. For example, the social accountability (article 13) and anti-corruption agencies (articles 6 and 36) aspects of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>Stopping bribery in public services</b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6'>Governments should address systemic problems that allow corruption in public sector delivery: Prevent corruption by promoting transparency through effective implementation of access to information legislation and open government practices, enhancing a healthy and free environment for civil society to operate, and enacting codes of conduct for public servants.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6'>Punish the corrupt by immediately adopting a zero-tolerance policy for corruption in public services, pursuing prosecutions and applying appropriate sanctions.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6'>The police must lead by example and urgently address corruption within their ranks and act to gain public confidence because of their key role in fighting corruption.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo6'>Governments must integrate anti-corruption targets into all SDGs including hunger, poverty, education, health, gender equality and climate action, and develop mechanisms to reduce corruption risks in these areas.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>Encouraging more people to report corruption </b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo7'>Legislatures must adopt and enforce comprehensive legislation to protect whistleblowers based on prevailing international standards, including those developed by Transparency International. Meanwhile, governments and the private sector must support whistleblowers and reporters of corruption and ensure appropriate follow-up to their disclosures.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo7'>Anti-corruption agencies should engage with the large numbers of citizens willing to refuse paying bribes and those willing to report bribes. At the same time, anti-corruption agencies should implement outreach programmes to encourage people to report corruption and ensure user-friendly reporting mechanisms to empower citizens to effectively take action against corruption.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157597">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.transparency.org/whatwedo/publication/people_and_corruption_asia_pacific_global_corruption_barometer">Link to Global Corruption Barometer report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Private_Sector_Leaders"></a>Private Sector Leaders Call For a Long-term and Stable Law and Policy at AmCham Monthly Meeting<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia, March 7 (AmCham Mongolia) – The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Mongolia hosted its March Monthly Meeting with some of the most prominent business leaders in Mongolia on March 7, 2017, at the Shangri-La Hotel to discuss "Perspectives of Business Leaders on the Economic Situation of Mongolia and Forecasts for 2017". The panelists included President of MSC Group Mr. J. Od, Chairperson of Petrovis LLC Ms. J. Oyungerel, Executive Director of Wagner Asia Group Mr. Steve Potter, and Resident Representative for Mongolia at the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Mr. Tuyen Nguyen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The meeting brought together over 100 participants, including AmCham members and representatives from Mongolia's leading businesses. Attendees heard from the panelists on Mongolia's outlook in a broad range of business categories, including mining, agriculture, new projects, and finance. The panelists also spoke about the need for economic diversification and stability in policy and law as well as the IMF's extended fund facility program and its implications for the private sector.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Mr. J.Od</b>, President of MCS Group, opened the discussion and said, "2017 presents a real opportunity for Mongolia to develop a real economy and to create jobs based on economic diversification, good policy decisions, regional integration and an open investment environment."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Ms. J.Oyungerel</b>, Chairperson of Petrovis Group, noted, "Mongolia needs to promote and increase its export products, such as agriculture industry products, to further develop our economy while having a stable policy and legal environment designed to support the private sector as the key engine of economic growth. Also, Mongolia needs investors who can supply the best expertise and advanced technology for local businesses to grow."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Mr. Steve Potter</b>, Executive Director of Wagner Asia Group, gave a comparative analysis of Mongolia with other jurisdictions and said, "The chances of success will greatly increase if we develop long-term and sustainable policies that encourage both domestic and international investment and private sector growth."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Mr. Tuyen Nguyen</b>, Resident Representative for Mongolia at the IFC, commented in detail on the IMF's extended fund facility program and its impacts on the private sector and said, "Fiscal discipline of the government with the IMF deal will certainly help in unleashing the potential growth of the private sector and in rebuilding investor confidence."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"AmCham Mongolia has been and will keep working with both the public and private sectors to promote strong private sector growth, an enabling business environment, increased investment, and a stable policy and legal environment in Mongolia." <b>Mr. Jay Liotta</b>, Chairman of AmCham Mongolia, said during his closing remarks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://amcham.mn/amchams-monthly-meeting-with-prominent-business-leaders/">Link t o release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://amcham.mn/amchams-monthly-meeting-with-prominent-business-leaders/">Link to photo gallery</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_PS:_Constitutional_Reform"></a>PS: Constitutional Reform & Double Deel<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>By Julian Dierkes</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (Mongolia Focus) Constitutional revision remains under consideration in Mongolia. If the MPP wins the presidential election in June 2017, there may be less pressure toward a revision of the relative power of president and parliament (most recent discussions in Mongolia would assign more power to parliament, but somehow I don't think that M Enkhbold would be so excited about that should he win the presidential election).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One of the issues that keeps coming up over and over is the "double deel" (давхар дээл), i.e. concern about members of parliament also serving as members of cabinet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Previously, <a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/2015/thoughts-on-constitutional-reform/">I have used examples from Canadian and German state/provincial parliaments to argue that other parliaments of comparable size have not been concerned about this challenge</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As it turns out and as I have learned in the context of debates of constitutional reform in Berlin, I was at least partly wrong about that.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Green Party of Germany, for example, has long argued for a separation between a seat in parliament and an office (<i>Trennung von Amt und Mandat</i>), though this has been focused primarily on party offices.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In Spring 2017, the Berlin parliament (Abgeordnetenhaus) is debating a <a href="https://www.parlament-berlin.de/ados/18/IIIPlen/vorgang/d18-0178.pdf">proposed constitutional amendment to prevent the double deel</a>. I hesitate to offer this link, in part because it leads to the proposal by the <i>Alternative für Deutschland</i>, a rightist-populist party. However, as the example of rules against the party double deel in the Green Party show, this is a debate that other parties are open to.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The case in the Berlin discussions includes the following elements:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=square><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo11'>separation of power: the German constitution does not adopt this as a principle, instead preferring interlocking powers (<i>Gewaltenverschränkung</i>)<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo11'>weakening of parliament: this is in part a numbers argument (i.e. every member that joins the cabinet no longer operates as a member of parliament, but also an argument about the role of parliament as endorsing and controlling the government<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo11'>salary: the Berlin parliament is defined as a half-time job (surely not realistically so), members of cabinet (<i>Senatoren</i> in the case of Berlin) thus draw salaries as such AND as members of parliament<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo11'>examples: the two other German city states, Hamburg and Bremen, both have separated membership from parliament from membership in cabinet<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>While the Greens have practiced this separation for some time, it has also been advocated for by parts of the Social Democrats.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Given similarities in the issues and challenges identified, perhaps there are opportunities for an exchange between Berlin and Mongolia around this topic.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/2017/german-double-deel/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for March 9, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Program to combat illegal drugs approved<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The Cabinet held their regular session and approved the national program to combat illegal drugs and psychotropic substances. By implementing the program, measures will be taken to monitor the use of illegal drugs, stop the circulation of the drugs, and investigate and stop drug-related crimes, as well as establish systems to send addicted users to rehabilitation programs. Over the last 10 years, 1,112 people were investigated in matters related to illegal drugs. The government believes that the rising circulation and import of drugs has resulted in the need to establish programs to combat the use of the illegal drugs. The capital required for the program will be included in the state budget and will come from loans and grants from countries and international organizations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> legislation, illegal drugs</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>Daily News /page 11/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>MP N. Enkhbold receives Ambassador Stanislaw Chepurnoy<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The Head of the State Development Standing Committee and MP N. Enkhbold received the Belarusian Ambassador to Mongolia Stanislaw Chepurnoy to discuss economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. The Ambassador noted that it is important to further develop the two countries' economic and trade relationship, and to increase the number of visits between the high-level legislators of the countries. N. Enkhbold agreed with the proposals shared by the Ambassador and noted that in 1-2 years, the Mongolian economy will be able to overcome its current economic challenges.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> bilateral relations, cooperation, Belarus</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>Today /page A2/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ECONOMY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Private sector leaders call for long-term and stable law and policy at AmCham's Monthly Meeting<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Mongolia hosted its March Monthly Meeting with some of the most prominent business leaders in Mongolia on March 7, 2017, at the Shangri-La Hotel to discuss "Perspectives of Business Leaders on the Economic Situation of Mongolia and Forecasts for 2017". The panelists included President of MSC Group Mr. J. Od, Chairperson of Petrovis LLC Ms. J. Oyungerel, Executive Director of Wagner Asia Group Mr. Steve Potter, and Resident Representative for Mongolia at the International Finance Cooperation (IFC) Mr. Tuyen Nguyen.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The meeting brought together over 100 participants, including AmCham members and representatives from Mongolia's leading businesses. Attendees heard from the panelists on Mongolia's outlook in a broad range of business categories, including mining, agriculture, new projects, and finance. The panelists also spoke about the need for economic diversification and stability in policy and law, as well as the IMF's extended fund facility program and its implications for the private sector.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"AmCham Mongolia has been and will keep working with both the public and private sectors to promote strong private sector growth, an enabling business environment, increased investment, and a stable policy and legal environment in Mongolia." Mr. Jay Liotta, Chairman of AmCham Mongolia, said during his closing remarks.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> AmCham, private sector, policy</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Official Gazette /page 5/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Central bank buys USD in its currency auction <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The Bank of Mongolia held its regular foreign currency auction, and commercial banks asked to buy 500,000 USD at an average exchange of 2461.91 MNT, and 13.5 million CNY at an average exchange of 354.2 MNT. Commercial banks offered to sell 41.3 million USD at 2,467.3 MNT. The central bank agreed to buy 31.5 million USD at 2,467.5 MNT. The Bank of Mongolia's move to buy USD signals an increased supply in the currency market, and with increased foreign currency exchange, the MNT could strengthen. The USD exchange rate stands at 2,466.8 MNT.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Bank of Mongolia, currency</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>Today /page A1/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ONLINE STORY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Denison Mines sale to Uranium Industry delayed<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Toronto Stock Exchange listed Denison Mines released their report for 2016 and plans for 2017. Last year, Denison Mines decided to sell their branch in Mongolia to Uranium Industry. The sale has been in place since November 2016, but it has been postponed to July 2017. Due to uncertainty about the sale, the valuation of the company lowered in the Q4'16 to 10 million USD.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>At the PDAC convention, Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry Ts. Dashdorj noted that the Government of Mongolia has no interest in changing its equity in Oyu Tolgoi, but is looking to increase the amount of land available for exploration.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Oyu Tolgoi investor Turquoise Hill Resources saw its stock decrease by 1.62%. Over a half-year period, the company's stock rose by 7.87%. On the Australian Stock Exchange, Rio Tinto's stock decreased by 1.74%. In the past six months, the stock has risen by 25.6%.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> mining</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i><a href="http://bloombergtv.mn/" target="_blank">www.blooombergtv.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-march-9-2017/">Link to newswire</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtSpEA1SuYLX6_6wvLCuORNRKU_c2v7RMkczq5QxlSfvlSlI7k_DQjpeKnha0wNk4oWSFzHqRFTX9BLEpK_Ea4ckvC0LriDTr-SSvRHAxjSs_iAFKhx7LznCEDUlmkXJeQwyed7PFDTs/s1600/image005-752598.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtSpEA1SuYLX6_6wvLCuORNRKU_c2v7RMkczq5QxlSfvlSlI7k_DQjpeKnha0wNk4oWSFzHqRFTX9BLEpK_Ea4ckvC0LriDTr-SSvRHAxjSs_iAFKhx7LznCEDUlmkXJeQwyed7PFDTs/s320/image005-752598.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711200031837794" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Business></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Business<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_"Goo"_Mongolian_organic"></a>"Goo" Mongolian organic cosmetic products in demand<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (MONTSAME) A young Mongolian girl in her early twenties created natural cosmetics brand for modern urbanized society. "Goo" (Beauty) brand of "Burkhanlig goo saikhan" (Godly beauty) company is already well known in Japan and the US.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The company produces 35 types of handmade organic cosmetic products for Mongolians. The first Mongolian cosmetic franchise is not only blooming in Mongolia, but also has opened up branches in Japan and China as well. The internationally acclaimed Mongolian medical cosmetic brand distinguishes itself from other modern day brands as it uses organic materials such as fat from a sheep tail, seabuckthorn, rock salt, thistles and thyme as a base. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also, the company does not mix chemicals to increase the product's age. For dry and sensitive skin, the company produces 20 kinds of new products for export, such as resin drops, resin body lotions, lip nutrition, face scrub with seabuckthorn and coffee, masks with seabuckthorn, ointments with lemon, collagen and honey, bath bomb for foot and bath salts with milk and rose.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/video/society-economy/mongolian-organic-cosmetic-products-demand">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Gold_industry_forum"></a>Gold industry forum taking place next week<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 10 (Mongolian Economy) The "Mongolia Gold 2017" investment forum will take place on March 17, with the aim of discussing a number of issues surrounding investment in the gold mining industry. Projects in the gold industry will also be introduced to investors in order to seek financing, create partnerships in gold mining and extraction projects and elevate the current level of business cooperation, bringing advanced technology, sharing experiences and promoting research.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is expected that gold exports will be fluctuate between 15.8-40.0 tonnes, and export revenues of the gold sector is forecasted to reach USD 1.2 billion in 2020 and USD 1.6 billion in 2025. Revenues are expected to increase by 26.7 percent by 2020 and 68.4 percent by 2025 compared with 2015. The organisers of the forum noted that a great amount investment is needed to exploit gold mines on schedule. Thus, Mongolia needs to utilise financing sources, such as loans, bonds and other instruments to attract domestic and foreign investments to those large-scale gold projects.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Growing investment in extraction and exploration in the gold industry as well as sustainable growth of gold reserves is a result of a stable legal environment. Production and sales are expected to raise the output of gold by 20.0-47.7 tonnes to eventually reach 353.2 tonnes a year. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolianeconomy.mn/en/i/9660">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Women_in_Business"></a>Women in Business 2017 gala night event on Friday<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 9 (MONTSAME) Mongolian PR agency Profile is uniting Mongolian businesswomen at Women in Business 2017 gala night event on Friday, March 10.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Aiming to highlight the leadership and presence of women in Mongolia's business environment, the event is going to be held for the first time this year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>About 200 businesswomen who are running business, and have already made their name in business sector are expected to participate in the event to share their experiences. Moreover, the organizers are going to present the findings of an interesting study on what Mongolian businesswomen want and from whom they take inspiration from.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>XacBank is working as main sponsor for the first major event engaging Mongolian women in business whereas several other businesses are cooperating on the organization of the gala night with the Profile agency.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9042">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Green_Credit_Fund:"></a>Green Credit Fund: Financial Weapon Against Air Pollution<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (Mongolian Economy) A Green Loan Fund that is to play a major role in combatting air pollution is ready to start operations, informed the Mongolian Bankers' Association (MBA). Created to be an investment fund that will also have a significant impact on the development of financial markets, the project is a combined effort by the MBA, private sector and other professionals.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The next step is to present proposals and projects to policymakers such as the government, Ministry of Environment, Green Development and Tourism and the Ulaanbaatar city administration for approval. The first on the list is a proposal to develop a new public-private joint green financial system, which the MBA hopes receives immediate support.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A plan was developed within the framework of the Green Loan Fund to attract low-interest financing, eliminate several thousand smoke-emitting chimneys and exhausts and finance electric heaters through loans before the next smoke season, winter. Though the air pollution issue cannot be resolved in a single step, it is certainly possible to take measures such as introducing electric heaters, reducing the number of smoke emitters. Other solutions include power saving, renewable energy and bringing low-cost external financial sources.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Stable and continuous funding is necessary for the fight against air pollution. Large amounts of uncontrolled money will continue to flow out if there is no good system. Experts highlighted that the project's governance is exemplary as its policy was developed under public and financial monitoring is managed by experts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolianeconomy.mn/en/i/9657">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_New_TV_station"></a>New TV station opens in Dundgobi aimag<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 9 (MONTSAME) A new local television station named 'Ard' has launched in Dundgobi aimag. "- Even though people have access to nationwide and international news, they have no media channel to receive local news of the province. Therefore, filling this gap, we established this TV station" said founder of the TV station G.Munkhbaatar. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A year and half ago, a new TV station "Dundgobi" established with investment of MNT120 million from the Local development fund. However, the TV station allegedly breached law on Press freedom as running its operation by the Governor's Office of the province and having investment from the Local development fund. Newly formed Citizens' representative meeting's presidium released a resolution to dissolve "Dundgobi" TV. "Altanshagait" company has acquired TV equipment of the closed down TV in management agreement and it established "Ard" TV station.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9043">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_ACMS_Speaker_Series:"></a>ACMS Speaker Series: Bruno Grunau, Cold Climate Housing Research Center<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Cold Climate Housing Research Center: Solutions for the Circumpolar North<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Date</b>: March 14<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Time</b>: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Venue</b>: American Corner, Ulaanbaatar Public Library <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Cold Climate Housing Research Center is an industry-based nonprofit corporation created to facilitate the development, use, and testing of energy-efficient, durable, healthy, and cost-effective building technologies for people living in cold climates. The purpose of this presentation is to share our story with the people of Mongolia and find ways we can share our successes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>CCHRC's three primary programs are the Building Science Research Program, Policy Research, and Sustainable Northern Communities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Building Science Research team is made up of engineers and scientists who conduct experiments and provide analysis on building and energy systems in cold climates. Examples of research activities include monitoring the performance of different wall designs and insulation products in various climate zones; gathering data on indoor air quality to test innovative ventilation strategies; and studying the efficiency and payback of renewable energy technologies such as heat pumps and solar thermal. This research is translated into technical reports, journal articles, building manuals, videos, and educational material for contractors and homeowners.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Policy Research team is made up of economists and analysts who study the energy efficiency of housing and infrastructure in Alaska. Activities include managing and analyzing data, energy modeling, calculating economic analyses of building, retrofit, and energy projects, and making policy recommendations to agencies and officials.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Sustainable Northern Communities program started in 2008 to address the needs for sustainable housing in rural Alaska. CCHRC designers work with state and federal agencies, housing authorities, and other design and building firms to develop energy efficient, affordable, durable housing. Local residents and stakeholders are included to ensure the designs reflect the culture, environment, and resources of individual communities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>These prototype homes incorporate experimental building and energy technologies—such as super-insulated walls, integrated heating and ventilation systems, innovative water and sanitation solutions, or adjustable foundations—aimed at improving the energy efficiency and affordability of housing. The goal is that these prototypes can be reproduced to provide much-needed housing. CCHRC has completed more than 12 prototype projects throughout all regions of Alaska. CCHRC also provides energy modeling and plan review.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Co-Sponsored by the American Cultural and Information Center, Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongoliacenter.org/acmsevent/speaker-series-bruno-grunau/">Link to event</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Tengri_at_Vancouver"></a>Tengri at Vancouver Fashion Week Fall-Winter 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 20th – 26th, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Tengri will debut in Canada, showing for the first time at <a href="http://vanfashionweek.com/" target="_blank">Vancouver Fashion Week FALL-WINTER 2017</a> from March 20th to 26th. We will unveil the first collection in the epic Rider story, launching with <b>Rider 1 Journey</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Inspired by the perception of journeys and underpinned by Tengri's own incredible story – from its roots on the steppes of Mongolia's remote Khangai region, to the UK – <b>Rider 1 Journey</b> represents the spirit of travel to distant lands, exploring the unknown, notions of apprehension, resilience, energy and the wonders of travel to remote landscapes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Autumn/Winter collection is influenced by stories of legends, epic travels, local customs and heritage, bridging two worlds from east to west with subtle references to these incorporated into the design and making of each piece. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The bespoke pieces of the collection will showcase the capabilities of the Khangai yak's rare fibres, using new fabrics developed by some of the UK's leading technical textile designers, pushing technical innovation and methods in yarns.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>We have chosen Vancouver as it's the fastest-growing fashion week in the world. Moreover, it's also the only industry event that actively seeks out and showcases international award-winning designers from over 25 global fashion capitals.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Discover the <a href="http://vanfashionweek.com/designers/tengri/" target="_blank">Tengri Fall/Winter 2017 collection</a> at Vancouver Fashion Week, at the Chinese Cultural Centre, Vancouver.</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Tengri runway dates and times: </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Friday March 24th, at 5:00pm<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Tengri showroom days: </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Friday March 24th and Saturday March 25th<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://vancouverfashionweek.ticketzone.com/9339/vancouver-fashion-week-fallwinter-2017" target="_blank">To buy tickets to the Fashion shows click here</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.tengri.co.uk/events/">Link to event</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_EU_Call_for"></a>EU Call for Proposals: EIDHR Country-Based Support Schemes 2017 for Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Deadline: </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>25 April 2017<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The European Union (EU) is currently accepting proposals from eligible organisations for "European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights – Country-Based Support Schemes 2017, Mongolia" with an aim to support civil society in its actions to support the protection and the promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms as proclaimed in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights as well as strengthening transparency and accountability.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Objectives</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=square><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l9 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolian CSOs become key actors in the promotion of transparency and accountability.<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l9 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolian CSOs contribute to a reinforced protection of Human Rights of vulnerable groups.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Size of Grants</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Any grant requested under this call for proposals must fall between EUR 200.000 and EUR 300.000.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Location</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Actions must take place in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www2.fundsforngos.org/human-rights-and-social-justice/eu-call-for-proposals-eidhr-country-based-support-schemes-2017-for-mongolia/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s1600/image006-756175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s320/image006-756175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711214590112482" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Ulaanbaatar></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Monthly_Rental_Rates"></a>Monthly Rental Rates for Ulaanbaatar Apartments by District<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 10 (GoGo Mongolia) We at GoGo Mongolia delivers you the apartment rental rates as of March, 2017 that located in main 6 districts of Ulaanbaatar city. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>SUKHBAATAR DISTRICT:</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This district marks the center of the city. Most government, educational and cultural organizations are located here, such as; The Mongolian Government house, The Parliament house, 13 Embassies, Government Ministries, the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the National University of Monglia, and the University of Science and Technology. <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=500 style='width:375.0pt;background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0;border-left:solid #DADDE0;border-bottom:solid #3C414E;border-right:inset;border-width:1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='text-align:justify;text-justify:inter-ideograph'>Room type<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Min monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Max monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>1-bedroom <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 350 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 700 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>2-bedroom<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 500 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 1 million <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>3-bedroom or more<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 800 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 4.5 million<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b>CHINGELTEI DISTRICT: </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chingeltei is located in the north, at the foot of one of the four mountains of Ulaanbaatar, the Chingeltei mountain. Some areas of the district covers the center of the city, such as State Department Store, Tengis Cinema and 5th secondary school. <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=500 style='width:375.0pt;background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0;border-left:solid #DADDE0;border-bottom:solid #3C414E;border-right:inset;border-width:1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Room type<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Min monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Max monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>1-bedroom <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 300 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 700 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>2-bedroom<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 550 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 1.6 million <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>3-bedroom or more<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 700 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 3.8 million<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b>BAYANGOL DISTRICT: </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This district is located in the west of the city, covering the 3rd and 4th micro district, areas near railway station, 10th micro district, Grand Plaza, Maxmall and Narnii bridge. <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=500 style='width:375.0pt;background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0;border-left:solid #DADDE0;border-bottom:solid #3C414E;border-right:inset;border-width:1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Room type<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Min monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Max monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>1-bedroom <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 350 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 700 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>2-bedroom<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 450 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 1.5 million <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>3-bedroom or more<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 520 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 2 million<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b>BAYANZURKH DISTRICT: </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is the largest district in the capital and lies in the southeast of the city. Bayanzurkh is located in the east, at the foot of one of the four mountains of Ulaanbaatar, the Bayanzurkh mountain. The district covers areas near Emart, National Amusement Park, Wrestling Palace, 13th micro district, and Officer`s Palace. <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=500 style='width:375.0pt;background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0;border-left:solid #DADDE0;border-bottom:solid #3C414E;border-right:inset;border-width:1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Room type<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Min monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Max monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>1-bedroom <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 250 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 850 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>2-bedroom<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 450 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 1.5 million <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>3-bedroom or more<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 520 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 2 million<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b>SONGINO KHAIRKHAN DISTRICT: </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Songino Khairkhan is located in the west, at the foot of one of the four mountains of Ulaanbaatar, the Songino Khairkhan mountain. The district covers 3rd hospital, 5 shar, 21st micro district, Sapporo and 1st micro district. <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=500 style='width:375.0pt;background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0;border-left:solid #DADDE0;border-bottom:solid #3C414E;border-right:inset;border-width:1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Room type<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Min monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Max monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>1-bedroom <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 250 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 450 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>2-bedroom<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 350 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 550 thousand <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>3-bedroom or more<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 450 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 750 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b>KHAN-UUL DISTRICT: </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Khan Uul is located in the south, at the foot of one of the four mountains of Ulaanbaatar, the Bogd Khan mountain. The district covers the most expensive residential areas and considered as the less polluted areas of the city. Also, areas near the Chinggis Khan airport and Yarmag, Hunnu mall are located in Khan Uul district. <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=500 style='width:375.0pt;background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0;border-left:solid #DADDE0;border-bottom:solid #3C414E;border-right:inset;border-width:1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Room type<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Min monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #3C414E 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Max monthly rate<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>1-bedroom <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 400 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 800 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>2-bedroom<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 450 thousand<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 1.5 million<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border-top:none;border-left:solid #DADDE0 1.0pt;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>3-bedroom or more<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 1 million <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:inset 1.0pt;border-right:inset 1.0pt;padding:2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt 2.25pt'><p class=MsoNormal>MNT 7 million <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157602">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_UB_city_to"></a>UB city to implement "One Job for One Family" program in 2017-2020<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 9 (MONTSAME) The capital city' authorities set to implement "One job for one family" program in 2017-2020 with a view to reduce unemployment in Ulaanbaatar. A working group has been established by an ordinance of the Governor of the capital and an employment boost center will be established to conduct survey involving every family. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>" – "One job for one family" program aims to create favorable condition to increase employment, to improve quality, access and efficiency of public service regarding employment and to reduce unemployment through extension of activities of organizations in charge of employment. The program will succeed with collaboration of administrative organizations of city, districts, khoroo, citizens and companies. Employment can be increased through proper employment policy, favorable condition for citizens to get employment service and supplying necessary personell to big construction and other projects" said D.Enkhtur, manager in charge of poverty reduction and employment projects of the capital.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Employer companies, the unemployed, people in risk for unemployed, the disabled, youth, single mothers, family business runners, micro businessmen and unofficial self-employed people will be engaged in the program.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9054">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Capital_administration_honors"></a>Capital administration honors 9 women<span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828;letter-spacing:-.75pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 9 (MONTSAME) On the occasion of International Women's Day, the capital city administration honored nine women who have contributed to the growth of Ulaanbaatar city.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The chosen 9 women were E.Tserendulam, who have worked in the capital administration for many years, D.Bayanjargal, who have worked in urban refurbishment for 33 years, Z.Bolormaa, leading worker in education, elder Ts.Tserenlkham, Colonel D.Tsetsegmaa, who have worked in police for 30 years, honored blood donor T.Alimaa, State Foremost Artist Ch.Delgertsetseg, State Honored Athlete D.Sumiya and senior physician D.Gantsetseg.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the ceremony, Ulaanbaatar Deputy Mayor Sh.Ankhmaa said, "The Citizens' Representative Khural of Ulaanbaatar and Mayor's Office have initiated the first ceremony to honor 9 women who have done great contributions to the development and growth of the capital city. The ceremony will be held annually from now on".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Female members of the capital city Citizens' Representative Khural were present at the ceremony as well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9037">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Movie_Afternoon:_Hunt"></a>Movie Afternoon: Hunt for the Wilderpeople<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Cosy Club Ulaanbaatar will host a movie afternoon on March 11. New Zealand adventure comedy-drama film "Hunt for the Wilderpeople" will be screened at the event.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the film, a national manhunt is ordered for a rebellious kid and his foster uncle who go missing in the wild New Zealand bush.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Details</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Where: Cosy Club Ulaanbaatar, NCP Building<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When: March 11, 3:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Admission: Free<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>More Information: 11-331109<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/09/movie-afternoon-hunt-for-the-wilderpeople/">Link to event</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Dreamers'_Day_at"></a>Dreamers' Day at iCinema: The World of Kanako<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (UB Post) Dreamers' Day is ready to screen its 241st matinee on March 11 at iCinema. Japanese suspense film "The World of Kanako" will be displayed this time around.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The film tells the story of a former detective Akihiro Fujishima, who tries to search for his daughter Kanako after she goes missing for a few days and learns about his daughter's secret life.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Details</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Where: iCinema, State Department Store<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When: March 11, 4:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Admission: 5,000 MNT<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/09/dreamers-day-the-world-of-kanako/">Link to event</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_'Sky_Resort_Open"></a>'Sky Resort Open 2017' and DJ festival<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (UB Post) The biggest snow sport tournament Sky Resort Open 2017 and indoor DJ music festival will be held on March 11 at Sky Resort.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Snowboard and skiing competition will be held among amateur athletes. The prize pool of the tournament is five million MNT.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After the tournament, a DJ music festival will entertain the crowd. Live music bands, DJ sets, fireworks and go-go dancers will be featured at the event.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Details</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Where: Sky Resort<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When: March 11, 10:00 a.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Admission: Free<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>More Information: 77000909, 91007847<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/09/sky-resort-open-2017-and-dj-festival/">Link to event</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Concert_by_Braids"></a>Concert by Braids in Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (UB Post) Canadian experimental pop band Braids came to Mongolia to perform at UB Palace on March 11.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Braids won the Alternative Album of the Year prize for their "Deep in the Iris" from Juno Canada's Music Awards. After winning the prize, Braids decided to start a tour of Asia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian live music bands The Lemons, Futuroma, Even Tide, The Compass and songwriter Magnolian will be featured in Braids' concert.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Details</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Where: UB Palace<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When: March 11, 7:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ticket Price: 25,000 MNT<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>More Information: 99063282<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/09/concert-by-braids-in-ulaanbaatar/">Link to event</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s1600/image006-756175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s320/image006-756175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711214590112482" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Diplomacy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Diplomacy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Speaker_of_Mongolian"></a>Speaker of Mongolian Parliament to visit Japan this month<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (news.mn) M.Enkbold, Speaker of Parliament of Mongolia is planning to visit Japan later this month. The exact date has not yet been announced. During the trip, M.Enkbold is expected to discuss the medium-term strategic partnership between Japan and Mongolia and financial aid offered by Tokyo.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This will be M.Enkhbold's second visit to Japan. Previously, he visited Japan when he was Prime Minister of Mongolia and started discussions with Tokyo regarding the construction of the new international airport at Khushigt Valley near Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/326983">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Far_East_Affairs:"></a>Far East Affairs: Mongolia and Japan<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>On February 24, 2017, Mongolia and Japan celebrated 45 years of diplomatic relations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>By Bolor Lkhaajav<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 10 (The Diplomat) Mongolia-Japan's relations are rich in both history and myth. The two countries' relations can be dated back to the 13th century. The Mongolian empire, under the rule of Kublai Khan, sought to invade Japan in 1274 and 1281, only to be deterred by storms (known as the "divine wind" in Japan) coupled with malfunctioning boats made by the Song Dynasty war-prisoners. According to the history books, Kublai Khan's message to the Japanese shogun was something along the lines of: "You are the ruler of a small country; pay us a tribute… or else."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Of course, the modern day relationship does not involve attempted invasions, divine typhoons, or malfunctioning boats, but rather political and diplomatic dialogue, economic relations, and people-to-people affairs. On February 24, 2017, Mongolia and Japan <a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8919" target="_blank">celebrated the 45th anniversary</a> of diplomatic relations in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. As Mongolia's foreign policy apparatus expands both regionally and globally, Japan serves as a source of democratic principles and values as well as a political, economic, and social model for Mongolia's own development.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On February 24, 1972, the People's Republic of Mongolia and Japan established diplomatic relations. The 1970s were a crucial period in Mongolia's foreign policy. The Mongolian government under Y. Tsedenbal had far-sighted foreign policy ambitions beyond the Soviet Union; thus, the recognition of Mongolia's sovereignty by other states was fundamental. By establishing diplomatic relations, Mongolia was able to engage with rest of the world politically, economically, diplomatically, and socially. With a tremendous effort from Y. Tsedenbal, many of Mongolia's diplomatic relations were established under his government, including Japan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Economic ties were limited at the start. Foreign aid and developmental projects were controlled and restricted in socialist Mongolia until the 1990 democratic revolution. Nevertheless, in 1977, even with limited market access, Japan invested in the Gobi Cashmere Factory's technology, production, and distribution, thus jump-starting the Mongolian cashmere sector.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Since 1991, Japan has been financing Mongolia's transportation, energy, and mining sectors with investments such as the <a href="https://www.jica.go.jp/english/our_work/evaluation/oda_loan/post/2004/pdf/2-32_full.pdf" target="_blank">Railway Transportation Rehabilitation Project</a> I and II, the <a href="https://www2.jica.go.jp/en/evaluation/pdf/2010_MON-P3_4.pdf" target="_blank">Rehabiliatation Project of the 4th Thermal Power Plant in Ulaanbaatar</a>, and th<a href="https://www.jica.go.jp/english/our_work/evaluation/oda_loan/post/2007/pdf/project14.pdf" target="_blank">e Baganuur and Shivee-ovoo Coal Mine Development Project</a>. By 2005, Japan had<a href="http://www.mn.emb-japan.go.jp/news/ODAenglish.PDF" target="_blank"> invested $391.07 million</a> in Mongolia's development.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Throughout the 2000s, the two countries' relations have strengthened not only financially, but also socially. According to the Embassy of Japan in Mongolia, Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers (JOCV), Official Development Assistant (ODA), Mongolian-Japanese Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), and other educational and cultural organizations have contributed to Mongolia and Japan's friendly relations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In terms of cultural interactions, Mongolian sumo wrestlers have made a special contribution. Oka Hiroki, professor of Asian history at the Center for Northeast Asian Studies, Tohoku University, specializing in Mongolian history, <a href="http://www.nippon.com/en/currents/d00120/" target="_blank">wrote</a>, "For some reason the Mongols always seem to catch the Japanese by surprise. The 13th century Mongol invasion materialized out of thin air, as did the more recent 'invasion' of talented sumo wrestlers from Mongolia." In 2003, a Mongolian sumo wrestler, D. Davgadorj became the 68th yokozuna, a member of the sport's highest rank, carrying the honor to Mongolia and strengthening two countries' cultural relations. Davgadorj was the first Mongolian wrestler in the highest sumo rank, and there were many after him.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In 2010, Mongolia and Japan agreed to build a strategic partnership in their diplomatic goals. The strategic partnership derived from a need to tackle global and regional political and security challenges, such as the rise of China, North Korea's nuclear threat, maritime security issues in the South China Sea and East China Sea, and economic ambitions. Japan has become an important "third neighbor" for Mongolia because of both economic relations and the significance of both countries in the Asia-Pacific security sphere. Mongolia's <a href="http://thediplomat.com/2016/03/mongolias-third-neighbor-policy-blooms/" target="_blank">2011 foreign policy concept</a> specifically highlights the "third neighbor" policy including relations with Japan, in political, economic, and security fora.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In March, 2013, Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe's visit to Mongolia boosted diplomatic relations in three areas: 1) launching Mongolia-Japan-U.S. trilateralism, 2) implementing the Mongolia-Japan economic partnership as medium- and long-term strategic partners, and 3) boosting people-to-people exchange for educational and cultural purposes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>China and Japan compete for Mongolia as a market for imports, exports, and infrastructure and development projects. Japan has won several high-profile contracts. In May 2013, Mitsubishi Corporation and Chiyoga Corporations won the contract to build Mongolia's second international airport at Hushigtiin Hundii, which requires $493 million in investment. On October 22, 2015, Prime Minister Ch. Saikhanbileg's government signed a <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/10/22/national/politics-diplomacy/japan-mongolia-affirm-closer-economic-ties-via-free-trade-pact/" target="_blank">Mongolian-Japanese economic agreement t</a>hat included pledges to develop Tavan Tolgoi mining deposits and railways. This agreement was a big blow to the Chinese mining giant China Shenhua Energy Company, whose own investment agreement was denied by the Mongolian parliament and National Security Council for violating a number of laws and regulations. For Japan, partnering to develop Mongolia's biggest mining deposit and mega-infrastructure was a win-win situation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia's geopolitical position gives it a crucial role to play between rival nations in the Asia-Pacific, whether China-Japan, Russia-Japan, or South Korea-North Korea-Japan. Mongolia has used its <a href="https://bolorsan.blogspot.com/2016/11/small-country-diplomacy.html" target="_blank">small country diplomacy</a> to mediate over the North Korean nuclear crisis, a position Japan values. On September 27, 2016, the foreign ministers of Mongolia and Japan agreed on condemning North Korea's actions. Foreign Minister <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/09/27/national/politics-diplomacy/japan-wins-mongolias-cooperation-north-koreas-nuclear-ambitions/" target="_blank">Fumio Kishida stated</a> at the time, "Mongolia is an important regional partner that shares principles values with Japan." Mongolia can also help mediate in the rivalry between Russia and Japan to its longstanding good-neighbor relations with Russia throughout history<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While Japan has been one of the financiers of Mongolia's development, Mongolia also has supported Japan during hardship. In 2012, during the Fukushima crisis, the Mongolian government <a href="http://www.legalinfo.mn/law/details/5712" target="_blank">donated $1 million </a>and rescue supplies to Miyagi and Ivate prefectures for reconstruction. On the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties, both the Mongolian and Japanese governments hope to make progress on previously signed agreements and commitments. In the upcoming years, two governments will work on the <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/10/15/national/politics-diplomacy/japan-mongolia-agree-keep-bolstering-relations/" target="_blank">2017-2021 action plan</a> to further strengthen bilateral ties on economy and security.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Bolor Lkhaajav is pursuing a Master of Arts in Asia-Pacific Studies at the University of San Francisco. Previously, Lkhaajav worked as a Security Analyst with Horizon Intelligence.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://thediplomat.com/2017/03/far-east-affairs-mongolia-and-japan/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Deputy_Foreign_Minister"></a>Deputy Foreign Minister visits Singapore<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 9 (MONTSAME) On March 3, B.Battsetseg, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mongolia paid a working visit to the Republic of Singapore. In the scope of the visit, she met with Ng Teck Hean, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore to exchange views on issues concerning bilateral relations between Mongolia and Singapore.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the meeting, State Secretary Ng Teck Hean handed over an invitation of involving young Mongolia diplomats in the short-term training to be organized by the Diplomatic Academy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singaporean in May, to Deputy Minister B.Battsetseg.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Same day, Deputy FM B.Battsetseg attended an event to present a certificate of Mongolian Culture Envoy organized by the Embassy of Mongolia in Singapore. She handed over the certificate to a Singapore citizen Dato Endy Vong.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9039">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_8th_Francophone_Film"></a>8<sup>th</sup> Francophone Film Festival at Tengis Cinema, March 10-12<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (UB Post) Alliance Francaise de Mongolie will organize the eighth Francophone Film Festival from March 10 to 12 at Tengis Cinema.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>The following seven French-language films will be screened:</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 10 at 6:00 p.m. – "My Sweet Pepper Land"<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 11 at 3:00 p.m. – "Augustine"<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 11 at 5:10 p.m. – "The Patience Stone"<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 11 at 7:20 p.m. – "As a Open My eyes"<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 12 at 3:00 p.m. – "Violette"<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 12 at 5:35 p.m. – "Memories"<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 12 at 7:30 p.m. – "The Auction"<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Details</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Where: Tengis Cinema<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When: March 10 to 12<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ticket Price: 3,500 MNT<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>More Information: 11-351914<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/09/francophone-film-festival/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_India_Can't_Be"></a>India Can't Be Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>New Delhi's China strategy must apply Chinese dictum "build your strength, bide your time"</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 10 (The Times of India) In a few weeks, when Dalai Lama is scheduled to visit Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh, China will be tempted to make a Mongolia out of India. It shouldn't. 2017 is not turning out to be anything like how China imagined at all, just when President Xi Jinping is getting ready to become a leader without a successor.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Foreign secretary S Jaishankar stated 2017 would be a year when Indian foreign policy would "invest" more in China. The newly minted strategic dialogue in Beijing though showed the distance that still needs to be travelled, despite the gloss put on it by India. China is nowhere close to addressing India's concerns. But India and China are nothing if not mature, pragmatic powers, so they decided to do stuff together in Afghanistan. Not wildly exciting, and they continue to have divergent political tools.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>China is pushing "reconciliation" with Taliban, India is not. India is clear-eyed about Taliban hosting LeT, JeM, etc against us. China is realising that Uyghur ETIM militants have significantly expanded their presence and activities in Afghanistan, supported by the Afghan Taliban, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pakistan's ISI.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Brotherly nation" Pakistan was supposed to have put a lid on them, but quite the opposite appears to be happening as ETIM spreads in districts like Zabul and Badakhshan. Meanwhile, China is picking up unnecessary brickbats for shielding Pakistan's terror asset, Masood Azhar, in the UN.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It's an important consideration as Beijing contemplates CPEC connecting Xinjiang to Balochistan. Pakistan politicians and business classes have started murmuring about its "costs and benefits". A Pak Senate body questioned the funding of CPEC – according to officials, China is believed to give only about 4% in grants, the rest would come through commercial loans from Chinese banks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One only has to look at Sri Lanka to see how that story plays out. CPEC, like Hambantota in Lanka, is revealing itself as a strategic rather than economic project, raising a whole new set of questions for Pakistan, particularly when thousands of acres and a long debt repayment schedule is concerned.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It's not surprising, therefore, that China has taken every opportunity to ask India to join. The latest was the National People's Congress this week, which held out the promise of how CPEC would be good for India. It would, of course, except for the small matter of sovereignty. As Jaishankar said, "The issue is not about connectivity per se."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The surprises of 2017 are not all joy for China. Donald Trump, for instance, is a nightmare they did not see coming. After demanding and getting a one-China admission by Trump, an insult in itself, the Chinese appear to be taking pre-emptive measures on two fronts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Beijing is amending its Maritime Traffic Safety Law to empower China to "designate specific areas and temporarily bar foreign ships from passing through those areas". It will require foreign submarines to pass through "China's waters" on the surface while flying their national flags to identify themselves. In other words, China is preparing to declare international waters on the 9-dash-line, and perhaps East China Sea as its 'territory'.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Xi is rebuilding the Chinese military to become a younger, meaner fighting machine, which makes the Chinese outrage at THAAD deployment in South Korea understandable – it emasculates China's formidable PLA Rocket Force, which targets US bases in the region.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On the other hand, China clearly doesn't want to give the likes of Peter Navarro and Wilbur Ross an opening – this week, Chinese telecom major ZTE quietly paid up the largest ever fine of $1.19 billion to the US for sanctions-flouting sales to North Korea and Iran. "This penalty is an example of the extraordinary powers the Department of Commerce will use to vigorously protect the interests of the US," intoned Ross. China showed the smallest increase in its defence budget this year, also a sign that it doesn't want to attract the hawks in Washington. Meanwhile, it's fighting a losing battle to keep the yuan up.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Simultaneously, China granted approval to 38 Trump trademarks, a full-sweep approval that is unprecedented. Basically, it would cover Trump businesses including spa/massage services, golf clubs, hotels, insurance, finance and real estate companies, restaurants, bars, bodyguards, social escorts and concierge services – all these businesses in President Trump's name would be legit in China. The coolest pre-emptive strike.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The only superpower with the likes of Pakistan and North Korea as its real allies, China is playing its hide-and-seek battle with the US with typical sophistication. Xi will be in Washington soon, but remember who his first envoy to Trump was – Jack Ma. Xi is positioning himself as the new 'globaliser', using a Silk Road summit in May to fuel OBOR. But Chinese overreach, a little like Pakistan's, is evident in its recent punitive action on South Korean companies for giving land to the US THAAD.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>New Delhi's playbook should include a mix of two strategies – a version of "peace through strength" and a Chinese dictum "build your strength, bide your time". America is crucial in India's China strategy, which will probably feature "bigly" in a Modi-Trump conversation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dalai Lama told an American comedy anchor this week that common sense is missing from the brains of Chinese officials. "The Chinese hard-liners, in their brain, that part is missing," in his words. Let that advice apply to India too. It's time for PM Modi to be less of a missionary, more of the businessman while balancing China and building India.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Globespotting/india-cant-be-mongolia/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s1600/image006-756175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s320/image006-756175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711214590112482" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HealthEdu></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Health & Education<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Q3_school_holidays"></a>Q3 school holidays to start on March 30<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 9 (MONTSAME) According to a decision by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sports of Mongolia, spring holiday of secondary schools in Ulaanbaatar city will start on March 30 to continue until April 5.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also, students of the secondary schools in the provinces will take a break from March 23 to April 5 for two weeks. The Governors of the provinces have a right to arrange secondary school holiday in connection with the conditions in the respective areas, such as harsh weather, infectious diseases and quarantine.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/education/9062">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s1600/image006-756175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s320/image006-756175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711214590112482" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Culture></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Culture & Society<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_livestock_herders"></a>Mongolian livestock herders affected by climate change sent crucial supplies<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (The International Fund for Animal Welfare) After two straight devastating <i>dzuds</i>, summer droughts followed by extremely cold winter temperatures, Mongolian livestock herders are struggling to keep their livestock from freezing or starving to death.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) awarded Cambridge Mongolia Development Appeal (CAMDA) a $10,000 emergency grant to provide those herders mineral blocks, vitamins and supplements for their livestock.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia has experienced a number of dzuds in the past. Historically, they occur every 12 years. Recently, however, these extreme weather events have increased in frequency—striking in 2016 and again in 2017. These back-to-back devastating dzuds threaten the sustainability of traditional herders.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In 2016, Mongolia reported one million livestock perished during the dzud. In the previous dzud, for which IFAW provided relief back in 2009-10, the country lost between eight and nine million livestock.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While the exact cause of a dzud is unknown, the suspicious culprit of these intense storms is changes to the overall climate in Mongolia. Dry summers and heavy snowfall do not allow grasslands to recover in time for the following grazing season. An increase in livestock numbers mean an increased need for grazing lands. In Mongolia, this is evidence of how damaging climate change can be to a country's culture and livelihood.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>IFAW is committed to the welfare of individual animals and their habitats. For us, climate change is an issue which extends across both those issues. Landscapes are essential to the welfare of animals in our world and impact our lives. A recently published report by IFAW, <i>MEASURING WHAT MATTERS: True Wellbeing for Animals and People</i>, presents specific case studies about the intersection of animal and human wellbeing and surveys alternatives which can better measure and protect human wellbeing than the economics-specific Gross National Product measure.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In a letter to the White House, IFAW members asked the President to invest in the future by prioritizing clean energy, rebuilding ecosystems to protect wildlife and people alike from drought, wildfires, and other effects of climate change, and working with other countries to fix the problem at the source.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.pressreleasepoint.com/mongolian-livestock-herders-affected-climate-change-sent-crucial-supplies">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Nomad_2017_photo"></a>Nomad 2017 photo tour highlights the camel<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (UB Post) Over 70 photojournalists from the United Association of Mongolian Photographers gathered in Tseel and Ugtaaltsaidam soums of Tuv Province for the Nomad 2017 photo tour on March 6.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Photographers from Selenge, Tuv, Darkhan and Erdenet provinces took part Nomad 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The United Association of Mongolian Photographers organized the photography tour to help preserve the nomadic traditions of Mongolia and promote ancient migratory ways to tourists.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The photographers captured astonishing moments with Mongolian camel and horses during Nomad 2017. The governor's offices of Ugtaaltsaidam and Tseel soums of Tuv Province helped photographers discover attractions for tourism in rural areas.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The photographers spent a day at herder N.Saruul's home, who spends spring in Ikh Khanginakh, Tseel soum. Herds of camels, nomad culture, the process of migrating, and the lifestyle of nomads were captured by the Nomad 2017 photographers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the photo tour, a horsemanship competition took place among 20 herders. A horse herder from Tseel soum, N.Namsrai, won first place.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The United Association of Mongolian Photographers is planning to organize a photo tour every year to share nomadic traditions with the public and develop tourism in rural areas.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/09/nomad-2017-highlights-camel/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Berkeley_event:_Evolution"></a>Berkeley event: Evolution of the 20th century Mongolia/China border, in maps<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Tour/Open House | March 10 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | 50 <a href="http://www.berkeley.edu/map/googlemap/?mccone">McCone Hall</a><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Sponsor</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>: <a href="http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/libraries/earth-sciences-library">Library</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Join us for a Maps and More pop up exhibit featuring maps from librarian Susan Powell's photo essay focusing the Mongolian-Chinese border. Find her article here: <a href="https://cross-currents.berkeley.edu/e-journal/issue-21/powell">https://cross-currents.berkeley.edu/e-journal/issue-21/powell</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Event Contact</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>: <a href="mailto:smpowell@berkeley.edu">smpowell@berkeley.edu</a>, 510-642-2997<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://events.berkeley.edu/index.php/calendar/sn/library.html?event_ID=107080&date=2017-03-10">Link to event</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_The_Cartographic_Evolution"></a>The Cartographic Evolution of the Sino-Mongolian Border at Zamyn Üüd/Erlian<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>by Susan Powell, University of California, Berkeley<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>December 2016 (Cross Currents: East Asian History and Cultural Review) The shifting relationship between China and Mongolia throughout the twentieth century was played out both on the ground and in maps of their shared border—in the frontier. This cartographic photo essay focuses on one small but distinctive area of the border, where the Trans-Mongolian Railway both perforates the boundary and links the two nations. The twin cities of Zamyn Üüd and Erlian now sit on this crossing, but what was there before, how did this region evolve, and what do cartographic representations of the space tell us? In this essay I address these questions using maps drawn primarily from the library of the University of California, Berkeley.<a name="_ednref"></a><a href="https://cross-currents.berkeley.edu/e-journal/issue-21/powell#_edn1" title="">[i]</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Today, the border towns of Zamyn Üüd [Замын Үүд] and Erlian [</span><span lang=ZH-CN style='font-family:"MS Mincho",serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>二</span><span lang=ZH-CN style='font-family:"Microsoft JhengHei",sans-serif;mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>连</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>] sit opposite each other in Mongolia and China, respectively, guarding the Trans-Mongolian Railway border crossing, one of the few cartographic piercings of the Sino-Mongolian border on modern maps. In 2007, nearly 70 percent of Mongolian commercial exchanges with China took place across the Zamyn Üüd/Erlian crossing (Lacaze 2012, 112). Despite the economic and symbolic importance of the area, however, the towns are not large (relative to others in their respective countries), and the surrounding countryside is the sparsely populated Gobi Desert (Atwood 2004, 156; Lacaze 2012, 117). Furthermore, even though these two cities and this border crossing are well represented in current print cartography, the space evolved significantly over the twentieth century. Reality on the ground pushes against the tidy representations of both print and digital maps. Figures 1 and 2 show where Zamyn Üüd and Erlian are situated along the modern Sino-Mongolian border. Note in particular the significant shift between Zamyn Üüd's past location and its current one. As documented in this essay, Zamyn Üüd was probably moved during the 1960s.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://cross-currents.berkeley.edu/e-journal/issue-21/powell">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Looking_Into_The"></a>Looking Into The Horse Milk Story That The Dalai Lama Told John Oliver<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 9 (NPR) Like so many countries from the former Soviet bloc, Mongolia faced a terrible economic upheaval at the end of the Soviet Union. In the first few years, inflation went up over 250 percent; employment went down.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>And people started drinking much more heavily. "Alcoholism was devastating during the economic hardships of the '90s," writes Jargalsaikhan Mendee, a political scientist and former Mongolian defense attaché to the United States, in an email to Goats and Soda.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Dalai Lama says he made a difference. In an interview last Sunday with news comedian John Oliver, the Tibetan spiritual leader said, "I suggested [to the Mongolians] drink much less vodka. Instead of that, drink horse milk."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"You tried to wean them off vodka by giving them horse milk?" Oliver replied, incredulously.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Oh yes. Then they follow," the Dalai Lama said. "Since then I think majority of Mongolians no longer any drink."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Dalai Lama was actually encouraging people to drink more airag, a fermented brew made from mare's milk, Mendee says. It's a popular traditional beverage that has roots in Central Asian nomadic horse culture going back thousands of years and has an alcohol content similar to hard cider. The idea is that by consuming something less intoxicating than vodka, which is commonly drunk, people might be better off. Vodka often contains 30 or 40 percent alcohol whereas airag is around 5 to 10 percent alcohol by volume.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>It's not clear when the Dalai Lama first encouraged Mongolians to lay off hard spirits. Some sources suggest it was in 2011, while others believe it was during his fourth visit to the country in 1995.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>He hasn't been the only person promoting this message. The current president, Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, began making a similar request of his countrymen in 2011, sometime after the Dalai Lama's fourth visit to Mongolia. Ever since then the president has been urging people to toast with milk — the non-alcoholic variety pulled from goats, cows or sheep– and asking officials not to serve alcohol at government events. The president's office did not respond to a request for comment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Those were really good public health initiatives. When the Dalai Lama came up with that slogan for us, 'Drink less vodka. Drink more mare's milk,' that hit people a lot!" says Dr. Tsogtbataar Byambaa, the director of the National Center for Public Health in Mongolia. "A significant percentage of Mongolians are Buddhists. So many people here worship Dalai Lama." And Elbegdorj even received an <a href="http://www.wpro.who.int/mongolia/mediacentre/rd_recognition/en/">award from the World Health Organization in 2012</a> for his efforts to reduce alcoholism.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As the Dalai Lama claimed on <i>Last Week Tonight</i>, it does seem to be the case that most Mongolians don't drink regularly. Only about 36 percent of Mongolians have had an alcoholic drink in the last month based on a WHO survey from 2013, Byambaa says.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>It was basically the same in 2009, though. Even before Elbegdorj asked people to consider taking it a little easy on the bottle, only <a href="http://www.who.int/chp/steps/mongolia/en/">38 percent of Mongolians</a> reported drinking in the past month. That's low compared to the U.S., where 56 percent of people drink on a monthly basis (and about 27 percent report binge drinking in the past month).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>There is some indication that things changed in Mongolia between 2005 and 2009, however. The oldest WHO alcohol data on Mongolia is from a 2005 report, which put the percentage of drinkers at about 60 percent of the population. So the WHO data indicates that there really are fewer Mongolians who drink today than over a decade ago.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>But <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=112485545">alcohol misuse</a> is still a significant <a href="http://www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/global_alcohol_report/profiles/mng.pdf">public health hurdle</a> for the country, Byambaa says. "There's a mean number of standard drinks consumed per drinking occasion, he says. "That's 9 for us. Think about that number for a second."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The WHO surveys suggest that many Mongolians who do drink are binging on a staggering amount of booze, Byambaa says. That volume hasn't changed much since 2009 either. "[The mean number of drinks per occasion] was 8.8 drinks in 2009. That one went up a little bit," Byambaa says. "It's very alarming."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Did the Dalai Lama and Elbegdorj's call to "drink milk, not vodka" have any effect on Mongolian drinking habits? Byambaa demurs to the question. "I can't quantify the effect of that," he says. "Anecdotally? Well, I can't say anecdotally."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>He added with a chuckle: "Well, who am I to judge Dalai Lama?"<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mendee is a little more forthright on the issue. "I don't think that Dalai Lama and Elbegdorj changed it," he says. After the country's hard transition from communism to a market economy, Mongolia has enjoyed steady economic growth since the mid-1990s. Mendee thinks that economic improvement may have done more for alcohol misuse than public health campaigns from dignitaries. Beer and wine are getting more popular nowadays, Mendee adds.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As to whether or not people have begun drinking more fermented mare's milk since His Holiness endorsed it, Byambaa says that airag has always been popular. "Yeah, I don't know. It looks like milk. It's sour," he says. "I like it. It's my favorite."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2017/03/09/519226175/looking-into-the-horse-milk-story-that-the-dalai-lama-told-john-oliver">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s1600/image006-756175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s320/image006-756175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711214590112482" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Nature></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Nature & Environment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_The_Interactions_Between"></a>The Interactions Between Precipitation, Vegetation and Dust Emission Over Semi-Arid Mongolia<span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>By Yuki Sofue<sup>1</sup>, Buho Hoshino<sup>2</sup>*, Yuta Demura<sup>3</sup>, Eunice Nduati<sup>1</sup>, Akihiko Kondoh<sup>1</sup><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><sup>1 </sup>Department of Earth Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, 2638522, Japan <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><sup>2</sup> Laboratory of Environmental Remote Sensing, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, 0698501, Japan <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><sup>3 </sup>Field Researchers Corporation CO. Ltd, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0007, Japan<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>* Correspondence to: Buho Hoshino (aosier@rakuno.ac.jp)<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>Manuscript under review for journal Atmos. Chem. Phys. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Discussion started: 9 March 2017<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Abstract</b>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Recently, droughts have become widespread in the Northern Hemisphere, including in Mongolia. The ground surface condition, particularly vegetation coverage affects the occurrence of dust storms. The main sources of dust storms in 10 the Asian region are Taklimakan and Gobi deserts. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the trend of vegetation variation and the effects of precipitation in the Gobi region. In the Gobi region, precipitation is confined to the period from May to September. We compared the patterns of interactions between precipitation and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) for a period of 29 years. The precipitation and vegetation datasets were examined to investigate the trends between 1985 - 2013. Cross correlation analysis between the precipitation and the NDVI anomalies was performed. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>15 Data analysis showed a decreasing trend in precipitation amount and its spatial shift from the east to west part of the region investigated. The vegetation in the area with the lowest precipitation was more sensitive to the precipitation dynamics than those parts with relatively higher values. The most degraded area was the southwest region of Gobi with the least precipitation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>1 Introduction<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.atmos-chem-phys-discuss.net/acp-2017-83/acp-2017-83.pdf">Link to study</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s1600/image006-756175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s320/image006-756175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711214590112482" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Sports></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Sports<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_MMA_fighter"></a>Mongolian MMA fighter to compete for one million dollar prize<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (news.mn) International Master of Sport B.Nandin-Erdene, will compete in the MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Competition, organised by Road FC which offers one million dollars for the winner. B.Nandin-Erdene, who currently lives in South Korea, will fight against Bruna Miranda from the Tiger MMA club of Thailand. The match will be held in the South Korean capital of Seoul. The top sixteen fighters will compete.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Nandin-Erdene was born in 1987 in Ulaanbaatar and graduated from the Ikh Zasag University and Mongolian National Institute of Physical Education. He entered mixed martial arts in 2001 and went on to become an International Master of Sports in boxing, a Sports Master of kickboxing, an Asian karate champion as well as a black belt in taekwondo.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/326982">Link to article</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9057">M.Nandin-Erdene to participate in Road FC</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 9<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_National_academy_of"></a>National academy of freestyle wrestling established<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 9 (MONTSAME) A national academy of freestyle wrestling has been established to train professional athletes of freestyle wrestling and support young wrestlers. Well-known experienced wrestlers and trainers work in the academy, including double silver medalist of the world championships O.Purevbaatar, silver and bronze medalist of the world championships B.Naranbaatar, trainers, who trained the national team in Rio Olympics 2016 B.Bayaraa and L.Enkhbayar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Wrestlers' team of the academy consisting of over 40 athletes, has departed to participate in the Prix of the Buryatia Republic's President in Ulan-Ude, of Russia. Moreover, some wrestlers, headed by trainer L.Enkhbayar are making joint training with Chinese wrestlers in Hohhot city, China.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9046">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mandakhnaran_Ganzorig_takes"></a>Mandakhnaran Ganzorig takes 6<sup>th</sup> place in world wresting ranking<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 9 (MONTSAME) Two Mongolian wrestlers made the Top 20 of the latest UWW (United World Wrestling) ranking from last month.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The ranking list was updated based on the results of the World Cup held in Kermanshah of Iran and the international competition took place in Cuba in February 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In men's 65 kg category, twice bronze medalist of the World Championships of Freestyle Wrestling State Honored Athlete G.Mandakhnaran was ranked at the sixth place, whereas State Honored Athlete P.Unurbat was ranked at the 17th place.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The February rankings were not changed much compared to the previous one, however, there are quite a few important tournaments expected to impact the March rankings. The tournaments include the international competition named after Yashar Dogu and the Kiev championships, Buryatian Presidential Cup and the European cup.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9044">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_FIBA-endorsed_3x3_basketball"></a>FIBA-endorsed 3x3 basketball workshop to be held in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 9 (MONTSAME) With its fast expanding fame, FIBA 3x3 World Championship the largest tournament for 3x3 Basketball in the world is holding a workshop in Mongolia on March 11 and 12 at the Sports Hall of Cultural Palace.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Endorsed by FIBA 3x3, the recently established 3x3 Mongolian Basketball Association will organize the workshop in which the FIBA 3x3's Senior Referee in charge of Asia is invited. During 3x3 Workshop for Mongolian Referees, national 3x3 basketball championship will take place in accordance with FIBA standard basket and court. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last year during the 3x3 championship, the public was excited for the match between two silver medalist teams of Asian Beach Games and Universiade. On this day, a total of 8 teams including the members of the North Korean national team, Mongolian national basketball team's U.S Legionnaire members, 2 teams that are preparing for Asian Cup, three times winner of Sprite 3x3 tournament and Mongolian national team's 3x3 group will face-off for the FIBA endorsed cup. Also, the participating team can increase their points of FIBA 3x3 world rankings.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/9041">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s1600/image006-756175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s320/image006-756175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711214590112482" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Art></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Art & Entertainment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_"If_I_were"></a>"If I were a magician" short film competition announced <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 9 (MONTSAME) Short film festival named "If I were a Magician" will be organized among amateurs by "Nairamdal Rotaract Club" NGO on April 15. The festival is to be held within "The Milky way" project to combat violence against children, for the third time.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A competition has been announced for the festival and all film lovers can submit their work till March 26. Films for the competition are required to be inspiring and appealing every person's participation in prevention, awareness and stopping violence against children.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Prize fund of the festival is MNT5 million and best works will be announced on April 15 at the ICinema where the prize awarding event and public presentation will be held.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/9063">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Imax_Awards_to"></a>Imax Awards to select best Mongolian films of 2016<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (UB Post) Mongol Film Development Fund and Urgoo Cinema will jointly organize the Imax Awards to select the best Mongolian films of 2016 next month.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Imax Awards aims to "promote Mongolian filmmakers to the world, support filmmakers to make mind-blowing creations, and educate young generations."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Organizers of the Imax Awards announced a contest for the design of the winner's cup. A.Sodjargal, designer at Erdenet Mining Corporation, won the competition. Over 10 artists competed in the contest.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A total of 46 Mongolian films were officially released in 2016 and the public is able to vote for films in the best make-up artist, best sound engineer, best soundtrack, best music, best supporting actor, best supporting actress, best cinematographer, best script writer, best director, best male protagonist, best female protagonist, best film, best design, and the best film showcasing Mongolian tradition and culture categories through www.urgoo.mn.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/09/imax-awards-to-select-best-mongolia-films-of-2016/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s1600/image006-756175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s320/image006-756175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711214590112482" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Travel></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Travel<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_How_to_exchange"></a>How to exchange your foreign driving license for Mongolian<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (gogo.mn) All foreigners will need to get an International Driver's Permit or a Mongolian driver's license before driving in Mongolia. Please note that you must take a written exam before you can obtain a Mongolian driver's license. The written exam is provided only in Mongolia; therefore one must provide their own translator.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also, if your driver's licence is registered other foreign countries that are member to Vienna Conventions on Road Traffic, then you can apply to exchange it for a Mongolian driver's license. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You must submit your driving licence permit application to a License Center of General Police Department of Mongolia in person. Remember to bring:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Foreign passport or temporary residence card and its notarized copy <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>A foreign driving licence accompanied by an official translation into Mongolian and its notarised copy<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Driver`s white page (you can take it from the service hall)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Health examination paper<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>5.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>3x4 sized one photograph <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>6.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Payment receipt for MNT 12,500 /Bank account: 900012408, Central State Fund Bank, Receiver organization: Police Office/<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more info on issues related to the driving license, please contact at +976-70006996.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157596">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_participating_in"></a>Mongolia participating in ITB Berlin 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 9 (MONTSAME) Mongolian delegates are attending the 51st edition of the World's Leading Travel Trade Show ITB Berlin, which is being held in Berlin, Germany on March 8-12. The event is being participated by over 10 thousand companies and entities engaged in the tourism entities from 186 countries. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Michael Muller, Mayor of Berlin, Iris Gleicke, Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economy Affairs and Energy, Christian Goke, Chief Executive Officer of 'Messe Berlin' Company, Michael Frenzel, President of the Federal Association of the German Tourism Industry, Norbert Fiebig, President of the German Travel Association, Taleb Rifai, Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) visited the Mongolian pavilion at the ITB Berlin 2017 giving great emphasis. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian delegates led by D.Gantumur, President of the Mongolian Tourism Association are composed of such companies as MIAT, Ger to Ger, Great Chinghis Expedition, Tsolmon Travel, Juulchin, New Juulchin, Nature Tour, Ar Mongol Travel and Star Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On the sidelines of the ITB Berlin 2017, 7th UNWTO Silk Road Ministerial Meeting was held focusing on sustainable tourism policies and practices and impact on local Silk Road communities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9051">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Barclay_Travel:_Sidegames"></a>Barclay Travel: Sidegames in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (Barclay Travel Community) While in Mongolia on my tour, I had the pleasure of having some down time with a local school group. They were playing some type of ball kicking game in a circle. I was a willing participant when I went over to grab my camera. We all stayed in yurt type tents, which were well appointed and well attended. They even came in in the middle of the night to stoke the fire, at the center of the yurt. Mongolia is a special place, mixed with chinese and russian influence. Its a destination location, and I recommend it with no reservations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.barclaycardtravel.com/t5/Stories/Sidegames-in-Mongolia/ba-p/2188599">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Redditors_want_more"></a>Redditors want more information about this photographer riding across Mongolia on horseback<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 (Lost at E Minor) One Reddit user seems to have a pretty adventurous life by casually riding across Mongolia for three months with friends as if they were in a Country and Western.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Redditor <a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/sickfee49" target="_blank">sickfee49</a> posted a majestic photograph from his three-month horseback journey across Mongolia. However, the post was fairly elusive which prompted Reddit users to ask for more information.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One user commented: "Whoa whoa whoa… you can't just drop a lead-in like that, one photo and then leave us hanging. There has to be some interesting stories and photos beyond just this."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The traveling man then posted a little insight into the journey, saying that they were surviving primarily on rice and dried meats (a novelty) and oats. They fed their dog rice and occasionally went fishing to change up the tastes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They were also fortunate to be invited by the locals to dinner.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"When locals invited us into their ger for dinner is when things got really crackin," he said. "They'd make us really great meals (not the best food in general but anything apart from our daily serving was a godsend)."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Unfortunately, they purchased Chinese-made shelters from Ulaanbaatar, which had a tendency to leak. His sleeping bag also broke on the first day of their journey.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>So they used the horse pads from underneath the saddles to form a makeshift bed at night. He also commented on the living situations being terribly dirty… to say the least:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I used the blanket that went on our pack horse at night. Absolutely fucking filthy, horse sweat, dirt, and rain, but better than being cold in Siberia at night."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Their journey is still ongoing and the mates are currently in South America.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.lostateminor.com/2017/03/10/redditors-want-information-photographer-riding-across-mongolia-horseback/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s1600/image006-756175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfK0QuwBdA_-Wp5_gx4JoCSavYRB2NQk1MngaUStQku57keeACKummLOu4sbpzl13EGcEeS9_yhvyfLPGGwh6IrLEyqaMr7VR4NHPpgFhNZViW7UCJQ0wJ3Bi6LbKzYLtDSyxHXGQdZGQ/s320/image006-756175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711214590112482" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#365F91'>---<br></span><b><span style='color:#44546A'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdT-W_7AL9mwiK2frqnhCpNN0e7A7xQoK_LXq054wx4xZgp7HbB6GkzChZrxH3UEll4r3J17Ur82E90ADKwU09bxIJ9aOHEczhR-mV-CBoCLbU2bWRN1T7K3WL1HVdxf72GmQMWSOeOAQ/s1600/image011-771458.png"><img 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/></a></span></a><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><span style='color:#365F91;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf66NTBMYIVZ8lgk9f1l5JEagi9eI26qf_3sp9EY0bXbLPWnYJrXh8IaL6vt6PFPypffPFRr3BDS6x_hXGJq53JsaCrmCl8JaaBJIudkU0squR5XK6yWY2_EeaaxKHe1YKDOrICTYRWnQ/s1600/image013-777281.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf66NTBMYIVZ8lgk9f1l5JEagi9eI26qf_3sp9EY0bXbLPWnYJrXh8IaL6vt6PFPypffPFRr3BDS6x_hXGJq53JsaCrmCl8JaaBJIudkU0squR5XK6yWY2_EeaaxKHe1YKDOrICTYRWnQ/s320/image013-777281.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711303106501298" /></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><span style='color:#365F91;text-decoration:none'><a 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/></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'> </span><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:#365F91;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXDctQB1TPhLZvsQrZ59OSLmE_2HbE5mjeOq-WeHSduF2JVjuL_kbJUJXA6emO7Kbc9IY5bkR0SNkFjJxQH8TUZ2B2dlbI6-old6VdU0Gk0rBY6Fd_I0MGz05eY7R5IJ_1odnDGoGh6Q/s1600/image017-789020.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZXDctQB1TPhLZvsQrZ59OSLmE_2HbE5mjeOq-WeHSduF2JVjuL_kbJUJXA6emO7Kbc9IY5bkR0SNkFjJxQH8TUZ2B2dlbI6-old6VdU0Gk0rBY6Fd_I0MGz05eY7R5IJ_1odnDGoGh6Q/s320/image017-789020.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395711356498843618" /></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Suite </span><span lang=MN style='color:#1F497D'>303</span><span style='color:#1F497D'>, Level 3, Elite Complex<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>14 Chinggis Avenue, Sukhbaatar District 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia<br></span><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Email</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: </span><a href="mailto:info@covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@covermongolia.com</span></a><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Website</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: <a href="http://www.covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>www.covermongolia.com</span></a></span><u><span style='color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Phone (Office)</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: +976 7711 6779</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:Webdings;color:#339966'>P</span><span style='color:#339966'> </span><span lang=EN-AU style='color:#007F00;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-77023520714996470862017-03-09T11:38:00.000+08:002017-04-25T11:28:51.672+08:00[FX reserves fall 14%; GoM to double exploration land; movable property pledge takes effect; and FIPA enters into force]<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYHFypHCmVpY6ZFEWS31fCyedOtPfg5wHSkcaaEmPPPuOX_vN7S_whZGpBEvlQkgDM5_rzSb6ENvCAEgHVihVOQMEqXj5K4zE0uIVAg7arNbipwgFoK_WJplBXqWmW2KhHKcZrx56TbI/s1600/image001-742588.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgYHFypHCmVpY6ZFEWS31fCyedOtPfg5wHSkcaaEmPPPuOX_vN7S_whZGpBEvlQkgDM5_rzSb6ENvCAEgHVihVOQMEqXj5K4zE0uIVAg7arNbipwgFoK_WJplBXqWmW2KhHKcZrx56TbI/s320/image001-742588.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338355844334514" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBwD1Q6DLqDW0sBmcVDb0-6g50IKkTPL7u9V4q_gQ6rL3usNsZSJhSPLKKkoMhRdCpU_ohBFjKNxx6IOeTshKpwZQpwwYPUoNRERLO1jHNMeYIPmQMDkrDG_hidDAoTkeyhyphenhyphen62eBOOLI/s1600/image002-747052.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBwD1Q6DLqDW0sBmcVDb0-6g50IKkTPL7u9V4q_gQ6rL3usNsZSJhSPLKKkoMhRdCpU_ohBFjKNxx6IOeTshKpwZQpwwYPUoNRERLO1jHNMeYIPmQMDkrDG_hidDAoTkeyhyphenhyphen62eBOOLI/s320/image002-747052.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338369868027186" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Thursday, March 9, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'>Cover Mongolia</span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span style='color:#4472C4'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></u>, <span style='color:#00B0F0'><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#00B0F0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#2F5597'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#2F5597'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span style='color:black'>, </span><span style='color:#C55A11'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><b><span style='color:#C55A11'>Instagram</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#C00000'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><b><span style='color:#C00000'>YouTube</span></b></a></span> and <span style='color:#FFC000'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><b><span style='color:#FFC000'>Blogspot</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><u>Jump to</u>: <a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> - <a href="#Local">Local Market</a> - <a href="#Economy">Economy</a> - <a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> - <a href="#Business">Business</a> - <a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> - <a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> - <a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> - <a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> - <a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> - <a href="#Sports">Sports</a> - <a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> - <a href="#Travel">Travel</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Headlines in <b><i>Italic</i></b> are ones modified by Cover Mongolia from original<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>HEADLINES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadIntl></a><u><a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia's_debt_exchange">Mongolia's debt exchange marks stunning turnaround</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_sees_no">Mongolia sees no change in Oyu Tolgoi copper stake</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MMC_files_draft">MMC files draft scheme of arrangement, explanatory statement with Cayman, HK courts</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MMC:_Date_of">MMC: Date of Board Meeting, 22 March</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Kincora_Copper_Corporate">Kincora Copper Corporate Presentation, March 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Canadian_miner_Kincora">Canadian miner Kincora leads Mongolian copper rush</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_TerraCom_Appoints_Non-Executive">TerraCom Appoints Non-Executive Director</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Uranium_Industry_Defaults">Uranium Industry Defaults on Denison Payment for Mongolian Uranium Projects</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_stocks_listed">Mongolian stocks listed overseas surge by an average of 84% in Q4</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoBQl6R0e-thN9QAuMVIjUvJKFJfA_KWMeQwi_y3vPvUzpzGYcfzHGcpJrt2WvX63lZBb29jesB54mrZrJdneIUkPM1igqaZZ-pxkkI87hLEmCNyPjPfC4fxQNygTnXoPKDIis3j0XS8/s1600/image003-750451.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoBQl6R0e-thN9QAuMVIjUvJKFJfA_KWMeQwi_y3vPvUzpzGYcfzHGcpJrt2WvX63lZBb29jesB54mrZrJdneIUkPM1igqaZZ-pxkkI87hLEmCNyPjPfC4fxQNygTnXoPKDIis3j0XS8/s320/image003-750451.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338384619183794" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadLocal></a><u><a href="#Local">Local Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MSE_Trading_Report,_1">MSE Trading Report, Mar 6: Top 20 +0.68%, ALL +0.36%, Turnover ₮55.7 Million Shares, ₮582.3 Million T-Bills</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MSE_Trading_Report,">MSE Trading Report, Mar 7: Top 20 -1.36%, ALL -0.72%, Turnover ₮117.5M Shares, ₮12.5B T-Bill Primary, ₮329.5M Secondary</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_IFC_and_Mongolian">IFC and Mongolian Stock Exchange "Ring the Bell" for Gender Equality</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEj9m-Q4TDWYMuwrQRN4w_eqWkUx4moHntKq6g9x90b2bIdOolQh8-AAheTVYov6-HHxoriCXAkqmJepazp7m-J_QwGtTdD1IgO-QdmpUsa_wV-Iub0hS-Ebmw3v6whc3M7IOeyMjfCdM/s1600/image004-753296.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEj9m-Q4TDWYMuwrQRN4w_eqWkUx4moHntKq6g9x90b2bIdOolQh8-AAheTVYov6-HHxoriCXAkqmJepazp7m-J_QwGtTdD1IgO-QdmpUsa_wV-Iub0hS-Ebmw3v6whc3M7IOeyMjfCdM/s320/image004-753296.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338397074280274" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadEconomy></a><u><a href="#Economy">Economy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_MNT_Rates:">Mongolia gains for 3<sup>rd</sup> day against USD</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_issues_₮281">BoM issues ₮281 billion 1-week bills, total outstanding +50.6% to ₮836 billion</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_buys_$31.5m">BoM buys $31.5m at ₮2,467.55, declines MNT swap offers</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_FX_Reserves">BoM FX Reserves Fall 13.8% in January to $1.1 Billion, Down 15.4% from 2016</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_buys_770.3">BoM buys 770.3 kgs of gold in January, up 19.6% from 2016</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMbtFOP5YxU0sq_JibqUuvZpPeVRTlnsS68Xav-rYKBG9NiGyNXhXSYkUe1ZkURd3FDXZve-ReZDkQ3FfzWvVXFNxBMWYHtpZchHOx46irIbHJAUOV6ExWfIqWYiGOb7Zkp0UgbUS2dY/s1600/image005-756489.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMbtFOP5YxU0sq_JibqUuvZpPeVRTlnsS68Xav-rYKBG9NiGyNXhXSYkUe1ZkURd3FDXZve-ReZDkQ3FfzWvVXFNxBMWYHtpZchHOx46irIbHJAUOV6ExWfIqWYiGOb7Zkp0UgbUS2dY/s320/image005-756489.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338411848046754" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadPolitics></a><u><a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Defacto_Review,_February">Defacto Review, February 26: IMF EFF, BoM audit, ex-MPs arrested</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Forum_reviews_President's">Forum reviews President's accomplishments</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Cabinet_adopts_national_1">Cabinet adopts national program on combating drug abuse</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Parliament_members_receive">Parliament members receive state orders</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Current_Parliament_has">Current Parliament has highest representation of women</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Prime_Minister_honors">Prime Minister honors admirable mothers</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Registration_for_state">Registration for state rental housing program to open in April</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_World_Bank:_Mongolia">World Bank: Mongolia Export Development Project - Procurement Plan</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Privileged_Herders_and">Privileged Herders and Penalized Workers</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Addendum:_Paying_Bribes">Julian Dierkes: Addendum - Paying Bribes</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire_1">AmCham Daily Newswire for March 6, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire">AmCham Daily Newswire for March 7, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s1600/image006-759751.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s320/image006-759751.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338424575524834" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadBusiness></a><u><a href="#Business">Business</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_to_double">Mongolia to double land open for exploration -mining minister</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_looks_to">Mongolia looks to develop its downstream oil industry</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Law_on_Movable">Law on Movable Property Pledge enters into effect</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongol_Bank_to">Mongol Bank to omit 25,621 loans from its bad loan database</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_'Mongolia_Gold'_Investment">'Mongolia Gold' Investment Conference, March 17</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Photo_Blog:_Investing">Photo Blog: Investing in Women's Entrepreneurship in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_82_freight_forwarding">82 freight forwarding companies suspended pending examination</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Modern_Nomads_opens">Modern Nomads opens "Black Burger Factory" in UB</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_E-Mart_begins_sending">E-Mart begins sending Korean-grown fresh food to Mongolia</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Road_Expo_Mongolia">Road Expo Mongolia 2017, from the 16th to the 17th of March</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Rare_opportunity_in">Rare opportunity in a strategic Asian frontier market</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s1600/image006-759751.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s320/image006-759751.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338424575524834" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadUlaanbaatar></a><u><a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_DP_protests_Bayanzurkh">DP protests Bayanzurkh District governor appointment</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_UB_local_governance">UB local governance to be improved through capacity strengthening</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s1600/image006-759751.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s320/image006-759751.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338424575524834" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadDiplomacy></a><u><a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Canada-Mongolia_investment_agreemen">Canada-Mongolia investment agreement enters into force</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_denies_running">Mongolia denies running secret casino in Moscow</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_China_wants_water">China wants water from Russia's Lake Baikal to irrigate drought-hit regions</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_peacekeepers_save">Mongolian peacekeepers save refugees in South Sudan</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Environment_Minister_meets">Environment Minister meets Japanese Ambassador</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Belarusian_Ambassador_meets">Belarusian Ambassador meets with MP N.Enkhbold to develop economic cooperation</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_Consul_General">Mongolian Consul General meets Hong Kong Chief Executive</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_VN_President_receives">VN President receives newly-accredited ambassadors</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_India-Mongolia_talks_on">India-Mongolia talks on uranium begin this month</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_The_Dragon,_Dalai">The Dragon, Dalai Lama and Mongolia: What diplomatic role should India play</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Tibetan_Leadership_Cons">Tibetan Leadership Cons Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_China_says_Dalai">China says Dalai Lama a 'deceptive actor' after brain comments</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s1600/image006-759751.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s320/image006-759751.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338424575524834" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadHealthEdu></a><u><a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Cabinet_adopts_national">Cabinet adopts national program to improve maternal and newborn health</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Universal_access_to">Universal access to sexual and reproductive health—the key to gender equality</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Life_expectancy_for">Life expectancy for Mongolian women increasing</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Hemodialysis_department_opens">Hemodialysis department opens in Uvs aimag</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_-_E-Health">Mongolia - E-Health Project : P131290 - Implementation Status Results Report</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s1600/image006-759751.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s320/image006-759751.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338424575524834" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadCulture></a><u><a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_What_do_Mongolian">What do Mongolian women want?</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_celebrates_104th">Mongolia celebrates 104th anniversary of journalism</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MONTSAME_award_winners">MONTSAME award winners announced</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_VIEWS:_Praying_To">VIEWS: Praying To The Sun | Ancient Ritual Of The Mongolian Lunar New Year</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Khamba_Lama_reveals">Khamba Lama reveals prospects for 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Talk_with_Me">Talk with Me with Grace Brown: G. Sanjaa, State Honored Herder</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_VIDEO:_Hospitality_in">VIDEO: Hospitality in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Multistake_choir_performs">Multistake choir performs in 'Mongolia's Got Talent'</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Shamans_explain_their">Shamans explain their lives, traditions</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia:_the_beauty">Mongolia: the beauty and the challenge</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Rare_triplet_calves">Rare triplet calves welcomed during Tsagaan Sar</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Japanese_professor_renders">Japanese professor renders assistance to Mongolian herder families</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Sky_Views:_The">Sky Views: The dying season has started early in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_We're_providing_nearly">We're providing nearly 350,000 cold, starving Mongolian animals with emergency aid</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Dalai_Lama_Tells">Dalai Lama Tells John Oliver His Special Trick For Getting Mongolian People To Stop Drinking</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s1600/image006-759751.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s320/image006-759751.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338424575524834" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadNature></a><u><a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_"Earthquake_awareness_and">"Earthquake awareness and prevention day" to be marked annually</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Paleontologists_find_fossil">Paleontologists find fossil relative of Ginkgo biloba in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s1600/image006-759751.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s320/image006-759751.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338424575524834" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadSports></a><u><a href="#Sports">Sports</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_E.Temuulen_wins_silver">E.Temuulen wins silver medal in junior freestyle wrestling tournament in Russia</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_G.Dorj_secures_gold">G.Dorj secures gold medal from Arnold Classic 2017 bodybuilding tournament</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s1600/image006-759751.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s320/image006-759751.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338424575524834" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadArt></a><u><a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> <b><o:p></o:p></b></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Austrian_pop_band">Austrian pop band JOY in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Singer-songwriter_"Magnolian"_to">Singer-songwriter "Magnolian" to head to US for SXSW Festival</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Days_of_Classic">Days of Classic Plays start with Romeo and Juliet</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Artist_S.Purevkhuu_to">Artist S.Purevkhuu to open exhibition in Austria</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_"Nomad_Spirit"_international">"Nomad Spirit" international art exhibition opens</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_project_among">Mongolian project among Cannes Atelier line-up</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Day_of_Creating">Day of Creating White Taras takes place</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_The_Eagle_Huntress">The Eagle Huntress Has Landed...Aisholpan in Wonderland</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_'Mongolia's_Got_Talent'">'Mongolia's Got Talent' Winner Shocks Audience with Flawless Cover of George Strait Hit</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s1600/image006-759751.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s320/image006-759751.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338424575524834" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadTravel></a><u><a href="#Travel">Travel</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Aisholpan_participates_in">Aisholpan participates in the Mongolian Eagle Festival</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_18th_annual_Blue">18th annual Blue Pearl ice festival wraps up</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Photo_Report_from">Photo Report from Khuvsgul Ice Festival 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_A_Mongolian_Climbing">A Mongolian Climbing Experience 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_From_Scotland_To">From Scotland To Mongolia By Road: Here's Photographer James Parker's Epic Journey</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Cycling_through_Mongolia">Cycling through Mongolia on an epic Silk Road adventure</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Want_to_race">Want to race a vintage Porsche from China to Paris? This D.C. couple can tell you how.</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s1600/image006-759751.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s320/image006-759751.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338424575524834" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>ARTICLES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=International></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Int'l Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia's_debt_exchange"></a>Mongolia's debt exchange marks stunning turnaround<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>By Daniel Stanton<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>SINGAPORE, March 6 (IFR) - Mongolia completed a stunning turnaround in the global capital markets last week, pricing part of a $600 million sovereign bond more than 300 basis points (bps) inside a shorter issue sold less than a year ago.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Not only that, but the country managed to reward bondholders who had shown loyalty throughout a period of uncertainty, giving them a healthy one-day gain, on paper, of 7.5 points.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After signing a new funding agreement with the International Monetary Fund, the sovereign completed an exchange offer for its state-guaranteed Development Bank of Mongolia bonds due on Mar. 21, as well as offering a new money tranche to other investors to round up the deal size.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Holders of 82 percent of the S$580 million DBM bonds agreed to exchange into new sovereign seven-year notes at par. The yield for the new notes was set at 8.75 percent, the minimum shown in the Feb. 24 guidance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>That accounted for $475.989 million of the new issue size. The remaining $124.011 million was marketed to other investors to raise new money. Guidance started at 8.25 percent area, before tightening to 7.7 percent, plus or minus 12.5 bps, and eventually printing at a cash price of 106.016 to yield 7.625 percent.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>That meant the new-money tranche priced more than 100 bps inside the exchange tranche. Some questioned if the exchange could have been priced at a lower yield, but the main objective of the whole exercise was to achieve the highest possible exchange rate ahead of the DBM maturity, as well as rewarding existing bondholders. Mongolia's outstanding 2021 bonds were seen at around 6.98 percent, implying a fair value of around 8% for a seven-year issue.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The new notes are rated B-/B- (S&P/Fitch). Moody's has a Caa1 rating on Mongolia, but did not rate the new issue. HUGE IMPROVEMENT The final pricing was a huge improvement from March last year, when the Government of Mongolia sold a $500 million five-year at par to yield 10.875 percent, the highest yield on any sovereign bonds since 2011. Orders for that deal were a modest $750 million.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>More than 200 accounts placed orders totalling $3.3 billion for the new $124 million tranche and, apart from the small allocations, investors had nothing to complain about when the bonds shot up to a cash price of 107.5 the next day.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"It was like trying to drive a truck through a pinhole," said a source close to the deal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Undoubtedly, the size could have been increased, but the issuer showed prudence, given that it has just entered an IMF programme and was focused on dealing with the short-term maturity.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The existing DBM bonds were issued under Reg S only, so the new sovereigns were marketed under 144A/Reg S and allocations were weighted towards U.S. investors to ensure the broadest investor diversification.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>U.S. investors took 76 percent of the new-money tranche, with European accounts next on 18 percent and Asian investors on 6 percent. Fund managers bought 90 percent of the notes, public institutions bought 7 percent, insurers and banks bought a combined 2 percent, and others bought 1 percent.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The seven-year tenor was chosen to avoid clashing with Mongolia's other existing dollar maturities, in 2018, 2021 and 2022. The next challenge will be to refinance a $500 million sovereign bond due on Jan. 5, 2018.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>DBM's 2017s had traded at a cash price as low as 90 in February last year, but the agreement last month of a $5.5 billion funding deal with the IMF and other agencies, as well as the extension of a 15 billion yuan ($2.2 billion) swap line with the People's Bank of China for another three years, has helped assuage investors' concerns, at least in the medium term.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Mongolia has a lot of potential, but it is monolithic and commodity heavy, so the challenge for the country is to diversify into other industries," said a fund manager.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Credit Suisse and JP Morgan were joint bookrunners for the transaction. SC Lowy was financial adviser to the Mongolian government.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.kitco.com/news/2017-03-05/Mongolia-apos-s-debt-exchange-marks-stunning-turnaround.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSE:TRQ">TRQ</a> closed -2.17% Wednesday at US$3.15, +20.23% YoY<o:p></o:p></i></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_sees_no"></a>Mongolia sees no change in Oyu Tolgoi copper stake<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 8 (Reuters) Mongolia said it has no plans to change the size of its stake in the massive Oyu Tolgoi copper mine, although it is seeking to boost exploration as it works to bolster its finances following an IMF-led loan deal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Oyu Tolgoi is jointly owned by the government of Mongolia (34 percent) and Turquoise Hill Resources (66 percent), which in turn is 51 percent-owned by mine operator Rio Tinto.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Industry insiders say there is a logic in Mongolia selling down its relatively large state holding, while Rio's stake is relatively small given that it is operator.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Asked whether Mongolia might sell some of its stake, the mining minister said there were no plans for any change for now.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Our ministry has to find out all possible options that are good for Mongolia and within that framework we are researching all possibilities. But currently, there is no such plan, but it is something that we can watch," Mongolia mining and industry minister Dashdorj Tsedev told Reuters on the sidelines of a conference in Toronto.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Rio Tinto declined to comment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Geologists and mining executives see Mongolia as one of the world's best copper prospects and some are hoping to find another Oyu Tolgoi.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also this week, the mining and industry minister said Mongolia aimed to double the amount of land available for exploration and the country hoped to build a copper smelting plant.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/mongolia-riotinto-idUSL5N1GL5KY">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=HKG:0975">975</a> trading +1.96% Thursday morning at HK$0.26<o:p></o:p></p><h2><a name="_MMC_files_draft"></a>MMC files draft scheme of arrangement, explanatory statement with Cayman, HK courts<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 8 -- This announcement (the "<b>Announcement</b>") is made by Mongolian Mining Corporation (In Provisional Liquidation) (the "<b>Company</b>") pursuant to Rule 13.09(1) of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "<b>Listing Rules</b>") and the Inside Information Provisions under Part XIVA of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>References are made to the announcements of the Company dated 8 July 2016, 11 July 2016, 13 July 2016, 21 July 2016, 26 August 2016, 31 August 2016, 2 September 2016, 11 October 2016, 28 October 2016, 3 November 2016, 20 November 2016, 21 December 2016, 22 December 2016, 19 January 2017 and 23 January 2017 in relation to the proposed offshore debt restructuring of the Company (the "<b>Debt Restructuring</b>").<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Reference is also made to the announcement of the Company dated 20 February 2017 in relation to the Convening Orders sought to grant permission for the Company to convene meetings of Noteholders for the purpose of considering, and if thought fit, approving (with or without modification) the Cayman Scheme and the Hong Kong Scheme (the "<b>Relevant Announcement</b>"). Unless otherwise defined herein, capitalised terms in this announcement will have the same meanings as those defined in the Relevant Announcement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company is pleased to announce that further to the applications filed with the Cayman Court and the Hong Kong Court on 17 February 2017 in relation to seeking the Convening Orders, <b>it has filed the draft scheme of arrangement, the draft explanatory statement and certain supporting documents with the Cayman Court</b> (in respect of the Cayman Scheme) and <b>with the High Court of Hong Kong</b> (in respect of the Hong Kong Scheme) ahead of the Convening Hearings to be heard at 9:30 a.m. (Cayman Islands time) on 13 March 2017 in respect of the Cayman Scheme before the Cayman Court and 10:00 a.m. (Hong Kong time) on 14 March 2017 in respect of the Hong Kong Scheme before the Hong Kong Court.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Copies of certain documents filed with the Cayman Court and the Hong Kong Court are available on the Scheme Website (<a href="http://www.lynchpinbm.com/project/mongolian-mining/">http://www.lynchpinbm.com/project/mongolian-mining/</a>). These documents are in draft form, non-binding, have not been approved by the courts in Hong Kong or the Cayman Islands and are subject to the execution of definitive legal documentation, that is in form and substance satisfactory to all parties.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT, THE DOCUMENTS ARE NOT LEGALLY BINDING BETWEEN THE GROUP AND ITS CREDITORS. THERE CAN BE NO ASSURANCE THAT SUCH AGREEMENT CAN BE SUCCESSFULLY ACHIEVED.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Following the Convening Hearings, and subject to the Cayman Court and the Hong Kong Court granting the Convening Orders, the Scheme Documents in addition to other documents concerning the Debt Restructuring that relate to the restructuring of the Notes will be made available to the creditors in the manner prescribed by the Convening Orders, including via the Scheme Website. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company will publish further announcements to update the shareholders and potential investors on progress of the Debt Restructuring as and when necessary.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2017/0308/LTN20170308021.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_MMC:_Date_of"></a>MMC: Date of Board Meeting, 22 March<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 6, Mongolian Mining Corporation Ltd. (HKEx:875) -- The board of directors (the "<b>Board</b>") of Mongolian Mining Corporation (In Provisional Liquidation) (the "<b>Company</b>", and its subsidiaries, the "<b>Group</b>") hereby announces that a meeting of the Board of the Company will be held on Wednesday, 22 March 2017 for the purpose of considering and approving the final results of the Group for the year ended 31 December 2016 and its publication, the recommendation of a final dividend, if any, and transacting any other business.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/mainindex/ipmpnews.aspx?id=002740263">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=CVE:KCC">KCC</a> closed +3.7% Wednesday at C$0.56, +2,700% YoY<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Kincora_Copper_Corporate"></a>Kincora Copper Corporate Presentation, March 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Expanding along an emerging world class copper belt<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-style:normal'>March 6, Kincora Copper Ltd. (TSX:KCC) --<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-style:normal'><a href="http://www.kincoracopper.com/sites/default/files/corporate_presentations/20160306%20Kincora%20Short%20Corporate%20Presentation_0.pdf">Link to presentation</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Canadian_miner_Kincora"></a>Canadian miner Kincora leads Mongolian copper rush<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>* Mongolia regarded as top copper exploration ground<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>* Mongolia needs foreign investment<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 7 (Reuters) Canadian miner Kincora Copper plans over coming months to start exploration drilling in Mongolia, its CEO told Reuters, calling the area "one of the last frontiers" for top quality copper assets.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With technologies such as electric vehicles expected to stoke demand, the mining industry is keen to discover copper reserves as existing mines get depleted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Kincora's CEO Sam Spring compared Mongolia to Chile, the world's largest copper producer, in the 1970s when it was still under-explored and said he hoped to find another Oyu Tolgoi, using a team with experience of finding tier-one copper assets.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last year Rio Tinto gave the go-ahead for a $5.3 billion expansion of the Oyu Tolgoi mine in the South Gobi desert, one of the world's largest copper deposits.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"In the upcoming months, Kincora is looking to drill two targets," Spring said in a telephone interview.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One -- named Bayan Tal -- is the first identified since Oyu Tolgoi with similar geology. The other -- East Tsagaan Suvarga -- is in the same mineral system as the existing Tsagaan Suvarga mine, included in the government's list of strategic mineral deposits.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>So far Kincora has 10 licences, giving it acreage of 15,000 square kilometres (5,800 square miles), and has applied for two more. Spring says the company has overtaken Rio "as the most aggressive group" exploring in this area.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia, almost entirely dependent on coal and copper for foreign export earnings, needs international investment following an IMF-led loan agreement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It has said it plans to double the amount of land available for exploration of raw materials.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/mongolia-kincora-idUSL5N1GK1S6">Link to article</a><i><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=ASX:TER">TER</a> trading flat Thursday at A$0.03, +328.57% YoY<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_TerraCom_Appoints_Non-Executive"></a>TerraCom Appoints Non-Executive Director <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 9 -- TerraCom Limited (<b>TerraCom or the Company) (ASX: TER) </b>is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr James (Jim) Soorley, as a Non-Executive Director, to the board of TerraCom Limited and its wholly owned subsidiary Orion Mining Pty Limited. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>TerraCom Limited's Executive Chairman, Mr Cameron McRae, stated: <i>"Mr Soorley has been a highly successful leader in local government and business, which is demonstrated through Jim being Lord Mayor of the City of Brisbane for 12 years. Jim's wealth of experience will allow him to provide guidance and leadership in stakeholder relations and management to the TerraCom team both within Australia and overseas." </i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jim has a Masters of Organisational Development and Bachelor of Arts. Jim is currently the inaugural Chairman of Unitywater and Chairman of CS Energy, a Queensland Government owned electricity generator producing a third of Queensland's electricity. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Jim was until recently the inaugural Chairman for the Queensland Partnership Group</b> (now PROPEL). He has also served on a number of key government committees and boards including the A.C.T. Land Development Agency and Brisbane International Film Festival. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition, to coincide with the <b>Company's focus shift away from a potential listing or dual listing on an Asian Stock Exchange</b>, <b>Hwee Fang Loo has tendered her resignation as a Non-Executive Director</b>. The Company thanks Hwee Fang Loo for her contribution during her tenure and wish her every success in her future endeavours.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170309/pdf/43gnqqhksrdjgv.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Uranium_Industry_Defaults"></a>Uranium Industry Defaults on Denison Payment for Mongolian Uranium Projects<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Denison Reports Results from 2016 and Outlook for 2017<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - March 8, 2017) -</b> <b>Denison Mines Corp.</b> ("Denison" or the "Company") (TSX:DML)(NYSE MKT:DNN) today filed its Consolidated Financial Statements and Management's Discussion & Analysis ("MD&A") for the year ended December 31, 2016. Both documents can be found on the Company's website at <a href="http://www.denisonmines.com/">www.denisonmines.com</a> or on SEDAR (at <a href="http://www.sedar.com/">www.sedar.com</a>) and EDGAR (at <a href="http://www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml">www.sec.gov/edgar.shtml</a>). The highlights provided below are derived from these documents and should be read in conjunction with them. <b>All amounts in this release are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Results of discontinued operations</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the third quarter of 2016, the Company recognized a receivable of $10,000,000, with a corresponding profit on sale of its Mongolian mining division to Uranium Industry a.s. ("Uranium Industry"), which is accounted for as a discontinued operation. The original due date for payment of the receivable from Uranium Industry was in November 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Pursuant to a subsequent extension agreement between Uranium Industry and the Company, the payment due date of the receivable was extended from November 16, 2016 to July 16, 2017 ("Extension Agreement"). As consideration for the extension, Uranium Industry agreed to pay interest on the receivable amount at a rate of 5% per year, payable monthly up to July 16, 2017, and they also agreed to pay a $100,000 instalment towards the balance of the receivable. The first payment under the Extension Agreement was due on or before January 31, 2017. The required payments were not made and Uranium Industry is now in default of both the Mongolian division sale Agreement and the Extension Agreement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On February 24, 2017, the Company served notice to Uranium Industry that it was in default of its obligations under the sale agreement and the Extension Agreement and that the receivable and all interest payable thereon are immediately due and payable. The Company intends to explore all proceedings available to it to pursue the collection of the receivable.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In light of the uncertainty regarding Uranium Industry's capability to fund its obligations, Denison has impaired the $10,000,000 receivable to $nil in the fourth quarter, resulting in an adjustment to the previously recognized net gain on sale. The adjustment to the net gain on sale has been presented within discontinued operations as it directly relates to the proceeds realized, to date, on the sale of the Mongolia mining division to Uranium Industry.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/denison-reports-results-from-2016-and-outlook-for-2017-tsx-dml-2201661.htm">Link to full release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_stocks_listed"></a>Mongolian stocks listed overseas surge by an average of 84% in Q4<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 6 (UB Post) Mongol Bank reported on the stock value of mining companies registered on foreign stock exchanges operating in Mongolia, comparing stock value in Q4'15 and Q4'16, and reported that stock prices increased by an average of 84 percent.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The following six companies saw increases of 25 percent or more: Winsway Coking Coal (600 percent), Petro Matad (160 percent), Mongolian Mining Corp (100 percent), Mongolia Energy Corp (53 percent), Turquoise Hill Resources (27 percent), and Prophecy Coal Corp (25 percent).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The following four companies saw decreases of five percent or more: Peace Map Holding Ltd (70 percent), SouthGobi Resources (28 percent), Haranga Resources (25 percent), and Centerra Gold (five percent).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/06/mining-company-stocks-surge-by-an-average-of-84-percent/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRQZncZp7GAMbaSOJdAtWuscjI0NucwBzAV_iutQPauRWWQSeCTUNvS9WWsqlWcQ0Cz9aOPq5N39XXwxnMIoPmF2AfbjPC26hXuLWTpu5ZWCcGsTkRgVP-qUtFHbjqJnrZbotVc5FKUQ/s1600/image007-763034.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRQZncZp7GAMbaSOJdAtWuscjI0NucwBzAV_iutQPauRWWQSeCTUNvS9WWsqlWcQ0Cz9aOPq5N39XXwxnMIoPmF2AfbjPC26hXuLWTpu5ZWCcGsTkRgVP-qUtFHbjqJnrZbotVc5FKUQ/s320/image007-763034.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338440165002018" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Local></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Local Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_MSE_Trading_Report,_1"></a>MSE Trading Report, Mar 6: Top 20 +0.68%, ALL +0.36%, Turnover <span lang=MN>₮</span>55.7 Million Shares, <span lang=MN>₮</span>582.3 Million T-Bills <span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 6 (MSE) --<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXTrwI-tz6VE818c7ojWJwaIluyIhPea6GtFrsnK-8_s2h0NEL9OmIaQiqC80qxCazyl62QtBIJYTcuhiK1idA_7s_VmPVZ7jdedUb8gtY9Fvg2QrZJpYFCzjsIOsPm5T_joVb206A-I/s1600/image008-766159.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDXTrwI-tz6VE818c7ojWJwaIluyIhPea6GtFrsnK-8_s2h0NEL9OmIaQiqC80qxCazyl62QtBIJYTcuhiK1idA_7s_VmPVZ7jdedUb8gtY9Fvg2QrZJpYFCzjsIOsPm5T_joVb206A-I/s320/image008-766159.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338454237466434" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/uploads/ariljaa/reports/report_en-17.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_MSE_Trading_Report,"></a>MSE Trading Report, Mar 7: Top 20 -1.36%, ALL -0.72%, Turnover <span lang=MN>₮</span>117.5M Shares, <span lang=MN>₮</span>12.5B T-Bill Primary, <span lang=MN>₮</span>329.5M Secondary<span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 7 (MSE) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnR4gbXV0dw25MQw1WTYxZw0CCICWHxZP-YQjZy5R2El7tKk5RZBtd7MleXrl8Fbk6568_qHCW6RrfBrqoJySb6rimSYpcsR1JBNDSTLm9YZZVo_rosIGS0fuaI5zKGAoUDBDSicPkAo/s1600/image018-769522.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQnR4gbXV0dw25MQw1WTYxZw0CCICWHxZP-YQjZy5R2El7tKk5RZBtd7MleXrl8Fbk6568_qHCW6RrfBrqoJySb6rimSYpcsR1JBNDSTLm9YZZVo_rosIGS0fuaI5zKGAoUDBDSicPkAo/s320/image018-769522.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338465430470770" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/uploads/ariljaa/reports/report_en-17.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_IFC_and_Mongolian"></a>IFC and Mongolian Stock Exchange "Ring the Bell" for Gender Equality<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, March 7, 2017</b>—IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, and the Mongolian Stock Exchange are joining 43 stock exchanges around the world in a global initiative to "Ring the Bell for Gender Equality" – a partnership that highlights how the private sector can spur women's participation in the economy. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Stock exchanges from Amman, Dhaka, Lima to Yangon, Nairobi and New York are participating, ringing opening or closing bells to mark International Women's Day. In Mongolia, several prominent institutions joined IFC and the Mongolian Stock Exchange in organizing the event, including the Corporate Governance Development Center, the WomenCorporateDirectors Mongolia Chapter, and the Women Entrepreneurs' Council of the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Mongolia is a regional and global exemplar of gender equality in terms of access to education, finance, economic opportunities, and wage equality," said Tuyen D. Nguyen, IFC Resident Representative for Mongolia. "While there is certainly room for improvement, even in typically male-dominated sectors like mining, as well as senior executive and board directorship roles, Mongolia scores remarkably higher than some large OECD countries." <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>IFC believes that women—as consumers, employees, business leaders, and entrepreneurs—have the potential to transform the global economy, supporting job creation, raising per-capita incomes, and promoting sustainable development. IFC works with companies in developing countries to generate opportunities for women while also contributing to companies' bottom lines, productivity, and growth. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Gender equality is crucial for the world's progress and development. The Mongolian Stock Exchange is honored to be part of a global event on gender equality by hosting this bell-ringing ceremony," said Board Director D. Sarangua, who did the bell-ringing honors at the Mongolian Stock Exchange. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>By leveraging our relationship with about 1,000 financial institutions and private equity funds, we help expand access to finance for women entrepreneurs. Almost 30 percent of IFC nominee directors are women. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Now in its third iteration, "Ring the Bell for Gender Equality" event series is a partnership of IFC, <a href="http://www.sseinitiative.org/">Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) Initiative</a><u>,</u> <u>the </u><a href="http://www.unglobalcompact.org/">UN Global Compact</a><u>,</u> <a href="http://www.unwomen.org/">UN Women</a>, <a href="http://womeninetfs.com/">Women in ETF</a>, and the <a href="http://www.world-exchanges.org/home/">World Federation of Stock Exchanges</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://ifcextapps.ifc.org/ifcext/pressroom/ifcpressroom.nsf/0/E3B265B881C8466D852580DC001A9543">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOl-K5wMBBzCdkVANdkST9XYYP7J9eB6dRW8rxobI4wmW0Z947jrB6Sj16pLoK9Q_CiJ-0AtmibKhVe71rGuGCwF3P-Z4RHrbV4MhEjTOk8JYU86bCQIRQ9Fwa7wWVbFqElNAV66QSUg/s1600/image009-772093.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOl-K5wMBBzCdkVANdkST9XYYP7J9eB6dRW8rxobI4wmW0Z947jrB6Sj16pLoK9Q_CiJ-0AtmibKhVe71rGuGCwF3P-Z4RHrbV4MhEjTOk8JYU86bCQIRQ9Fwa7wWVbFqElNAV66QSUg/s320/image009-772093.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338480889217890" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Economy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Economy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>Reds</span> are when MNT fell, <span style='color:#00B050'>greens</span> when it rose.<b> <span style='color:red'>Bold reds</span></b><span style='color:red'> </span>are rates that set a new historic high at the time. </i><o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_BoM_MNT_Rates:"></a><span lang=MN>BoM MNT Rates: </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>Monday</span><span lang=MN>, </span>March 6 <span lang=MN>Close </span><o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoTable15Plain5 border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=955 style='width:716.3pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/7</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/6</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/3</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>4</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>0</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>7</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border-top:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;border-right:none;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>High</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>Date</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1062" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/b27dbc49-e16d-41ae-8557-f99cdb40c367.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e147de94-098c-41fc-a613-e68b961bc287.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>USD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,466.88<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,468.55<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,470.25<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,470.84<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,470.83<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,473.63<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,476.02<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,479.84<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,482.29</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,483.11</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,498.75</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1061" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/bebede1f-9fde-45e8-9abf-07cee5d98010.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/7fff4ee5-d12c-4bd2-8a56-d47fa1ab5b0d.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>EUR</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,613.91<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,616.42<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,598.95<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,604.14<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,617.84<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,608.32<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,601.68<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,623.05<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,635.45</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,645.75</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,681.43</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/10/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1060" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/280be717-5c83-46be-b0c7-d0b2cf9575f2.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/73256f8e-4c86-438d-9d39-350646eb7f40.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>JPY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.67<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.69<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.62<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.64<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.92<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.83<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.84<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.94</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.89</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>23.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/9/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1059" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0e866dbf-0eff-45bc-aa83-c145b2345900.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/170ec7e9-2636-4b7d-a624-7ae9fef54841.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>GBP</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,015.51<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,029.40<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,030.01<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,035.80<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,100.15<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,086.72<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,091.68<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,082.44<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,085.98</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,100.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>3,183.26</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>8/13/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1058" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/33370dc8-8964-434b-8694-6462f39746fb.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a481156f-5e01-436d-b063-c22ecd3ed0dd.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>RUB</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.35<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.31<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.91<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.33<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.67<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.73<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.99<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.75</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>43.06</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>54.32</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>6/27/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1057" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/c37f3eb9-e9ba-4c1d-bc0f-2669bc4c1412.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/56dc9518-41a5-4bb4-9d57-167f6de07f2e.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CNY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>357.53<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>357.91<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>357.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.01<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.62<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.70<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.97<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>360.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.01</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.45</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>363.02</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/5/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1056" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e5792094-f0b8-4c3a-a82b-97ddd5401a38.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ab781b89-2767-4b9c-b3cb-b3c6cc603016.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>KRW</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.15<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.13<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.13<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.16<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/6/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1055" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/75233918-55b6-4977-a5ef-f682c93bbdb0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/9a4a44a5-6be7-4141-8159-5aa30a12bb45.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>SGD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,749.50<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,750.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,746.44<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,751.75<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,758.66<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,750.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,744.60<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,745.63<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,751.17</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,752.25</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,758.66<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/24/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1054" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a8311ed8-a900-4237-bf18-4ebf7b10bbf0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/53fdb4a8-f38e-4f01-b01a-c2dee4a6895d.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CAD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,842.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,841.24<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,844.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,850.82<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,888.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,881.52<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,883.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,886.74<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,896.62</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,899.42</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,908.84</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/18/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1053" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/5d744e37-53d2-4c10-aa04-7bc77a3c3abc.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/6ec5578f-dca9-4257-b326-e755e3b2400b.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>AUD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,877.67<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,871.53<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,866.15<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,892.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,906.25<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,902.35<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,905.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,900.55<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,907.02</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,911.00</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/16/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1052" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6f012c2-8c16-455d-b0b0-8427d7512a2b.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6b9f8ce-b8d2-4ce7-bdce-b85ce1812325.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>HKD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>317.67<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>317.95<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.18<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.29<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.40<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.78<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.03<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.52<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.84</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.94</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>322.21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1051" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0588bbef-101c-4211-8d37-8045475e110d.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ae638f8b-a29a-4d70-90b3-52ad2a79d482.png"></span></b><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CHF</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,439.32<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,446.41<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,439.39<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,445.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,456.83<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,447.81<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,446.66<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,464.93<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,475.24</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,486.34</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-left:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,497.77</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/09/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:red'>Bank USD rates at time of sending</span></b>: <a href="https://www.khanbank.com/en/home/rates">Khan</a> (Buy ₮2,454 Sell ₮2,466), <a href="http://tdbm.mn/en/exchange">TDB</a> (Buy ₮2,456 Sell ₮2,466), <a href="https://en.golomtbank.com/home/citizen">Golomt</a> (Buy ₮2,456 Sell ₮2,466), <a href="http://xacbank.mn/en/calculator/rates">XacBank</a> (Buy ₮2,456 Sell ₮2,467), <a href="https://www.statebank.mn/w/en/m1">State Bank</a> (Buy ₮2,454 Sell ₮2,466)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/graphic_dailyrate.aspx">USD (blue), CNY (red) vs MNT</a> in last 1 year:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5V7T4NJ1iS-PuRclgzfuVmhkK5tv9yIH4tLvIk6h0_ia0vyjMNc-jYDr4ChmpHDao9iiwEbCIML0S_7XJ4uVmz_eCTky5EjzQPtGTp32Y4sKUGl_VMJQE3vyNJhfzfGGoMP25vXnXYPg/s1600/image022-775336.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5V7T4NJ1iS-PuRclgzfuVmhkK5tv9yIH4tLvIk6h0_ia0vyjMNc-jYDr4ChmpHDao9iiwEbCIML0S_7XJ4uVmz_eCTky5EjzQPtGTp32Y4sKUGl_VMJQE3vyNJhfzfGGoMP25vXnXYPg/s320/image022-775336.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338491289000162" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistofficialdailyrate.aspx">Link to rates</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_issues_₮281"></a>BoM issues <span lang=MN>₮</span>281 billion 1-week bills, total outstanding +50.6% to <span lang=MN>₮</span>836 billion <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 6 (Bank of Mongolia) BoM issues 1 week bills worth MNT 281 billion at a weighted interest rate of 14.0 percent per annum /<a href="http://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistcbb.aspx">For previous auctions click here/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=173">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_buys_$31.5m"></a>BoM buys $31.5m at <span lang=MN>₮</span>2,467.55, declines MNT swap offers<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 7 (Bank of Mongolia) Spot trade: Commercial banks bid weighted average rate of MNT2461.91 for USD 0.5 million, asked weighted average rate of MNT2467.29 for USD41.3 million and bid weighted average rate of MNT354.24 for CNY13.5 million respectively. The BoM bought USD31.5 million with a closing rate of MNT2467.55.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Swap and forward trade: The BoM received buying bid offers of USD2.0 million of MNT swap agreements from commercial banks and the BoM did not accept the bid offers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=182">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_FX_Reserves"></a>BoM FX Reserves Fall 13.8% in January to $1.1 Billion, Down 15.4% from 2016<o:p></o:p></h2><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='color:white'>Date<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:solid white 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='color:white'>Gross Reserves<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:solid white 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='color:white'>Monthly, %<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:solid white 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='color:white'>YTD, %<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-left:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='color:white'>YOY, %<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2017/01<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,116.9<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-13.84<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-15.58<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-15.38<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/12<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,296.3<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-0.58<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-2.03<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-2.03<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/11<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,303.9<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>25.54<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-1.45<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-10.61<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/10<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,038.7<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-4.92<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-21.50<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-26.17<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/09<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,092.4<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-4.34<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-17.44<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-22.68<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/08<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,141.9<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-10.46<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-13.70<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-33.94<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/07<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,275.3<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-1.64<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-3.62<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-25.30<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/06<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,296.6<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-10.08<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-2.00<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-23.08<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/05<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,441.9<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-6.62<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>8.98<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-9.37<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/04<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,544.1<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>22.04<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>16.70<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>21.85<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/03<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,265.3<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>5.68<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-4.37<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-4.43<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/02<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,197.3<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-9.54<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-9.51<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-12.12<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/01<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,323.5<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>0.03<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>0.03<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>-0.32<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dbgrossreserves.aspx">Link to page</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_buys_770.3"></a>BoM buys 770.3 kgs of gold in January, up 19.6% from 2016<o:p></o:p></h2><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='color:white'>Date<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:solid white 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='color:white'>Month<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:solid white 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='color:white'>YTD<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-left:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='color:white'>YOY Change<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2017/01<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>770.27<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>770.27<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>126.17<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/12<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>681.9<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>18,308.4<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>3,224.4<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/11<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,713.0<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>17,626.5<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>3,237.3<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/10<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,174.2<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>15,913.5<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>3,042.8<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/09<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,071.4<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>13,739.3<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>3,542.6<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/08<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>3,027.5<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>11,668.0<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>4,264.8<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/07<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,167.6<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>8,640.4<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>3,231.1<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/06<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,015.0<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>6,472.8<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,711.1<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/05<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,769.4<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>4,457.7<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,040.1<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/04<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>826.2<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,688.4<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,166.2<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/03<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>679.5<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,862.1<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>876.6<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/02<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>538.4<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,182.6<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>484.1<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid white 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:white'>2016/01<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>644.1<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>644.1<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid white 1.0pt;border-right:solid white 1.0pt;background:#B4C6E7;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>419.8<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/dblistgoldbom.aspx">Link to BoM page</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEj9m-Q4TDWYMuwrQRN4w_eqWkUx4moHntKq6g9x90b2bIdOolQh8-AAheTVYov6-HHxoriCXAkqmJepazp7m-J_QwGtTdD1IgO-QdmpUsa_wV-Iub0hS-Ebmw3v6whc3M7IOeyMjfCdM/s1600/image004-753296.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEj9m-Q4TDWYMuwrQRN4w_eqWkUx4moHntKq6g9x90b2bIdOolQh8-AAheTVYov6-HHxoriCXAkqmJepazp7m-J_QwGtTdD1IgO-QdmpUsa_wV-Iub0hS-Ebmw3v6whc3M7IOeyMjfCdM/s320/image004-753296.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338397074280274" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Politics></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Politics & Legal<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Defacto_Review,_February"></a>Defacto Review, February 26<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 6 (Jargal Defacto) Reviewed news:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>1. IMF's Extended Fund Facility: Will the economy improve or not.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>2. Bank of Mongolia books to be audited.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>3. Former MPs arrested in connection with DBM<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8INUCIwcBUA">Link to video</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Forum_reviews_President's"></a>Forum reviews President's accomplishments<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 7 (MONTSAME) On March 7, Tuesday, a forum was hosted at Chinggis Hotel for the citizens' consultative campaign 'People's View' organized by Mongolian Media Corp LLC with aim to review the outcome of Mongolian President's activities during his tenure.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>More than 450 'People's experts', individuals chosen through a random sampling method by 'MEC' research center partook in the forum at which President Ts.Elbegdorj was present.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Other attendants of the forum included Ts.Bayarsaikhan, Chief of Staff of President, L.Purevsuren, Foreign Policy advisor to President, A.Ganbaatar, Public Relations Advisor to President, L.Zolbaatar, Director of 'MEC' research center and L.Badamdash, CEO of Mongolian Media Corp LLC.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The forum addressed President Ts.Elbegdorj's activities in foreign relations, defense and national security during the last 8 years, the output, initiatives made in these areas and how the reputation of Mongolia stands on the international platform today.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The morning session began as President's Foreign Policy advisor and former Minister of Foreign Affairs L.Purevsuren made a presentation on the President's activities in foreign relations field during his tenure, and concluded with question and answer session. The participating citizens were also able to relay their judgment and opinion.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>President Ts.Elbegdorj made an appearance at the afternoon session of the forum to take questions from the representatives of the people of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9027">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Cabinet_adopts_national_1"></a>Cabinet adopts national program on combating drug abuse <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 7 (MONTSAME) On March 7, the Cabinet approved the National Program on Fight Against the Circulation of Narcotic Drugs and Psychoactive Substances. The documents aims to establish a general system to monitor drug use, combat illegal distribution and identifying the sources, as well as voluntary and compulsory rehabilitation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Within the past decade, 388 cases were reported of cooking psychoactive substances, illegally acquiring, possessing, carrying, sending, selling and smuggling of drugs, 1,112 people were interrogated.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The drug trafficking methods have been becoming more inventive, including sending narcotics by post packages, hiding in electronics and food products, using other people's accounts to pay bills of illegal purchasing and many others.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The associated ministers were tasked to raise funding from donors, international financial organizations and private sector for implementation of the program.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9024">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Parliament_members_receive"></a>Parliament members receive state orders<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 7 (MONTSAME) On March 6, Monday, Parliament Speaker M.Enkhbold bestowed the Order of Red Banner of Labor to its recipients, Parliament Member, Head of Parliamentary Standing Committee on State Structure N.Enkhbold and Parliament Member, Head of Sub-committee on Budgetary Control Z.Narantuya.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On the occasions of traditional Tsagaan Sar (Lunar New Year) festivity, the 2226th anniversary of the First Mongolian State, 811th anniversary of Great Mongol Empire, 106th anniversary of Victory of National Liberation Movement and the Restoration of Independence and 96th anniversary of the People's Revolution, some Parliament Members were bestowed the honorary order for their long-time commitment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Parliament Members N.Enkhbold and Z.Narantuya hadn't received their medals during Tsagaan Sar because they were working in their respective constituencies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8999">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Current_Parliament_has"></a>Current Parliament has highest representation of women<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 8 (MONTSAME) Following tradition, March 8, International Women's Day is being observed as a public holiday in Mongolia with the whole country celebrating the day on every household level. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On March 7, Tuesday, Parliament Speaker M.Enkhbold received representatives of female government officials to greet them on the occasion. He said, "From time to time, Mongolian women have worked in every sector, serving the society and solidifying their glory. Included among them are women working in public organizations of all levels".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to statistics, 59.4 percent of public servants in Mongolia are women. And out of 76 Members of Parliament, 13 or 17.1 percent are women. The percentage is the highest among the previous 6 Parliaments in the modern history of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Speaker said, "I extend my greetings to every Mongolian woman, and wish happiness and prosperity. Happy International Women's Day!". Present at the meeting were Member of Parliament, Minister of Environment and Tourism D.Oyunkhorol, Members of Parliament G.Munkhtsetseg, Z.Narantuya, D.Sarangerel and B.Undarmaa, Minister of Health A.Tsogtsetseg and others.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9032">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Prime_Minister_honors"></a>Prime Minister honors admirable mothers<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 8 (MONTSAME) On the occasion of International Women's Day, an honorary assembly themed 'Admirable Mongolian Mother' was held at the State House on March 7, Tuesday, gathering mothers, representatives of 1.5 million Mongolian women from across the nation. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The assembly was attended by Prime Minister of Mongolia J.Erdenebat, Parliament Speaker M.Enkhbold and female Members of Parliament. Prime Minister J.Erdenebat bowed before the gathered mothers, and began his speech with a cordial greeting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Stories about heroic Mongolian women who have contributed to governing and making of this nation remain eternally carved in the hearts of Mongolian people. Descendants of those glorious queens, the women of modern Mongolia continue to uphold their duties and thrive for success", the Prime Minister said, appreciating the role and presence of women in every sector.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In his speech, the Prime Minister touched upon certain measures and policy changes directed at increasing the number of women in the workforce, ensuring social guarantee, and enforcing gender equality reflected in the current Cabinet's 2016-2020 action plan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He noted, "Despite of economic difficulties, the Government is working to maintain the social welfare policy concerning women, mothers and children". During the forum, nine mothers were named an 'Admirable Mongolian Mother', and were rewarded for their contribution to the country.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9035">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Registration_for_state"></a>Registration for state rental housing program to open in April<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 6 (UB Post) The State Housing Corporation will launch the second registration for the State Rental Housing Program on March 31 and April 1.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Reportedly, 214 three-room apartments in Buyant Ukhaa-2 residential area and 146 three-room apartments in provincial centers are available for rent. Residential lease agreements are for a five-year term.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Under the revised procedures of the program, people above the age of 21, who don't own an apartment or house with the intention to live permanently in the area, and have financial means to pay the deposit and utility bills are eligible to apply.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To apply, applicants must bring a notarized copy of their ID card, a valid proof of current residential address, application, and a notarized copy of income statement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Newly married couples under the age of 35, public servants, self-employed people, employees of private companies, families with more than four children under the age of 18, single parents, old age pension applicants, and those living with disabilities and their caretakers, as well as people who became homeless after a natural disaster will be preferred, according to the requirements for applicants.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A total of 3,359 people applied in the first registration for the State Rental Housing Program, held between March 21 and 30 in 2016, but only 1,443 were accepted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/06/registration-for-state-rental-housing-program-to-start-in-april/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_World_Bank:_Mongolia"></a>World Bank: Mongolia Export Development Project - Procurement Plan (English)<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 7 (World Bank) --<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/837491488898861856/Mongolia-EAST-ASIA-AND-PACIFIC-P147438-Mongolia-Export-Development-Project-Procurement-Plan">Link to download page</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Privileged_Herders_and"></a>Privileged Herders and Penalized Workers<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 7 (UB Post) During the Soviet era in Mongolia, herders were awarded by the state for their productivity and success, just as those in other fields of labor. Meritocracy was a big part of what made the Soviet system successful in Mongolia, as there was no private property and everything was owned by the state. Hence, it was fair – and even wise – for the state to award those who were best at increasing its assets and wealth.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But what we see now is blatant pandering to herders by politicians, who make up the majority of rural voters in Mongolia. Politicians never lose an opportunity to praise herders and give them awards and support. They know that when herders are happy, those who are in power in the provinces are likely to stay in power.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Before Tsagaan Sar, the President awarded state titles to horse trainers. "The Year of the Monkey, bestowed upon us by the heavens, is coming to a close. And during this good age, when the Year of the Generous Red Rooster is coming, I want to wish the greatest of fortune and goodness to you – honorable horse trainers, who bear the longstanding nomadic culture and defend and uphold horse culture – from the bottom of my heart," said President Ts.Elbegdorj after granting them state titles.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In many more eloquently phrased words, the President linked horse training to Mongolia's nomadic roots and historic conquests, which were won on horseback.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Furthermore, during Tsagaan Sar, Mongolia's top legislators and government ministers went around the provinces and awarded medals, cash grants, gers, and other items to herders who had successfully increased the size of their herds.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Herders with thousands of sheep, goats, cows, and horses get gers and money from state officials as rewards for their success, while struggling herders in the northern and north-western regions of the country await aid from international organizations and local governments to feed their livestock.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Is it right for the state to give prizes paid with taxpayer money to herders who have expanded the sizes of their herds when herders don't even pay income taxes? Herders are always given priority treatment by the state over laborers in other fields. They don't have to pay income taxes or royalties for using state-owned land for grazing; when they face risks such as dzud, the state provides aid and bailouts; when they need money, the state offers soft loans just for herders; and when they want to retire, their social insurance grants account for more than everyone else's.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>What do herders give back to the nation in return for all this support? Their main products are meat, dairy, and wool. According to the National Statistical Office website, there are over 61 million livestock (with this number expected to rise to 80 million this spring) in Mongolia and only three million people. Yet, when overgrazing is a problem and people need to eat through animals to balance out the livestock population, meat prices are still too high for most families in the city. National dairy products such as aaruul, a staple of Tsagaan Sar, cost over 12,000 MNT per kg. These products need to be a part of the everyday consumption of Mongolian households to boost domestic production, but the majority of families in Mongolia cannot afford to pay 12,000 MNT for a bag of aaruul every month, let alone every day. And lastly, Mongolian cashmere and wool clothing is overpriced and overrated and has become a luxury reserved for rich Mongolians and people from wealthy foreign countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A very simple dilemma exists in Mongolia today: why is the industry which is the least economically productive receiving the most state benefits? Shouldn't the state be trying to invest in economically productive industries in this time of economic decline, when so many families are trying to get from one day to another on their last penny?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When politicians award herders, they glorify them and say they are Mongolia's "cultural identity" and praise them as "guardians of Mongolia's vast land". From an economic perspective, they drain Mongolia's pasture lands, harming the environment just as mining does, and they contribute much less to the nation's development than the average worker in Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is no surprise that there have not been any major innovations in Mongolian animal husbandry in the last few centuries, as herders only needed to open their hand and ask the state for favors. They have never had to look for alternative practices in animal husbandry to improve productivity and minimize and prepare for risks such as dzud.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Why do laborers grinding away day after day in Ulaanbaatar have to give up a share of their income (that share will likely increase thanks to the bailout deal the government signed with the IMF), while some herders in the countryside receive state benefits paid for with taxpayer money?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Taxpayers, who are always too busy working to speak up for their rights, need to realize that they are just as entitled to state benefits as herders, if not more so. The state should not give preferential treatment to some industries for such unsubstantiated values as "cultural significance". Herding is not the only honorable profession in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/07/privileged-herders-and-penalized-workers/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Addendum:_Paying_Bribes"></a>Addendum: Paying Bribes<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>By Julian Dierkes</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I recently wrote that <a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/2017/small-year-on-year-change-cpi2016/">year-over-year changes in the Corruption Perception Index for Mongolia didn't mean much</a>, and also tried to <a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/2017/benchmarking-corruption/">benchmark corruption in Mongolia</a> against post-state socialist countries, resource economies and democracies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Now, Transparency International offers some more information in their "<a href="http://www.transparency.org/whatwedo/publication/people_and_corruption_asia_pacific_global_corruption_barometer" target="_blank">Asia Pacific – Global Corruption Barometer</a>".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>METHODS<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>First – as I do often – a quick note on methods.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Figures reported in the GCB are based on face-to-face surveys conducted in Mongolia in December 2015 (Nov 25 2015 – Jan 2 2016). 1,500 respondents were interviewed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A number of reported measures come with caveats, often involving Mongolia. For example, questions regarding whether corruption had become better or worse were not asked in Mongolia and no explanation was given why that might have been the case.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"TNS" is listed as having conducted the survey in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>RESULTS</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Reports of Bribes Actually Low for Mongolia<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the broadest level, the survey reports that 20% of Mongolians report having paid a bribe. That is remarkable and worth noting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>World Bank country manager Jim Anderson notes this right away:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span lang=EN>"In the new <a href="https://twitter.com/anticorruption">@anticorruption</a> GCB, the percentage in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mongolia?src=hash">#Mongolia</a> who pay bribes less than many in EAP, although still high at 20%. HT <a href="https://twitter.com/amaradiya">@amaradiya</a> <a href="https://t.co/aCUCmIEH1y">pic.twitter.com/aCUCmIEH1y</a></span></i><i>"</i><i><span lang=EN><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is worth looking at this regional comparison a bit more closely. Transparency International colours its map by deciles, i.e. 0-10% reporting paying bribe, 11-20%, etc.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Alternatively, let's group countries with very low corruption, i.e. under 7%: Japan (0,3%), Hong Kong 2%, South Korea (3%), Australia (4%), Taiwan (6%). I imagine that Singapore and New Zealand would also be in this group had they been included.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Then there is a jump to Sri Lanka (15%), Mongolia (20%), Malaysia (23%) and China (26%).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After that, reported figures jump to nearly a third of respondents (Indonesia 32%), and rise all the way to over two thirds of Indians reporting having paid a bribe.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Note that all the low-corruption countries are the Asian OECD countries plus Taiwan and Hong Kong. The very high figure for India, on the other hand, suggests that levels of bribe-paying are not necessarily strictly related to per capita GDP.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>What could we best call Mongolia's group of 15-26% reported bribe paying? Moderately corrupt? Not bad company for Mongolia to be in, but clearly this points to a lot of room for improvement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Perception of Government Efforts<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>One of the areas where the Mongolian results are much less encouraging is the perception that the government doing badly in combatting corruption. At 61% of Mongolians responding with this assessment, the sense in the population is obviously that the government is part of the problem, not the solution. This is especially discouraging as the survey was conducted at a time of a DP government. The DP and especially President Elbegdorj has always laid claim to anti-corruption as a central differences with the MPP. The electorate is obviously not impressed by these claims.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It should be noted that the same countries where citizens report low levels of bribe-paying also report high levels of dissatisfaction with government measures against corruption. Along with Mongolia that is South Korea (76% "government doing badly"), Malaysia (62%), Japan (60%). This assessment is also high in some countries where corruption is rampant, for example Cambodia with 56% saying the government is doing badly with 40% reporting having paid a bribe.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Clearly, the relationship between paying bribes, perception of corruption, and government action is in no ways a direct/linear one, as I have long suspected for the CPI and other measures.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Adding to this negative perception of government efforts is Mongolians' sense that "ordinary people" have limited impact in the fight against corruption. 51% of Mongolians disagree with the statement "Ordinary people can make a difference in the fight against corruption". That is the highest figure across the region except for Pakistan (67%). Note that on this question as well, Mongolia is similar to Japan (51%) and Malaysia (55%).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I still believe that corruption has a lot of potential for mobilizing Mongolians and also for causing some major shift in party politics, along with air pollution as an issue. My belief in this regard does not seem to be confirmed by these figures, however.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Where do Mongolians Pay Bribes?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian respondents clearly identified the police and public hospitals as places where they paid more bribes than in schools or for registration and other administrative tasks. Note that Mongolians were not asked about utilities or the courts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The identification of the police as a weak link in anti-corruption efforts seems fairly common across the Asia Pacific region.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Conclusions</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Corruption is a complex challenge. Talking about it more is not a cure-all and, ironically, the case of Mongolia perhaps demonstrates that greater awareness of corruption may go hand-in-hand with lower prevalence (or vice-versa).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The complex causal relationships around perception and actual prevalence of corruption, as well as the efficacy of anti-corruption efforts, to me suggests that even more than with other global indices, the various measures used by Transparency International are of very limited meaning. At best, they may be pointing to trends over time, at worst, they seem to be subject to popular mood swings and really suffer from a lack of country-to-country comparability.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But, at the same time, corruption is a scourge on Mongolia and there are no significantly better ways of measuring it available in a consistent manner.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/2017/global-corruption-barometer-asiapacific/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire_1"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for March 6, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>DP members in Bayanzurkh District protest mayoral appointment<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Last Thursday, E. Bat-Amgalan was appointed Mayor of Bayanzurkh by the Mayor of Ulaanbaatar S. Batbold. After the announcement of his appointment, members of the DP in Bayanzurkh District held protests in objection. In the election for the Citizen's Representative Council, the DP won 22 seats and the MPP won 19 seats. After the election, six of the newly elected DP candidates were accused of violating the Law on Elections and the Bayanzurkh Criminal Court decided that five out of the six candidates accused had violated the law. While holding the majority of seats, the MPP nominated a candidate for the district. A new Citizen's Representative Council election will take place in October to fill the five open seats, and if the DP wins the seats, the DP will have the authority to hold a new vote to nominate a new mayor.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> DP, elections, Bayanzurkh District</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>Today /page A2/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Visa-free travel agreement signed with Albania<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Minister of Foreign Affairs Ts. Munkh-Orgil participated in the 34<sup>th</sup> session of the Human Rights Council of the United Nations and delivered remarks. While in Switzerland, Minister Ts. Munkh-Orgil met with the Albanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ditmir Bushati, and signed an agreement for visa-free travel between the two countries for official and diplomatic passport holders. The Minister also met with the Director- General of the UN Office in Geneva Michael Møller and Zeid bin Ra'Ad, the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights, to discuss relations and partnership between the two parties.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> bilateral relations, Albania, foreign affairs</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>Today /page A2/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>MINING<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia in the spotlight at PDAC convention in Toronto<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The Prospectors & Development Association of Canada (PDAC) International Convention, Trade Show & Investors Exchange launched yesterday in Toronto, and will finish on March 8. Representatives from the Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry and representatives from Mongolia's leading mining companies are participating in the event. At the "Mongolia for Stability: Building a better mining country, unlocking its true potential" forum, a session was held to discuss measures being taken in Mongolia to attract investors, and to increase competitive advantages and new opportunities for investment and projects. During the forum, the Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry, the Head of the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority, the ambassadors of Mongolia and Canada, and representatives from Erdenes Mongol, Oyu Tolgoi, Steppe Gold and other companies are set to give presentations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> PDAC, Canada, investment</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Century News /page 1/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Loans will be granted to responsible mining sector companies<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The government is set to grant loans to companies that take part in the Gold-2 program. The loans issued will have lower interest rates than loans issued by commercial banks, and will be given to companies that are engaged in the rehabilitation and restoration of land used for exploration and excavation. The Mongolian Gold Producers Association has requested that 200 billion MNT in financing be included in the budget for the Gold -2 program. The necessary capital will come from loans, bonds, and grants from international organizations and foreign governments. Through the program, gold production is expected to reach 25 tons by 2020.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Gold-2, loans, mining</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>Today /page B1/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ONLINE STORY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>AmCham Mongolia to organize AmCham Mentor Day<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> AmCham Mongolia will organize its second annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, AmCham Mentor Day 2017. AmCham Mentor Day 2017 is a day-long mentoring event giving students the opportunity to learn from the nation's top business leaders and to attend workshops on career development, confidence building, and teamwork, as well as resume development, led by the human resource directors of Mongolia's leading companies. Third and 4<sup>th</sup> year university students are eligible to apply for AmCham Mentor Day 2017.<br> <br>Interested participants must submit an application form by no later than 6:00 p.m., Friday, March 17, 2017. The main criteria for selection will be the strength of the applicant's personal essay, which should be written in English and should not exceed 200 words. The essay should include a brief introduction, the applicant's history of community involvement, why the applicant would like to attend AmCham Mentor Day 2017, and the applicant's goals for the future. Participant selection will be based on the content of the applicant's essay as well as their written English skills. The speakers for the event will be Mr. Ganzorig Ulziibayar, CEO of Golomt Bank; Mr. Gankhuyag Chuluun, CEO of ARD Financial Group; Mr. Gantumur Lingov, CEO of MCS Holding LLC; Mr .Garrett Wilson, Managing Director of Wagner Asia Automotive; and Ms. Beatrice Camp, Public Affairs Officer of the U.S. Embassy. For more information, please contact 7000-3437 or <a href="mailto:info@amcham.mn">info@amcham.mn</a>. The application form can be found <a href="https://form.jotform.me/70508180552452" target="_blank">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> AmCham, CSR, mentorship</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i><a href="http://www.ikon.mn/n/ybx" target="_blank">www.ikon.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-march-6-2017/">Link to newswire</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for March 7, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>State budget deficit significantly decreases<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The National Statistical Office reported that the state's budget deficit decreased by three-fold. In January 2016, the budget deficit stood at 80 billion MNT, and as of January of this year, the deficit stood at 25 billion MNT. According to reports released by the Ministry of Finance, budget revenue increased by 60 billion MNT, reaching 360 billion MNT. The doubling of income tax revenue and a significant increase in other taxes paid led to the decrease in the deficit. Excise tax revenue rose by 10 billion MNT and VAT revenue rose by 12 billion MNT, but social insurance revenue decreased by 9.7 billion MNT. The state's expenditure and debt reached 465.9 billion MNT, an increase of 50.9 billion MNT compared to last year. The budget deficit was planned to be 3.4% of GDP at the start of 2016, but the deficit reached almost 20% of GDP at 3.6 trillion MNT. This year, the budget deficit is forecasted to not exceed 9.1% of GDP (2.4 trillion MNT), and judging by the results from the first report of the year, the budget deficit target is expected to be met.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> state budget, National Statistical Office</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Official Gazette /page 17/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ECONOMY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Khuraldai bond price increases<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The price of the Khuraldai bond newly released by the Government of Mongolia rose to 108 USD in the secondary market. The new 600 million USD bond's nominal price is 100 USD, with an 8.75% interest rate and a seven-year term. The majority of the 580 million USD Development Bank Euro bondholders agreed to exchange 476 million USD in bonds for the new government-backed Khuraldai bond. The remaining amount, totaling 124 million USD, was introduced to new investors, creating high demand in the secondary market. According to some sources, the remaining amount of Development Bank's bond debt will be paid by March 9.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> bonds, GoM</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Official Gazette /page 17/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Gobi Cashmere's 2016 profits reach 16.1 billion MNT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Gobi Cashmere's sales revenue increased by 24% in 2016, reaching 88.6 billion MNT, and profits rose by 50%, reaching 16.1 billion MNT. In 2016, Gobi opened stores in Germany, and they opened stores in China and Belgium in 2017, increasing their export by 30%. The Mongolian Stock Exchange reported that the company's stock profit per share increased by 1.5 times.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> cashmere, exports, MSE</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Official Gazette /page 17/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ONLINE STORY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Fitch labels Mongolia's commercial banks as high risk<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Fitch Ratings reported that even though Mongolia and the IMF reached a staff-level agreement on an extended fund facility, Mongolia's commercial banks are still under pressure. Fitch notes that the agreement with the IMF will help in meeting immediate external debt obligations and also reduce some of the short-term macroeconomic risks faced by commercial banks. Even though Mongolian commercial banks are able to operate in the Asia-Pacific region and raise capital from the international market, due to their exposure to government-related entities, weak operating environment, likelihood of asset quality deterioration, and the possibility of tighter enforcement of laws and regulations, Mongolian commercial banks are seen as risky. In the mid-term, as the economy stabilizes, the profitability of the banks is expected to recover. In the short term, the pressure on the banking system is set to continue and Fitch believes that the government must make the financial and economic market more free. Last February, Fitch Ratings decided to keep Mongolia's credit rating at "B-".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Fitch, commercial banking, credit ratings</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i><a href="http://www.ikon.mn/n/yde" target="_blank">www.ikon.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-march-7-2017/">Link to newswire</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMbtFOP5YxU0sq_JibqUuvZpPeVRTlnsS68Xav-rYKBG9NiGyNXhXSYkUe1ZkURd3FDXZve-ReZDkQ3FfzWvVXFNxBMWYHtpZchHOx46irIbHJAUOV6ExWfIqWYiGOb7Zkp0UgbUS2dY/s1600/image005-756489.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoMbtFOP5YxU0sq_JibqUuvZpPeVRTlnsS68Xav-rYKBG9NiGyNXhXSYkUe1ZkURd3FDXZve-ReZDkQ3FfzWvVXFNxBMWYHtpZchHOx46irIbHJAUOV6ExWfIqWYiGOb7Zkp0UgbUS2dY/s320/image005-756489.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338411848046754" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Business></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Business<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_to_double"></a>Mongolia to double land open for exploration -mining minister<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>By Susan Taylor<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>TORONTO, MARCH 6 (Reuters) Mineral-rich Mongolia plans to double the amount of land available for exploration in an effort to tap into the mining industry's appetite for new resources and help shore up its finances following an IMF-led bailout.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia will increase the land to 20.9 percent of the country from 9.6 percent currently, and could announce the change later this month, the minister of mining and heavy industry, Dashdorj Tsedev, said in an interview on Monday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Miners say Mongolia ranks as one of the best prospects in the world for new copper reserves, as the best quality ore bodies in many other parts of the world have been depleted and electric vehicles raise the possibility of a surge in demand.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The expansion reflects improved geological surveys, and the land open for exploration could increase as further improvements are made, the minister said at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada conference in Toronto.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"A big amount of land will be up for exploration and license," said Tsedev, speaking through a translator, adding that ecologically sensitive areas are excluded.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The land-locked country is home to Rio Tinto's massive Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine. Rio decided in June to go ahead with a $5.3 billion expansion, which will take five to seven years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The mine will eventually be responsible for around 30 percent of the economy, Rio said, but direct benefits for Mongolia will be delayed. According to a 2009 agreement, investors must recoup their original investment costs before Mongolia can collect dividends for its 34 percent shareholding in the mine.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia's economy grew at a double-digit annual rate over 2011-2013 as foreign investors rushed in to take advantage of its vast untapped mineral deposits, but it has been hit hard by an economic crisis since 2016 due to government overspending and declining revenues from commodity exports.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Slowing demand for coal and copper, Mongolia's chief exports, and a plunge in foreign investment have left the world's most sparsely populated sovereign country with soaring debts and a rapidly declining currency, forcing government to hike interest rates and slash spending.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/mining-pdac-mongolia-idUSL2N1GI020">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_looks_to"></a>Mongolia looks to develop its downstream oil industry<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>A plan to develop oil refining capabilities could see Mongolia enhance its energy security, curb its energy import bill and broaden the scope of its manufacturing industry.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 7 (Oxford Business Group) The proposed refinery, to be located in the Sainshand <i>soum</i> (district) in the province of Dornogovi, is forecast to cost around $700m, with a further $264m to be spent on pipelines needed to bring crude to the plant from local fields.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A decent proposal<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>According to the proposal, which was approved by the Cabinet at the end of last year, the facility will have a yearly processing capacity of 1.5m tonnes. Its output is projected to comprise 560,000 tonnes of petrol, 670,000 tonnes of diesel and 107,000 tonnes of liquefied natural gas.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This should meet all of Mongolia's petrol and diesel needs for the immediate future, with a heavy emphasis on diesel production reflecting a reliance on heavy-duty vehicles, particularly in the extraction sector, which accounts for close to 20% of GDP and more than 80% of exports.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In late December the government announced it was seeking approval from the Import-Export Bank of India to utilise a $1bn loan for the construction of the refinery and associated infrastructure.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The credit, agreed upon last year during a visit to Mongolia by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was extended to help develop the country's rail network and general infrastructure.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Security of supply<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>One of the driving forces behind Mongolia's plans to develop local refining capacity is a <a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/overview/much-undiscovered-potential-mongolias-energy-sector-government-laying-groundwork-future-development">broader concern about energy security.</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Although Mongolia produces around 8m barrels of crude a year – most of which it extracts from the Dornod fields in the east of the country – <a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/overview/much-undiscovered-potential-mongolias-energy-sector-government-laying-groundwork-future-development">it does not have any significant refining capacity.</a> As such, virtually all of the current output from Mongolia's operational oil fields is exported to China, and the country fulfils 97% of its processed hydrocarbons needs via imports, mainly from Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Last year Mongolia imported 1.2m tonnes of petroleum from the country, of which 800,000 tonnes was supplied by Russian state-owned firm Rosnet, according to official figures.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In addition to saving as much as $1bn a year in import costs, the new refinery could help boost Mongolia's GDP by 10%, according to statements from the Cabinet. Initial projections put the facility's turnover at $1.2bn per year, with extra tax revenues and net profits expected to reach $150m and $43m per year, respectively.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Feedstock for the refinery is expected to come, at least initially, from the Dornod fields, located 545 km to the north-west of the site of the proposed plant, though other reserves will have to be developed over time to maintain supply while still meeting export commitments to China.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Upstream meets downstream<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The development of a major hydrocarbons processing facility could have broader implications for Mongolia's industrial development. According to the Ministry of Finance, up to 30 separate manufacturing lines, ranging from rubber products and plastics, to cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, could be established if a domestic refinery were in place.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The presence of a downstream facility could also spur investment in Mongolia's upstream sector, which experienced a drop-off in interest following the fall in crude prices in the late 2000s. With a ready domestic market for refined products, more of Mongolia's fields could become financially viable in the future.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia has identified 332m tonnes of oil reserves; however, only 42.6m tonnes are technically available for extraction, according to data from the Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Long in the pipeline<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The plan to build an oil refinery is by no means new, with similar proposals mooted since the 1990s. More recently, there was a scheme to develop a refinery at Darkhan-Uul <i>aimag</i> (province) in northern Mongolia with an annual capacity of 1.7m tonnes of crude and an output of petrol, diesel and aviation fuel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A feasibility study for the for the $1.5bn refinery was completed in November 2013; however, in early 2014 Mongolia's National Security Council struck down the plan due to its expected reliance on feedstock imports from Russia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As the latest refinery initiative includes plans to build a pipeline connecting it to Mongolia's native crude supply in Dornod, a need for foreign imports should not be a sticking point. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>While a refinery could help Mongolia fulfil its own basic fuel requirements, expansion of its industrial base will increase the need for more advanced products, such as lubricants and additives. Unless additional production lines are established at the proposed Sainshand refinery, Mongolia will still have to rely on imports for some oil-based products.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/news/mongolia-looks-develop-its-downstream-oil-industry">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Law_on_Movable"></a>Law on Movable Property Pledge enters into effect<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 6 (MONTSAME) Law on Pledge of Tangible and Intangible Movable Property has entered into effect starting March 01, 2017. The purpose of the law is to regulate the rights and legal interests of the parties to transaction involving the pledge of movable and intangible properties.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition, the law aims to increase economic efficiency and to ease access to new financial resources. Prior to the enactment of this Movables Pledge Law, the Mongolian Civil Code was the main reference point and a principal governing law for transactions involving the pledge of movable and intangible property.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Due to the lack of detailed guidance and regulation regarding the pledging of movable and tangible properties, the most common pledge security became immovable property; thus, shutting out a vast whole array of properties from the economy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Now, under the Movables Pledge Law any movable and intangible property can be pledged as long as the property can be validly used in civil transactions, is physically present or is not yet readily available; such properties include all types of shares and securities, receivables, intellectual property rights, and other intangible properties.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/8991">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongol_Bank_to"></a>Mongol Bank to omit 25,621 loans from its bad loan database<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 6 (UB Post) Mongol Bank decided on February 10 that it will omit 25,621 loans from its loan database, and the loans will not be included in any credit references issued by the bank.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>The following criteria were set for the loans that will be omitted:</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>1. The loan must have a duration of less than one year<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>2. The loan must not be more than 12 times the minimum wage<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>3. The loan must not have a record of more than one default prior to January 31, 2017<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This decision has been described by Mongol Bank as a one-time policy decision. Central bank officials say that is designed to give citizens and businesses equal opportunities to receive financial services.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Although there are no laws restricting citizens and businesses with outstanding loans from applying for new loans, many banks and financial institutions avoid issuing loans to high risk borrowers. Mongol Bank's omission of specific loans from its loan database will benefit the credit scores of borrowers looking to borrow again in the future<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/06/mongol-bank-to-omit-25621-loans-from-its-loan-database/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_'Mongolia_Gold'_Investment"></a>'Mongolia Gold' Investment Conference, March 17<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 6 (news.mn) Mongolia Gold 2017 Conference and Exhibition will be held on 17<sup>th</sup> of March in Ulaanbaatar. The event is being organised by the Mongolian Mining Exchange in cooperation with Ministry of Mining and Heavy industry, Mongolbank, BCM and HKIMA.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The conference is intended to discuss a wide range of issues connected with the gold mining sector and plans to set goals for seeking ways to improve and stabilise the legal environment for gold mining. The event will address solutions to the recent financial concerns of recent years. Related to this, the government is to implement "Gold-2" project, to introduce gold projects to investors as well as advanced technologies, expand business relations and cooperation, and exchange international experience.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Gold-2" was approved by the Mongolian Cabinet as a key part of the raft of measures revive the economy; it aims on increasing gold production by two to three tonnes annually, leading up annual production of 25 tonnes by 2020. Mongolian gold export is forecast to reach 15.8-40.0 tonnes in the next decade and gold revenue going to USD 1177.9 million by 2020.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/326711">Link to article</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/mining/8986">"Mongolia Gold 2017" forum will take place</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 6<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Photo_Blog:_Investing"></a>Photo Blog: Investing in Women's Entrepreneurship in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>By <a href="http://asiafoundation.org/related-person/ashleigh-griffiths/">Ashleigh Griffiths</a>, <a href="http://asiafoundation.org/related-person/uyanga-sainbayar/">Uyanga Sainbayar</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 8 (Asia Foundation) In Mongolia, informal businesses make up a significant portion of the business sector, and play an important role in driving the vast country's local economies. While the female-to-male labor force participation rate in the formal sector is relatively high compared to other countries in the region, steep challenges for women in business remain in the areas of developing solid networks, gaining technical information on how to develop and grow a business, and accessing financial support for entrepreneurial activities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Asia Foundation recently opened the first-ever <a href="http://asiafoundation.org/video/mongolia-womens-business-center/">Women's Business Center Incubation project</a>, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency, to support a rising number of women-owned businesses, and to provide an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs to receive high-quality business support services.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As we mark International Women's Day, we followed one of the clients of the new business center, 60-year-old Gerelee (who two years ago started a micro-business in the capital, Ulanabattar) to learn about the challenges in starting a business, and the impact that the center has had on her ability to expand her business and grow her profit. Photos by Davaanyam Delgerjargal.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Like many Mongolians, Gerelee migrated from the countryside to Ulaanbaatar in 2002 in search of economic opportunity. Once she had moved, Gerelee applied for a loan to open a small business but was rejected three times—the first time because she had no collateral, the second time because she had a low credit rating, and a third time because she was retired. This is a typical cycle of events for women entrepreneurs in Mongolia, even though women-owned micro, small, and medium enterprises make significant contributions to the economy. Women entrepreneurs face a range of financial and nonfinancial challenges in realizing their growth potential and, according to an Asia Foundation survey, are more likely than their male counterparts to cite access to finance as a major or severe constraint on their business operations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Despite being rejected for the loan, Gerelee persisted and tapped into her savings to start a small cooperative, using second-hand materials to make and sell household products such as gloves from old clothes, stoves out of old oil barrels, flower pots from used tires, and stools, bins, brooms, and sieves from plastic bottles. Gerelee's business provides a source of employment for her husband, son in law and two daughters, one of whom is a single mother to three children who was unable to find employment until now. The cooperative also provides employment for two additional women from the neighborhood with disabilities who found themselves in a similar situation to Gerelee's daughter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolian winters are long and harsh with temperatures dropping to -30 degrees Celsius. Instead of burning coal for heat, her family burns pine nut shells and wood fragments, which are free of cost and more environmentally friendly. In the summertime, the cooperative grows its own vegetables to sell in the neighborhood grocery store. Many members of Gerelee's neighborhood struggle to afford items for cooking and cleaning, so she uses a system where people can take the items they need and pay later when they have the money. Here, Gerelee holds some of the small wood fragments that her family burns during the wintertime to keep warm.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In September 2016, Gerelee joined the Women's Business Center to help expand her existing business. The center has helped her gain access to new markets, link with other women starting their own businesses, and increase her profit margin. Gerelee has used the Women's Business Centre training courses and consulting services on product innovation, creative marketing, accounting, formulating a new business plan, and improving customer experience. Through these courses, she was able to turn her existing business into a more profitable venture. After participating in a training on product innovation, Gerelee consulted the WBC staff, and with their assistance created a three-in-one product consisting of three small bags of barley, traditional butter, and traditional oatmeal in one large bag. Initially, Gerelee was selling each of these products in one-kilogram bags but has found the new product sells much better.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Gerelee sells her products at the recent WBC pop-up shop for the Mongolian New Year. Gaining access to financial services was one of the biggest hurdles Gerelee faced in starting her business, and the WBC helps address challenges that women entrepreneurs like Gerelee experience in accessing financing. Through the project's partner organization, the Golomt Bank, the WBC provides mentoring, ongoing loan training, and loan advisory services. In this way, the project seeks to reduce the barriers women face when accessing a loan and increasing their access to financial services.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>By strengthening women-run micro, small, and medium businesses like Gerelee's, the Women's Business Center is expanding economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs and women employees that will result in growing investments, a more diverse economy, and more competitive industries across Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ashleigh Griffiths is an economic development officer for The Asia Foundation in Mongolia and is currently participating in the Australian Volunteers for International Development, an Australian Government Initiative. Uyanga Sainbayar is The Asia Foundation's Project Support Officer for women's empowerment in Mongolia. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors and not those of The Asia Foundation or its funder.</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://asiafoundation.org/2017/03/08/photo-blog-investing-womens-entrepreneurship-mongolia/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_82_freight_forwarding"></a>82 freight forwarding companies suspended pending examination<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 7 (MONTSAME) The ministry of Road and Transportation Development has started examination on all railway freight forwarding companies regarding their implementation of relevant laws, regulations, rules and meeting standards and requirements.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For this reason certificates of 82 freight forwarding companies are under suspension. The Ministry announced that the companies should apply for the examination within March 17.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/9007">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Modern_Nomads_opens"></a>Modern Nomads opens "Black Burger Factory" in UB<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 7 (news.mn) "Modern Nomads", the well-known Mongolian restaurant chain has recently introduced its "Black Burger Factory" in Ulaanbaatar. Black Burger is newest trend all over the world. "Burger King Japan" first unveiled the "Kuro Burger"—which translates as "black burger", which features a dark black bun, a slice of black cheese, and, for an extra dose of darkness, the onion-garlic sauce is made with squid ink.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Modern Nomads" restaurant offers Black Burgers with double beef for meet lovers, "Brown Burger" for dieters and "Steak Burger" for chili lovers. The chain will deliver Black burgers to customers within a 500 meter radius of the Central Cultural Palace from 1<sup>st</sup> of April. The Black Burger Factory is located behind the Central Cultural Palace in the building of the 'Mongolyn Unen' newspaper - just next to Sukhbaatar Square.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/326847">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_E-Mart_begins_sending"></a>E-Mart begins sending Korean-grown fresh food to Mongolia <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing>E-Mart has ambitious plans to boost exports<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 7 (Korea JoongAng Daily) Korean discount chain E-Mart unveiled a plan on Monday to increase exports by 65 percent to 53 billion won ($46 million) this year, with the ultimate goal of hitting 100 billion won by 2018.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The retailer already began shipments to the Philippines in January and is preparing to start exporting to Japan, England, Thailand and Taiwan between late March and April. This will increase the number of export countries to 15 by this year's first half. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"In the second half, we're talking with companies in Uzbekistan, Russia and the Netherlands," said Shim Jin-bo, a manager at E-Mart's global business team. "The goal is to reach 20 countries by the end of this year."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Last year, the retailer raised 32 billion won from exports to 10 markets including China, Hong Kong, the United States, Singapore and Australia. Its sales grew 100 times compared to 2013, when it first began exporting products to Hong Kong.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The government last year named the top Korean discount chain a "certified trading company," a title that is only granted to companies that achieve over $1 million in exports in a year. Another mandatory requirement is that among the exported products, over 30 percent has to be from other companies. E-Mart was the first discount retailer to gain the title. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The company's overseas advancement is not only beneficial for E-Mart but also for its suppliers who fill the discount chain's shelves. Around 45 percent of all sales earned from exports last year were generated by products from small and midsize companies. E-Mart wants eventually to increase this to 50 percent. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The retailer is sending products to consumer markets through two ways: by establishing E-Mart branches abroad, such as in Vietnam and Mongolia, and signing partnerships with local retail companies such as China's Alibaba and NetEase. This year, E-Mart plans to pursue partnerships with local wholesalers as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In January, E-Mart began sending Korean-grown fresh food to Mongolia via plane. This will likely benefit Korean farmers, whose revenue mostly comes from the domestic market.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Expanding our global sales channel is a good opportunity to generate networks and accumulate know-how in global exports through which we can introduce quality products in Korea," E-Mart CEO Lee Gap-su said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3030621&cloc=joongangdaily%7Chome%7Cnewslist1">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Road_Expo_Mongolia"></a>Road Expo Mongolia 2017, from the 16th to the 17th of March<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 7 (CONTROLS Group) From the 16th to the 17th of March will be held the <b>"5th Road Expo Mongolia", </b>the International Exhibition and Conference on New Technique & Technology in Road, in Ulaanbaatar - Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The event, organized by Ministry of Road and Transportation of Mongolia , Mongolia Road Association and The Federal Higway Research Institute, will host experts and consultants from USA, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Russian federation, Italy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>CONTROLS Group will be present with a booth to meet all visitors and to speak about the IPC Global/CONTROLS latest technologies, the equipment of the new <b><i><u><a href="http://ipcglobal.controls-group.com/eng/"><span style='font-style:normal'>Advanced pavementes testing division</span></a></u></i></b> of CONTROLS Group. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Come to visit us at <b>booth no.16</b>!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>For further information see the exhibition website <b><u><a href="http://www.roadexpo.mn/eng">here</a></u></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.controls-group.com/eng/news-events/events/roadexpo-2017-_-mongolia-from-the-16th-to-the-17th-of-march.php#.WL_XHjuGPDc">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Rare_opportunity_in"></a>Rare opportunity in a strategic Asian frontier market<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 7 (JLL) Featuring 315 individual units set across 16 storeys, the Residences are the first Singaporean-led development in Mongolia, featuring top-of-the-line construction and design unrivaled by competitors.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Property offers multiple investment scenarios including operation as a hotel/serviced apartment with complementary facilities, or a multi-family residence, taking advantage of the burgeoning expatriate market in the city. The units can also be separated and sold individually on a strata basis, regardless of operating strategy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Key investment highlights include:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo6'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Institutional-quality asset with multiple investment strategies<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo6'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Rare opportunity in a strategic Asian frontier market with rapid economic growth forecast over the coming years<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo6'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Available on a Freehold basis<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo6'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Newly built & quality Singaporean-led design<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo6'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Located in a lively shopping district that is a focus for regeneration and future development<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo6'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Limited competition in the surrounding district<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo6'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Increasing housing demand from a rapidly urbanising population<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.theinvestor.jll/opportunities/apac/04/rare-opportunity-strategic-asian-frontier-market/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s1600/image006-759751.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s320/image006-759751.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338424575524834" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Ulaanbaatar></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_DP_protests_Bayanzurkh"></a>DP protests Bayanzurkh District governor appointment<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 6 (UB Post) Members of the Democratic Party have spoken out against the March 2 appointment of E.BatAmgalan as Mayor of Bayanzurkh District. The opposition to the Mayor of Ulaanbaatar's appointment follows a hotly contested election for seats on the district's Citizen's Representative Council.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the October 2016 elections for the Citizen's Representative Council, the Democratic Party (DP) won 22 seats on the Bayanzurkh District council and the Mongolian People's Party (MPP) won 19 seats.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Following the announcement of the result of the election, complaints were filed alleging that six of the newly elected DP candidates violated the Law on Elections during the campaign. In response to complaints, Bayanzurkh District's Criminal Court decided that five out of the six candidates accused, including B.Saruul, A.Tumennasan, M.Mendbayar, Sh.Ganchimeg, and D.Ulambayar, had violated some sections of the Law on Elections.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>New Citizen's Representative Council elections will take place in October for the five open seats. Following the court's ruling, the MPP holds 19 seats on the district's council and the DPP holds 16 seats.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Holding the majority of seats, the MPP nominated a candidate for the Mayor of Bayanzurkh District. After Mayor of Ulaanbaatar S.Batbold appointed the MPP's E.Bat-Amgalan as Mayor<br>of Bayanzurkh District on March 2, DP members party members residing in the Bayanzurkh District protested Mayor S.Batbold's decision.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On March 3, the Senior Advisor to the Mayor of Ulaanbaatar D.Munkh-Erdene, Head of the Ulaanbaatar Mayor's Office M.Otgonbayar, and other officials held a press conference about Mayor S.Batbold's decision concerning the appointment of E.Bat-Amgalan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>D.Munkh-Erdene pointed out that all of Ulaanbaatar's districts had mayors in place, but Bayanzurkh District only recently has a mayor because the district's criminal and appeals courts had only recently ruled on complaints concerning DP candidates who had won five council seats.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He stated that E.Bat-Amgalan was nominated by the majority of the 35 representatives of the Bayanzurkh District Citizens' Representative Council, so Mayor S.Batbold appointed E.Bat-Amgalan as the district's mayor.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>D.Munkh-Erdene noted that if the DP wins the five open seats in the new Citizen's<br>Representative Council elections, the DP will have the authority to hold a new vote to nominate a new mayor for the district.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mayor S.Batbold said that his decision was legal, and called on the leaders of the DP to stop opposing the appointment of the MPP's nominee.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Former Prime Minister and DP member R.Amarjargal pointed out that Bayanzurkh District's Election Commission is under the influence of the MPP. He alleges that the ruling party wants to erase the votes of DP members in the Bayanzurkh District by engaging law enforcement and other state authorities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He noted that only 19 representatives of the MPP participated in the Bayanzurkh District's Citizens' Representative Council meeting for the nomination of E.Bat-Amgalan, and called for MPP leaders to stop their illegal actions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/06/dp-protests-bayanzurkh-district-mayoral-appointment/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_UB_local_governance"></a>UB local governance to be improved through capacity strengthening<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 7 (MONTSAME) Today on March 7, a memorandum of cooperation was signed between the Governor's Office of the Capital, the Management Academy and the Asian Foundation. Within the framework of the memorandum the parties will collaborate in capacity strengthening of officers of khoroo (smallest administrative unit) including governors, managers, social workers, members of livelihood support councils and heads of units.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chairman of the Governor's Office of the Capital M.Otgonbayar said, "- Trainings for improving state officials' knowledge and skills will be held with finance of the Swiss Development Agency and with support of Asian Foundation and the Management academy. And curriculum will be developed for state officials, who work at primary administrative level and trainings for local government officers will be organized for long period".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With funding of the Swiss Development Agency, the Asian Foundation together with the Governor's Office of the Capital has been implementing a project "Improving governance of the city" for 3.5 years since September 2015.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9015">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s1600/image006-759751.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s320/image006-759751.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338424575524834" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Diplomacy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Diplomacy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Canada-Mongolia_investment_agreemen"></a>Canada-Mongolia investment agreement enters into force<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>March 7, 2017 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada -- </b>Creating the right conditions for Canadian businesses to compete internationally is an important part of the Government of Canada's progressive trade agenda, which is helping the middle class and those working hard to join it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, met today with Tsedev Dashdorj, Mongolia's Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry, on the sidelines of the annual convention of the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada, in Toronto, Ontario, and announced that the Canada-Mongolia Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) has entered into force.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This agreement sets out a framework of legally binding rights and obligations that will protect Canadian investors in Mongolia. The strong reciprocal protections in the FIPA will help Canadian and Mongolian companies deepen commercial ties with confidence and spur job creation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Canada is one of the top investors in Mongolia, largely in the mining sector. In 2015, Statistics Canada estimated Canadian investment in Mongolia at approximately $6.4 billion.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The positive investment climate created by the FIPA may also help pave the way for deeper cooperation in Mongolia's non-resource-based sectors, such as infrastructure and agriculture, where Canadian companies have valuable expertise to share.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Through deeper economic engagement, Canada is helping Mongolia to further build its capacity to manage its natural resources sector effectively and according to principles of transparency and accountability, environmental sustainability and inclusivity.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Quotes<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The opportunities to strengthen our middle class relate directly to creating the right conditions for Canadian businesses to compete internationally, and that is precisely what this agreement is all about."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>- François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Quick Facts<o:p></o:p></b></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'>The FIPA will provide Canadian investors operating in Mongolia with a legal framework that will help bring greater predictability and certainty with respect to their investments.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'>Canada and Mongolia signed the FIPA on September 8, 2016.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'>Mongolia is a country of focus for Canada's development funding, with seven operational projects worth $40 million over five years (2015 to 2020) promoting sustainable economic growth and democratic development.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'>Canada supports the improved governance of Mongolia's natural resources sector, including through capacity building on public-sector management and development and the implementation of policies and regulatory frameworks based on international best practices.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo3'>These efforts aim to help Mongolia pursue governance based on principles such as transparency and accountability, environmental sustainability, evidence-based decision making and gender mainstreaming, for the benefit of all Mongolians.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>Associated Links<o:p></o:p></b></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo4'><a href="http://international.gc.ca/trade-commerce/trade-agreements-accords-commerciaux/agr-acc/mongolia-mongolie/fipa-apie/text-texte/canada_mongolia-mongolie.aspx?lang=eng" title="Agreement Between Canada and Mongolia for the Promotion and Protection of Investments">Agreement Between Canada and Mongolia for the Promotion and Protection of Investments</a><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo4'><a href="http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/mongolia-mongolie/index.aspx?lang=eng" title="Embassy of Canada to Mongolia">Embassy of Canada to Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2017/03/canada-mongolia_investmentagreemententersintoforce.html">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_denies_running"></a>Mongolia denies running secret casino in Moscow<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 7 (news.mn) Under headers, such as "Mongolian Consulate transformed into Casino", the Russian media reported Monday that a secret casino has been discovered in offices belonging to the Mongolian Embassy in the Arbat region of Moscow. D.Davaasuren, State Secretariat of Foreign Ministry has informed that Mongolian diplomatic representatives were no longer working in the building where the secret casino was being run. The articles noted, however, that the building was still the property of the Mongolian government. The illegal casino evidently advertised itself as a yoga centre; in reality, it attracted a wealthy predominately male clientele and was fully equipped with gaming tables and gambling machines. The embassy building was established in 1965. The Mongolian diplomatic representatives moved out of the building in 2007 after the Moscow City authorities warned of structural damage and the risk of collapse. However, a company called "Moscow Centre Region Style" LLC rented the building for 10 years in 2007. The rent agreement will end in September, 2017. The renters deny any secret casino and Mongolian officials are examining the issue.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/326854">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_China_wants_water"></a>China wants water from Russia's Lake Baikal to irrigate drought-hit regions<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 7 (RT) Arid Northwest China is considering building a 1,000km pipeline to pump fresh water from Lake Baikal in Russia's Siberia, reports Beijing-based Global Times. Baikal is the largest freshwater lake in the world by volume.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to reports in the Chinese media, officials in Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu province, intend to build the pipeline through Russia and Mongolia to China.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>"Once the technical issues are resolved, diplomats should sit down and talk to each other about how each party would benefit from such international cooperation,"</i> said Li Luoli the vice president of the China Society of Economic Reform, a state-run think tank, who is one of the plan's masterminds.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The water taken from Baikal will be a fraction for the lake, which contains 23,000 cubic kilometers or roughly 20 percent of the world's unfrozen surface fresh water.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>"However, for Mongolia and northern China which have been plagued by water scarcity, it will help improve environmental conditions that have become a bottleneck for economic development,"</i> he wrote in his book in 2012.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For Russia the project would be good, as it would develop resource-rich Siberia and become a major exporter of water, strengthening both politically and economically, according to Li.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The feasibility of such a plan is questionable, as it will involve three countries. <i>"Technology is not a problem. Diplomatic negotiations will depend on the local government,"</i> an expert who asked not to be named told the Global Times.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Russian government has not commented on the issue, but environmentalists have expressed concerns that Lake Baikal has been drying up at an alarming pace.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A 2015 report said the shores of Baikal are covered with rotting algae dangerous to its unique ecosystem.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Lake Baikal is increasingly contaminated by Spirogyra, which could pose a threat to the purity of its waters.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Spirogyra is not native to Baikal's ecosystem. It thrives on biological waste which, according to ecologists, comes from sewage facilities from several local holiday centers, as well as private boats.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also in 2015, Baikal's water level hit a record low – five centimeters below the critical level of 456 meters.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.rt.com/business/379699-baikal-fresh-water-russia-china/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_peacekeepers_save"></a>Mongolian peacekeepers save refugees in South Sudan<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 6 (MONTSAME) Peacekeepers from the Mongolian Battalion, nicknamed "MonBatt" by the UN, have saved lives of domestic refugees, reported the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>David Shearer, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in South Sudan, praised the bravery of Mongolian soldiers in times of danger. According to him, the incident occurred on the evening of February 22, when 11 domestic refugees were beaten up by a group of people in military costumes near a farm in Bentiu. Thanks to the soldiers from the MonBatt's courageous actions, the seven men and four women were saved.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As of today, a total of around 120 thousand Sudanese refugees are living in the Bentiu Camp.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Similar stories are being told about the Mongolian peacekeepers in South Sudan, where they have prevented bloodsheds by discovering hidden firearms and a terror group, have helped deliver babies and saved people's lives. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8990">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Environment_Minister_meets"></a>Environment Minister meets Japanese Ambassador<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 7 (MONTSAME) On March 6, Monday, Minister of Environment and Tourism D.Oyunkhorol met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Mongolia Masako Takaoka.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Environment Ministries of Mongolia and Japan have been working together since 2006 http://en.montsame.mn/node/9010, and the 10th Environmental Policy Consultative Meeting between the two countries took place last year in Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Minister D.Oyunkhorol congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment, and emphasized on the need to evaluate the past cooperation in environment sector, and upgrade the cooperation into a new level. "One of the many projects that were co-realized by the two sides was the establishment of Fresh Water Resources and Natural Conservation Center which has been a big investment to environmental research in Mongolia", she said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For his part, Ambassador Masako Takaoka expressed his regard for the bilateral policy consultation meeting. He said, "There is a good chance for development of tourism between our two countries. The New Ulaanbaatar International Airport (NUBIA) is a major project of cooperation between Japan and Mongolia". He expressed his belief that the airport should launch operation as soon as possible so as to start benefitting the economy of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The sides exchanged views regarding various matters such as wind power plant, 5th power plant, leather factory projects and more environmental projects.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/9010">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Belarusian_Ambassador_meets"></a>Belarusian Ambassador meets with MP N.Enkhbold to develop economic cooperation<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 8 (UB Post) On March 7, Belarusian Ambassador to Mongolia Stanislav Chepurnoy was received by Member of Parliament and Head of the State Building Standing Committee N.Enkhbold to discuss ongoing projects on economic cooperation between the two countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ambassador Chepurnoy pointed out that the sides need to focus on expanding trade, economic, and other cooperation, as well as the number of mutual visits between the legislators of the two countries, are of importance to improving mutual cooperation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He noted that there is a Belarus-Mongolia Inter-Parliamentary Group in the Belarusian parliament that includes 12 legislators, and that he hopes a similar inter-parliamentary group will be established in the parliament of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Ambassador emphasized that there are possible areas for the expansion of economic cooperation, including Ulaanbaatar's public transportation, agriculture, dairy industry, heavy machinery mechanics, and mining sector.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>MP N.Enkhbold said that both countries have the opportunity to expand relations and cooperation in a wide range of issues.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/08/belarusian-ambassador-meets-with-mp-n-enkhbold-to-develop-economic-cooperation/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_Consul_General"></a>Mongolian Consul General meets Hong Kong Chief Executive<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 7 (MONTSAME) On February 28, S.Erdene, Consul General of Mongolia in Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China paid a courtesy call on Leung Chun-ying, Chief Executive of Hong Kong.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying mentioned that cooperation between Mongolia and Hong Kong is intensifying in recent years and underlined that the sides need to boost collaboration in the fields of trade and economy in the future. Expressing his satisfaction for strengthening bilateral partnership, he said continued that Hong Kong will pay attention to create favorable environment for deepening connectivity of investors, entities and people-to-people ties between Mongolia and Hong Kong. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After commending the establishment of a prisoner exchange agreement, Consul General S.Erdene expressed his confidence that an agreement on rendering legal assistance on criminal case will be signed within this year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also, on March 2, Consul General S.Erdene met with Tong Xiaoling, Acting Commissioner of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong to exchange views on certain issues concerning the relations between Mongolia and China. At the meeting, Ms. Tong Xiaoling handed over a consular exequatur to S.Erdene, Consul General of Mongolia in Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9009">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_VN_President_receives"></a>VN President receives newly-accredited ambassadors<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 8 (VNA) President Tran Dai Quang hosted separate receptions for newly-accredited ambassadors to Vietnam in Hanoi on March 8, during which he called for the diplomats' greater efforts to broaden bilateral wide-ranging cooperation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Speaking to Mongolia's newly-accredited Ambassador Bilegdorj Dash, President Quang stressed that Vietnam attaches importance to the development of relations with Mongolia and is pleased with strides made in bilateral cooperation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The two countries' senior leaders agreed to maintain high-level meetings, bolster connections in diplomacy, security, and defence, and bring into play the role of the intergovernmental committee in fostering economic and trade partnerships. They were also unanimous in tightening links in culture, education, tourism and labour, and in enhancing coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The President asked the diplomat to accelerate the realisation of the Vietnamese and Mongolian leaders' common perceptions and devise measures to optimise cooperation potential and expand business-to-business and people-to-people ties.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bilegdorj Dash said Mongolia and Vietnam have traditional friendship and want to step up economic and trade relations. They will have many important diplomatic activities this year, and the embassy will do its utmost to augment multi-faceted cooperation in an effective manner.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He hoped Vietnam will support Mongolia to participate in APEC and become a dialogue partner of ASEAN.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/government/174116/vn-president-receives-newly-accredited-ambassadors.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_India-Mongolia_talks_on"></a>India-Mongolia talks on uranium begin this month<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing>by Charu Sudan Kasturi<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>New Delhi, March 8 (The Telegraph India)</b> India and Mongolia plan to begin formal talks this month on trading in uranium, a mineral abundant in the northeast Asian country and a key attraction for New Delhi as it seeks a tighter partnership with nations on China's periphery.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia holds one of the world's largest reserves of uranium, which fuels nuclear plants that India is counting on to generate an ever-growing chunk of its energy pie. It is also testing its traditional dependence on China by increasing its engagement with other countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But talks between New Delhi and Ulan Bator on the import of uranium by India have so far remained informal, partly because Mongolia lacks a clear regulatory framework for the sale of minerals to other countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Now, the two nations want to pull the shroud off those talks and begin formal discussions and negotiations on how India can buy and transport uranium from the land-locked country.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia is expected to seek more assistance from India in the use of nuclear medicine for cancer treatment at the meeting of the joint working group on civil nuclear cooperation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>India had gifted Mongolia a Bhabhatron - a tele-cobalt machine used to provide radiotherapy to cancer patients - during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to that country in May 2016. But the core in the machine, which emits the radiation, now needs to be replaced.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We're going to seek that replacement," Gonchig Ganbold, Mongolia's ambassador to India, told <b>The Telegraph</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The upcoming meeting comes at a time tensions are high between India and China, and Beijing is pressuring Ulan Bator to abandon any steps it views as provocative.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>China threatened a blockade along the land border with Mongolia after the smaller country hosted the Dalai Lama in December. Beijing considers the Tibetan leader a "separatist" and has in recent days warned New Delhi of damage to bilateral ties if it goes ahead and hosts him in Arunachal Pradesh, a part of which China claims.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But while Mongolia's foreign minister assured China that the country's current government would not allow the Dalai Lama to visit again, the Narendra Modi administration in India has indicated it doesn't plan to backtrack.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia, sandwiched between giant powers Russia and China, has traditionally followed a policy similar to Nepal's with India and China: of carefully balancing ties with the two larger neighbours.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But in recent years, Ulan Bator has been seeking out "third neighbours" - other nations in the region apart from Russia and China - to counterbalance the pressures from its biggest neighbours.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>That approach has coincided with India's search for deeper strategic partnerships with countries along China's periphery - Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore - and Beijing's rivals like Japan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With Mongolia, India has long eyed uranium trade as a potential pillar of strategic ties. India has set a target of generating 63,000MW of nuclear power by 2032 - it currently generates less than 10,000MW - and needs steady imports of uranium.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.telegraphindia.com/1170309/jsp/nation/story_139810.jsp#.WMC9MjuGPDc">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_The_Dragon,_Dalai"></a>The Dragon, Dalai Lama and Mongolia: What diplomatic role should India play<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>By Dr Bawa Singh <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 8 (South Asia Monitor) China conceived its 'Neighbourhood Policy' in 2007 to assure neighbours regarding its peaceful intentions -- seeking no hegemony, playing of power politics, interfering in internal affairs and imposition of its ideology on other countries are the important objectives of policy. However, seeing the Chinese reaction on the Dalai Lama's visit to Mongolia in December 2016, it seems that China does not believe in pursuing its own neighbourhood policy in spirit and substance in the context of its small neighbour. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tibet has long remained as one the most crucial issues of Chinese foreign policy in general and the neighbourhood policy in particular. In 1949, Tibet was taken over by China. The Tibetan leaders were compelled to sign a treaty known as the Seventeen Point Agreement (SPA), dictated by China in 1951. The agreement guaranteed the autonomy and respect of Buddhist religion along with the establishment of Chinese civil and military headquarters at Lhasa, capital of Tibet. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Being communist, China controlled the freedom of religion, speech, and press of the Tibetan people. The Dalai Lama had met Chairman of the Communist Party of China Mao Zedong (1945-1976) in 1954 in an effort to sort out these issues and urged him to honour the SPA. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the face of Chinese obduracy, the Dalai Lama consistently fought for Tibet's autonomy and China took a tough stand against him. Consequently, he fled to India in 1959 and has since been living in India with 100,000 Tibetan refugees and their government-in-exile. The Dalai Lama has been perceived by Beijing as a separatist leader. Therefore, the Chinese leadership wanted that the neighbouring countries should follow the 'One China Policy' as well as not hosting the Dalai Lama. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Given the high percentage of Tibetan Buddhism followers in Mongolia, the Dalai Lama has been held in very high esteem there as a spiritual leader. He paid his first visit to Mongolia in 1979, and the seventh visit was in 2002. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In November 2016, once again he was invited by the Mongolia-based Gadan ThekchenLing Monastery, the largest Buddhist monastery and the centre of Buddhist learning in Mongolia. He gave his teachings in the Buddhist congregations and participated in a conference on Buddhism and Science followed by a public discourse on November 23-24. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Over the next two days, he conferred the Bhikshuka ordination and the Hayagriva initiation. On November 28, the Dalai Lama flew back to India via Japan. During his stay in Mongolia, the Tibetan spiritual leader had openly complained about and criticised the Chinese attempts to disrupt his travel arrangements. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hosting/meeting the Dalai Lama has been perceived by China as a challenge to its 'One China Policy.' Deeming the Dalai Lama as a problem for its unity and sovereignty, China asked Mongolia to forbid his visit. In this regard, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in a press briefing: "Do not allow the Dalai Lama to visit. Do not support or facilitate the separatist activities of the Dalai clique." <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In Chinese perception, the Dalai Lama is a separatist, not a religious figure. The Chinese government and public discourses have been disapproving of his alleged separatist deeds. Hosting him by any country also implies the endorsement of his separatist acts which is not acceptable to the Chinese leadership. China has expressed its anger against those countries that have hosted the Tibetan spiritual leader. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Tibetan rights groups and exiles have always been accusing China of trampling upon the religious and cultural rights of the Tibetan people. The visit of the Dalai Lama has been termed by Mongolia as a purely religious visit with no political strings attached to it. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia has been pressing China for a $4.2 billion assistance to overcome its economic crisis and recession. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After Mongolia's hosting the Dalai Lama, China has severely punished it for not toeing its line. China imposed new tariffs on commodity shipments between China and Mongolia. A transportation blockade has been forcing Mongolian truck drivers to wait for long on the border in minus 20 degrees Celsius temperature. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In this backdrop, there is the possibility of a humanitarian crisis due to blockage of essential commodities. The most serious concern is the cancellation of a meeting regarding loan negotiations related to a coalfield railway line, copper plant, and coal gasification. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The incident has also cast a dark shadow over Mongolian Prime Minister Jargaltulgyn Erdenebat's planned visit to China next year. However, it has been argued that Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang did not confirm the imposition of new border tariffs due to Dalai Lama's visit, rather he pretended to be unaware of the situation. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the matter of land connectivity, Mongolia has been hoping that the proposed New Silk Road under China's 'One Belt One Road' initiative would pass through its territory. Now it is also expected that this project may be hampered due to the suddenly emerged hostile relations. Mongolia's economic dependence on China, due to the recent "enforcement measures", could result in grave consequences not only for Mongolia but also for the region. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Due to the sensitivities of China, Mongolia could hardly expect diplomatic or economic assistance from any quarter. Against these concerns on the part of China, Mongolia has been pursuing the 'Third Neighbour Policy'. Under this policy, Mongolia has been reaching out to friendly European countries in general and the US, Japan, Korea and India in particular. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In this critical situation, Mongolian Ambassador to India Gonchig Ganbold urged: "India should come out with clear support against the difficulties that have been imposed on Mongolia by China." He also pointed out that it is a "kind of blockade-like situation" imposed by China. It was "an over-reaction" to the Dalai Lama's religious visit, despite Ulaanbaatar's assurance of the 'One China Policy', the envoy maintained. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the backdrop of such hegemonic and monopolistic countermoves, Mongolia has urged India to support it against China's blockade moves. China has reacted to this step in very jaundiced language -- as expected by the Indian establishment. The Chinese official mouthpiece Global Times dubbed Mongolia's seeking help from India as "politically harebrained". Mongolia was also warned to avoid such dangerous geopolitical games and be prepared for dire consequences otherwise. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>India as a regional power should give a fitting reply to this emerging geopolitical great game. In this critical condition, it is worth mentioning that the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said: "As a close friend of Mongolia, which regards India as its 'third neighbour' and 'spiritual neighbour', we are ready to work with the Mongolian people in this time of their difficulty." <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>India has also given a signal of being sympathetic to the Mongolian people in the present difficult time. It has expressed its desire to allow Mongolia to make use of the $1 billion financial assistance offered during PM Narendra Modi's visit in 2015 to tide over the economic sanctions imposed by China. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Buddhism is a common factor linking the Dalai Lama, Mongolia and India. The Dalai Lama also has connections with Arunachal Pradesh, which is an integral part of India and has several prominent Buddhist monasteries. The Dalai Lama, who has been living in India since 1959, has the right to visit Arunachal Pradesh. It seems that the current incident, where China has objected to the Tibetan spiritual leader visiting Mongolia, has implications for Arunachal Pradesh as time and again this issue has been raked up by China. India should strongly support Mongolia in view of the historical, geo-cultural and geopolitical interests. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>China cannot stop the Dalai Lama from visiting any part of the world, including Arunachal Pradesh, and, of course, except Tibet which has been illegally acceded by China. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The visit of erstwhile US Ambassador Richard Verma to Arunachal Pradesh in October has also not gone down well with China. Beijing has warned India and the US over the envoy's visit, claiming that Arunachal Pradesh is a disputed territory between China and India. China has perceived Verma's visit as intervention by the US in the Sino-Indian boundary dispute which makes it more complicated and disturbs the hard-won peace at the border. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If China raises these issues time and again, it has to give reply to some questions. Why is China not following the same principles as preached by it? What is the status of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), where work on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is going on? From where did it get the right to station 10,000 military personnel in PoK to protect its CPEC project? Why has military modernisation been going on in South China Sea, where seven countries are claiming territorial jurisdiction? How can it stop India from exploring energy in the area, where New Delhi has been asked by Vietnam to do so? <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>India is a potential global power, characterised by sound economy, political stability, military modernisation, science and technology development, and large pool of human resource development. The only thing which will make a difference is the strong urge for translating the diplomatic will into practice. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But to prove its worth in the comity of nations, India has to take strong decisions. India should support not only Mongolia -- rather it should support the Dalai Lama and the Tibet issue as well in the backdrop of its own Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh policy. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>The author is teaching at the Centre for South and Central Asian Studies, School of Global Relations, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, India. Comments and suggestions on this article can be sent to <a href="mailto:editor@spsindia.in">editor@spsindia.in</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://southasiamonitor.org/news/the-dragon-dalai-lama-and-mongolia-what-diplomatic-role-should-india-play/sl/22460">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Tibetan_Leadership_Cons"></a>Tibetan Leadership Cons Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>By: Ashok Rao<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 4 (Dorje Shugden) Mongolia is reeling from impending economic meltdown in March as previous measures to solve its almost $600 million financial commitment to bond holders dissolved into thin air amidst qualms over His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit. Originally in negotiations with China to help solve its dire fiscal situation, the Tibetan religious leader's visit to Mongolia led to a breakdown in talks between the two countries. The economic situation in Mongolia has now degenerated so badly as to warrant private citizens donating their personal assets to the government in a last ditch attempt to save the country's economy from financial ruin.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In hindsight this fiscal maelstrom, as reported in the article below, could have been easily avoidable through talks and deals with China and the International Monetary Fund. However negotiations with China collapsed after the <a href="http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/news/mongolia-bans-the-dalai-lama/" target="_blank" title="Dalai Lama's visit to Mongolia">Dalai Lama's visit to Mongolia</a>. Despite warnings from China that such a visit would strain relations between the two countries, the visit proceeded, something that the Central Tibetan Administration publicised heavily on its own website. In the aftermath of China pulling out from the negotiations, the Mongolian government even banned the Dalai Lama from entering Mongolia in an attempt to placate China back to the negotiation table. With such disaster hitting, the Central Tibetan Administration remains silent in regards to Mongolia's current situation. Having fully supported the Dalai Lama's visit, the Tibetan leadership now choose to ignore the outcome of their endorsements.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia and Tibet have a long, complicated but mutually shared spiritual history, something that has led to strong relations between the two countries, since before the time of His Holiness the 4th Dalai Lama, Yonten Gyatso, who was born in Mongolia, and was a great-grandson of Altan Khan. Altan Khan himself is remembered for instigating and strengthening ties between Mongolia and Tibet.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Central Tibetan Administration's promotion of this event was originally seen as an extension of their support for Mongolia, its people, its spiritual traditions (that stem from Tibet) and the fact that many people consider the Dalai Lama to be their spiritual leader. They had couched the visit in terms of spiritual wellbeing and harmony, but given their lack of support or even mentioning the fallout from the visit, it is evident that their intentions were not all that pure after all.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Well aware of Mongolia's dependence on foreign support, the Tibetan Administration have conned the Mongolian leadership to stand up to China for their own ends. In pulling out the sovereignty card and standing up to China, through their heavy support for the Dalai Lama's visit, the Tibetan leadership has worsened Mongolia's economic situation. Adding salt to the wound, they do nothing to support Mongolia, do not promise aid or political help but kept quiet when their so-called friend is in urgent need to stave off the worst fears of any leadership – economic breakdown. For all intents and purposes, the Tibetan leadership has used Mongolia for its political usefulness, but offer nothing in return when the country is in serious trouble. They simply chewed on them until there was no taste left, and spat them out to be discarded once their usefulness was over. A simple glimpse of Mongolia's financial situation and events over the past year, makes the Tibetan leadership's exploitation of the country glaringly obvious.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>For a leadership that claims to follow the Dalai Lama, a Buddhist monk, the actions of the Tibetan leadership by pulling out the sovereignty card, shows the underhanded and wholly un-virtuous exploitation of an entire country to fulfil their selfish aims. Mongolia now teeters on the edge of disastrous economic ruin, and the Tibetan leadership – the direct cause of the situation, which could have been avoided – are nowhere to be seen and offer not even a statement of support, betraying their own selfish intent. Strangely, India said they would step in among other countries to assist, but it looks like the assistance was too meagre to bail Mongolia out. Unfortunately, it will be the average Mongolian citizen who will need to bear the brunt of this costly political predicament with China while the Tibetan leadership gets away scot-free with yet another one of their underhanded political manipulations to assert their sovereignty at the expense of another country. You can read more about the dire situation that Mongolia faces below.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mongolia-bonds-idUSKBN15H14G">http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mongolia-bonds-idUSKBN15H14G</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.dorjeshugden.com/all-articles/tibetan-leadership-cons-mongolia/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_China_says_Dalai"></a>China says Dalai Lama a 'deceptive actor' after brain comments<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 7 (Reuters) China's Foreign Ministry called the Dalai Lama a "deceptive actor" on Tuesday, after the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader said in an interview that Chinese hardliners have parts of their brains missing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Speaking to U.S. comedian John Oliver in India's northern town of Dharamsala, where the exiled Tibetan government is based, the Dalai Lama cast doubt on his reincarnation by saying he might be the last in line.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang noted that the interview appeared in an entertainment program.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The Dalai Lama's comments in the interview perhaps appeared humorous and funny, but these words are all lies that do not accord with the facts," Geng said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"We often say that the 14th Dalai Lama is a political exile who wears religious clothing to engage in anti-China separatist activities," he added.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Now it seems he is an actor, who is very good at performing, and very deceptively."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>China brands the Nobel Peace laureate a dangerous separatist. The Dalai Lama, who fled into exile in India after a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959, denies espousing violence and says he only wants genuine autonomy for Tibet.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The animosity between the two sides, and their rivalry for control over Tibetan Buddhism, is at the heart of the debate about reincarnation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Tibetan Buddhism holds that the soul of a senior lama is reincarnated in the body of a child on his death.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>China says the tradition must continue and its officially atheist Communist leaders have the right to approve the Dalai Lama's successor, as a legacy inherited from China's emperors.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Dalai Lama has suggested previously the title could end with him, when he dies. China accuses him of betraying, and being disrespectful of, the Tibetan religion, by saying there might be no future reincarnations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Tibet's delegation to the annual meeting of China's parliament, which opened on Sunday, is likely to hold a news conference some time this week. Such meetings tend to be dominated by the issue of the Dalai Lama.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-tibet-dalailama-idUSKBN16E0YX">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Related:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/dalai-lama-thinks-chinese-hardliners-are-missing-common-sense-part-their-brains-1610120">The Dalai Lama thinks Chinese hardliners are missing the 'common sense' part of their brains</a> – </span></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>IB Times</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>, March 7<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s1600/image006-759751.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s320/image006-759751.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338424575524834" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HealthEdu></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Health & Education<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Cabinet_adopts_national"></a>Cabinet adopts national program to improve maternal and newborn health<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 7 (MONTSAME) During its regular meeting on March 7, Tuesday, the Cabinet adopted a National Program on Reproductive, Maternal and Newborn Health.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Corresponding Ministers and governors of the capital city and aimags were assigned to project necessary measures to realize the program in their yearly action plan, reflect the required fund in their budgets, and fund the program through international aids and loans.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Although Mongolia's maternal mortality rate upgraded from high to medium as a result of more than 10 programs that were implemented during the course of the last 20 years, maternal and infant mortality rate isn't stably declining.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to studies, factors that lead to maternal death in Mongolia are livelihood, migration, administration issues and late reception of medical services.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The program is expected to improve readiness of maternal, newborn and reproductive health services, introduce advanced diagnosis and treatment technologies, enhance human resource capacities, and increase access and quality of medical services.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/9021">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Universal_access_to"></a>Universal access to sexual and reproductive health—the key to gender equality<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 6 (UNFPA Mon golia) Statement of UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin on International Women's Day, 8 March 2017<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Gender equality is a human right. Women are entitled to live in dignity and in freedom from want and fear, without discrimination. Gender equality is also vital to sustainable development, peace and security. It's not just a women's issue. It's an issue for all of humanity.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Sadly, despite some progress, the world still has a long way to go to achieve full gender equality.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Take, for instance, the fact that every year tens of thousands of girls are forced into child marriage —nearly one third of these before the age of 15. Or that one woman in three experiences gender-based violence in her lifetime. Some 200 million women and girls have endured female genital mutilation. And there are 225 million women who want modern family planning but are not getting it, and therefore are unable to choose whether or when to have children.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>The global community has an obligation to advance the new agenda for sustainable development, which enshrines gender equality as one of its goals. The ability of women and girls to exercise their basic human rights, including their right to sexual and reproductive health, is a prerequisite for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Studies have demonstrated clearly that family planning is the best investment countries can make for human development.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Ensuring universal access to voluntary family planning means putting the poorest, most marginalized and excluded women and girls at the forefront of our efforts—particularly those in conflict and fragile settings.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Women and girls who can make choices and control their reproductive lives are better able to get quality education, find decent work, and make free and informed decisions in all spheres of life.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Their families and societies are better off financially. Their children, if they choose to have them, are healthier and better educated, helping break the spiral of poverty that traps billions and triggering a cycle of prosperity that carries over into future generations.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is fully committed to ensuring the rights of women and girls to sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning. On this International Women's Day, we urge the global community to join us. Together, we can make a giant leap forward that saves lives, empowers women and girls, advances gender equality and ensures a more prosperous and sustainable future for all of us.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://countryoffice.unfpa.org/mongolia/2017/03/06/14350/universal_access_to_sexual_and_reproductive_health_mdash_the_key_to_gender_equality/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Life_expectancy_for"></a>Life expectancy for Mongolian women increasing<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 8 (MONTSAME) Mongolians are celebrating International Women's Day for the 62th time since 1955 when the day was first marked following an ordinance issued by People's Great Khural, the then Parliament.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In dedication to the occasion, we are unveiling some interesting statistics on the state of Mongolian women. Mongolia's population is 3,119,935, and there are 1,585,952 women, 69 percent of whom live in a city and 31 percent live in the countryside.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On average, Mongolian women weigh 59.4 kg with average height being 157.7 cm. Life expectancy in Mongolia is 69.89 whereas the number is 76 for women and is continually increasing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Average marriage age among Mongolian women is 24.5, average number of children is 2-3 and 4.9 percent are single mothers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>1 out of every 5 woman holds higher education diploma, and 580,100 women are employed with average wage being MNT 808,900. 54 percent of Mongolian women actively vote.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9034">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Hemodialysis_department_opens"></a>Hemodialysis department opens in Uvs aimag<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 7 (MONTSAME) The clinical hospital of Uvs aimag, named after Hero of Labour of Mongolia Kh.Deleg, now has a hemodialysis department with hemodialysis machines and equipment, donated from Taiwan as well as Mongolia and Tibet committee in Taiwan. The machines and equipment cost USD 55000.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Doctors and physicians had been trained in Taipei hospital of Taiwan in hemodialysis treatment prior to the opening of the new department, allowing the hospital of Uvs aimag to immediately receive patients, who were having treatment in Ulaanbaatar and Regional diagnostic and medical treatment center in Khovd aimag. New department will receive not only patients of the aimag but also patients from western aimags.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9004">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_-_E-Health"></a>Mongolia - E-Health Project : P131290 - Implementation Status Results Report<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 7 (World Bank) --<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/467571488865946646/Mongolia-E-Health-Project-P131290-Implementation-Status-Results-Report-Sequence-06">Link to download page</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s1600/image006-759751.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s320/image006-759751.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338424575524834" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Culture></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Culture & Society<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_What_do_Mongolian"></a>What do Mongolian women want?<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 8 (gogo.mn) International women`s day is celebrated widely in Mongolia. In regards, we deliver you the photo report of Mongolian women who shared what they want from social as well as their own wishes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/151739">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Mongolia_celebrates_104th"></a>Mongolia celebrates 104<sup>th</sup> anniversary of journalism <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 6 (MONTSAME) March 6 marks the 104th anniversary of journalism in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In commemoration of the anniversary, B.Galaarid, President of Confederation of Mongolian Journalists conveyed his greetings.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"One of the pioneer industries in Bogd Khaanate Mongolia was journalism. March 6 is a day when Mongolian intellectuals led by editor-in-chief Tseveen Jamsran first published a newspaper titled 'Paper named New Mirror' in 1913. During its assembly in 1992, Union of Mongolian Journalists proposed that the day be celebrated as National Journalism Day. <a href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=We%E2%80%99ve%20annually%20marked%20the%20National%20Journalism%20Day%20since%202009%20http://en.montsame.mn/node/8979">We've annually marked the National Journalism Day since 2009</a>", he said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"On this occasion, I wish happiness and luck to all working and senior journalists, media staff, cooperating organizations and the general public. May national journalism flourish in the days to come", he added.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The first Mongolian newspaper, further named as 'New Mirror' was first published in the form of a 50-page magazine. Initially, 500 copies were published most of which were distributed to public organizations and few of which were sold. Later, the paper's pages were shortened. Historic sources indicated that the 'New Mirror' published 20 issues until August 21, 1914.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Editor of the newspaper Tseveen Jamsran is considered to be the founding father of Mongolian journalism.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8979">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_MONTSAME_award_winners"></a>MONTSAME award winners announced<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 6 (MONTSAME) Today, National News Agency MONTSAME has granted its 'Observer of Golden rule" award to the best news reporters of Mongolian mass media. Reporters G.Munkhtuul from "25th TV channel", G.Ulsbold from "Itoim" online news portal and photo reporter B.Byamba-Ochir have won this year's award.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During a ceremony on the occasion of 104th anniversary of the foundation of mass media in Mongolia, the winners received the award, which was handed over by the Director General of the MONTSAME News Agency B.Ganchimeg, Deputy Director Sh.Batbold and Head of Human Resource Department of the agency D.Otgonbayar. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Within the framework of cooperation agreement with Mongolian Journalists' Confederation and MONTSAME news agency, initiated the award last year to encourage best news reporters.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>So called "Observer of Golden rule" award is granted to the best news reporters, who prepare news professionally consistent with core principals of journalism and modern standard and requirements.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/video/society/montsame-award-winners-announced">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_VIEWS:_Praying_To"></a>VIEWS: Praying To The Sun | Ancient Ritual Of The Mongolian Lunar New Year<span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 4 (ARTGER) First day of the Mongolian Lunar New Year celebration all the Mongols woke up early and walks to the top of the mountains and pray to the sun. It is an ancient ritual of the nomadic Mongolians.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eY7ETFknKTE">Link to video</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Khamba_Lama_reveals"></a>Khamba Lama reveals prospects for 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 6 (UB Post) <i>Khamba Lama D.Natsagdorj, a state merited doctor and head of the Mamba Datsan Temple, spoke about the new lunar year, the Year of the Fire Rooster with Altan Unjlaga (golden tassel), which was welcomed on February 27.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>The Mamba Datsan is a Buddhist university monastery specialized in medicine and medical science.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Mongolia expected the Year of the Monkey to be harsh as astrologers described it as "evil faced". Can you review the Year of the Monkey? How has it impacted the people?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Year of the Fire Monkey was a good year for Mongolians. We spent an additional month during the winter. People expected last year to be very difficult but it was a relatively good year because the public worked hard, prepared for the year well, and got their spiritual readings done in advance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>All the bad fortune can be fixed and turned into good things with good deeds and spiritual readings for good fortune. We, Mongolians, have in depth knowledge in Buddhism. We must learn and expand our knowledge in this area, which corrects the bad and flourishes the good.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>What's in store for the Year of the Fire Rooster?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Everyone needs to wish for their wellbeing and peacefulness for the Year of the Fire Rooster. Good wishes will bring good and positive energy, eliminating bad outcomes and spreading goodwill. In general, spring and fall will be windy and the summer will be rainy. However, predictions say that there will be frequent lightning and thunder in some areas while others will suffer droughts and that we should expect considerable snowfall this year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dignitaries and the public are likely to face conflicts and not see eye to eye so it's important for everyone to think of the long run and try to maintain their anger and refrain from arguments. Since we got the chance to become humans in this life, we must have the intelligence, knowledge and ability to overcome any struggles. We must use that knowledge to resolve our own and other people's problems.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>What is the meaning of "golden tassel", the description astrologers gave to the New Year of the Fire Rooster?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A long time ago, families whose children died at a young age or at birth used to give names such as Nokhoijav to protect them from bad things and bless them with a long life. Like so, the descriptions given to lunar years have a deep meaning that conceal or prevent certain things from happening and encourage other things to happen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The description for this year is "with golden tassel" which hopes to make the public cautious about all kinds of issues related to food and diseases. It will be a good year for trade if people put in effort (in this matter).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Is it important to worship deities and the earth just as it is important to get spiritual readings every year?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While getting spiritual readings every year, everyone should worship deities in their surroundings, and hold a ritual to ensure peacefulness and prevent natural disasters from occurring. Deities want to be worshiped and want people to take action in lessening their worries. They want to listen to spiritual readings for the gods and deities. In this sense, we must give them what they want and demand whether it's spiritual readings or rituals.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It's wrong to entrust one's life and wellbeing to deities of land, water and mountains. You can't worship them as some kind of rescuer. Our great teacher reminded us to avoid harming the earth, and soothe deities. By meeting their needs, we make them happy and by making them happy, they prevent bad things from happening and bless good harvest. We must act ourselves to prevent natural disasters. We have to make deities of land, water, air, space, and those in various forms happy through Dharma sutra. Dharma enable people to influence nature, soothe deities and maintain good relations between people and gods. It's important for monks to carry out this duty correctly.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Some people don't get spiritual readings. Is there any bad consequences from not getting spiritual readings?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It's a miracle to be born as humans. However, many good and bad things can happen in life when a person hasn't been enlightened. The sun, moon, 28 stars, 1,080 obstacles, 360 evils, 15 devils that try to harm children until the age of 16, and the years, months, days and time can impact us negatively. People get spiritual readings based on astrological theories and concepts to protect themselves from dangers. If you're harmed by one of the evils because you avoided spiritual readings, there can be many bad subsequent consequences. It could affect a person's health, life, property, peacefulness, and spirit. There's always something that causes people to get entangled in arguments, fights and accidents. Therefore, I advise everyone to get spiritual readings.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Some people think it is okay to skip an annual spiritual reading but bad things always harm them in big or small forms and they could be unnoticeable depending on how strong the evil or obstacle is and how strong a person is. It might seem okay for that particular year but it comes back in a more significant and noticeable form several years later. You bring bad fortune to yourself and those around you by avoiding spiritual readings. So look after yourself and prevent bad things from happening to your dearest. If you can't look after yourself and get sick, many people will worry and suffer financially, starting from your parents and relatives. Don't try to deny the power of spiritual readings because it'll only be your loss.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Who should get spiritual readings this year?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This year, people born in the Year of the Ox will be affected by ominous stars like Guimig (Guanfu) so they need to get spiritual readings with Janaggagdog, Manla, Tsend-Ayush and Ayushiin Chogo sutras. It's a bad year for those aged 13, 25, 37, 49, 61, 73, and 85 so they should also get spiritual readings for protection. Children face a lot of physical changes and become weak at the age of 13. Hence, parents should worship Dashzeveg, Naiman Gegeen, Zagdjusum, Bumchin and Goviin Lkha gods and get related sutras read.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In fact, it's really beneficial to get spiritual readings done well for those aged of 13 because it affects positively in their life, career and education in the future. It's good to have Altangerel and Tsagaan Shukhert sutras read for children.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>People born in the Year of the Rabbit should get Dashzeveg, Naiman Gegeen and Zantsanzemubujin sutras read. Those born in animal zodiac signs of metal element (Monkey and Rooster) are prone to accidents, injuries, surgeries, disputes, rumors, and theft this year so be careful. People born in the Years of the Rat and Horse clash with Tai Sui (Grand Duke of Jupiter) so it's better to get Green Tara mantra recited to remove obstacles, fears and worries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Why do certain people have to get spiritual readings before Tsagaan Sar?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I learned that it's essential to get spiritual readings on December 22 and June 22 by studying Kalachakra (a very complex Buddhist teaching related to the wheel of time or time-cycles), astrology and black zodiac. Some people are greatly spiritually affected on December 22 as their prophecy changes for the next year. Through spiritual readings, they can protect their life, health, property, and spirit from harm. This builds your good deeds and reduces your bad karma. Dharma sutras will benefit you in many ways.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>In recent years, more and more Mongolians have started to wear traditional deels and gift domestically produced products during Tsagaan Sar to support domestic production. Slowly, Mongolia is recovering old traditions. Is there any particular tradition or custom we should recover now?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The first moon of spring is very sacred and important. During Tsagaan Sar, everyone should feel grateful to their parents and be proud of being born human. Mongolians need to take pride in being Mongolian and being born in Mongolia, a country like heaven. We should also be proud to have preserved the great teachings of Buddhism for so many years. I recommend that everyone clear and purify their thoughts and wish for good fortunes during Tsagaan Sar. I hope you all start the New Year by showing respect to your parents and elders, doing good deeds and opening your minds.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In general, it's important to rid oneself from the 84,000 defilements and impurities and cultivate a purer and more loving mindset during Tsagaan Sar. Paying respect to our ancestors, respecting our customs and traditions, and caring for children are one of Mongolia's many cultures. We must keep this in mind and welcome the New Year joyfully. A splendid year with good health and full of new knowledge and good fortune is ahead of you all. I hope everyone stays happy and healthy and continue to smile this year. May good fortune bless us all!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/06/mongolian-khamba-lama-reveals-prospects-for-2017/">Link to interview</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Mogi: Grace is back with TWM!<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Talk_with_Me"></a>Talk with Me with Grace Brown: G. Sanjaa, State Honored Herder<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 2 (Star TV) --<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GG6C_tLRAy4">Link to interview</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_VIDEO:_Hospitality_in"></a>VIDEO: Hospitality in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>The Third Goal of the Peace Corps is to promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of Americans.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 7 (Peace Corps) Mongolia Volunteer Anna Buchanan shows us hospitality in the city and in the countryside. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>(<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjN_oQ52Dj4">VIDEO</a>) <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.peacecorps.gov/stories/video-hospitality-mongolia/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Multistake_choir_performs"></a>Multistake choir performs in 'Mongolia's Got Talent'<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA, March 8 (Deseret News) The combined Ulaanbaatar Mongolia East and West Stake choir reached the semi-finals of the second season of the nationally televised show "Mongolia's Got Talent!" in December 2016. Seminary and institute students ages 14-28 comprised much of the choir, with the exception of a few young married adults. Approximately half of the choir members were returned missionaries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Television audiences were curious about the choir and how it made it to the national stage. Odgerel Ochirjav, president of the Ulaanbaatar Mongolia West Stake, recalled when this local multistake choir was first organized following a visit from a Brigham Young University choir in 2008. The idea to showcase the choir in Mongolia was something far from his mind at the time.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In January 2016, the stake president's brother-in-law, Tsogtbayar Samandari, had finished watching the first season of "Mongolia's Got Talent" and felt impressed to call President Ochirjav.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"I was watching 'Mongolia's Got Talent' ... and remembered your BYU choir which was fantastic," the stake president's brother-in-law told him. "I had a strong impression that your church choir should participate and it would be very interesting because it would be something new."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>President Ochirjav discussed the idea with Sister Unurjargal Purev, the choir director, who in turn discussed it with the choir members. Everyone was enthusiastic about the opportunity. The choir became known as Zion or SION, which was an acronym for Spirit, Faith, Mind and Union in the Mongolian language.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>SION prepared a mash up of two songs, "Winter Hymnal" and "Rather Be," which they sang during the first round of competition in March 2016. They needed the votes of three out of four contest judges to move to the next level, and the choir successfully earned all four votes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"This is new and refreshing to have an a capella choir that moves and dances with the music. In the past I have only seen groups singing without moving in Mongolia," one judge said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"I see your faces light up! … We need to put your video on YouTube to showcase this show to the world," another judged remarked.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Choir members were asked what they would do with the $50,000 grand prize if they won. A judge was impressed when the choir responded by saying they wanted to donate it all as a special Christmas gift to an orphanage. In competing against 400 other contestants, SION was among the 200 talent acts who advanced to the second round, overcoming challenges along the way.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A multistake youth conference was planned for June 2016 and about half of 35 choir members were involved with it. They had not heard from the producers of "Mongolia's Got Talent" until a week before the conference to inform them that they needed to be at the TV studio the following week — the same day of the youth conference.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The youth conference was 480 km or about eight hours by bus from the TV studio. The choir discussed the dilemma and decided to go to the second round. A bus was hired, and following the second round, they traveled directly to the youth conference which started on the same day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The second round was a series of interviews with the judges, and of the 200 acts, SION was among the 32 to advance to the semi-finals.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Following the youth conference, the choir spent the rest of the summer preparing a song in English for the semi-finals. However, with only two weeks before the recording in September, the TV producers told the choir they would not be allowed to sing in English and would have to instead sing in Mongolian.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In addition, the size of the choir was reduced from thirty-five to twenty-nine because four left to study at BYU-Hawaii and two left on a mission. The TV producers said that if any others left, the choir would be removed from the semi-finals. There was a lot of exposure on social media about the show and the group, and there were many late nights to practice and prepare. The season for this TV show ran from September to December. The choir woke up at 4 a.m. to -34C temperatures to participate in the semi-final.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The faith and testimony of choir members increased through this experience. They gained self-confidence, developed friendships and learned unity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"By being in 'Mongolia's Got Talent' show, I have learned that I should never doubt myself or think that I can't do something. Singing in the choir has helped me to make many friends," Sister Bilguunzaya Tungalagtuul said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Singing in the choir has helped us to learn how to forgive and support one another," Sister Nomuungerel Enkhtuvshin added.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Although the choir did not receive enough votes to move on to the finals, the Church received exposure throughout Mongolia. The choir was among those featured in the televised Christmas concert. Many organizations extended invitations for the choir to perform at various events, including the 2016 New Year's Eve concert in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia with almost 1.4 million people or half of the country's population.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>President Ochirjav said, "We were obedient to an assignment by our priesthood leaders and the Lord prepared a way. … Now the whole city talks about the Mormon choir's participation in 'Mongolia's Got Talent.'"<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The LDS Church News is an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The publication's content supports the doctrines, principles and practices of the Church.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865675159/Multistake-choir-performs-in-Mongolias-Gots-Talent.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Shamans_explain_their"></a>Shamans explain their lives, traditions<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>BRISTOL, March 6 (Addison County Independent) —The word shaman evokes a range of mysterious images and feelings. Filmmaker and energy healer Sas Carey brings these to life in her film "Ceremony," which she will share and discuss on Thursday, March 9 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Lawrence Memorial Library in Bristol. This free event is hosted by the One World Library Project.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Ceremony"witnesses the spiritual journey and practice of a shaman in northern Mongolia. The documentary revolves around a specific ceremony by steppe dwellers of Darhad ethnicity and taiga-dwelling Dukha reindeer herders, both of whom continue shamanic traditions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Elder shamans share their wisdom and discuss their lineage as bearers of the "shaman disease," including their initial resistance to assuming this powerful role and the dangers of not accepting the call. While connected to the ancestor's spirit, the shamans fill the role of doctor, spiritual adviser and healers in a land where the nearest doctor can be eight hours away by reindeer and horse.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Footage for the documentary, released in 2015, was taken over an eleven-year period and includes intimate glimpses of the geographical and cultural environment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Sas Carey, the film's director, is an energy healer, nurse and spiritual adviser. She has spent time in Mongolia annually for the past twenty-three years following the nomadic practice of Dukha people and documenting their lore and heart songs. She has explored traditional Mongolian medicine, served as a health educator for the United Nations Development Programme (1997) and founded and directsNomadicare, a nonprofit supporting sustainability and cultural survival of nomadic people. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A trailer for "Ceremony" can be found at <a href="https://vimeo.com/114941631" title="https://vimeo.com/114941631">https://vimeo.com/114941631</a>. Other works by Sas Carey include the film "Gobi Women's Song" (2005), the book "Reindeer Herders in My Heart"(2012), and the award-winning documentary "Migration" (2016). Cary's videos and books will be available for sale at the event.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>For more information on this event or about One World Library Project, contact the Lawrence Memorial Library at 453-2366 or visit <a href="http://www.oneworldlibraryproject.orgor/" title=www.OneWorldLibraryProject.orgor>www.OneWorldLibraryProject.orgor</a> the One World Library Project Facebook page.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>One World Library Project is a local community nonprofit that "Brings the World to our Community" through regular programs as well as a collection of adult and children's books and films about world cultures, all of which can be found at the Lawrence Memorial Library. The library's online catalog has a full listing of OWLP items available for checkoutat <a href="http://www.lawrencelibrary.net/" title=www.lawrencelibrary.net>www.lawrencelibrary.net</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.addisonindependent.com/201703shamans-explain-their-lives-traditions">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia:_the_beauty"></a>Mongolia: the beauty and the challenge<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>DATE AND TIME: </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Thu 30 March 2017, 19:00 – 21:00 BST, <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mongolia-the-beauty-and-the-challenge-tickets-32346994732#add-to-calendar-modal">Add to Calendar</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>LOCATION: </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Bootlegger, 25-26 Lime Street, London, EC3M 7HR, United Kingdom, <a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mongolia-the-beauty-and-the-challenge-tickets-32346994732#map-target">View Map</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>DESCRIPTION<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>An introductory talk, photography exhibition and informal networking event.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Joe Johnstone will introduce the beauty, traditions and cultures of Mongolia, contrasted by the challenges posed by democracy and globalisation. Stunning photographs from Brett Rushworth, an American Photographer living in Central Mongolia for 2 years, will provide the backdrop to the narrative as Joe introduces you to this fascinating part of the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Joe Johnstone is a mountain guide, expedition leader and adventurer. He has guided on 6 continents, cycled over 15,000km, lead 25 ascents of Kilimanjaro and over 100 days of trekking in Mongolia. He has attempted solo first ascents in the Mongolian Altai, facing temperatures of -50 Celsius.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Joe's experiences of Mongolia, through expeditions and other projects, has led to the establishment of a charitable foundation with the ambition of preserving and supporting the nomadic herders living in the wilderness. In the recent past Joe has been supported by the Mongolian Arts Council, National Broadcasting Company and Ministry for cultural Heritage.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mongolia-the-beauty-and-the-challenge-tickets-32346994732">Link to event</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Rare_triplet_calves"></a>Rare triplet calves welcomed during Tsagaan Sar<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 7 (MONTSAME) Triplet calves were born in Arkhangai aimag on the first day of Mongolian Tsagaan Sar, February 27, reports MONTSAME correspondent in the province.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The domestic yak herd of J.Tumurbaatar whose winter camp is situated in 'Tooroit', Ikh Tamir soum of Arkhangai aimag thus welcomed triplets just in time for the celebration of Tsagaan Sar, one of the biggest traditional festivals of Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Interestingly, the mother yak is called 'Twin' and is black in color. Two of the triplets are male and blue in color whereas the last one is female and black in color.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is not very uncommon for a cow to produce twin calves, but triplets are decidedly rare, wrote J.Hered in his article titled 'Triplet Calves'.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9003">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Japanese_professor_renders"></a>Japanese professor renders assistance to Mongolian herder families<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 7 (MONTSAME) On March 6, T.Daisaku, member of the Japanese Association for Dental Science and Honorary professor of the National University of Mongolia contributed JPY 5 million to Mongolians to overcome damage caused by harsh winter disaster or dzud.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>S.Khurelbaatar, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to Japan expressed gratitude on behalf of the Government of Mongolia and the people of Mongolia and handed over a gratitude letter to T.Daisaku. Moreover, the Japanese Red Cross Society has rendered assistance worth CHF 21600 to the Mongolian Red Cross Society.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9005">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Sky_Views:_The"></a>Sky Views: The dying season has started early in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>by Katie Stallard, Asia Correspondent<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 6 (Sky News) First came the drought.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The long, hot summer dried out the pasturelands, depleting the reserves of hay and fodder that were meant to see them through the winter.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Then came the extreme cold.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Temperatures in parts of Mongolia have dropped below -50C. More than 70% of the country is under thick snow and ice.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Tens of thousands of animals have already died, with millions more now said to be at risk - along with the livelihoods of the herder families who depend on them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>They call this the "dzud" - a devastating combination of summer drought and winter snows.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>It used to happen around once a decade; lately they've been coming more frequently - this is Mongolia's second year of dzud in a row.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Families who lost large numbers of animals last year are being hit hard again.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Save the Children has found increasing numbers of herders forced into debt to buy food, and going entire days without eating.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>To compound the situation, the country's economic downturn has limited the government's ability to respond, with less funding to heat schools and hospitals, and to help the most badly affected communities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"We are facing a perfect storm of the conditions that could see the humanitarian situation deteriorate rapidly," said Mitsuaki Toyoda, Save the Children's Mongolia director.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"It's a worrying sign that so many animals have already died this dzud given it's not even spring yet, when tens of thousands of animals can die in a single day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The dying season has started early, and thousands of herder families are living on the brink."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The head of one of those families is Baatarkhuu Tserenbaljir, a nomadic herder, who lives with his wife, 19-year-old daughter, and her 11-month-old son.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>They lost 10 cows in last year's dzud and fear they are about to see their animals dying again.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>They couldn't afford to buy insurance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Since old times we rely on traditional livestock herding for our living," Mr Tserenbaljir explained.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"In the recent times, due to global warming, drought and dzud disasters, we have scarce vegetation, especially useful plants.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The animals are dying because they are weak and they could not get enough fat."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Now their centuries-old way of life is under threat.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Happiness for us is to see our animals alive, fat in winter and having grazing land in summer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Depletion of nature resources is caused by humans.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"We should treat nature with respect and live in harmony.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Only in this way can we save our traditional nomadic lifestyle."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In the last three decades more than half a million herders have migrated to the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This year's dzud may force more families to pack up their lives on the land and do the same but, without the skills to find new jobs, their prospects in the city are not much better.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Red Cross has launched an emergency appeal to help Mongolia's struggling herders but, unlike an earthquake or a typhoon, this is a slow moving humanitarian crisis, for the most part taking place out of sight, and away from the headlines.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Sky Views is a series of comment pieces by Sky News editors and correspondents, published every morning.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://news.sky.com/story/sky-views-the-dying-season-has-started-early-10793133">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_We're_providing_nearly"></a>We're providing nearly 350,000 cold, starving Mongolian animals with emergency aid<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Goats, sheep, horses and cattle suffering in harsh winter weather known as a 'dzud' will get emergency help over the next few months<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 7 (World Animal Protection) Animals in Mongolia are freezing and struggling to find food which is buried beneath thick snow covering half the country. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Temperatures reach as low as -40c at night, and the grass they need to eat can't grow properly during these severe conditions. Animal owners are still recovering from the devastating 2016 dzud, making it harder to feed and keep their animals warm as they are now hit with yet another. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Striking, yet deadly<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Despite the picturesque backdrop of blue skies and vast white snow, much of Mongolia is a deadly place for animals right now. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Animals photographed in affected parts of Mongolia may seem serene, roaming their striking surroundings, but looks can be deceptive. They can't find food and time is running out for them. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In the 2010 dzud, millions of animals died.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>We have to act fast, or a repeat of this tragedy could be imminent. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Delivering vital emergency nutrition<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>We're providing emergency nutrition relief packs to 1,740 households in six provinces. Each pack helps sheep, goats, cattle and horses, and includes: <o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo5'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>10 kg of milk powder<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo5'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>1 litre of fish oil<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo5'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>3 kg of vitamin supplement<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo5'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>8 kg of mineral blocks.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The creation and distribution of these packs would not be possible without kind donations from our supporters. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Working in partnership<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>During February, we'll distribute these vital nutrition packs in parallel with the Mongolian Red Cross with the financial support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) - the world's largest humanitarian organisation - and USAID.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>IFRC resident coordinator, Mr. Enkhjin Garid, said: "We are all working towards the same goal. In Mongolia, we can't help people if we don't also help their animals."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A strong connection <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Earlier this year, Mongolian herders told us stories of their animals' struggle during the dzud. Animals are the only source of income for some. They're a very important part of many Mongolian people's lives. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>We recently revisited a woman called Mrs Davaa, who has about 70 sheep and goats and 10 cattle. Her animals are always deficient in salt and minerals. The mineral blocks and milk powder we provided last year for these animals made the difference between life and death. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Our international response manager, Steven Clegg, said: "It was immediately evident how important these animals were in these herders lives. Her son proudly showed us one of the lambs he saved from the unforgiving winter conditions."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>You can help <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Thanks to your support, we have been able to give aid to millions of affected animals in disaster zones like Mongolia. <a href="https://www.worldanimalprotection.org.uk/campaigns/animals-disaster/time-running-out-mongolia-animals" target="_blank">Please donate today</a> and help us protect as many animals as we can and give local communities their best chance of a quick recovery.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.worldanimalprotection.org.uk/news/were-providing-nearly-350000-cold-starving-mongolian-animals-emergency-aid">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Dalai_Lama_Tells"></a>Dalai Lama Tells John Oliver His Special Trick For Getting Mongolian People To Stop Drinking<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>And belly laughs throughout the entire interview.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>(<a href="https://youtu.be/bLY45o6rHm0">VIDEO</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 6 (Huffington Post) Leave it to <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/topic/john-oliver">John Oliver</a> to make the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/topic/dalai-lama">Dalai Lama</a> laugh his way through an entire interview. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>On Sunday's "Last Week Tonight" on HBO, Oliver traveled to Dharamsala, India, to sit down with the Dalai Lama and discuss China, the people of Tibet and his holiness' claim that he cured Mongolia of alcoholism by turning people onto horse milk. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Wait, hold on," Oliver said. "You tried to wean them off vodka by giving them horse milk?"<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Oh, yes!" the Dalai Lama said. "They follow!"<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Oliver wasn't so keen on the idea:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Watch the entire interview in the video above.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/john-oliver-dalai-lama-interview_us_58bd177be4b0d2821b4eff7f">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Similar:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.india.com/news/agencies/dalai-lama-tears-into-short-sighted-china-in-hilarious-interview-with-john-oliver-1899202/">Dalai Lama tears into "short-sighted" China in hilarious interview with John Oliver</a> – </span></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>India.com</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>, March 7<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2017/03/06/the_dalai_lama_offers_john_oliver_his_opinions_on_china_reincarnation_and.html">John Oliver Flew All the Way to India to Interview the "Original Woke Bae," the Dalai Lama</a> – </span></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Slate</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>, March 6<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s1600/image006-759751.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s320/image006-759751.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338424575524834" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Nature></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Nature & Environment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_"Earthquake_awareness_and"></a>"Earthquake awareness and prevention day" to be marked annually<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 7 (MONTSAME) "Earthquake awareness and prevention day" will be marked on every fourth Wednesday of March annually. In today's irregular cabinet meeting the Government made this decision to conduct a nationwide campaign of awareness and training citizens on prevention, risk reduction, preparedness and rescue actions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>55 percent of the territory of Mongolia belongs to possible 7-8 magnitude earthquake zone and 20 per cent to possible 9 and more magnitude earthquake zone and some 75 per cent of all cities and settlements are located on 7 and more magnitude earthquake zones and 12 soums and settlements on 9 and more magnitude earthquake zones.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Some 28 thousand seismic vibrations were registered in 2016 nationwide. Vibrations are still active around Ulaanbaatar including Gunjiin am, Avdar uul, Emeelt and Khustai nuruu and over 1800 vibrations were registered in 2016 around Ulaanbaatar while it was some 200 in 2000.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is estimated that in case of 6.6-7.6 magnitude earthquake in earthquake active areas 22-50 per cent of constructions and facilities in the city would be ruined, damaged or broken. This shows the need of strengthening national capacity of disaster protection and improving system of prevention, preparedness and risk reduction.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/9020">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Paleontologists_find_fossil"></a>Paleontologists find fossil relative of Ginkgo biloba in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Discovery highlights diversity of plants more than 100 million years ago<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 6 (National Science Foundation) A discovery of well-preserved fossil plants by paleontologists from the United States, China, Japan, Russia and Mongolia has allowed researchers to identify a distant relative of the living plant <i>Ginkgo biloba</i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The find helps scientists better understand the evolution and diversity of ancient seed plants.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The fossils, from the species <i>Umaltolepis mongoliensis,</i> date back to the early Cretaceous Period (some 100-125 million years ago). Scientists discovered the fossils in ancient peat deposits at the Tevshiin Govi mine in the steppes of central Mongolia. Results of the research, supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), are published in this week's issue of the journal <i>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The stems and leaves are similar to the ginkgo tree, but the seeds, and especially the structures they are born in, are unlike any other known plant, living or extinct," says scientist Patrick Herendeen of the Chicago Botanic Garden, co-author of the <i>PNAS</i> paper. "Finding something like this does not happen very often."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Scientists had previously uncovered fossils of <i>U. mongoliensis,</i> but those were in poor condition, making them difficult to study. Hundreds of better-preserved new fossils show that features of the stems and leaves are similar to those of living ginkgo.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However, the seed-bearing structures are not like those of today's ginkgo tree, Herendeen says. Ginkgo has large seeds with a fleshy outer covering, but <i>U. mongoliensis</i> has small, winged seeds.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As they developed, <i>U. mongoliensis</i> seeds were protected inside a tough, resinous, umbrella-like outer covering, which stayed almost completely closed, opening only to release the seeds.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The key to determining how <i>U. mongoliensis</i> is related to other seed plants lies in understanding its strange seed-bearing capsules.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While the <i>U. mongoliensis</i> seeds are dissimilar to those of any other living or extinct plant, preliminary comparisons connect them with the seed-bearing structures of two groups of extinct plants that may be part of the ginkgo lineage.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>These comparisons and the unique features of <i>U. mongoliensis</i> indicate that ginkgo is the last living member of a group of plants that was much more diverse and important in the past.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"<i>Ginkgo biloba</i>, primarily known today as a dietary supplement to enhance memory, also plays an important role in the understanding of seed plant evolution," says Simon Malcomber, program director in NSF's Division of Environmental Biology. "This research expands our understanding of the diversity in this enigmatic group, in addition to helping clarify relationships among seed plants more generally."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition, the researchers collected other fossils from the Tevshiin Govi mine, including seed plants related to modern pines, spruces, swamp cypresses and redwoods.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also present in the ancient swamp forests of central Mongolia were a variety of extinct plants thought to be early conifers, but that have no clear living relatives.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Knowing the diversity of plants in Cretaceous environments provides a better understanding of potential food sources for animals such as plant-eating dinosaurs," says Judy Skog, program director for paleontology in NSF's Division of Earth Sciences. "Once the diversity of plants decreases, as this paper indicates is true for the relatives of ginkgo, animal life also declines."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Scientists have long known about dinosaurs from the Cretaceous of Mongolia, but only now are the plants that supported those extinct animals coming into sharper focus.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=191217&org=NSF&from=news">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s1600/image006-759751.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s320/image006-759751.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338424575524834" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Sports></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Sports<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_E.Temuulen_wins_silver"></a>E.Temuulen wins silver medal in junior freestyle wrestling tournament in Russia <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 6 (MONTSAME) The international junior freestyle wrestling tournament, in memory of the Olympic Champion Roman Dmitriyev, was held in Yakutsk of Sakha Republic, Russia on March 4 and 5.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the fifth tournament, a total of 166 athletes of 13 countries competed in eight different weight categories. On the second day, wrestling matches of 55, 66, 84 and 120 kg took place and Mongolian athlete of "Megastars" club E.Temuulen won a silver medal in the 66 kg tournament.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In his first round, he went against Jafar Nouri of Iran and won the match with 9:8 points, facing Razambek Jamalov of Dagestan, Russia in the final round and lost fair and square. The winner of the tournament was awarded RUB 50 thousand while the silver medalist was awarded RUB 30 thousand and bronze medaliыэ was awarded RUB 15 thousand.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Source: <a href="http://eagle.mn/r/25412" target="_blank">Eagle.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/8985">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_G.Dorj_secures_gold"></a>G.Dorj secures gold medal from Arnold Classic 2017 bodybuilding tournament <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 6 (MONTSAME) Mongolian mister of bodybuilding, International Master of Sports and athlete of the Mongolian United Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness G.Dorj won a gold medal in the men's 70 kg category of the Arnold Classic 2017 figure international championship in Ohio, USA on March 2-5. It is the first gold medal of Mongolia from the Arnold Classic.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The 28th figure international champion was attended by over 700 athletes from 80 countries. This competition is at second by the ranking of International Federation of Body Building and Fitness.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/8980">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s1600/image006-759751.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s320/image006-759751.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338424575524834" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Art></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Art & Entertainment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Austrian_pop_band"></a>Austrian pop band JOY in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 7 (MONTSAME) One of the biggest entertainment center of Mongolia "Crocus Event Hall" regularly holds 80's and 90's disco parties. Within the framework, "London Beat" and "La Bouche" were invited to Mongolia for the first time last year. This time, on March 7, Austrian pop band JOY will be playing at Crocus Event Hall in Ulaanbaatar. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On the occasion of the International Women's Day - March 8, the band "Shar Airag" /literal meaning Beer/ will also play from their latest cover songs of Smokie band. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Austrian band is famous for their hits "Touch by Touch" and "Valerie". During the event, the band announced to play their new song "Mongolian Girls".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/9013">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Singer-songwriter_"Magnolian"_to"></a>Singer-songwriter "Magnolian" to head to US for SXSW Festival<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 6 (MONTSAME) Mongolian musician Dolgoon, nicknamed "Magnolian" will participate in the South by Southwest-2017 Festival (SXSW), in Austin, Texas, USA in March 10-19. The Indie-folk musician Magnolian is recognized with his 'Famous Men' album, released in 2016. Last June, "nerdist.com" website of the US named his album as one of the best underground album of 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Best new musicians, singers, music groups, writers, directors and producers are invited to the festival to present their works, which has been organized since 1987. The festival is also famous with that best thinkers and inventors of technology introduce their new findings and innovations and discussions are held on the world pressing issues.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/8987">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Days_of_Classic"></a>Days of Classic Plays start with Romeo and Juliet<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 6 (MONTSAME) The National Academic Drama Theatre is opening the "Days of Classic Plays" with William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The famous play will be staged for three days on March 6-8 on the occasion of the International Women's Day.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Director N.Naranbaatar has re-directed the famous play with reflection of contemporary love story in 2015. Young actor and actress B.Shinebayar and G.Nomuun are playing the roles of Romeo and Juliet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>G.Nomuun is a rising young actress who has been working at the theatre since 2013, known for her roles in Cinderella and Son of Heaven. She received the Best Actress in Category of Solo Plays award from the Saint Muse 2016 annual film awards of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>B.Shinebayar, playing Romeo, received the Best Actor award for his role in Romeo and Juliet last year, as well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Days of Classic Plays will last until the end of March, after staging other world masterpieces such as Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen, Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, Hamlet by William Shakespeare and The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/8988">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Artist_S.Purevkhuu_to"></a>Artist S.Purevkhuu to open exhibition in Austria<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 6 (MONTSAME) Mongolian young artist S.Purevkhuu is opening his exhibition at "montARTphon" Gallery of Schruns, Austria from March 11 to April 2. Around 70 oil and watercolor artworks of Mongolian nature and lifestyle will be displayed in the exhibition. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>S.Purevkhuu has studied at the workshop halls of State Honored Cultural Figure titled veteran artist P.Tsogzol and State Honored Cultural Figure O.Myagmar as well as the Mongolian Institute of Cinematography in 2006. The artist has been working as a cameraman for famous Mongolian films such as "Anu Khatan" (Queen Anu), "2020", "Minii akh ataman" (My brother is a gangster), "Taiga", "Ayultai khariltsaa" (Dangerous relations) and "Mash nuuts" (Top secret).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>And since 2006, he has regularly displayed his works in joint exhibitions such as "Khavar" (Spring), "Shine buteeliin uzesgelen" (Exhibition for new creation), "Mongoliin saikhan oron" (Beautiful Mongolian Country) and "Gurvan ungu" (Three colors).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/8982">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_"Nomad_Spirit"_international"></a>"Nomad Spirit" international art exhibition opens<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 7 (gogo.mn) "Nomad Spirit" international art exhibition is taking place at Contemporary Art Center of Mongolia (Central Museum of Mongolian Dinosaurs, entrance from east side of the museum) from 6 to 25 March, 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The exhibition is organized by Mongolian Contemporary Art Support Association MCASA and 976 Art Gallery with the support from Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Nomad Spirit aims to raise public awareness on potential threats to important environmental and cultural resources in rural areas of Mongolia, caused by mining and other activities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In September 2016, 7 artists from Mongolia, Brazil and Switzerland travelled 1500 km exploring mostly gold mining sites and ecologically damaged areas in Uvurkhangai, Tuv, Arkhangai and Bulgan provinces. Artists documented their observations and organized public discussions and workshops in various places.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Artists J.Bolortuvshin, G.Munkhbolor, E.Enkhzaya, S.Ganzug, Ts.Davaajargal (Mongolia), Mauricio Dias (Brazil) and Walter Riedweg (Switzerland) are now presenting their artworks, created basing on their documentations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Exhibition will display video works, sculpture and sound installations of participating artist.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157560">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_project_among"></a>Mongolian project among Cannes Atelier line-up<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 7 (MONTSAME) Cannes' Cinefondation has announced the 15-project cut for the 2017 Cannes Festival Atelier co-production forum, and Mongolian director Byamba Sakhya is a new entrant in the selection.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For the 13th edition of the Atelier, 15 projects from 14 countries have been selected and one of them is Mongolian project titled 'Bedridden', a film adaptation of Mongolian author G.Ayurzana's novel by the same name. Mongolian 'Guru Media' and 'Prime Pictures' production houses will be collaborating on the making of the film.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The chosen directors are provided access to international co-productions, and opportunities to meet potential partners which altogether will contribute to accelerating the project's completion. From May 19-25, the chosen directors will introduce their project to investors and sponsors in cinema.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With his first feature film titled 'Remote Control', director Byamba Sakhya won the New Currents prize at the 18th edition of the Busan International Film Festival (IFF) in the Republic of Korea, the Award for Best Feature Film at the 2014 Anonimul IFF, Romania, and was nominated for the Hubert Bals Fund Lions Film Award at the 2014 Rotterdam IFF, in the Netherlands.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/9016">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Day_of_Creating"></a>Day of Creating White Taras takes place<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 7 (MONTSAME) "Neg udriin tsagaan dara ekh" (White Tara for a day), an event for creating Buddhist god White Tara took place for the fifth year at the Bogd Khaan Palace Museum on March 7.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the event, disciples of artist T.Jamyansuren and god sculptor D.Ukhaanzaya who is also the head of "Tsaglashgui Gerelt" sculpture center were involved together and crafted White Tara within a day.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Every year on 8th day of lunar calendar, the museum collects sculptures and artworks of White Tara to open up an exhibition with their entire collection. Although the museum displayed only the sculptures that were created during the event on 2013 and 2014, the entire collections related to White Tara was displayed on 2015 and 2016. This year, Bogd Khaan Palace Museum displayed over 50 artworks of White Tara of the XIX-XX centuries, including Mongolian, Tibetan and Chinese handcrafted artworks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/9018">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_The_Eagle_Huntress"></a>The Eagle Huntress Has Landed...Aisholpan in Wonderland<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 8 (Huffington Post) There's Eagle Scout, Fly Like an Eagle, Eagle Eye, Where Eagles Dare, and the Eagle has Landed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>And then there's the <i>Eagle Huntress</i>. Her name is Aisholpan...and she's quite the Ambassador for International Women's Day. Hers is a story of feminism, courage, independence...and sisterhood bonding.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Most young girls have an affinity for puppies…or ponies. Their eyes widen at the sight of a golden retriever, golden doodle or golden-maned percheron. Not Aisholpan. This Mongolian girl has a most unique compadre: a golden eagle. True—Hedwig (Harry Potter), Meeko (Pocahontas), Baxter (Anchorman) and Chewbacca (Star Wars) may be phenomenal <i>fictional</i> sidekicks, but this one is for <i>real</i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hogwarts, move over. Aisholpan is all about true wizardry — flying her majestic bird Akkainat (White Wings), whose 8 ½' wingspan is almost double her height.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>OASIS IN THE DESERT</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Let's face it. We've overdosed on fake news, Netflix binging, bitter twitter, accusations of Russian interference and wiretappings, White House briefings, and the daily Dow. We could all use a detour from selfie madness, chirping pundits, and melodramatic Hollywood hotties. From Executive Orders, recusals and red carpets.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We need a breath of fresh air amidst the crush and glum of urban living. Aisholpan is indeed a breath of fresh mountain air, trekking and riding into snow and ice in the majestic Mongolian wilderness.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>True, Ansel Adams and Edward Weston did some stunning images of dune patterns and natural wonders. But photojournalist Asher Svidensky's got some astonishing shots that would make Annie Leibovitz cry with joy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>ADOLESCENCE EFFERVESCENCE: KATY vs. KAZAKH KHARMA</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yup. For most teenagers it's about Katy Perry and first kisses; BFF's and first bras. For Aisholpan, it was all about her first eagle hunt: with <i>White Wings</i>. We've all heard kids dreaming of Hollywood, fantasizing their <i>some-day</i> Oscar moment, delivering imaginary acceptance speeches into their microphone fists. As a little girl in Mongolia, Aisholpan dreamt of flying an eagle like her Dad. No malls, no Shake Shacks. Nope. Just mountains, tents, gers, and goats. Aisholpan was born into a Kazakh family of nomad herders going back 12 generations. To supplement their income, Kazakh herders have a side career: training golden eagle chicks to hunt fox and game.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>LIKE FATHER, LIKE DAUGHTER</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The daughter of celebrated hunter Agalai Nurgaiv, young Aisholpan got <i>home-eagle-schooled</i> young. Captivated by the bond between her father and his hawk, she followed them everywhere, observing the mesmerizing duo. As a baby, she crawled, undaunted, towards her Dad's eagles. Intriguingly, Kazakhs prefer female birds because they are fiercer, larger, more powerful hunters — their wingspan can exceed seven feet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Although the eagle hunt is a primarily male-dominated sport in Nurgaiv's community, Agalai kept the paternal faith, trusting Aisholpan could do anything a boy could do. His son, while training to be the successor falconer of the ancient family tradition, was drafted into the army. Agalai was willing to start the five-year training process with Aisholpan, under one condition: that she initiate the wish. Not only did she crave capturing and training an eagle, but she was determined to compete in the annual Golden Eagle Festival in Ölgii.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sure, we all know pop culture, <i>in-the-limelight</i> father-daughter pairs: Paul & Stella McCartney; Brian & Allison Williams; Will & Willow Smith; Lionel & Nicole Ritchie; and, of course, Donald & Ivanka Trump.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>And, if it weren't for a touch of international and cinematic destiny, we might never have known about Aisholpan and Agalai Nurgaiv. After all, it seems cool enough to have a father-daughter bond over a regal, historic, elegant, exotic sport. But to have the fortune of capturing the story on film by a determined documentarian? Priceless.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>OTTO'S MOTTO </b>— <b>FOR WHOM THE BELL CURVES</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/the-eagle-huntress-has-landedaishol-pan-in-wonderland_us_58aafb7fe4b0b0e1e0e20db6">Link to full article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_'Mongolia's_Got_Talent'"></a>'Mongolia's Got Talent' Winner Shocks Audience with Flawless Cover of George Strait Hit<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 5 (Country Rebel Clothing) If you've ever doubted the impact that <a href="https://countryrebel.com/blogs/videos/tagged/george-strait" target="_blank">George Strait </a>has had on the music industry, you may be surprised to learn that a cover of one of King George's biggest hits helped a Mongolian electrician become a star. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In 2016, 20-year old O.Enkh-Erdene wowed the audience and judges during the opening round of <i>Mongolia's Got Talent</i> with his take on the country classic "Amarillo By Morning." <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The singer, who doesn't speak English, pulled of a flawless cover of the 1983 George Strait hit, but left many wondering if he understood what he was singing about. His accent skewed some of the lyrics, but his jaw-dropping voice shined through. In fact, the talented vocalist went on to win the 2nd season of the popular competition show. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Watch O. Enkh-Erdene's impressive take on "Amarillo By Morning" in the video below. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(<a href="https://youtu.be/rdn9lZT4yb4">VIDEO</a>)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://countryrebel.com/blogs/videos/mongolias-got-talent-winner-shocks-audience-with-flawless-cover-of-george-straits-amarillo-by-morning">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s1600/image006-759751.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHlRgYK9R2XO-OJ7TbQEq48K9AzuPWAsm2Awv3B0jmgxUD3dbRvRHKiOAXOZIufA90s1Z5YPiuWVUqviYgGedMs0fPbRSqjQEyIat3ppCZuMIor8Cqf96XSNaWPeUKtfSUgVHI4zZHVus/s320/image006-759751.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6395338424575524834" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Travel></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Travel<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Aisholpan_participates_in"></a>Aisholpan participates in the Mongolian Eagle Festival<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 6 (news.mn) During March, the Ministry of Environment and Green Development is organising an interesting series of events entitled 'The Nomadic Winter 2017'. The series opened with an 'Eagle Festival' at the Chinggis Khaani Khuree camp on 5th of March. The camp, is located not far from Ulaanbaatar. More than 2000 came to the remarkable event, including people from every corner of Mongolia and many foreign countries. Each year this event is becoming more and more popular.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A star of the 'Eagle Festival' was Aisholpan, a 13-year-old Kazakh girl from Bayan-Ulgii. She is the heroine of the internationally recognised documentary, "The Eagle Huntress", which is executive-produced and narrated by "Star Wars" star Daisy Ridley. It premiered at this year's Sundance Film Festival and competed in the Oscars.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Every year, just as the winter hunting season is getting underway, ethnic Kazakh golden eagle hunters gather from all over Bayan-Ulgii province (western Mongolia) to celebrate their age-old tradition. Like traditional practices elsewhere in the world, hunting with eagles is on the verge of extinction, but in Mongolia the tradition is alive and well. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/326708">Link to article</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/8983">Aisholpan partakes in Eagle Festival 2017</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 6<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_18th_annual_Blue"></a>18<sup>th</sup> annual Blue Pearl ice festival wraps up<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 7 (MONTSAME) The Blue Pearl 2017 ice festival has completed with success on the frozen Lake Huvsgul. Last week, more than 10,000 national and international tourists and 2,000 vehicles gathered for the festival at the Hatgal Village of Huvsgul aimag.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Aimed at paying tribute to the "Mother Lake" and promoting winter tourism, ice festival has been organized each year for the last 18 years. The performance by a young Russian ice-skater was the most appreciated by audience. This year's highlights were the show performed by a hockey club of Mongolia and dogsled tours.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A local team of cyclists makes a full circle around the lake as a tradition during the ice festival. This year, a 68-year-old cyclist Sh.Yondondash stole the show by coming to the festival all the way from Ulaanbaatar on a bicycle, cruising distance of 900 kilometers within seven days.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover, the ice sculptures are the essential part of this annual event. Named as the best creation was the sculpture called "Melody of the Mother Lake", meaning of which was explained by the sculptor D.Enkhbat as it had expressed that there is still a melody of water and life under the frozen lake. Twelve teams have challenged themselves in ice sculpting competition.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Two ice villages were built, in order to deliver a message and appeal to love the mother earth and protect the surrounding environment. The gamekeeping staff of the Red Taiga specially protected area have treated the festival-goers with wild berries, which had been grown by themselves, from ice bowls.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The most relied-on vehicle at the festival was the horse-sleds, dragging the passengers around on the frozen lake to Khusliin Khad (The Rock of Wishes), told to have been granting wishes of the visitors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Festival-goers also enjoyed taking photographs with the reindeers, the sixth type of livestock in Mongolia. They also had the opportunity to witness the lifestyle of reindeer herders, native to Huvsgul's taiga.Amateur competitions, such as the ice-knuckle-bone shooting contest, race of sledhorses, war of tug, sumo wrestling and traditional costume shows, were held.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This year's ice festival was participated by 5 heads of diplomatic missions in Mongolia. The number of festival-goers almost doubled compared to that of 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The officials applauded the organization of the festival by saying that it had allowed people a chance to enjoy the fresh air and mesmerizing landscape of Ikh Saridag Mountain and Lake Huvsgul, as well as to experience the unique winter culture of Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/9006">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Photo_Report_from"></a>Photo Report from Khuvsgul Ice Festival 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 7 (gogo.mn) Blue Pearl International Ice Festival 2017 took place at Khatgal village, the southern shore of lake Khuvsgul on Mar 3-4th. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The two-day event aims to develop winter tourism in Mongolia offered ice sculptures, traditional Mongolian ice shooting competition, horse sled races, skating competitions, horse sled, shaman`s fire ceremony, fun competition among foreign tourists and ice sumo competition.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We deliver you the photo report from the annual Blue Pearl International Ice Festival. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157561">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Travel Writing 2017 Application<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_A_Mongolian_Climbing"></a>A Mongolian Climbing Experience 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Out of my comfort zone<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>by Austin Johnson, Mongolia<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Myself, my girlfriend Roxy, and our friend Joey were fresh off the train when we randomly met the director for the Mongolian national climbing team, and made a deal to train the athletes for a driver in the time we were in Mongolia. Having bought horses to explore the amazing scenery of the steppe, shooting a Mongolian TV commercial, and hiking for days in search of climbs, we just never found what we wanted. If it weren't for the amazing people, and the raw adventure aspect, we would have moved on to our next destination much sooner. Our next stop, and most memorable stop, was in the Batsumber area of Mongolia. This area was a long bumpy van ride 8 hours North of the Capital. Upon arriving we saw a ton of rock, a shaman camp, and a beautiful river cutting through the steppe below a tall cliff face. We were meeting with many athletes from all over Mongolia for a climbing competition. We set up camp on top of a hill with the rest of the locals, and went on exploring the close-by rock. The next morning we decided to go on a hike about 5 miles away to check out a distant boulder field for rock quality. On the way to the boulder field, we started to get tired quicker than usual, but waved it off and kept exploring. As the day started to wind down into the afternoon hours, the sun seemed to be beating down on us even harder. It felt much hotter than usual as we trekked around the mountain for a shortcut back to camp. We ended up going through a shaman camp on the edge of a swamp next to the river. The one thing I had wanted to bring back from Mongolia just so happened to be a Shaman scarf, so after hopping across the swamp around the corner from the camp, I took one off their ovoo and continued to hop back to camp. About 15 minutes later, we felt like death. We were literally crawling on all fours across the side of the river, exploding fluids from all openings of our bodies. A herd of cows and massive bulls surrounded us, eating our piles of vomit along the way. When we literally could not puke anymore, we crawled a jug of water and ourselves the mile back to camp. The beautiful part about Mongolia in this situation is, there is nowhere to hide to relieve yourself, so your constantly going in front of everyone! Unable to control ourselves, this went on for a few days before we finally made the long bumpy van trip back to Ulaanbaatar, where it continued for about a week! This is the most sick I've ever felt in my life, but we cherish every bit of the adventure!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://scholarships.travel/writing17/a-mongolian-climbing-experience">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_From_Scotland_To"></a>From Scotland To Mongolia By Road: Here's Photographer James Parker's Epic Journey<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>The 25-year-old Yorkshire-based photographer clocked in 10,000 miles, 19 countries, and 40 rolls of film for this journey of a lifetime.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 6 (Unrated) Road trips are great. Epic road trips that span 10,000 miles and over 19 countries are something else. This is what young Yorkshire-based photographer <a href="http://www.jameschrisparker.com/" target="_blank">James Parker</a> and two other friends did last summer, and he has the images to show for it. The purpose: a simple desire to seek adventure. "I wanted an adventure: to meet new people and experience new cultures," Parker explains to Huck Magazine in an article about the epic journey. The trip starts out in Edinburgh, Scotland, where the three young adventurers took a vintage 1972 Morris Minor and headed out for the next 53 days to reach the outer skirts of Russia and into Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Having studied photography at Edinburgh Napier and Ryerson University in Toronto, it was only natural for Parker to document the trip, which he did over the total of 40 rolls of film for a series dubbed <i>Boys, Bikes and Bucket Hats</i>. What's even more insane is that this was Parker's first official 'trip,' stating, "This was the first time I had been 'traveling'–if you can call it that–and it turns out that it's certainly more challenging than relaxing. Driving 10 hours a day for that long really affects you."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Never-the-less, the results look incredible, as it showcases the nuances of the open road over such diverse landscapes and the locals from them. Check out a few excerpts from the series throughout, and <a href="http://www.huckmagazine.com/art-and-culture/photography-2/james-parker-photographer-road-trip-boys-bikes-bucket-hats/" target="_blank">head here</a> to read the full Huck article.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://unrtd.co/from-scotland-to-mongolia-by-road-heres-photographer-james-parkers-epic-journey/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Cycling_through_Mongolia"></a>Cycling through Mongolia on an epic Silk Road adventure<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 6 (TravelMag.co.uk)<span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:black'> </span>If Ulaanbaatar helps to point towards Mongolia's future it is the ubiquitous yurt which is synonymous with its past. As we skirt northwards towards the Altai Mountains passing those white clothed structures laced with horse hair as the smoke from dried dung rises through the roof, they take on a standing more than just as an abode occupied by the majority of Mongolia's population. The yurt signifies a way of life, history and culture which is far older than the country herself and was first recorded by Herodotus – that of the nomad.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We were lucky enough to have crossed the threshold of several yurts into this world during our skirmish in Mongolia. The most memorable was in the town of Ulaangom, several days riding from the border with Russia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Seven kilometres outside of town, down a horrifically bumpy headache inducing track, we visited a Mongolian family to go horse riding – Mongolian style. It was a terrific experience and though the horses did not really listen to either of us, munching on some grass when they felt like it, luckily it didn't involve getting bucked off. As we approached, a two cylinder motorbike sat outside the yurt next to the lower horse powered horse. Throughout Mongolia, many of the younger generation prefer herding using a motorbike; the symbol of the 21st century cowboy in the new Wild West. A solar panel glints next to half a dozen newly born goats tied against the cloth as a small satellite dish powers the newly purchased television. Such is the modern fusion of technology with the structures over 3000 year old history.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To prevent overgrazing and based on precedent one will rarely see more than two or three yurts within several kilometres of each other as the family unit constitutes the modern clan. The families herd, of no more than 100 cows, sheep and goats sat idly on the marshy plain picking on the grass as blue paint on the horns marked their ownership.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is rude to knock on the brightly coloured doors of yurts so in a shaming accent, reminiscent of some unidentified dialect, I call out '<i>Nokhoi khor</i>' to the family which roughly translates as 'Can I come in?', but literally means 'Hold your dog'. This is to avoid being eaten by a vicious and highly protective mongrel which stalks the property. Over the past weeks we had been chased by dozens of these less than puppy eyed security systems as we passed by their homes. Here, three generations lived in the two yurts within ten metres of each other. The parents lived in one, which we were invited into, and their children and grandchildren in the other.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As I circled around the outside of the yurt I could see the beautiful simplicity in its construction. It can be assembled in two hours and the Mongolian nomads can deconstruct, transport and reassemble them within a day. Daily we would pass a truck or mini-van laden with a family's belongings that were moving. The bones of the structure are an expanding wooden circular frame which consists of several lattice wall sections, a door frame and bent roof poles which plug the walls to the central wooden crown to act as a roof. Felt acts as the meat of the structure and a cotton cover as the skin, waterproofing the building. This is then wrapped together in a cake shaped package by three tightly bound ropes of horse hair. Such ease of assembly is necessary as families will move around more times in a year than most Western families do in a lifetime. This is roughly six to find fresh pastures for their herd.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Every yurt in Mongolia has its gaudy door facing south, granting significance to the cardinal directions. As I duck through the 4 foot hobbit-high door frame placing my right foot first over the threshold as the ancient code demands I move around clockwise (women move around anticlockwise) not stepping between the two central pillars that represent the link between earth and sky. I am invited to sit on a small stool in the north west segment, next to the shrine or 'Xiomore' (the sacred area in the north), which is reserved for honoured guests.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As tradition demands I keep my feet pointed away from the sacred hearth and do not turn my back to the shrine where a Buddhist image, suitcases, a photo of the male head's father in his sharply cut military uniform and other treasured objects rest. Since yurts have no walls it makes them very intimate and inclusive spaces, epitomising the importance of family which is central to nomadic life.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The man reaches with his leathered hands into deep pockets to produce a small jaded bottle of snuff. Will accepts it first with his right hand touching his inner arm with his left hand as a sign of respect breathing it in deeply as it tickles its way down his nostrils. Hospitality is traditionally so important and it is deeply insulting to decline anything, at least without trying it, as I gratefully accept the snuff of which many nomads cannot afford.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The inside of the yurt is pristine and is kept with the same pride as a Maharajah's mausoleum. Everything has a place and purpose. The portable sink is stationed just left of the door. On the western side (male side) there are stacked saddles and leather milk bags. The east side (female side) contains cooking implements, water, buckets and the food preparation area where the wife silently prepared us tea with salted goat's milk. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A pair of reading glasses, wallet and tooth brushes were cozied in-between the orange painted wooden beams, which represent the colour of the sun, and felt above our heads. Underneath the cabinets lay the bare ground as there was no groundsheet (which is an indicator of the family's wealth) as it followed the natural contours of the dried earth. In the centre of the yurt, or 'ger' in Mongolian, is the practically and symbolically significant hearth. Here the wife knelt down and began to heat up the milk tea as it bubbled up warming the space.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As we sat there with the man, his Chinese cigarette perched neatly in between his tanned fingers, looking through his photographs, his son, a boy a similar age to us entered wearing a vintage Adidas shirt and plonked himself on his mother's bed. I was surprised as this area was traditionally reserved for women exclusively. We glanced at each other smiling as we viewed the photographs together. As we finished flicking through them the man noticed Will looking at his 2:2 bolt action rifle, which was probably Soviet era from WWI. He grinned and grabbed it. It looked similar to the Lee Enfield's we used during the days of CCF training at school. Pressing the worn wood to his shoulder he cocked the bolt and took aim through the chipped metal cross in the direction of our heads as the cigarette now in between his lips glowed an ominous red. With a click of the trigger a puff of smoke emerged from his cigarette as he handed us the gun before replacing it next to his wife's metallic single bed. This surprised me too as traditionally a weapon should have been next to the male bed. Later in the afternoon, as we sprinkled special flour on our endless cups of tea for added flavour and he briefly flicked on the TV, I started to understand the erosion of their traditions as several belly dancers entered the room through the screen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Whilst traditions and customs are still very important to the nomadic people, particularly those who have chosen not to leave this way of life for the static existence of Ulaanbaatar, the influence of the outside world has creased their edges. Previously commonplace customs like men keeping their hats on indoors, picking things up with palms facing upwards and filling up any glass that is empty are increasingly becoming forgotten in the face of the inexorable pool of modernity as their lives are synthesised with a newer world. I am thrilled that western comforts have made the lives of many hundreds of thousands of nomads easier, particularly as I witness swathes of the country suffering from desertification, soil erosion and the evaporation of their water sources as Mongolia's 60 million cattle compete for space in the face of climate change. I do hope, for the sake of their beautiful culture and country which I was privileged to share in however fleetingly, that both are not lost.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Read more about Charles Stevens' epic journey on <a href="http://beijingtotehran.com/" target="_blank"><span style='font-weight:normal'>http://beijingtotehran.com/</span></a> Or make a donation to his chosen <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/BeijingtoTehran" target="_blank"><span style='font-weight:normal'>charities</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://travelmag.co.uk/2017/03/cycling-mongolia-epic-silk-road-adventure/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Want_to_race"></a>Want to race a vintage Porsche from China to Paris? This D.C. couple can tell you how.<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 6 (Washington Post) Jill Kirkpatrick and Tony Connor have been wedded blissfully for 20 years and they agree that one truism of their happy marriage is that they avoid driving together. So when Kirkpatrick "offhanded and flippantly" mentioned to her husband that they ought to consider competing in the Peking to Paris Motor Challenge, a vintage-car race that would take them from the Great Wall of China to the Place Vendome in Paris, Connor said he just about fell out of his chair.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"He loves cars and I love adventure travel," Kirkpatrick said. Then Connor finished her sentence saying, "And the mother of all rallies is what she decided to do."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>So the couple left Washington in June 2016 and spent 36 days covering 8,500 miles across the Eurasian continent, fording rivers, rumbling over washboard dirt roads, circumnavigating mountain passes in the Swiss Alps and tent camping in the Mongolian grassland. What's more, the prize for winning the rally is simply a shot of pride and a bottle of champagne.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If you want to drive the Peking to Paris rally, you'll have to wait until 2019, but the association sponsors vintage-car endurance races several times a year: The next is the Baltic Classic in May, a two-week rally that starts in Copenhagen and ends in Berlin.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To enter, participants pay a registration fee to the race organizer, the Endurance Rally Association, which covers much of the cost of the trip, including lodgings and most of the fuel. Connor, who works in finance, said that he was able to arrange taking the time off for the trip with the help of his team back in the office. The overall cost, not including preparing a car and shipping it to the start point, is in the five figures.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The month-long journey — the sixth such rally so far — tested Connor and Kirkpatrick to their limits and beyond. They averaged one meal a day and three-to-four hours of sleep a night. And because of an agreement they made beforehand, they finished without a single argument about Kirkpatrick's directions or Connor's driving.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>That alone was a feat, they agreed, considering that the rally is an epic trial of human and mechanical capacity even under ordinary circumstances. Then there's the fact that Connor and Kirkpatrick drove the entire race in a Porsche.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"This rally will move 'impossible' for you," Connor said. Kirkpatrick chimed in: "It was the hardest thing I've ever chosen to do in my life."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The rally dates to 1907 and is a race specifically for cars made before 1975. The 2016 rally included a parade of classics such as a 1917 American LaFrance speedster, a 1930 Ford Model A and a 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Then there was the car that Connor calls "the second love of my life," which he shipped from the District and drove for the entire race equipped with D.C. plates. When Connor began looking for a car to fit the criteria for the rally, he contacted a dealer who specializes in classics. What the dealer found was an "outlaw" 1956 Porsche 356A, meaning that original parts of the car had been replaced with more modern versions, including its suspension and engine.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Connor bought the two-seater coupe and began a series of modifications to prepare it to complete the trip over the rugged and unforgiving terrain. He installed a steel plate to protect the undercarriage, reinforced the steering column and doubled the fuel-tank capacity. He also rerouted the exhaust through the rear fender for river crossings and adjusted the car's suspension to gain additional clearance. But one aspect of the car never changed: its color, a silty brown. Connor and Kirkpatrick named the vehicle Java in memory of a close family friend's chocolate Lab, whose coat resembled the paint color.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But during the rally, the Porsche was known as "car 58" for the number emblazoned on its doors. When the race began in June, a total of 107 cars lined up at the start. Only 97 had completed the entire journey by the race's end in July. Connor and Kirkpatrick crossed the line in Paris third in their class, happy just to have finished. During the race, Connor made major repairs, including one that necessitated a stop in Kazan, Russia, to replace the whole back end of the car after its rear suspension failed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Minor repairs, meanwhile, were ongoing. On the couple's first day traversing Mongolia — the second day of the race — the dashboard's speedometer and fuel gauge stopped functioning. For the rest of the rally, Connor "guessed" the speed and gas level. In all, Connor estimated that the 8,500 miles they covered was the equivalent of 100,000 miles of wear and tear. Yet for all of the time Connor spent covered in motor oil while tinkering with the car to make it run, he said that they never had a flat tire.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Kirkpatrick said that surprise was one of many for the couple on the trip. She said that despite their preparation for the rally, they realized shortly after it started how little they really knew. Mongolia, for instance. There, they saw yaks. And also some of the roughest roads they encountered. During one river crossing the Porsche, with its relatively low road clearance and the steel plate underneath, turned into an ark and began to float. That is, until Connor stomped the accelerator, the tires gained traction and the Porsche shot out of the water.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Mongolia will take a bit out of your soul," Connor says. "But it will replace it with something more beautiful."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Then there was the daily pace. Although Connor and Kirkpatrick were aware that the event was designated a race, they didn't know that each day began with a wheel-spinning start and went flat-out from there.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We thought you cruised along," Kirkpatrick said. Not so. "There was nothing gentlemanly about it. . . . It was lawless."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Other revelations awaited down the road. There was the time they were driving along a superhighway in Russia when the pavement suddenly ended without warning. Then came the high alpine passes of Italy, where Connor's fear of heights crept up as they navigated the narrow road at an elevation of 4,000 feet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Connor and Kirkpatrick agreed that the most suspenseful moment of the trip — alternatively the most hysterical — involved the immigration officers at the border crossing between Mongolia and Russia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Pulling up to the border, the pair opened the doors, the trunk and the hood for inspection.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We looked homeless and hadn't showered," Kirkpatrick said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One of the border guards approached with a German shepherd on a leash. Another spotted a suspicious plastic bag of little green crystals. Two more officers then separated Connor and Kirkpatrick for interrogation about what they thought was methamphetamines.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It wasn't until Connor poured some of the crystals onto an oil leak that the border guards learned that the crystals were an absorbing chemical for vehicle spills.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We couldn't look at each other without laughing," Kirkpatrick said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"It was 'Breaking Bad,' " Connor said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Not all teams were as carefree as Connor and Kirkpatrick. The sleep deprivation, physical hardship and mental strain of the rally took its toll. Bickering led several navigators to leave their drivers midrace. Some teams abandoned the rally altogether, going their separate ways. The thought of quitting never occurred to Connor and Kirkpatrick.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As the pair crossed Europe toward Paris, they realized how much the rally had changed their perspective on themselves and the world around them.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Everything looks right but it doesn't feel right," Connor said. Glancing at his wife, he said: "She looked the same and completely different."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Rolling across the finish line at Place Vendome, Connor and Kirkpatrick gallantly waved a pair of American flags.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I didn't want it to end," Connor said. "We're already thinking about 2019."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>For more information about the Peking to Paris Motor Challenge and similar road races, visit the Endurance Rally Association's website at <a href="http://www.endurorally.com/" title=www.endurorally.com>endurorally.com</a><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/want-to-race-a-vintage-porsche-from-china-to-paris-this-dc-couple-can-tell-you-how/2017/03/06/4d69a2ec-eefb-11e6-9973-c5efb7ccfb0d_story.html?utm_term=.b5ab0f8e34c6">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a 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style='color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Suite </span><span lang=MN style='color:#1F497D'>303</span><span style='color:#1F497D'>, Level 3, Elite Complex<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>14 Chinggis Avenue, Sukhbaatar District 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia<br></span><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Email</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: </span><a href="mailto:info@covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@covermongolia.com</span></a><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Website</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: <a href="http://www.covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>www.covermongolia.com</span></a></span><u><span style='color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Phone (Office)</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: +976 7711 6779</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:Webdings;color:#339966'>P</span><span style='color:#339966'> </span><span lang=EN-AU style='color:#007F00;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-9000945758294894342017-03-06T11:04:00.001+08:002017-04-24T13:28:53.295+08:00[Khuraldai bonds rise; Fitch warns banks still under pressure; PDAC begins; and Mongolian wins World Para Powerlifting gold]<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXzC01gxt6N_1_Ka2MqwpBdPuCK5a5jhdfHqVODigXZHN0YthdFNdhDa07a4VdLxkr-vmzq7nNDUN-v_ULjl65E-Lot9iKPQ8cssCRjvgWLO2aU3NnYf-b6hu8ukN7QN2_FIEdHOaUHwc/s1600/image001-797174.jpg"><img 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style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Monday, March 6, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'>Cover Mongolia</span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span style='color:#4472C4'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></u>, <span style='color:#00B0F0'><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#00B0F0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#2F5597'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#2F5597'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span style='color:black'>, </span><span style='color:#C55A11'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><b><span style='color:#C55A11'>Instagram</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#C00000'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><b><span style='color:#C00000'>YouTube</span></b></a></span> and <span style='color:#FFC000'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><b><span style='color:#FFC000'>Blogspot</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><u>Jump to</u>: <a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> - <a href="#Local">Local Market</a> - <a href="#Economy">Economy</a> - <a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> - <a href="#Business">Business</a> - <a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> - <a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> - <a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> - <a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> - <a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> - <a href="#Sports">Sports</a> - <a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> - <a href="#Travel">Travel</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Headlines in <b><i>Italic</i></b> are ones modified by Cover Mongolia from original<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>HEADLINES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadIntl></a><u><a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_gets_new">Mongolia gets new lease of life with bond</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Kincora_issues_shares">Kincora issues shares for services and debt, and is attending PDAC</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Xanadu_Mines:_Corporate">Xanadu Mines: Corporate Presentation, March 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Viking_Mines:_Notice">Viking Mines: Notice of General Meeting and Explanatory Statement</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Rio_Tinto_appoints">Rio Tinto appoints Group executive, Legal</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNfsRuMe8T9lDqvwWBM9SO69h0-K95J70bMjqQaJI0SOZJ-ln2nBHydAWG7spd6Ntk7bH_Od0NnCtp1v6JyDu6w8947YQFp1Rtsyl5YVES0JQRvSBEp_qImEUTFYAP4wBMfHnjAkE3NM/s1600/image003-704011.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtNfsRuMe8T9lDqvwWBM9SO69h0-K95J70bMjqQaJI0SOZJ-ln2nBHydAWG7spd6Ntk7bH_Od0NnCtp1v6JyDu6w8947YQFp1Rtsyl5YVES0JQRvSBEp_qImEUTFYAP4wBMfHnjAkE3NM/s320/image003-704011.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216337915890290" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadLocal></a><u><a href="#Local">Local Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MSE_Trading_Report,">MSE Top 20 +1.19%, ALL +0.64%, Turnover ₮20 Million Shares, ₮41.3 Million T-Bills</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyahSnM3A6B5j1Rfi92_5QepKKcT9EtJjJDBpaoG-kMUFQD5pf4O5YMAb2BuOARcyn_wMg5hyphenhyphen69A5Mn-8365uBljE1_YsJK6_YeSmaPTsZPByHajv2opRQENVf6PEvpyPW4FfvaySmVs/s1600/image004-706293.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyahSnM3A6B5j1Rfi92_5QepKKcT9EtJjJDBpaoG-kMUFQD5pf4O5YMAb2BuOARcyn_wMg5hyphenhyphen69A5Mn-8365uBljE1_YsJK6_YeSmaPTsZPByHajv2opRQENVf6PEvpyPW4FfvaySmVs/s320/image004-706293.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216347669856674" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadEconomy></a><u><a href="#Economy">Economy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_MNT_Rates:">MNT ends 2-day week up 0.02% vs USD</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_issues_₮555">BoM issues ₮555 billion 1-week bills, total outstanding -8.9% to ₮555 billion</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_An_Analysis_of">An Analysis of Mongolia's Resource-Led Development: the Impact of Foreign Direct Investment in the Extraction Industry</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Fitch:_Mongolian_Banks">Fitch: Mongolian Banks Still Under Pressure Despite IMF Deal</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9AIDGjSI0BNHEHMotNUf7dzuNXi4kPp63HivBgBZ4hwkpsfWc7xMlzmwMqoV1nTuEXVOszhOV5LZoOZTk3ieSo7Ra7iiuS-N28WcG0yg6XwUAipmLrSfFd9h1iCuxRYnplES0CTwmZI/s1600/image005-708672.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9AIDGjSI0BNHEHMotNUf7dzuNXi4kPp63HivBgBZ4hwkpsfWc7xMlzmwMqoV1nTuEXVOszhOV5LZoOZTk3ieSo7Ra7iiuS-N28WcG0yg6XwUAipmLrSfFd9h1iCuxRYnplES0CTwmZI/s320/image005-708672.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216363868026370" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadPolitics></a><u><a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Parliamentary_working_group">Parliamentary working group to investigate Mongol Bank</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia's_Crisis_Averted—For">Mongolia's Crisis Averted—For Now</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_struggles_through">Mongolia struggles through financial instability</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_LehmanLaw:_Human_Rights">LehmanLaw: Human Rights Development in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_CITA_International_Motor">CITA International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee: A new member from Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_92,885_herders_to">92,885 herders to receive wool incentives</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Jargal_Defacto:_Debt">Jargal Defacto: Debt drama</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire">AmCham Daily Newswire for March 3, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s1600/image006-712131.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s320/image006-712131.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216369632462802" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadBusiness></a><u><a href="#Business">Business</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Study_tour_and">Study tour and business program to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel on "Start up and business ecosystem development: Best practices"</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Sixth_Mongolia_London">Sixth Mongolia London Business Forum, 5 April, London</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Genetic_and_virulence">Genetic and virulence characterization of classical swine fever viruses isolated in Mongolia from 2007 to 2015</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s1600/image006-712131.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s320/image006-712131.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216369632462802" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadUlaanbaatar></a><u><a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Third_Ulaanbaatar_Book">Third Ulaanbaatar Book Exchange Day Held on Saturday</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_27,697_passengers_traveled">27,697 passengers traveled to countryside during Tsagaan sar</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Effective_traffic_regulation">Effective traffic regulation for Tsagaan Sar proves popular</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s1600/image006-712131.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s320/image006-712131.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216369632462802" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadDiplomacy></a><u><a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia:_Positioned_for">Mongolia: Positioned for Belt and Road Benefits</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s1600/image006-712131.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s320/image006-712131.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216369632462802" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadHealthEdu></a><u><a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Health_Minister_attends">Health Minister attends "She Decides" international conference in Brussels</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_physicist_strives">Mongolian physicist strives to introduce hyperthermia therapy for cancer</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s1600/image006-712131.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s320/image006-712131.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216369632462802" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadCulture></a><u><a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Watch_a_Fox">Watch a Fox Being Hunted From an Eagle's Perspective</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Herder_households_affected">Herder households affected by Dzud have received humanitarian aid</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MISSION_TO_MONGOLIA:">MISSION TO MONGOLIA: Local teen prepares for adventure of a lifetime</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s1600/image006-712131.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s320/image006-712131.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216369632462802" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadNature></a><u><a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Birding_Mongolia:_First">Birding Mongolia: First Day Out, January 31, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Geochronological_data_of">Geochronological data of igneous and metamorphic rocks from the Xing'an-Mongolia Orogenic Belt of the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s1600/image006-712131.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s320/image006-712131.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216369632462802" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadSports></a><u><a href="#Sports">Sports</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_wins_gold">Mongolian wins gold at World Para Powerlifting World Cup</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_hockey_team">Mongolian hockey team breaks own record</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_athletes_participating">Mongolian athletes participating in draughts World Cup</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Meet_the_Man">Meet the Man Who Walked Across Mongolia and Madagascar</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Moscow_to_Beijing:">Moscow to Beijing: Russia's 'Forrest Gump' to run 5,000 miles in 200 days</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s1600/image006-712131.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s320/image006-712131.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216369632462802" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadArt></a><u><a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> <b><o:p></o:p></b></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Exhibition:_'Art_and">Exhibition: 'Art and Satisfaction in Mental Action'</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s1600/image006-712131.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s320/image006-712131.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216369632462802" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadTravel></a><u><a href="#Travel">Travel</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia:_Still_in">Mongolia: Still in the Grip of Genghis</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_The_Mongolian_Hair-Cutting">The Mongolian Hair-Cutting Ceremony 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Ten_truly_remote">Ten truly remote places where your boss can't track you down</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_U_of_Vermont:">U of Vermont: Map to Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Indy_Guide_Mongolia">Indy Guide Mongolia Trips:</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s1600/image006-712131.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s320/image006-712131.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216369632462802" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>ARTICLES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=International></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Int'l Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_gets_new"></a>Mongolia gets new lease of life with bond<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Mongolia has managed to escape from the brink of default with a hugely popular $600m new money plus exchange offering, as investors took heart from the recent bailout from the lnternatiional Monetary Fund.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 3 (GlobalCapital) The transaction was widely expected given Development Bank of Mongolia's $580m 5.75% notes, guaranteed by the government, fall due this month. And with the repayment looming, the sovereign took the decision to issue notes directly this time around to refinance the outstanding debt.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia executed the deal as an exchange plus new money offering, asking existing holders of DBM's notes to swap their debt for the new bonds. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The government's objective was to get the maximum take-up on the exchange and they wanted a balance between price and size," said a syndicate banker close to the deal. "And the result of the exchange showed it was a great success."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The tender offer expired at 5pm central Eastern time on Wednesday, with noteholders agreeing to exchange $475.989m - or about 82.07%.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Typically, any take up of more than 50%-60% is considered high," added the banker. "And the sovereign seeing 82% is really good."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He admitted that such a strong response was expected when the exchange and new money outing was announced in mid-February, given very good feedback from the market. This set the stage nicely for leads Credit Suisse and JP Morgan to launch the new deal on Thursday morning, capped at $600m -with a new money portion of $124m. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The seven year liability management exercise was opened with guidance at the 8.25% area and a fixed coupon of 8.75%. Demand was robust, with the final order book totalling about $3.3bn. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"There were two camps of investors," said the banker. "One included accounts that hold the existing bonds and want to take up some of the new money portion. The other group don't hold any of the old bonds but want to participate in the new deal. So you can imagine how hard allocation was as the deal was capped."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Perfect timing <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia opted not to boost the size of its bond but went for a prudent approach, given the chunk of the proceeds are to repay DBM's outstanding notes and the remaining to refinance other existing<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>debt.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The most relevant comparable was Mongolia's $500m 10.875% 2021s, issued last year and spotted at a yield of 6.98% ahead of launch. The sovereign's 2022s, meanwhile, were spotted at 6.60% - meaning the country's curves are inverted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>And as it went for a seven year this time around, feedback from investors centred on fair value of 8% or below 8%. In line with that, Mongolia sold its 2024s at a yield of 7.625%, or at 106.016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Caa1/B-/B- rated Mongolia went with a seven year in a bid to stagger out its debt profile, given it already has dollar bonds maturing in 2018 and 2021. By selling a 2024, the country won't have multiple bonds falling due simultaneously, added the banker.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"It was a tremendous success for the sovereign and IMF, especially as the new bonds were priced through fair value," he said. "The leads managed to deliver on all the objectives and the government is<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>happy with the outcome.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>US accounts were allotted 76°/o of the 144A/Reg S bonds, Europe 18% and Asia the remaining 6%. Fund managers gobbled up 90%, public institutions 7%, insurance/banks 2% and others 1%.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Mounting pressure<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia's fundraising came on the back of rising scrutiny and debt pressure, which was somewhat eased after the IMF lent a helping hand. In mid-February, IMF announced that the government had agreed to a financial programme supported by a three year extended fund facility of SDR314.5m ($440m).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Asian Development Bank, World Bank and other partners have also agreed to support Mongolia with up to $3bn, and China is expected to extend its Rmb15bn ($2.2bn) swap line with the Bank of Mongolia for at least another three years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In total Mongolia can expect about $5.5bn in support, with the financing package subject to confirmation of financing assurances and approval from the IMF's executive board. The board is expected to consider Mongolia's request in March.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia was hit with a rating downgrade from Fitch and Moody's in November. And in August, S&P lowered the sovereign's rating from B to B-. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Given all the negativity, Thursday's bond was all the more important for Mongolia. The notes rallied on Friday with the new cash portion trading at 107.5 or a yield of 7.35%.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.globalcapital.com/article/b11ywtgt9623ql/mongolia-gets-new-lease-of-life-with-bond">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=CVE:KCC">KCC</a> jumped 18% on Friday to C$0.59, +38.8% YTD<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Kincora_issues_shares"></a>Kincora issues shares for services and debt, and is attending PDAC<o:p></o:p></h1><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo5'><i>Remuneration aligned to shareholders: 254,112 shares issued to technical committee and directors </i><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo5'><i>Debt conversion to HPX Techco Inc.: 186,831 shares issued for cash loans made during the course of the IBEX transaction</i><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo5'><i>Initial field season activities continue, management attending PDAC with further marketing aimed at increasing awareness of the transformational transaction, new technical team, and exploration and expansion strategies outlined in the last quarter </i> <o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>VANCOUVER, March 2, 2017 /CNW/ - Kincora Copper Limited (the "Company") (TSXV:KCC). Further to its news release of November 14, 2016 the Company announces the issuance of 254,112 shares (the "Services Shares") at a deemed price of $0.425 per share to certain directors, officers and service providers on account of services rendered during the period October 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016. The Services Shares are subject to a 4-month hold period expiring June 23, 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company also announces the issuance of 186,831 shares (the "Debt Shares") to HPX Techco Inc., an affiliate of High Power Ventures, at a deemed price of $0.345 per share. As detailed in the Company's news release of December 7, 2016, the Debt Shares are being issued in repayment of loans totalling US$48,576 made during the course of the IBEX Transaction. The Debt Shares are subject to a 4-month hold period expiring July 2, 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sam Spring, President and CEO, stated: <i>"Following the IBEX transaction and appointment of the new technical team, Kincora has implemented remuneration packages where the technical committee and board receive over 70% of total compensation in shares, issued quarterly in arrears.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>The team in place has a unique track record of Tier 1 copper porphyry success, expansion and operating activities in Mongolia, and such remuneration packages provides skin in the game, remuneration aligned with shareholders and supports capital constrained budgets maximizing value add activities. The Company also has high insider ownership with the board, technical and advisory teams representing over 45% of outstanding common shares.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>As initial field season activities continue and preparations advance looking to drill two targets with geological models analogous to the nearby large scale copper mines, Kincora is attending PDAC, with further marketing later in the month to increase awareness of our exploration and expansion strategy following completion of the IBEX transaction only last quarter".</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Kincora has 50,606,622 shares and 2,947,500 warrants outstanding. The warrants have an exercise price of $0.54, expire November 28, 2018 subject to potential acceleration of the expiry date under certain circumstances.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>Upcoming Events</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>MARCH 5-10<sup>th</sup>, 2017 <br>TORONTO - <a href="http://kincoracopper.com/news/events/2017/prospectors-developers-association-canada-pdac-2017-toronto" target="_blank">Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2017</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>MARCH 13-16<sup>th</sup>, 2017<br><a href="http://kincoracopper.com/news/events/2017/london-non-deal-roadshow" target="_blank">LONDON - Non-Deal Roadshow</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>MARCH 28<sup>th</sup>, 2017<br>HONG KONG - <a href="http://kincoracopper.com/news/events/2017/presentation-asian-mining-club-hong-kong" target="_blank">Presentation - Asian Mining Club</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>MARCH 29-30<sup>th</sup>, 2017<br>HONG KONG - <a href="http://kincoracopper.com/news/events/2017/121-mining-investments-hong-kong" target="_blank">121 Mining Investments</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>For further details or to meet management please contact: <a href="mailto:enquiries@kincoracopper.com" target="_blank">enquiries@kincoracopper.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Recent Materials</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><u>KINCORA PRESENTATION</u>: <i>Expanding along an emerging world class copper belt</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://kincoracopper.com/sites/default/files/corporate_presentations/20170215%20Kincora%20Corporate%20Presentation_1.pdf" target="_blank">http://kincoracopper.com/sites/default/files/corporate_presentations/20170215%20Kincora%20Corporate%20Presentation_1.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><u>PROACTIVE INVESTORS</u><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Interview with President & CEO:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/stocktube/6934/kincora-copper-boss-keen-to-get-drills-turning-in-mongolia-within-six-months-6934.html" target="_blank">http://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/stocktube/6934/kincora-copper-boss-keen-to-get-drills-turning-in-mongolia-within-six-months-6934.html</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Article: <i> Will Kincora Copper be the next 10 bagger copper explorer?</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/173194/will-kincora-copper-be-the-next-10-bagger-copper-explorer-173194.html" target="_blank">http://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/173194/will-kincora-copper-be-the-next-10-bagger-copper-explorer-173194.html</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/kincora-issues-shares-for-services-and-debt-and-is-attending-pdac-615294694.html">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=ASX:XAM">XAM</a> trading +2.3% Monday at A$0.225, +7.14% YTD<o:p></o:p></i></p><h1><a name="_Xanadu_Mines:_Corporate"></a>Xanadu Mines: Corporate Presentation, March 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Unlocking Mongolia's Copper-Gold Belts<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 6, Xanadu Mines Ltd. (ASX:XAM) --<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170306/pdf/43gkssqxyg69wg.pdf">Link to preso</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=ASX:VKA">VKA</a> trading +5.3% Monday at A$0.02<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Viking_Mines:_Notice"></a>Viking Mines: Notice of General Meeting and Explanatory Statement<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 3, Viking Mines Ltd. (ASX:VKA) --<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170303/pdf/43gk1fcdghxdqr.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSE:TRQ">TRQ</a> closed flat Friday at US$3.32, +2.79% YTD<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Rio_Tinto_appoints"></a>Rio Tinto appoints Group executive, Legal <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 3 -- Rio Tinto has appointed Philip Richards as Group executive, Legal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Philip will have responsibility for all Group legal services and will join the Rio Tinto Executive Committee. He has been acting in the role since December 2016 on secondment from Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, where he was a senior partner specialising in corporate law. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Philip has extensive experience in governance, corporate advisory and transactional work. This includes four years running Freshfields' office in Italy, and leading the firm's financial institutions group. His previous experience includes acting for a broad range of global companies including Barclays, Tesco, Prudential, LSEG, Liberty Global and Swiss Re. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Rio Tinto chief executive J-S Jacques said "Philip has demonstrated in his time with us that his significant almost 40-year experience in legal affairs will be a real asset for our company. He has quickly embraced the strong Rio Tinto culture and I am very pleased to have him join our team."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail/RIO/13146396.html">Link to release</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUKiMCjZq8-uP1MSSLH5ou_HXryQ9KqP3enkCzKCn_KI1-4xbtv3gvVKQqZJbhNld1cyRoC9IXo_3MHkdxxKDGCAcrrrOH9OVPGOc0VrIczHb02Dc9zFKCpxcDhIoiB5KasJgRlf4ldM/s1600/image007-714763.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicUKiMCjZq8-uP1MSSLH5ou_HXryQ9KqP3enkCzKCn_KI1-4xbtv3gvVKQqZJbhNld1cyRoC9IXo_3MHkdxxKDGCAcrrrOH9OVPGOc0VrIczHb02Dc9zFKCpxcDhIoiB5KasJgRlf4ldM/s320/image007-714763.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216384507183634" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Local></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Local Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_MSE_Trading_Report,"></a>MSE Trading Report, March 3: Top 20 +1.19%, ALL +0.64%, Turnover <span lang=MN>₮20 Million Shares, ₮41.3 Million T-Bills </span><span lang=MN style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 3 (MSE) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinz6cjbWq3g6TBwbWlylvcSMKOosWf2IPPJga-5Jx49NoBb7aTQNiB1L3GWtxnSjArQqxsZVG7xAcn_G_qgCVBy5MnIRVoE6e4JudMn2UqNV9cxz6FHPkoHvjNNcMft0NKqRziHH-Us6c/s1600/image019-716988.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinz6cjbWq3g6TBwbWlylvcSMKOosWf2IPPJga-5Jx49NoBb7aTQNiB1L3GWtxnSjArQqxsZVG7xAcn_G_qgCVBy5MnIRVoE6e4JudMn2UqNV9cxz6FHPkoHvjNNcMft0NKqRziHH-Us6c/s320/image019-716988.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216399263055074" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/uploads/ariljaa/reports/report_en-17.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAa1E5SoTi1sv10mNdhmB4KBl5b8AEefcu1gmdxlRW_zQ7hBpDZSibDSR57JDRjq-kDJxpjSI3oqubYDVzzGYTgUOjRf0uLaGp00eCzmjv3FntpigLHpde5mZ9iYoYp5Rfy8T190GuY4/s1600/image008-719875.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGAa1E5SoTi1sv10mNdhmB4KBl5b8AEefcu1gmdxlRW_zQ7hBpDZSibDSR57JDRjq-kDJxpjSI3oqubYDVzzGYTgUOjRf0uLaGp00eCzmjv3FntpigLHpde5mZ9iYoYp5Rfy8T190GuY4/s320/image008-719875.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216405706786594" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Economy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Economy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>Reds</span> are when MNT fell, <span style='color:#00B050'>greens</span> when it rose.<b> <span style='color:red'>Bold reds</span></b><span style='color:red'> </span>are rates that set a new historic high at the time. </i><o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_BoM_MNT_Rates:"></a><span lang=MN>BoM MNT Rates: </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>Friday</span><span lang=MN>, </span>March 3 <span lang=MN>Close </span><o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoTable15Plain5 border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=962 style='width:721.55pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/3</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>4</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>0</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>7</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>6</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>5</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>High</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>Date</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1059" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/b27dbc49-e16d-41ae-8557-f99cdb40c367.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e147de94-098c-41fc-a613-e68b961bc287.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>USD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,470.25<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,470.84<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,470.83<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,473.63<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,476.02<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,479.84<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,482.29</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,483.11</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,483.39</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,482.58</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,498.75</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1058" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/bebede1f-9fde-45e8-9abf-07cee5d98010.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/7fff4ee5-d12c-4bd2-8a56-d47fa1ab5b0d.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>EUR</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,598.95<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,604.14<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,617.84<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,608.32<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,601.68<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,623.05<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,635.45</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,645.75</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,635.37</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,625.20</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,681.43</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/10/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1057" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/280be717-5c83-46be-b0c7-d0b2cf9575f2.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/73256f8e-4c86-438d-9d39-350646eb7f40.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>JPY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.62<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.64<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.92<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.83<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.84<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.94</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.89</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.79</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.68</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>23.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/9/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1056" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0e866dbf-0eff-45bc-aa83-c145b2345900.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/170ec7e9-2636-4b7d-a624-7ae9fef54841.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>GBP</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,030.01<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,035.80<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,100.15<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,086.72<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,091.68<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,082.44<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,085.98</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,100.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,100.51</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,092.30</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>3,183.26</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>8/13/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1055" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/33370dc8-8964-434b-8694-6462f39746fb.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a481156f-5e01-436d-b063-c22ecd3ed0dd.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>RUB</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.91<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.33<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.67<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.73<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.99<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.75</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>43.06</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>43.35</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>43.78</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>54.32</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>6/27/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1054" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/c37f3eb9-e9ba-4c1d-bc0f-2669bc4c1412.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/56dc9518-41a5-4bb4-9d57-167f6de07f2e.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CNY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>357.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.01<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.62<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.70<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.97<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>360.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.01</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.45</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>361.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.47</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>363.02</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/5/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1053" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e5792094-f0b8-4c3a-a82b-97ddd5401a38.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ab781b89-2767-4b9c-b3cb-b3c6cc603016.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>KRW</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.13<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.16<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.17</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.18<o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/6/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1052" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/75233918-55b6-4977-a5ef-f682c93bbdb0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/9a4a44a5-6be7-4141-8159-5aa30a12bb45.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>SGD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,746.44<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,751.75<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,758.66<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,750.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,744.60<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,745.63<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,751.17</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,752.25</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,749.54</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,746.21</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,758.66<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/24/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1051" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a8311ed8-a900-4237-bf18-4ebf7b10bbf0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/53fdb4a8-f38e-4f01-b01a-c2dee4a6895d.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CAD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,844.09<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,850.82<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,888.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,881.52<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,883.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,886.74<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,896.62</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,899.42</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,902.40</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,899.45</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,908.84</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/18/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1050" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/5d744e37-53d2-4c10-aa04-7bc77a3c3abc.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/6ec5578f-dca9-4257-b326-e755e3b2400b.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>AUD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,866.15<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,892.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,906.25<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,902.35<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,905.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,900.55<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,907.02</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,911.00</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,904.64</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/16/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1049" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6f012c2-8c16-455d-b0b0-8427d7512a2b.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6b9f8ce-b8d2-4ce7-bdce-b85ce1812325.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>HKD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.18<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.29<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.40<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.78<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.03<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.52<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.84</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.94</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>319.99</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.89</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>322.21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1048" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0588bbef-101c-4211-8d37-8045475e110d.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ae638f8b-a29a-4d70-90b3-52ad2a79d482.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CHF</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,439.39<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,445.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,456.83<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,447.81<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,446.66<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,464.93<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,475.24</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,486.34</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,473.00</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,464.96</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,497.77</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/09/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:red'>Bank USD rates at time of sending</span></b>: <a href="https://www.khanbank.com/en/home/rates">Khan</a> (Buy ₮2,458 Sell ₮2,472), <a href="http://tdbm.mn/en/exchange">TDB</a> (Buy ₮2,460 Sell ₮2,474), <a href="https://en.golomtbank.com/home/citizen">Golomt</a> (Buy ₮2,458 Sell ₮2,472), <a href="http://xacbank.mn/en/calculator/rates">XacBank</a> (Buy ₮2,462 Sell ₮2,473), <a href="https://www.statebank.mn/w/en/m1">State Bank</a> (Buy ₮2,458 Sell ₮2,474)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/graphic_dailyrate.aspx">USD (blue), CNY (red) vs MNT</a> in last 1 year:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnHreoPkXDe0HKaDEJDdudBloFM0Tg-VWSt68fhgLpewc_sIwX9VrocZBdCo1BHJRl_BOYsgg80UHJvEgmQEH6e8eEbFt9mQFVr_cBoNoSmgy1dJ3YJeXR8t3iVvrGHRp0t_l0T_BHKg/s1600/image020-722456.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnHreoPkXDe0HKaDEJDdudBloFM0Tg-VWSt68fhgLpewc_sIwX9VrocZBdCo1BHJRl_BOYsgg80UHJvEgmQEH6e8eEbFt9mQFVr_cBoNoSmgy1dJ3YJeXR8t3iVvrGHRp0t_l0T_BHKg/s320/image020-722456.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216415023325074" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistofficialdailyrate.aspx">Link to rates</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_issues_₮555"></a>BoM issues <span lang=MN>₮</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>555 billion </span>1-week bills, total outstanding -8.9% to <span lang=MN>₮</span>555 billion <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 3 (Bank of Mongolia) BoM issues 1 week bills worth MNT 555 billion at a weighted interest rate of 14.0 percent per annum /<a href="http://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistcbb.aspx">For previous auctions click here/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=173">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_An_Analysis_of"></a>An Analysis of Mongolia's Resource-Led Development: the Impact of Foreign Direct Investment in the Extraction Industry<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>By Belguun Bat-Erdene<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>A Thesis Presented to the Faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Francisco, Master's Program in International Studies, November 23, 2016<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://docplayer.net/44341095-An-analysis-of-mongolia-s-resource-led-development-the-impact-of-foreign-direct-investment-in-the-extraction-industry.html">Link to thesis</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Fitch:_Mongolian_Banks"></a>Fitch: Mongolian Banks Still Under Pressure Despite IMF Deal<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>Link to Fitch Ratings' Report:</b> <a href="https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/895095">Mongolia Bank Report Card</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Fitch Ratings-Hong Kong-05 March 2017</b>: Mongolian banks will remain under pressure from asset-quality weakness and stricter enforcement of regulations, Fitch Ratings says, even though the sovereign's recent IMF staff-level agreement is likely to reduce financing risks and help stabilise the economy. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <b>proposed IMF programme has helped provide Fitch with sufficient confidence that Mongolia (B-/Stable, affirmed on 20 February) can meet its immediate external debt obligations</b>, and is also likely to reduce some of the short-term macroeconomic risks faced by Mongolian banks, such as a further collapse in the Mongolian tugrik. The <b>three Fitch-rated banks (all 'B-'/Stable) have ratings that are driven by their standalone intrinsic strength</b>, and have become less reliant on funding from the government in recent years. <b>However, they have large exposure to government-related entities</b>, equivalent to as much as 2.4x of equity in the case of State Bank. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>External financing support to the sovereign should help banks to maintain access to funding from international financial institutions</b>. This is particularly important for Khan Bank and XacBank, which have a large proportion of wholesale funding. <b>We expect banks to continue to use foreign-currency swap facilities provided by the Bank of Mongolia</b> (BOM), due to limited swap counterparts, but they are likely to pivot toward market-based arrangements.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>We maintain a negative sector outlook for Mongolian banks</b>, as the weak operating environment continues to put pressure on their financial profiles. <b>Asset quality is likely to deteriorate further at banks with higher exposure to the most vulnerable borrowers</b> - those in the mining, wholesale/retail and manufacturing sectors, for which banks' impaired loan ratios were 17.9% at end-2016, compared with 8.5% for total loans. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>We do not expect BOM's asset-quality review - which is linked to the IMF programme and is likely to conclude in 2017 - to reveal significant capital shortfalls at Fitch-rated banks</b>. However, it is likely to emphasise forward-looking provisioning, early loss recognition and accurate collateral valuation, which could create additional credit costs and weigh on banks' profits. Profit will also be constrained by weak loan growth, which we only expect to recover in the medium term, if the economy stabilises. The pha<b>sing-out of low-margin government-subsidised lending is unlikely to fully offset these drags on profit</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tighter enforcing of laws and regulations, in particular around connected exposures, could also create some strains in the banking sector. <b>Two local banks, controlled by the same shareholder, that are not rated by Fitch - Trade and Development Bank of Mongolia and Ulaanbaatar City Bank - have allegedly exceeded a limit of 20% of total capital that can be loaned to a single borrower</b>. We believe potential spill-over risks to be manageable for Fitch-rated banks, as they are not significantly exposed to those banks or to the identified large borrower.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more details, see our report "Mongolia Banks Report Card", available at <a href="http://www.fitchratings.com">www.fitchratings.com</a> or by clicking the link above.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.fitchratings.com/site/pr/1020068">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyahSnM3A6B5j1Rfi92_5QepKKcT9EtJjJDBpaoG-kMUFQD5pf4O5YMAb2BuOARcyn_wMg5hyphenhyphen69A5Mn-8365uBljE1_YsJK6_YeSmaPTsZPByHajv2opRQENVf6PEvpyPW4FfvaySmVs/s1600/image004-706293.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcyahSnM3A6B5j1Rfi92_5QepKKcT9EtJjJDBpaoG-kMUFQD5pf4O5YMAb2BuOARcyn_wMg5hyphenhyphen69A5Mn-8365uBljE1_YsJK6_YeSmaPTsZPByHajv2opRQENVf6PEvpyPW4FfvaySmVs/s320/image004-706293.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216347669856674" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Politics></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Politics & Legal<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Parliamentary_working_group"></a>Parliamentary working group to investigate Mongol Bank<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 5 (UB Post) A parliamentary working group established to investigate and regulate the operations of Mongol Bank started their work on February 23.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The working group was established on February 1. MP T.Ayursaikhan is heading the group, whose membership includes MP M.Oyunchimeg, MP Ts.Davaasuren, MP. Kh.Bolorchuluun, MP J.Bat-Erdene, and MP S.Chinzorig.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>MP T.Ayursaikhan told journalists on February 23 that the working group had their guidelines approved and that they were starting their investigation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The working group will draft a resolution based upon the findings of their investigation, and will present the resolution to Parliament's Economic Standing Committee. The inner workings of Mongol Bank's operations, such as their regulation of the MNT, their price stabilization program, and other activities will be probed by the working group.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Members of the working group stated that they are aware of reports that the central bank printed eight trillion MNT in notes to manipulate currency in circulation, and will work to verify that the reported number is accurate.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongol Bank's operational deficit will also be investigated. In the past four years, the bank's deficit has doubled every year. In 2016, the bank reported a deficit of 962 billion MNT. The working group will investigate the reasons for the deficit, as the deficit of the bank puts pressure on the state budget.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Until 2011, the bank was working profitably. It experienced a deficit in 2010 but was profitable in most years. But in 2012, Mongol Bank began experiencing significant deficit. We will investigate and reach a conclusion," the working group's members stated.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The probe, which will be carried out until April 30, will encompass all of the operations of the bank, including commercial loans that were issued that have been alleged to be illegal, the bank's transparency, and their financial statements.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>A few members of the working group made statements regarding their investigation.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>MP Ts.Davaasuren</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The reason for the economic crisis and hardship can be closely linked to Mongol Bank. The bank diminished the strength of the MNT and increased the exchange rate. In 2012, the USD exchange rate was at 1,450 MNT. Currently, it is around 2,400 MNT. This is a 70 percent increase, leading to a significant decrease in the purchasing power of the MNT. This has increased poverty and led to a 70 percent economic decline.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Mongol Bank violated laws and issued commercial loans to private businesses. It gave tens of billions of MNT to its workers in the form of apartments and bonuses. This information was concealed but will now be clear. The President of Mongol Bank for the last four years was someone who sat there and said that the exchange rate did not matter to us. The president said that the funding received through a swap agreement was not a loan. In 2014, non-performing loans were at 200 billion MNT; now they are at 900 billion MNT. Businesses cannot pay back their loans. Citizens do not have purchasing power."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>MP M.Oyunchimeg</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The working group's main priority is to determine a correct diagnosis; only then can we decide how to treat the problem. Our country has had to establish a difficult agreement with the International Monetary Fund, increasing taxes and decreasing salaries and welfare.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Our goal is not a witch hunt; our goal is to expose violations and to amend the Law on Mongol Bank accordingly."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/05/parliamentary-working-group-to-investigate-mongol-bank/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia's_Crisis_Averted—For"></a>Mongolia's Crisis Averted—For Now<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Author: <a href="http://www.resourcegovernance.org/about-us/andrew-bauer"><b>Andrew Bauer</b></a>, <a href="http://www.resourcegovernance.org/about-us/david-mihalyi"><b>David Mihalyi</b></a>, <a href="http://www.resourcegovernance.org/about-us/dorjdari-namkhaijantsan"><b>Dorjdari Namkhaijantsan</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 3 (National Resource Governance Institute) Last week, the Mongolian government announced a <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/3363741c-f66d-11e6-9516-2d969e0d3b65" target="_blank">USD 5.5 billion bailout agreement</a> with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and partners the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the governments of Japan and South Korea. The Mongolian government has also signed an extension of its central bank <a href="http://www.news.mn/r/326230" target="_blank">swap agreement</a>—essentially a line of credit—with China's central bank.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In return, Mongolia approved a limited and revenue-focused <a href="https://www.mof.gov.mn/2017/02/%D0%BC%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%BB-%D1%83%D0%BB%D1%81%D1%8B%D0%BD-%D0%B7%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%B3%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D0%B3%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%B0%D1%80-%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BE%D0%BD-%D1%83%D0%BB%D1%81%D1%8B%D0%BD-3/" target="_blank">set of reforms</a>. Budget amendments to be passed in March include increases in personal income tax rates; increases in fuel, alcohol and tobacco taxes; and a public service wage freeze.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In some sense, an agreement with the IMF was necessary. The Development Bank of Mongolia (DBM), a state-owned bank deeply in the red and guaranteed by the government, must repay USD 580 million to mainly foreign creditors this month. Without an IMF agreement, it is likely that the DBM would have defaulted on this or the next repayment, due in January 2018. Such an event would have cut Mongolia off from international lending and could have precipitated a banking crisis.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>But are the reforms tied to the bailout right for Mongolia? Will they turn Mongolia around, setting up the country for long-term growth and prosperity?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>NRGI has released a <a href="http://resourcegovernance.org/analysis-tools/tools/mongolia-macro-fiscal-model" target="_blank">macro-fiscal model</a> of Mongolia's economy that should help answer these questions. The model, a year in the making, links specific mineral projects to macroeconomic indicators such as GDP growth, budget surpluses and debt levels. As a next step NRGI analysts and consultancy <a href="https://www.devex.com/organizations/gerege-partners-70439" target="_blank">Gerege Partners</a> are preparing a full analysis of the IMF program to better understand its implications.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Three findings emerge from our projection and scenario analysis conducted with the model. (Analysis took place before the announcement of the bailout package, but the bailout should not affect these conclusions.)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>1. Mongolia is facing a solvency crisis—not a short-term liquidity crisis due to drop in commodity prices</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As a result of swelling deficits since 2007, debt levels are approaching Mongolia's debt sustainability limits, as demonstrated by the government's <a href="http://cbonds.com/countries/Mongolia-bond" target="_blank">astronomical interest rates</a> on foreign borrowing and our macro model. Interest payments on public debt alone were greater than MNT 1 trillion (more than USD 400 million) in 2016; that's more than the government spent on healthcare for the whole country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Results from the baseline scenario of the model confirm that the current trajectory of Mongolia's public finances is unsustainable in the absence of radical measures—stopgap interventions by the IMF and Mongolia's other partners notwithstanding. Assuming that the current short-term liquidity pressures are resolved (i.e., rolled over, maturities lengthened), that the external environment remains accommodating and domestic growth picks up rapidly, and no major changes in government policy, our model projects debt spiraling upward as of 2025. Without a significant cut in debt through debt restructuring and permanent budget adjustment measures—not just a shrinking of the deficit or short-term bailout of the kind offered by the IMF program—Mongolia will find it hard to return to a sustainable debt path and prosper.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>2. The mineral sector will not generate large enough revenues to cover future budget deficits</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Results from our model show that, while the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine and Tavan Tolgoi coal mine (along with other mines) will generate just enough additional revenues between 2019 and 2024 to stabilize the deficit at its current very high levels, deficits will widen rapidly again thereafter. New mineral projects will not solve Mongolia's debt sustainability challenge. Attracting new mineral investments remains difficult globally. And even if new mining deals are rushed through, it will be decades before major revenues materialize, if ever, as we've seen with the existing mega-mines in Mongolia. It is highly unlikely that new production will save Mongolia from exploding debt levels over the medium term.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>3. The composition of the bailout package matters</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>We will release projections of the IMF program's impact on the Mongolian economy shortly. However an initial assessment of the fiscal measures proposed suggests a focus on revenue generation and hard-to-enforce governance reforms rather than a needed reprioritization of spending.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Reform of medical procurement, establishment of an independent fiscal council and ensuring that the central bank stops financing programs off-budget (such as the mortgage loan program) are promising avenues (though much depends on implementation).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>On the other hand, increases in personal income tax rates on higher incomes and social security contributions will harm the already overstretched non-mining private sector. Increases in alcohol and tobacco taxes are likely to hurt the poorest the most. Meanwhile lavish government spending—especially on a plethora of politically motivated local infrastructure projects—will remain intact or face only marginal reductions. Our model will demonstrate the impacts of these different policy choices on growth, household consumption and debt reduction, and compare them to other potential packages.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>What next?</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Since 2007, the government has been spending as if mineral revenues could transform the country into a Far Eastern version of Dubai overnight. However, Dubai utilized its natural resource revenues in line with a well-conceived economic diversification plan; in contrast, Mongolia has spent much of its windfall on public sector wage bill hikes and small infrastructure projects around the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>These choices have led to tough decisions for government officials. We are concerned that the government and its international backers repeating a critical mistake: assuming that future mineral revenue growth will save the country. Unrealistic mineral revenue expectations got Mongolia into trouble; such expectations will keep Mongolia there. The IMF program may be delaying the pain by a few years, which could prove a valuable opportunity to rethink the country's growth strategy. Or, it could be just another episode in a continuous cycle of booms and busts. Our aim is that our new model can help the government and citizens alike chart a course for a meaningful exit from unsustainable debt.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.resourcegovernance.org/about-us/andrew-bauer" target="_blank">Andrew Bauer</a> is a senior economic analyst with the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI). <a href="http://www.resourcegovernance.org/about-us/david-mihalyi" target="_blank">David Mihalyi</a> is an economic analyst with NRGI. <a href="http://www.resourcegovernance.org/about-us/dorjdari-namkhaijantsan" target="_blank">Dorjdari Namkhaijantsan</a> is NRGI's Mongolia manager.</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.resourcegovernance.org/blog/mongolia-crisis-averted-for-now">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_struggles_through"></a>Mongolia struggles through financial instability<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>By <a href="http://www.atimes.com/author/gary-kleiman/" title="Gary Kleiman"><b>GARY KLEIMAN</b></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 4 (Asia Times) Mongolian shares rose 4% in March according to Bloomberg's top company index, after the IMF extended another multi-year bailout for $440 million which can unlock an immediate additional $3 billion from bilateral and multilateral partners. China, which receives 90% of its neighbor's mineral exports, will bolster a $2 billion currency swap as part of the package, coming just five years after expiration of 2009's post-crisis program.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With its 85% of GDP public debt, the country faced imminent default on an almost $600 million Development Bank Mongolia (DBM) external bond repayment due this month, as headline mining ventures unraveled over investor commercial disputes and alleged corruption and political favoritism. The new government in power, led by the Mongolian People's Party, has promised to restore economic stability and creditworthiness and more business-friendly policies through the Fund plan, but protracted banking system and fiscal cleanups may exhaust multinational company and average citizen patience.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Fund announcement described long-term agriculture and tourism diversification scope alongside natural resource wealth but criticized "ineffective" spending by the government to offset commodity price and foreign direct investment collapse. GDP growth "stagnated" at 1% in 2016, with high debt and low international reserves, which dipped to $1 billion or four months imports.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The currency lost one-quarter its value against the dollar, and a diplomatic spat with Beijing over hosting the Dalai Lama resulted in administrative and tariff penalties at year-end. The population went into a harsh winter with livestock decimated by frigid temperatures. Then there were claims that officials had requested donations to help pay off overseas obligations. Nature was unusually unkind as disease ravaged rare antelope, which drew appeals from global conservation groups.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the mining sector, which accounts for one-quarter of output, the long impasse was ended in principle over royalties and management control at copper venture Oyu Tolgoi, operated by cross-border giant Rio Tinto. However the timetable for the project's second phase has slipped, and private funding initially secured may have to be renegotiated with rising world interest rates. The fate of a $400 million sale of a Russian stake in state company Erdenet to a politically-connected Mongolian investor by the previous government is even more precarious. The parliament annulled the deal in February and called for renationalization amid charges the specialist Trade Development Bank may have been an illegal hidden backer. President Elbegdorj complained the action would scare away foreign capital, but acknowledged the need to pursue investigations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The financial system has been a shambles since independence starting with the central bank, which has been euphemistically engaged in "quasi-fiscal" activities including recent support for $800 million in cheap mortgage loans which had sustained household consumption. The DBM, which provides one-quarter of total credit, carries an unconditional sovereign guarantee for its 2012 external bond as ratings agencies assign the issuers near-default status. The bank's former chief executive was arrested last year for abuse of the proceeds, and the latest Fund arrangement mandates a split between the government and lender, which is to be run commercially according to a new law. A separate statute will overhaul the central bank's governance and enforcement powers, and it is responsible for overseeing recapitalization and restructuring and shoring up the deposit insurance scheme after a comprehensive industry assessment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ordinary citizens have organized in anger against DBM, which they accuse of covering up losses and management failure at state coal producer Erdenes TT, whose non-voting shares were distributed to the public in 2010. The Mongolian Stock Exchange was considered a candidate to join MSCI's frontier market roster early in the 2012-14 boom period when cooperation pacts were forged with Hong Kong and London counterparts, but actual trading has stayed quiet in a handful of shares alongside hundreds of nominal listings and an absent local fixed income market. With fiscal consolidation a "key priority" to reduce the 15% of GDP deficit, privatization offerings could inject momentum, but the record to date has been disappointing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The IMF believes such overdue policy and reform steps can usher in 8% growth and $4 billion in reserves, comparable to the 2012 peak, by end-decade. It predicts mining diversification, and solar and wind power has already drawn investors like Japan's Softbank, and fashion, information and health service have started to appear. However Mongolia also owes $2 billion in external debt before that deadline and without bank and bondholder workouts at home and abroad, it may again fall into the pit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.atimes.com/mongolias-entrenched-mining-pitfalls/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_LehmanLaw:_Human_Rights"></a>LehmanLaw: Human Rights Development in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 3 (LehmanLaw) Mongolia Foreign Affairs Minister Ts.Munkh-Orgil recently spoke at the United Nations Human Rights Council where he presented the current human rights policies and measures undertaken by the Government of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Human rights are essential values enshrined in the Constitution of Mongolia, which was one of the original countries to implement the Millennium Development Goal Number 9 as a national plan to improve human rights and promote democratic government.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Mongolian government's 2016-2020 action plan places a great priority on continued legal reforms based on the preservation of human rights. Mongolia is working toward elimination of the death penalty, and amending the criminal law and other laws to protect the rights of children and the elderly, as well to protect against domestic violence; combat human trafficking; enhance the transparency, accountability, and independence of the judiciary; and fight corruption in the public sector.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia's commitment to democracy and fairness is a major positive point for many foreign businesses and NGOs operating in Mongolia. As the first international law firm established in the country, LehmanLaw Mongolia is excited to see continued progress and development in this area among many others in Mongolian law and society.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://lehmanlaw.mn/blog/human-rights-development-in-mongolia/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_CITA_International_Motor"></a>CITA International Motor Vehicle Inspection Committee: A new member from Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 3 (CITA) "<b><a href="http://transdep.mn/" target="_blank">The National Road Transport Center</a></b>" is our new member: this governmental agency is an organization actively practicing in compulsory vehicle inspection of in-service vehicles in <b>Mongolia</b>. It was established as National Transport Authority under the Ministry of Road and Transportation in 2009, and as "National Road Transport Center" under the new management since 2012. They have 21 inspection stations in all "aimag" (provinces) of Mongolia and 4 in UB city.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Their mission is to be a globally recognised organization in vehicle safety inspection, make road transportation safer, meet high international standards and be committed to continuous improvement for customer satisfaction.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://citainsp.org/2017/03/03/a-new-member-from-mongolia/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_92,885_herders_to"></a>92,885 herders to receive wool incentives<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 3 (MONTSAME) Members of herder cooperatives and citizens with livestock receive monetary incentives for wool of sheep and camel, if they supply the raw materials to national factories, according to a Parliamentary resolution of 2011 and Government resolution of 2015.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A total of 92.885 herders and legal bodies with livestock in 21 provinces and Ulaanbaatar submitted their requests to get incentive for 20.599 tons of wool to Livestock Protection Fund under the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Incentives of MNT22.6 billion have been transferred to herders' bank accounts through Bank of Mongolia, after checking the data.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>'Legal environment to give incentives to livestock origin raw materials was created when the Parliament approved resolution No.30 on "Some measures to support national producers and increase jobs" in 2011. This action has brought many positive results. For example, a mechanism to supply wool to national processing factories has been developed, factories get to have sufficient raw materials and production of value-added wool products has been increased. And new processing factories of wool washing, wool thread, felt, insulation material for construction have been established" said director of Livestock protection fund B.Ganzorig. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The incentive amount of this year has increased by MNT3.3billion compared to last year's. 413 thousand herders have received incentives of MNT112.7 billion for 71 thousand tons of wool since 2011.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/agriculture/8970">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Jargal_Defacto:_Debt"></a>Jargal Defacto: Debt drama<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 3 (UB Post) It has been half a year since Mongolia nearly became insolvent due to its debt. As a result, the government spent six months looking for money abroad. In the end, Mongolia reached an agreement on an IMF extended fund facility program for 440 million USD, which is expected to be followed by three billion USD from Asian Development Bank, World Bank, Japan, and South Korea. Also, China announced that the swap agreement with our central bank would be extended. This brings the total sum of external funding to 5.5 billion USD. Meanwhile, people are demanding that the government disclose how the huge amount of money previously borrowed was spent, which authorities stole it, and who needs to be held responsible. This demand is fully justified because it is the people – not the politicians – who will be paying off the previous and new debt.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Act I: El Dorado</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In 2011, Mongolia experienced globally recognized economic growth of 17.6 percent and experienced record-setting currency appreciation. Investors called Mongolia "El Dorado" ("the Golden Nation" in Spanish) because our country gave birth to many national and foreign millionaires, just like other resource-rich countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Believing that the fairytale would not end well, the government started taking out huge loans within four months after record growth had been established. As a result of the 2012 general elections, Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag, who led the Mongolian People's Party and Democratic Party coalition government, and his team issued 1.5 billion USD in bonds and named them "Chinggis". Under Altanomics (Altankhuyag economics), the government continued borrowing in the form of Samurai bonds, Dim Sum bonds, and Development Bank loans with government guarantees. Within five years and through the terms of three different governments, Mongolia's debt of 10 billion USD equaled its national economy. If private sector debt is taken into account, Mongolia's total debt is 1.7 times larger than its economy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the beginning, the government spent a whole year paying interest, without knowing how to actually spend the financing. As if they had received a sudden wake up call, the government spent some of the funds on infrastructure projects which were supposed to be financed by 20 to 30-year development loans. The infrastructure loans were granted to companies that had never built roads before. Having received the money, the companies were actively looking for contractors to do the job. A few months ago, it was announced that the repayment of these loans was only at seven percent, and neither the government (who was accountable for half of the Development Bank's loans) or the companies financed (who were responsible for the other half of the loans) were making loan payments. Where are the people who know where this financing went, by whose decision financing was granted, what was done, and where the rest of the money is?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In order to appear fair and just, the authorities started pretending that they cared for the people and began handing out 20,000 MNT each month to children, using a small part of the loans. The central bank (Mongol Bank) distributed eight trillion MNT to commercial banks in the name of price stabilization and offering mortgage loan financing and also gave some money to private companies, despite not having the right to grant loans.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The repayment date is here, but it is still unclear where the people who granted the loans and those who spent the funds are today. Where could they be? Getting a tan on a beach? What portion of the loans is now in offshore accounts, and in which country?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Act II: Hellas</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our government is unable to pay off its debt today because those who granted, spent, or acted as intermediaries for distribution of funds are nowhere to be found today. In order to avoid declaring insolvency, the government is now attempting to acquire new loans and repay its previous and new debt by collecting more taxes from the people and the private sector. The Greeks, who call their country Hellas, were in the same situation in 2010. The Hellas government saw its debt grow as large as 1.7 times larger than its economy in 2016 (just like Mongolia), after running a deficit in their state budget for years. Their budget deficit equaled 12.5 percent of its GDP in 2009. Within five years, Greece's economy shrank by 25 percent, while unemployment soared to 26 percent.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Greeks first froze pay increases in 2010 and then did the same to pensions, and VAT rose from 19 percent to 21 percent. They first increased taxes on fuel, gas, alcohol, tobacco, and luxury goods. The tax increases were followed by salary reductions for public sector employees. Greece also extended the retirement age for women by five years to 65.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Greek people protested these austerity measures for 48 hours in two big cities, which ended in three deaths. In 2015, the Hellas budget deficit reached 7.5 percent of its GDP.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In compliance with the IMF's extended fund facility program, Mongolia is going to freeze salaries and pension increases; raise VAT from 10 to 15 percent; increase special taxes on fuel, alcohol, and tobacco; raise personal income tax from 10 to 25 percent in phases; and start imposing special taxes on savings interest income and vehicles. It appears that the government does not have any other choice but to take these measures to repay its debt and revive our economy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Greeks point to their two biggest political parties (the left wing New Democracy Party and the right wing PASOK Party) as the culprits responsible for the financial collapse, and they also blame the government's institutions and rules.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolians should also point to our two biggest political parties (the DP and MPP) and the political and economic institutions that only serve the political parties and their associated businesses.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In Greece and Mongolia only a handful of people spend public funds, while the burden of reckless spending is borne by the people.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Act III: Harare or Helsinki?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The IMF extended fund facility program which is about to be implemented in Mongolia is the only proper choice we had in our current circumstances. This program can be likened to giving a parachute to someone who has no choice but to jump out of a plane. A parachute can help you land better, but where you land is a different matter. Mongolia could jump and land on its feet, like the prosperous five million strong nation of Finland, or like Zimbabwe, which has a population of 14 million but has four million people who have fled their homeland.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Where you land after a bailout depends on two conditions. The first condition is that after the completion of the program, Mongolia becomes a multi-pillared, competitive economy. The second condition depends on whether or not Mongolia is able to improve its governance and carry out government reform. The IMF and other partners have not said a word about the second condition.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If Mongolians build an economy based on free market principles, reduce state ownership or assets, free up prices, and support competition, we will acheive competitiveness. If the corrupt people who are stealing public funds are stopped and held responsible, we will have the opportunity to strengthen our political institutions and undergo government reform. These two conditions are mandatory to land soundly like Finland.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In other words, these two factors could revive our private sector and foster prosperity. Soon enough, we will see our "national heroes" saying that the reason why we are in the program is not the fault of Mongolians, but the fault of foreigners, and they'll be calling for a fighti against foreign interests. Our key challenges are understanding that the problem lies with Mongolia, not the IMF, and changing our mindset and attitude to reform our governance, turning underground resources into aboveground value, and using our intellectual wealth to enter the global market.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Act II of the Debt Drama begins now.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Translated by B.Amar</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/03/debt-drama/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for March 3, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>E. Bat-Uul announces his bid for the presidential race <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Summary:</b> The presidential election will take place in three months, and parties that have seats in Parliament will announce their candidates for the election. The Democratic Party held a Lunar New Year greetings ceremony and former Mayor of Ulaanbaatar E. Bat-Uul told party members that he would be running in the presidential election. The Democratic Party has not officially selected their candidate for the election. The party's candidate will be chosen by members of the DP through a party-wide election.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Keywords:</i></b><i> presidential election, DP</i> | <i>Today /page A2/</i><o:p></o:p></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>ECONOMY<o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Mongolia caps its new 7-year USD bond<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Summary:</b> The Government of Mongolia set the cap for its new USD seven-year bond at 600 million USD. The holders of 476 million USD in Development Bank's 580 million USD Euro bond agreed to exchange their bonds for the new government-backed Khulardai bond. The notes will be exchanged at par for new bonds yielding 8.75%, the minimum yield that was indicated for the offer. Credit Suisse and JPMorgan are managing the transaction. Development Bank will pay the remainder for its 580 million USD bond by March 21.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Keywords:</i></b><i> bonds, Development Bank</i> | <i>Today /page A1/</i><o:p></o:p></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Balance of payments deficit reaches 175 million USD<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Summary:</b> The Bank of Mongolia presented a preliminary report on the balance of payments for January 2017. The current and capital account balances reached a deficit of 2.4 million USD, a decrease of 49.5 million USD compared to the same period last year. The decrease is attributed to a 43.9 million USD decrease in the deficit for goods and services, creating a surplus of 19.4 million USD, and a decrease of 5 million USD in income, creating deficit of 41.3 million USD. As of January 2017, the overall balance of payments deficit reached 175.9 million USD.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Keywords:</i></b><i> Bank of Mongolia, balance of payments</i> | <i>Century News /page 5/</i><o:p></o:p></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>MINING<o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>46-day gasoline reserve reported by the MRPA<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Summary:</b> The Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority (MRPA) announced that at the end of February, the nation had a 46 day gasoline reserve available. There is a 12-day reserve of A-80, 76 octane, AI-92, N47 diesel fuel, and TC-1 airplane fuel. The MRPA stated that as of last month, 150,000 tons of crude oil was produced and 147,000 tons was exported out of a planned 1.1 million tons projected for the year. The export of petroleum contributed 18.6 billion MNT to the state's revenue.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Keywords:</i></b><i> gasoline, MRPA</i> | <i>Today /page A1/</i><o:p></o:p></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>ONLINE STORY<o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Mongolia joins Global Consensus on Sustainable Development<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Summary:</b> A ceremony for the signing of official documents was held at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UN for Mongolia's joining of the United Nation's Global Consensus on Sustainable Development (GCSD). The Mongolian Ambassador to Italy and Permanent Representative of Mongolia at the FAO signed the documents, making Mongolia the 17<sup>th</sup> country to join at the government level and the 83rd member of the program. The GCSD is designed to improve the livelihoods of herders by develop economic and social environments through sustainable animal husbandry. The GCSD is focused on addressing the food safety, public health, inclusive economic growth, livestock reserves, and the impact of agricultural development on the global environment. By joining the consensus, Mongolia will be able to closely cooperate with GCSD member states to further develop its animal husbandry sector and export goods that meet international standards. The Government of Mongolia is developing its national program to develop the sector and will correspond its efforts with the goals of the GCSD, leading to effective implementation of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals 2030.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>Keywords:</i></b><i> agriculture, sustainability</i> | <i><a href="http://www.montsame.mn/dotood-medee/46941" target="_blank">www.montsame.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-march-3-2017/">Link to newswire</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9AIDGjSI0BNHEHMotNUf7dzuNXi4kPp63HivBgBZ4hwkpsfWc7xMlzmwMqoV1nTuEXVOszhOV5LZoOZTk3ieSo7Ra7iiuS-N28WcG0yg6XwUAipmLrSfFd9h1iCuxRYnplES0CTwmZI/s1600/image005-708672.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9AIDGjSI0BNHEHMotNUf7dzuNXi4kPp63HivBgBZ4hwkpsfWc7xMlzmwMqoV1nTuEXVOszhOV5LZoOZTk3ieSo7Ra7iiuS-N28WcG0yg6XwUAipmLrSfFd9h1iCuxRYnplES0CTwmZI/s320/image005-708672.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216363868026370" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Business></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Business<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Study_tour_and"></a>Study tour and business program to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel on "Start up and business ecosystem development: Best practices"<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolian Business Database (MBD) <a href="http://www.mongolianbusinessdatabase.com/" target="_blank">www.mongolianbusinessdatabase.com</a> and ConSolWays, Israeli-Mongolian consultation, Solution and business development firm are hosting a Mongolian trade mission to Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Israel for 4 days study visit and business program on "Start up and business ecosystem development: Best practices" between March 25-31.2017.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The study visit program includes the business subjects on Agriculture (Green houses, agriculture export ecosystem) , IT Sector ( international accelerators) , health, communication, banking security, fintec and visits to other related institutions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Please visit to following link for information in details and contact at contact@mongolianbusinessdatabase.com e mail, 77109911, 99066062 for the registration and inquiry.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The registration will close in March 15, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.mongolianbusinessdatabase.com/base/eventsdetails?id=5">http://www.mongolianbusinessdatabase.com/base/eventsdetails?id=5</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://mongolianbusinessdatabase.com/base/newsdetials?id=8044">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Sixth_Mongolia_London"></a>Sixth Mongolia London Business Forum, 5 April, London<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>When & Where<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Wednesday 5 April, 08:30 — 12.00 @ <b>Bloomberg, </b>City Gate House, 39-45 Finsbury Square, London EC2 A 1PQ<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The <b>Mongolian British Chamber of Commerce</b> and <b>Bloomberg</b> invite you to attend the <b>Sixth Mongolia London Business Forum</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>We are delighted to announce the agenda which will explore business and investment opportunities in Mongolia and welcome expert and influential speakers from government and industry.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The event will include the first speech in the United Kingdom by the new Mongolian Ambassador to London and former Prime Minister, Ambassador Bayar. He will introduce Davaasuren Damdinsuren, State Secretary at the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia is on the way back and is once again one of the emerging economies to watch. A strong boost to growth is expected later this year as development work begins on the underground mine at the vast Oyu Tolgoi site.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>An announcement regarding an IPO for the Tavan Tolgoi mine is eagerly anticipated. A recently negotiated loan deal with the IMF should bring stability to the public finances.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Agenda<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellpadding=0><tr><td valign=top style='background:#EEEEEE;padding:3.0pt 6.0pt 3.0pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>08.30<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td valign=top style='background:#EEEEEE;padding:3.0pt 6.0pt 3.0pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Registration and coffee<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:3.0pt 6.0pt 3.0pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>09.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:3.0pt 6.0pt 3.0pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Welcome and introductions</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='background:#EEEEEE;padding:3.0pt 6.0pt 3.0pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>09.10<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td valign=top style='background:#EEEEEE;padding:3.0pt 6.0pt 3.0pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keynote speeches</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> <br>H.E. Ambassador Bayar of Mongolia and former Prime Minister of Mongolia<br>Davaasuren Damdinsuren, State Secretary, Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs<br>Raphael Goue, Senior Advisor, Erdenes Mongol<br>Simone Niven, Corporate Relations Group Executive, Rio Tinto<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:3.0pt 6.0pt 3.0pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>10.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:3.0pt 6.0pt 3.0pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Coffee break<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='background:#EEEEEE;padding:3.0pt 6.0pt 3.0pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>10.20<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td valign=top style='background:#EEEEEE;padding:3.0pt 6.0pt 3.0pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Panel discussion</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><br><b>Investing in Mongolia</b><br>Eric Rasmussen, Director of Natural Resources, EBRD<br>Oliver Nicholl, Director of Research Asia, Pacific Investment Partners<br>Altai Khangai, CEO, Mongolian Stock Exchange<br>Darko Hajdukovic, Head of Analytics, Fixed Income and Funds, London Stock Exchange Group<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='padding:3.0pt 6.0pt 3.0pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>11.30<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td valign=top style='padding:3.0pt 6.0pt 3.0pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Panel discussion</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><br><b>Doing business in Mongolia</b><br>Chris Sheldrick, Director, What 3 Words<br>Onchinsuren Dendevsambu, Managing Partner, Deloitte Mongolia<br>Ariun Luvsan, Gobi Cashmere<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=top style='background:#EEEEEE;padding:3.0pt 6.0pt 3.0pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>12.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td valign=top style='background:#EEEEEE;padding:3.0pt 6.0pt 3.0pt 6.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Close<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Speakers<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://go.bloomberg.com/promo/invite/london-mongolia-business/">Link to registration</a> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Genetic_and_virulence"></a>Genetic and virulence characterization of classical swine fever viruses isolated in Mongolia from 2007 to 2015<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Authors: Bazarragchaa Enkhbold, Munkhduuren Shatar, Shiho Wakamori, Tomokazu Tamura, Takahiro Hiono, Keita Matsuno, Masatoshi Okamatsu, Takashi Umemura, Batchuluun Damdinjav, Yoshihiro Sakoda<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 4 (Virus Genes journal) </span>Abstract<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Classical swine fever (CSF), a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild pigs in many developing countries, is now considered endemic in Mongolia, with 14 recent outbreaks in 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2014, and 2015. For the first time, CSF viruses isolated from these 14 outbreaks were analyzed to assess their molecular epidemiology and pathogenicity in pigs. Based on the nucleotide sequences of their 5′-untranslated region, isolates were phylogenetically classified as either sub-genotypes 2.1b or 2.2, and the 2014 and 2015 isolates, which were classified as 2.1b, were closely related to isolates from China and Korea. In addition, at least three different viruses classified as 2.1b circulated in Mongolia. Experimental infection of the representative isolate in 2014 demonstrated moderate pathogenicity in 4-week-old pigs, with relatively mild clinical signs. Understanding the diversity of circulating CSF viruses gleans insight into disease dynamics and evolution, and may inform the design of effective CSF control strategies in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11262-017-1442-2">Link to study</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s1600/image006-712131.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s320/image006-712131.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216369632462802" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Ulaanbaatar></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Third_Ulaanbaatar_Book"></a>Third Ulaanbaatar Book Exchange Day Held on Saturday<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 6 /MONTSAME/ On March 4, Saturday, the 3rd Book Exchange Day was co-organized at the central square by Department of Arts and Culture of the City Administration and Public Library of Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Enabling opportunities for readers to make a mutually beneficial exchange of books, and aiming to enrich the archive of the Public Library with rare books from readers, the event is held on the first Saturdays of every month.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Z.Tugsjargal, Chief of Division in charge of assembling books at the Ulaanbaatar Public Library said that the library had brought some 400 fairy tales, literature, history and other books to the event. He said, "People usually keep their old books without use. Therefore, we're offering to exchange those books with modern, new books. During the previous two Book Exchange events, we collected some 150 rare and valuable books. We're confident that the event will provide opportunities to gather more books in the months to come".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Participants of the book exchanging event expressed their gratitude towards the organizers for the opportunity to expand and update their personal libraries. Elder T.Minjuur said, "I have a personal collection of 300 books, and today, I brought 5 for exchange. I encourage the younger generation to read books".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8976">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_27,697_passengers_traveled"></a>27,697 passengers traveled to countryside during Tsagaan sar<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 3 (MONTSAME) During Lunar New Year-Tsagaan sar celebration a total of 27697 passengers got intercity transportation service, reported the National center of Auto transportation. A total of 1286 buses provided service in 269 routes in those days.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is usual that number of passengers traveling to countryside increases intensely during the celebration as they greet parents and elder relatives. The traffic police organized moving posts and patrols on main roads to regulate traffic and prevent accidents.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8972">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Effective_traffic_regulation"></a>Effective traffic regulation for Tsagaan Sar proves popular<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 5 (UB Post) Drivers and passengers enjoyed considerably smoother commutes this Tsagaan Sar, as more than 900 cadets from the Police Academy and Traffic Police officers regulated Ulaanbaatar's roads during the holidays.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Traffic Police officers and cadets directed traffic at nearly every intersection prone to heavy traffic with a heightened level of readiness at the expense of missing traditional Lunar New Year's greetings with their families, a respected tradition of Tsagaan Sar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I haven't been able to greet my parents on the first day of Tsagaan Sar for the past 18 years. I'd like to send my greetings from this road. I will look forward to seeing you in two days," Senior Officer M.Narmandakh said on February 27, as he stood on duty.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It's a Mongolian tradition to give New Year's greetings to one's parent on the first day of Tsagaan Sar, to show respect and wish them a good year ahead. M.Narmandakh's sentiments underscore the occupational sacrifices Traffic Police officers make to fulfill their duties.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition to effective regulation by cadets, restrictions on driving in bus lanes were lifted on February 27 and 28. This significantly reduced traffic congestion, said one Traffic Police officer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Weather and traffic reports were issued every 15 to 20 minutes on 96.3 FM, <a href="http://www.traffic.police.gov.mn/" target="_blank">www.traffic.police.gov.mn</a>, and the Ulaanbaatar Traffic Police Department's Facebook page.<br>On the second day of Tsagaan Sar, the number of collisions caused by speeding and fines issued for driving in opposing lanes and not wearing a seatbelt increased as traffic heading to the outskirts of the city and the countryside escalated dramatically. On the third day of Tsagaan Sar, traffic flowing into Ulaanbaatar increased, reported the Traffic Police.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to the Ulaanbaatar Traffic Police Department, there were several collisions which resulted in death and injury during the holidays. Two children died in a collision caused by a driver under the influence of alcohol on the eve of Tsagaan Sar, February 26. Reports show that nine children, including a five-month-old baby, were injured in a traffic accident during Tsagaan Sar as a result of failing to wear seatbelts and not being safely restrained in car seats.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The General Police Department received 1,144 reports of traffic incidents from February 27 to March 1, 910 of which were related to collisions in the capital that killed 14 people and injured 48 others. Collisions recorded outside of Ulaanbaatar killed 13 people and injured 10 people. According to statistics, compared to Tsagaan Sar 2016, the number of reports fell by 46.9 percent, the number of accidents fell by 31.3 percent, and the number of casualties decreased by nearly three-fold.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/05/effective-traffic-regulation-for-tsagaan-sar-proves-popular/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s1600/image006-712131.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s320/image006-712131.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216369632462802" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Diplomacy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Diplomacy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia:_Positioned_for"></a>Mongolia: Positioned for Belt and Road Benefits<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Relationship with southern neighbor China is key to Mongolia's development potential as link between Asia and Europe<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>By ALFRED ROMANN in Hong Kong<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 3 (China Daily) A visit to China by Mongolia's foreign minister late last month marked a significant and positive shift in the relations between the two countries and facilitated the implementation of an economic bailout package that Mongolia badly needs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>On Feb 20, just as Mongolian Foreign Minister Tsend Munkh-Orgil visited Beijing, China joined an international consortium to provide Mongolia with a series of loans to ensure the country has enough cash on hand to cover payments on some so-called Chinggis Bonds that are coming due this month. <i>(Mogi: mixing up the bonds) <o:p></o:p></i></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>China's part of the package included a commitment to extending a currency swap line worth 15 billion yuan ($2.18 billion).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia had angered China in November by allowing a visit by the 14th Dalai Lama, who has pushed for separating Tibet from China.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In January, during a phone call between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Munkh-Orgil, Mongolia said it had reflected deeply on the visit and promised to not allow the Dalai Lama to visit again.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>On Feb 20, Wang said the bilateral relationship "is ready for another start".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Just five years ago, Mongolia was the fastest growing economy in the world with GDP expanding by more than 17 percent. In 2016, the country barely avoided a contraction, and only managed growth of about 1 percent thanks to a resurgence in coal prices toward the end of the year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The economy (of Mongolia) has been slowing in addition to the softening of commodity prices, but in terms of the near-term outlook I would say it is positive," said Akiko Terada-Hagiwara, a senior economist in the East Asia department of the Asian Development Bank.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Long reliant on its plentiful natural resources, Mongolia has other needs, not the least of which is infrastructure to facilitate further growth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"In terms of infrastructure, the country needs to build a lot. Electricity demand is high … but they will need to shift to clean energy," said Terada-Hagiwara. "In terms of growth, probably more infrastructure is needed around the mining areas, including transportation and water supply."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>And both the investment and markets that Mongolia needs are in China. Mongolia depends on China for much more than just quick cash to stave off a default.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The country is likely to benefit from infrastructure projects associated with the Belt and Road Initiative, a China-led drive to improve connectivity along the historical Silk Road trading routes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A landlocked country of 3.1 million people, Mongolia has just two neighbors, China and Russia. Without access to ports, Mongolian coal has to be transported overland.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The country has been working with a number of international companies, including large Chinese enterprises, to develop mega projects but it has yet to overcome a bottleneck caused by a lack of railway capacity.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>That is why Mongolia could emerge as one of the biggest beneficiaries of the Belt and Road and become a pivotal link between Asia and Europe. One leg of a proposed Eurasian rail link would travel through Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Little of this is likely to happen, however, without support from China.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia's neighbor has long been the largest export market for its goods, including coal, milk, copper, gold, cashmere and leather. By the end of 2016, China bought some 80 percent of Mongolia's exports. At the same time, China provided about a third of Mongolia's own imports.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This year, the development of the Oyu Tolgoi gold and copper mine, which has long been delayed, is coming online and is expected to be a big driver of economic growth and should help keep the economy in positive territory.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Oyu Tolgoi mine is operated by multinational mining giant Rio Tinto which started construction of the mine in 2010 but production was stopped in 2013 after a disagreement over costs and revenue sharing between the company and the Mongolian government. Shipments started again in 2015.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Copper and gold are two of Mongolia's many plentiful natural resources.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>However, the country may be most famous for its coal deposits. Most coal mined in Mongolia goes to China.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Coal has to be exported to China but currently most of it is done by truck. If they had trains going to China that would be more efficient but currently they don't," said Terada-Hagiwara.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Most coal moves out of Mongolia's giant mines such as Tavan Tolgoi in large trucks that, on good days, flow relentlessly into China through border crossings along the Inner Mongolia autonomous region.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>There are occasionally hiccups — the flow was temporarily stopped in December when some border townships such as Urad Middle Banner raised fees to cross into China.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>It is only when it reaches the other side of the Chinese border that the coal can finally be loaded into trains and distributed throughout the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>For China, having access to high quality coal from nearby Mongolia is a boon.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Thomas Hugger, founder and CEO of Asia Frontier Capital, a fund that invests in Mongolia and Mongolia-focused companies, noted that China has to source other commodities from around the world, while for coal "they have some of the best resources at their doorstep".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The timing may also be good for Mongolia, said Hugger, because "China just announced that it will stop importing coal from North Korea, and that is huge for Mongolia".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>China has been keen to work with Mongolia to develop projects that give it access to coal, often at prices below the global market price.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In December, the Mongolian government met with representatives of Shenhua Coal, a major Chinese State-owned enterprise, which is considering taking over the development of the giant Tavan Tolgoi mine from Mongolian government-owned Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The one outstanding issue is a $350 million loan that Erdenes owes to another Chinese company, Chalco.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia's Prime Minister Jargaltulga Erdenebat is likely to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in China, which will take place in May.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia is also looking to boost ties with Russia. The two countries signed a cooperation agreement in February during a visit by the Mongolian foreign minister.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The tripartite program to establish the Mongolia-Russia-China Economic Corridor is also being discussed. The idea for an economic corridor between the three countries was first floated in 2015 and cemented in June 2016 during the 16th Summit of State Heads of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, of which all three countries are members.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The corridor fits in well with the Belt and Road strategy, which was initiated by President Xi Jinping in 2013.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"I am happy with the way our trilateral ties are developing," said Xi in June 2016. "Our three countries' ministries, local authorities and companies are working actively to implement this road map, and are organizing intensive coordination of projects in trade, the economy, humanitarian ties, transit traffic, tourism and sports."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.chinadailyasia.com/asiaweekly/2017-03/03/content_15580549.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s1600/image006-712131.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s320/image006-712131.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216369632462802" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HealthEdu></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Health & Education<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Health_Minister_attends"></a>Health Minister attends "She Decides" international conference in Brussels <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 3 (MONTSAME) Health Minister A.Tsogtsetseg attended a ministerial conference "She decides" held in Brussels, Belgium on March 2. Representatives from some 50 governments, NGOs for women rights, the UN and other international organizations and private sector participated in the conference, discussing actions and measures targeted to protecting women's sexual and reproductive health and rights, financial and policy support and global tendency of it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The international conference was both an advocacy and a fundraising event and the fund of EUR 181 million was successfully raised for financing actions and measures to protect women's sexual and reproductive health and rights and the participants expressed their support of global fundraising initiative "She decides".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Minister A.Tsogtsetseg held individual meetings with executive director of the United Nations Population Fund) Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of Belgium Alexander De Croo, where she introduced actions and measures of the Mongolian Government regarding the protection of sexual and reproductive rights.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8974">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_physicist_strives"></a>Mongolian physicist strives to introduce hyperthermia therapy for cancer<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 5 (UB Post) <i>Physicist D.Sangaa delves into his nanotechnology and nanomedicines studies in the following interview.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>D.Sangaa, who recently became an academic of the Mongolian Academy of Science (MAS) in January, acquired a broad range of experience by working as the deputy head of the Neutron Physics Laboratory at the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) in Dubna city, Russia from 2009 to 2013.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Congratulations on becoming MAS's newest academic. Tell us about your work, which merited this prestigious title?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>MAS is the core organization of science, and only a few scientists become true MAS members. There are around 60 MAS members right now. The requirements for becoming an academic is very high. You have to be acknowledged by at least 75 percent of MAS members to earn this title. In other words, your works need to be acknowledged by other scientists and academics. Anyone can become an academic regardless of age if they've made a discovery significant to the nation or the world. I'm honored to have been accepted as the newest member of MAS along with well-known scientist D. Tseveendorj and deputy president of the Mongolian Academy of Agricultural Sciences.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Which of your studies impressed other academics?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>My main work is the study of internal composition and characteristics of substances in all state using neutron diffraction applications, which demonstrates basic principles of quantum mechanics discovered in the 20th century. I think that fellow scientists and senior academics supported my membership because I not only focused on my own research but also taught many students and created a Mongolian team at the JINR in Dubna city.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During my four years working as the deputy head of the Neutron Physics Laboratory at JINR, I worked with scientists from 20 member countries and lead an international scientific group formed to enhance JINR's massive nuclear equipment and design other equipment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>You have been studying nanotechnology and nanomagnetic materials and have been trying to introduce this area of study in Mongolia in recent years. What made you interested in nanoscience?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Nanotechnology is a very young branch of science and technology that's continuously expanding across the globe. Mongolians became aware of nanotechnology in 2005, and since, it has been introduced and applied in several fields.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>People seemed very interested in my nanotechnology studies, which were exhibited at the MAS biennial election for new members.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>People interact with the material world all the time. It's necessary to study the internal compositions and characteristics of materials to improve them, enhance their appearance and make them easier to use. It takes more than just looking through a microscope to do this kind of study. Complicated methods like X-ray diffraction and neutron scattering are used.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I've been doing this kind of research for over 30 years. [Nanotechnology] was my main area of study when I studied at Moscow State University and worked for 10 years at JINR. I've been studying magnetic materials with unique characteristics for the last five to six years with Russian and Japanese researchers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolians know what magnets are, but nanomagnetic materials are slightly different. Foreign scientists and I are researching ways to introduce nanomagnetic materials into medical science because we believe it would be very beneficial. For example, I collaborated with Japanese scientists on getting samples of nanomagnetic particles, studied them in detail in Russia, and published the findings for international audience.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Is it true that your research on the structural phase transition on copper ferrite nanocrystals could be used for developing cancer treatment? What did you find out through this research?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I'm striving to make a huge contribution to the health of Mongolians by introducing a new treatment for cancer using nanomagnetic materials. Some materials produce heat in alternating magnetic fields. This means that nanomaterials eventually heat up in magnetic fields depending on their nuclear spin. Apparently, cancer cells die when exposed to high temperature.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This technique targets cancer cells or the iron oxide particles to tumors by putting them inside stem cells from bone marrow that naturally home in on cancer cells in the body. Then it kills the cells. This method is much more advanced than radiotherapy or surgery.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The treatment is inexpensive, quick and highly effective, but most of all, it is painless to the patient. I'm aiming to find the best and most effective method to treat cancer by studying this interesting physics phenomenon.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>When can Mongolia start using this treatment?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The treatment has been tested on animals. Currently, some clinics in developed countries such as Japan and South Korea are testing this method, but they are keeping it a secret at the moment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I'm sure that this new technique, known as hyperthermia therapy, will be introduced to the world very soon.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Does the Mongolian medical sector know about your study of cancer treatment? Even if it's decided that hyperthermia therapy will be introduce, wouldn't it require considerable investment and equipment?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For a fact, it takes a long time until scientific findings are translated into practice. For example, people started using lamps 100 years after it was first created. Nowadays, scientific discoveries are brought to practice relatively faster. It will not be long until hyperthermia therapy is introduced in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Many things will need to be resolved to do this. The Japanese side said it's possible to introduce this method to Mongolia after they validate their patent. The Mongolian government should start drafting a good contract and plan a proper management for it. If not, scientists can't translate their discoveries into practice on their own.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I've presented my study to doctors and directors of the National Cancer Center. I met them again with Japanese researchers. I'm happy to announce that we agreed to start a project which will become the foundation for introducing hyperthermia therapy in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Director of the National Cancer Center J.Chinburen, doctor N.Enkhbold, and scientists from the MAS Institute of Physics and Technology will carry out this project.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>In 2007, you predicted that the development of nanotechnology would speed up from 2010 to 2015 and that the real development of this field would begin from 2015. In your opinion, how efficiently did Mongolian scientists spend these past years?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolians were able to get the basic understanding of nanotechnology as a result of the National Program on Nanotechnology Studies, developed by the MAS Institute of Physics and Technology and National University of Mongolia between 2006 and 2007. The government provided quite a bit of funding to this program. A doctorate of the Mongolian University of Science and Technology got a patent for a nano cloth he invented.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Nanotechnology can be applied in every field. The main thing is how we develop it and whether we can use it on a broad scale. Members of our institute have extensively studied ways to use nanotechnology for finding new energy sources.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One of the studies involves generating hydrogen energy source through nanoscience. Since the earth has ample water resources from seas and oceans, scientists across the globe are studying opportunities to generate energy using water.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Another research is aimed to create a new type of battery through nanotechnology. We're collaborating with Taiwan researchers on this. Two of my students got their doctorate with researches in this area. Taiwan is an innovative leader, especially in nano battery production. Our institute has established a trial factory for producing a new type of small batteries using nanotechnology.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>N.Jargalan, one of my students, partnered with scientists in Dubna city to study fullerene, a molecule of carbon, and its characteristics. They discovered that it's possible to use fullerene in medicine. Jargalan plans to earn his doctorate this month in Russia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Russia and Germany are trying to get a patent for introducing brain tumor treatment with this discovery by a Mongolian scientist. We also cooperated with French scientists in creating an accelerator with nanotechnology. One of my students, E.Uyanga, studied nano accelerators with French scientists and got her doctorate two years ago. It was the first time a Mongolian person earned a doctoral degree from a French institute. I'm proud that in every corner of the globe, Mongolians are contributing in the development of nanotechnology despite having few people specialized in nanotechnology among our small population.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>In the past, you talked about producing pure cashmere with the use of nanotechnology. Is this really possible?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Honestly, no one believed me when I said that it's possible to invent television screens using nanocrystals in the future. Yet, Korea's LG Corporation launched a super television with nano cell technology last year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It's not impossible to produce pure cashmere using nanotechnology. However, the development of nanotechnology isn't as fast as I expected it to be when I made that statement. I might have been a little too optimistic. In around 2007, Russians were manufacturing nano diamonds. A couple of days ago, a well-known Russian researcher specialized in nanotechnology stated that Russia lost its opportunity to manufacture nano diamonds due to lack of consistent and accurate policy for it. We should keep this in mind.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian researchers have accomplished quite a lot in the fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology. The government is speaking out for innovations more than before, which is encouraging and motivating scientists and researchers a lot. Even so, the state needs a special policy for developing innovative production services. It's useless to spend heaps of money for organizing all kinds of contests among small and medium-sized businesses in the guise of supporting innovation projects.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Considerable funding and workforce will be required for developing nanotechnology and correctly implementing innovation projects. Actually, if we can overcome the first struggle and carry out a proper innovation project, the rest of the work will progress smoothly on its own. It will expand and boost the economic growth of our nation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I have high hopes for the development of nanotechnology in Mongolia because the private sector and local companies are very active in this field.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/05/mongolian-physicist-strives-to-introduce-hyperthermia-therapy-for-cancer/">Link to interview</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s1600/image006-712131.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s320/image006-712131.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216369632462802" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Culture></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Culture & Society<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Watch_a_Fox"></a>Watch a Fox Being Hunted From an Eagle's Perspective<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>The magic of GoPros.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 2 (Esquire) There's nothing quite as majestic as watching an eagle swoop through the sky—other than this video, that is.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Earlier this week, GoPro posted a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=73&v=CMSpTf05GBc" target="_blank">video to YouTube</a> from the perspective of one of their cameras attached to an eagle. The video is just a two-minute long clip of a 15-minute video entitled "<a href="http://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/news/a53568/eagle-fox-gopro/On%20the%20Western%20plains%20of%20Mongolia%20a%20nomadic%20group%20of%20Kazakhs%20continue%20the%20ancient%20practice%20of%20hunting%20with%20golden%20eagles.%20The%20Burkitshi%20are%20a%20small%20and%20dwindling%20community,%20eager%20to%20pass%20on%20their%20traditions%20in%20the%20face%20of%20growing%20modernization%20in%20Mongolia." target="_blank">Eagle Hunters In a New World</a>" about a small nomadic community of people who hunt with golden eagles:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"On the Western plains of Mongolia a nomadic group of Kazakhs continue the ancient practice of hunting with golden eagles. The Burkitshi are a small and dwindling community, eager to pass on their traditions in the face of growing modernization in Mongolia."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>You can watch the full video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvhM8Lc9m-o" target="_blank">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/news/a53568/eagle-fox-gopro/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Similar:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/eagle-fox-hunt-gopro_us_58b91c8de4b05cf0f3ff74a9">Eagle Armed With A GoPro Hunts A Fox, And It's Intense</a></span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> – <i>Huffington Post</i>, March 3<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/593196/fox-hunt-killer-eagle-gopro-video">Eagle assassin expertly hunts fox in desert – see the bird's POV as it attacks</a> – </span></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Daily Star</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>, March 3 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Herder_households_affected"></a>Herder households affected by Dzud have received humanitarian aid<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 3 (Mongolian Red Cross Society) Mongolia is currently experiencing Dzud, local term for extremely low temperatures and heavy snowfalls, which prevents livestock from accessing pasture or from receiving adequate hay and fodder. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Mongolian Red Cross Society, in cooperation with The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, launched an appeal to deliver assistance and support to the herder population, who are at risk of losing millions of livestock, the only source of food, transport, and income for almost half of the Mongolian population <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Since early November 2016, approximately 157,000 (37000 herder households) people across 17 out of 21 provinces in Mongolia have been affected by extreme winter conditions. The emergency plan of action has been developed by MRCS supported by IFRC in consultation with government and international responders. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As of 24th of February, 1740 most vulnerable herder households from 5 most affected provinces of Khuvsgul, Zavkhan, Uvs, Khovd and Selenge have been receiving unconditional cash transfer, 1000 households with the funding of Disaster Relief Emergency Fund and 740 households with the funding of United States Agency for International Development. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The cash grant, MNT 245,000 equal to USD 100, is being implemented through Khan Bank. MRCS has mobilized 110 local volunteers in 55 soums in support and monitoring of the operation. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>MRCS has been receiving appreciation calls and messages through line 98-106-106 since the start of the operation. First aid kits will be distributed to herder households after National holiday Tsagaan Sar.<b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.redcross.mn/images/news/Img/Hailaar/emergency_appeal_2017_eng.xlsx?1488503141500">The list</a> of the 1740 households who have benefieced</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.redcross.mn/n/s/0-401">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_MISSION_TO_MONGOLIA:"></a>MISSION TO MONGOLIA: Local teen prepares for adventure of a lifetime<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 5 (The Chief) Local teen Scott Esola is preparing for an adventure of a lifetime, thousands of miles away from his home and family in Clatskanie.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Esola will use his love of puppets and his knowledge of the Bible as a youth evangelist in Mongolia this summer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"I felt this would be an interesting project to undertake," he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>During Scott's trip to Mongolia, he will teach construction, music and puppet classes and help construct projects at a local orphanage. Scott will also be involved in evangelism ministry work with Mongolian teens.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Esola is a member of the Clatskanie Baptist Church and is using his church experience to prepare for the project.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"I am pretty much focusing on the Bible, taking notes and taking advice from my pastor and leaders to prepare myself," he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Scott serves on the church worship team during regular Sunday morning services and also in the evening during youth group sessions. He also volunteers his help during preschool-6th grade Venture Club nights on Wednesdays. He is also currently involved with Clatskanie Boy Scouts and with leadership at Clatskanie Middle/High School.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Scott has wanted to travel out of the country, but has been undecided for awhile," Scott's father, Shawn said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>But during a recent Teen Missions Conference in Portland, Scott's future became clear.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The conference, and a meeting with Ryan Fast, one of the key speakers, gave Scott the avenue to serve in the way he has been wanting to for awhile," Shawn said. "We then knew that this was an awesome opportunity for Scott and this seemed to be the perfect fit."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Scott is now in the process of soliciting the funds he needs to make the journey to Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"He needs a total of $4,700 by May 15 and has already raised $1,500 through sponsor letters, our church, and local businesses here in Clatskanie," Shawn said. "We are so proud of him and the young man he has become, and as parents, we believe to never hold back our kid's dreams and can't wait to see how serving a whole summer in the missions field will change his life."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Scott will attend a Teen Missions boot camp in Florida for two weeks to prepare for his journey and work before leaving for Mongolia<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Another local teen, Jason Lebeck, is also participating in the Teen Mission project, Lebeck is scheduled to go to South Korea.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>To donate to Scott Esola's mission to Mongolia, visit <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/scotts-mongolia-mission-fund">https://www.gofundme.com/scotts-mongolia-mission-fund</a>.</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.thechiefnews.com/news/mission-to-mongolia-local-teen-prepares-for-adventure-of-a/article_7061e99c-fdee-11e6-ae69-2fe8b62e4267.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s1600/image006-712131.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s320/image006-712131.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216369632462802" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Nature></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Nature & Environment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Birding_Mongolia:_First"></a>Birding Mongolia: First Day Out, January 31, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>text & photos by Abu<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 2 (Birding Mongolia) Although I had arrived as early as December 2016 the last day of January 2017 was indeed my first day out for bird watching after I had come here for overwintering. I had been occupied by too many other things. But today I had to visit the Immigration Office near the airport and as this is more than half way between my home and the area below Songino Khairkhan Uul, I quickly drove down there and spent a couple of hours birding the berry eaters. This winter the trees carry a full load of berries and this did not only attract the more or less usual number of <b>Bohemian Waxwings </b>(c500) but also a higher than usual number of thrushes. Photographing the <b>waxwings</b> has become a kind of routine and I tried not to take too many photos of them. They had been featured frequently and hopefully also thoroughly enough (see <a href="https://birdsmongolia.blogspot.de/2014/12/bohemian-rhapsody-text-photos-by-abu-1.html" target="_blank">here</a>). Despite this I looked for an adult male with those red waxy plates on the rectrices but failed again in finding one. My search for the Holy Grail of the waxwings, Japanese Waxwing, was also fruitless so I need to come again. As always, the <b>waxwings </b>were very flighty and I surely did not check them all.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On one hand, wintertime is arguably not the best time for studying <b>thrushes</b>: not much study material is around and the birds are not that social and flocks are rare. Instead they install small territories which are even defended against waxwings. On the other hand, if only a few birds are present, one can fully concentrate on details, much better so than during the peak migration times when hundreds of thrushes can be seen within a single flock.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The "gulls" of the thrushes—by the means of causing ID headaches—is a quartet of taxa which interbreed: <b>Red-throated</b><i>Turdus ruficollis</i> (hereafter <b>RTT</b>) and <b>Black-throated Thrushes</b> <i>T. atrogularis</i> (<b>BTT</b>) are commonly subsumed under the name <b>Dark-throated Thrush</b>. The other pair consists of <b>Naumann's</b> <i>T. naumanni</i> and <b>Dusky Thrush</b> <i>T. eunomus</i>, which also are sometimes regarded to belong to a single species, <b>Dusky Thrush</b>. The two species of the first mentioned pair are certainly the most common wintering thrushes, whereas of the latter pair only a very few <b>Naumann's</b> and even fewer <b>Dusky Thrushes</b> have been recorded during winter time. Because hybridization is not only recorded within each species pair but also between members of different pairs, a full array of hybrids must be expected and very often the increasingly desperate observer ends up with the likewise often unanswerable question "Does the bird look like this because of intraspecific variation or because of some degree of gene flow between two (or more) taxa?". This post will not answer this question, unfortunately, but it will hopefully show that the closer you look, the more disturbing details might come to light.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I couldn't take pictures of all individuals that I saw today and of most I photographed I would have liked to take more pictures, but this I never achieved.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Let's start with this easy adult male <b>BTT</b> (pictures 3 to 6). No problem with this, or? Both, Lewington et al. (1991) as well as Clement & Hathway (2000) quote that <b>BTT</b> does not show any red or orangey tone to the feathers (apart from the underwing coverts, see picture 5, where such a displaced orange underwing feather shows on the upper side), but Glutz von Blotzheim & Bauer (1988) allow a faint rusty coloration on the outer vanes of all but the central pair of tail feathers. This can be seen in our first bird (pictures 5 and 6). Additionally there is weak orange coloration on the otherwise entirely white undertail coverts which is only visibly from a very short distance. In field this probably would go unnoticed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>What about the next one (pictures 7 to 11)? Easy as well, eh? From the distance this adult male looks boldly black and white and could be mistaken for <b>Common Magpie</b> or even <b>Rosy Starling</b> by the beginner. Both, of course, would show all-black undertail coverts but in this bird they are white. Some darker spots, created by the darker bases of the undertail coverts shine through, though. Usually the darker parts of the undertail coverts are obscured by the large white tips resulting in a plain all-white look to this part. Luckily the male decided to move in closer and on the second picture the under tail is just white (picture 8, but see also pictures 10 & 11). All feathers of the throat and breast are black with a narrow white margin (which wears off quickly and during the breeding season these parts are very very dark). So it is just another straightforward bird? A clean adult male <b>BTT</b>? Not so fast please! We need to look closer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I got a blurry flight shot (picture 9) when the bird dashed down to the ground for a foraging session. Here, the dark bases of the under tail coverts can "clearly" be seen. On the longest coverts these bases are dark, maybe even black, but the shorter coverts have a kind of brownish bases. Obviously, the underside of the tail is not black. Towards the outer pair of tail feathers the brownish hue intensifies. Could these be already hints to some <b>RTT</b> influence? The upperside of the tail shows some orange red on the bases on both sides (pictures 10 & 11). Following Lewington et al. (1991) as well as Clement & Hathway (2000) these orange tail corners are the disqualifiers for being it a pure <b>BTT</b>. Whether the amount of orange shown by this bird would be just OK for being accepted as a pure <b>BTT</b> by Glutz von Blotzheim (1988) is impossible to know as the authors don't provide an upper limit. So if these birds really are hybrids, a great deal of care needs to be executed to enable someone to pinpoint a true <b>BTT</b>. It would as quite interesting as it would be helpful to know whether red tail corners on adult male <b>BTT</b> or <b>BTT</b>-like hybrids are evenly distributed over the entire breeding range of <b>BTT</b>. Do they occur also in the western part of the <b>BTT</b> range which is far from the breeding range of <b>RTT</b>? If the proportion of red-corned males would increase from west (zero?) to the east (percentage unknown!) this would be a strong point for some genetically leakage of <b>RTT</b> DNA into the <b>BTT</b> population and hence would proof the assumption that any red on the tail safely identifies a hybrid. At present this is all entirely unknown and I am quite sure the above mentioned authors could NOT assure the genetic entity of the birds they had used to draw their respective conclusions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Haffer (1988) and also Clement & Hathway (2000) claim that intermediate birds (=hybrids) look quite similar to same age and sex <b>BTT</b> which implies that the dark coloration is dominant over the red. To proof this it would be necessary to breed these thrushes under controlled conditions, i.e. pairing up pure (DNA tested and with preferably pure parents) parents of either taxon and see how their offspring looks like. I do not think that anybody ever has undertaken such an effort.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>So isn't it just a matter of detectability? Under the assumption that a pure <b>BTT</b> has no orange on the upperside, any orange (then a sign of hybridism), be it even very small, would be rather obvious and could easily be detected. Because of this easiness many observers are able to identify those individuals as hybrid. In case of a rather <b>RTT</b>-like hybrid the recognition wouldn't be as easy. A slight reduction of the amount of orange on a <b>RTT</b> would be very difficult to detect, especially as some variation on the amount of dark on the tail feathers has been described. The darker end of this variation could actually indicate the introduction of <b>BTT</b> DNA into the stock of <b>RTT</b> (check pictures 12, 13 and 18 for some examples).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The next guy shows a bright reddish supercilium, rufous cheeks and lots of orange in the tail (picture 12). When seen head on (picture 13) the uneven length of the greater upperwing coverts illustrate that this is a 2cy <b>thrush </b>(the outer and shorter feathers being juvenile feather and the longer ones had been already moulted but this is not always as easy to see as in this individual). The solidly darkish breast makes it a male. To me, the breast feathers are too dark for a pure <b>RTT</b> but I am not so sure whether the amount of dark on all of the visible tail feathers is too much for a pure <b>RTT</b>. So is it a just a darker <b>RTT</b> or has some foreign DNA crept in? I don't know. For the time being I booked this as a <b>BTT</b> x <b>RTT</b> hybrid.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If the bird in picture 14 is a 2cy individual-and the white tips to the outer greater coverts which are also shorter than the two inner one suggest this—it should be a male (but some females may show a very distinct breast shield!). Its supercilium is suffused be red and the underside of the tail shows red as well so my conclusion is: <b>BTT</b> x <b>RTT</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Now (pictures 15 to 17) another female (?) thrush with a distinct supercilium and a large white throat area but a solid brownish and blackish breast shield. Already when see head-on (picture 15 and the heavily cropped picture 17) the breast looks neither good for a pure <b>BTT</b> nor for a pure <b>RTT</b>. It even has a reddish area on the neck sides and its tail show red, but not as much as I would expect in a pure <b>RTT</b>. This should be just another <b>BTT</b> x <b>RTT</b> hybrid.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>What about the bird in picture 18? It also doesn't show lots of red in the tail and its breast looks almost red free. Is it within the variation of RTT or not? I identified this one as a <b>BTT</b> x <b>RTT</b> but I am totally unsure about this.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It seems that there were almost no pure birds around that day. But I photographed at least two thrushes that can be safely identified as pure young female <b>BTT</b>. These are shown in the pictures 19 and 20. As can be seen in the latter there were some easy to identify thrushes around: <b>Fieldfare</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But there was also this thrush (picture 25) of which I managed to get a single shot from the distance. If a thrush shows an obvious supercilium behind the eye alarm bells start ringing as I take this always as an indicator for <b>Naumann's</b> or <b>Dusky Thrush</b> influence (if it is not a pure of one of those). The orange underside of the tail plus the almost plain pale orange undertail coverts are good for a <b>Naumann's Thrush</b> but the entire upperparts point more towards <b>RTT</b>, especially because of the reddish spot on the neck side. The multiple rows of tiny dark-centered orange spots along the breast and down the flanks are unusual for either of these candidates. For me this looks like a <b>RTT</b> x <b>Naumann's</b> hybrid.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>These are really headache-causing birds and any expertise intellectual input on this topic, be it on ageing, sexing or even general, would be very highly welcomed, especially if the captions would have to be corrected!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Just for pleasure I include some <b>Bohemian Waxwings</b>. Can you find the only female and the bird, which cannot be aged?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Literature cited:</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Solution: The only female (almost white outer tips of the primaries, no waxy tips to the secondaries, a blurred lower border of the dark throat and a narrow yellow tail tip) can be seen in picture 29 and the bird in picture 27 cannot be aged because the upperside of the primaries is not visible.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://birdsmongolia.blogspot.com/2017/03/first-day-out-31-january-2017-text.html">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Geochronological_data_of"></a><span lang=EN>Geochronological data of igneous and metamorphic rocks from the Xing'an-Mongolia Orogenic Belt of the eastern Central Asian Orogenic Belt: implications for the final closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean<o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i><span lang=EN>Authors: Wang Guosheng, Wu Chen, Chen Cheng, Zhou Zhiguang, Liu Changfeng, Jiang Tian<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 4 (International Journal of Earth Sciences) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Abstract</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In order to better constrain the evolution of the Xing'an-Mongolia Orogenic Belt and the resulting closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean, we conducted an integrated investigation involving U-Pb dating of igneous and detrital zircon and a synthesis of existing work across the Erdaojing and Ondor Sum complexes in the eastern segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. Geochronological analysis revealed a different tectonic setting between the Ondor Sum complex (Tulinkai area) and the Erdaojing accretion complex, as detrital zircon U-Pb analysis identified different major age provenances: (1) the Precambrian basement of the North China Craton and Paleozoic Bainaimiao Arc along the northern margin of North China to the south are the provenance rocks of the schists in the Tulinkai area, and (2) the Precambrian basement of the Xilinhot complex and Paleozoic Baolidao arc to the north are the provenance rocks of the schists in the Erdaojing area. We infer that the existence of the ocean between the above two regions in the late of Early Paleozoic in accordance with the result of this study. Furthermore, a comparison of the youngest age population in the intruded-diorite rock and metasedimentary rocks with U-Pb ages implies that the final closure of the Paleo- Asian Ocean along the Solonker Suture Zone most likely occurred in the period between 239 and 222 Ma (Late Paleozoic-Triassic).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00531-017-1456-y">Link to study</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s1600/image006-712131.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s320/image006-712131.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216369632462802" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Sports></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Sports<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_wins_gold"></a>Mongolian wins gold at World Para Powerlifting World Cup<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 3 (news.mn) Mongolian State Honoured athlete E.Sodnompiljee has won a gold medal from the World Para Powerlifting World Cup. The competition opened in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 2<sup>nd</sup> of March.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>E.Sodnompiljee won gold medal in the men's 97 kg category, after lifting 220 kg. A total of 15 athletes from 12 countries such as Egypt, Thailand, India and Japan are participating in the event.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It will be recalled that E.Sodnompiljee won bronze medal in the Men's 88 kg category of Rio-2016 Paralympic Games last August.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/326535">Link to article</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/8965">E.Sodnompeljee secures gold in Para Powerlifting World Cup</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 3<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_hockey_team"></a>Mongolian hockey team breaks own record<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 3 (MONTSAME) Mongolian hockey team participated in the Asian Winter Games 2017 have set a new record for Mongolia by earning the eighth place. The competitions were held in Sapporo and Obihiro, Japan between February 19 and 26, challenging 1,101 athletes from 32 countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Asian Winter Games 2017 was led by the Japanese team, with 27 gold, 21 silver and 26 bronze medals. The top team was followed by China and South Korea.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mongolian hockey team defeated the Singaporean team by 8:0 score and Hong Kong by 8:6, and was beaten by Thailand by 5:4, UAE by 6:3 and Taiwan by 6:2.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/8964">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_athletes_participating"></a>Mongolian athletes participating in draughts World Cup <span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828;letter-spacing:-.75pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 3 (MONTSAME) 'World Cup Final 2017' an international draughts championship is taking place from March 1 to 12. M.Nyamjargal (gmif) and R.Manlai (gmi) are participating from Mongolia in the two separate tournaments of men and women, which challenge 10 players each.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The tournament is taking place in Ufa, the capital city of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia. Participants consist of Top 10 male and female athletes who won the world and regional championships in the last two years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The organization of the World Cup Final 2017 has been allotted by the FMJD (World Draughts Federation) to the Russian Draughts Federation. With a total amount of RUB 5 million as a prize, the tournament will be played as a round-robin in 9 rounds. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian participants M.Nyamjargal and R.Manlai are the winner of the Asian Championship 2016 took place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. And M.Nyamjargal also won the Asian Championship 2012 which took place in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia. Both players are titled the Champion of Asia, paving their way up in the World Cup.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/8966">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Meet_the_Man"></a>Meet the Man Who Walked Across Mongolia and Madagascar<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 2 (Culture Trip) When one trip to Asia left him unsatisfied and searching for greater adventure, Ash Dykes began his journey from local lifeguard to full-time adventurer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Having saved up his own money to go travelling around China with a friend (Matt), they found that the beaten track of tourist routes failed to live up to expectations, with assumptions of wild adventures not appearing. 'We hadn't done anything adventurous in China so when we were in Cambodia I suggested buying the nastiest, cheapest bikes we could find to cycle the rest of the journey,' Dykes explains. 'At that moment we saw a frail, skinny old lady riding behind us and went and got two of the same bike for a tenner each. We found some string on the road to tie our bags to the back. That was our first catalyst.'<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>From that point on, the friends were hooked on adventure; as long as it was cheap and challenging. Their bike ride took them <a href="https://theculturetrip.com/asia/cambodia/articles/5-best-spots-for-hiking-trails-in-cambodia/">the length Cambodia</a> and the same again in Vietnam, trekking through the Himalayas in India, before ending up in Thailand via the Burmese jungle.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Eventually Dykes settled in Thailand – Koh Lipe and Koh Tao – as a scuba instructor, but intrigue had begun to take hold. 'I missed the adventures and I wanted a new one, and I wanted it to be my biggest yet and I wanted to walk, not ride,' he says.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>'Mongolia stood out through curiosity as somewhere that I hadn't heard much of. The more research I did, the more I wanted to walk it – completely solo and unsupported.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I wanted advice, did some research and couldn't find any evidence of it being completed – a navy soldier had tried it but not completed it. The grey wolves, the stagnant water, the snow blizzards. It seemed a massive opportunity, so I sold my dive kit, quit my job, found a bit of sponsorship and managed to get started.'<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In 2014, Dykes became the first-ever recorded person to <a href="https://theculturetrip.com/asia/mongolia/articles/the-10-most-beautiful-spots-in-mongolia/">walk across Mongolia</a> (all 1,500 miles – 2,400km – of it) solo and unsupported; it took him 78 days. His journey took him over the Altai Mountains, Gobi Desert and Mongolian Steppe. If the distance wasn't challenging enough, the fact the expedition was unsupported meant Dykes had to pull everything he needed to survive in a wheeled trailer weighing 120kg (265 lbs.).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Doing expeditions alone and unsupported changes everything. There's no medical care, no film crew, no backup. In Mongolia, if something went wrong, help was four days away. So how did the adventure compare to those done with Matt in tow?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Dykes grew up playing football and rugby, sports that depend on teamwork and communication. He says, 'It was scary. I remember thinking "How would I handle being alone?" I enjoy the camaraderie of others so didn't think I would handle it, going it alone was a huge step for me. But I'm fairly positive and determined and out there I realised no one else's mood could bring me down.'<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Last year, Dykes achieved his second solo world record, becoming the first person to walk the entire length of Madagascar's interior, whilst summiting its eight highest mountains. The expedition was over 1,600 miles (2600km), taking 155 days to complete.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>'It was Mongolia that spurred on Madagascar,' he explains. 'What appealed to me was the untouched part of it. I knew in Madagascar I would get to spend more time with the locals, and experience the diversity, but I also went eight days without seeing a single person. Learning from the locals who survive it day in, day out and picking up their skills was what I was seeking in the first place. I'm better suited to survive in the jungle than the UK – I'm good with bamboo and I know how to hunt.'<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Despite having to pull the 120kg (265 lbs.) trailer in Mongolia with the threat of wolves and blizzards, and despite being held up by the military in <a href="https://theculturetrip.com/africa/madagascar/articles/ephemeral-eden-how-eco-tourism-could-save-madagascar/">Madagascar</a> and the constant risk of malaria, there is still a constant desire to continue. For Dykes, it's the desire that dictates the challenges ahead, rather than any box-ticking or record seeking. 'I've never thought: "What hasn't been done?" It's what would be cool to do, regardless of whether other people have done it or not.'<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>'You've got to really want to do it and then things will fall into place. My logistics manager described the central mountain ridge that runs almost the entire length of Madagascar, it was dying to be walked, there was no evidence it has been done before. You've got to want to do the challenge first. With Madagascar I just wanted to do it.'<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>There is a new challenge and a new want in the making, although Dykes is staying tight-lipped about it. It will be around 4,000 miles (6,400km) long and take around a year to complete, but first he has to 'make sure it's possible.' Given his track record, it seems most things are.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>If you want to hear Ash recall his adventures in person, you can <a href="https://www.ashdykes.com/UK-Tour" target="_blank">buy tickets to his tour here</a>.</span></i></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://theculturetrip.com/asia/mongolia/articles/meet-the-man-who-walked-across-mongolia-and-madagascar/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Moscow_to_Beijing:"></a>Moscow to Beijing: Russia's 'Forrest Gump' to run 5,000 miles in 200 days<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Alexander Kaper will run from Moscow to China's capital in just 200 days, going through 16 Russian regions and three countries: Russia, Mongolia and China.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 3 (Russia Beyond the Headlines) Russian marathon runner Alexander Kaper plans to run 5,000 miles from Moscow to the capital of China in 200 days, going through 16 Russian regions and three countries: Russia, Mongolia and China. A film crew will accompany the athlete.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Preparation for the project took about two years," said Kaper. "I just developed a certain schedule for myself. A motor-home will drive with me the whole way, in which I will sleep and rest every 12 miles."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>(<a href="https://youtu.be/22eH5lMK3J4">VIDEO</a>)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The 36-year old Kaper has been a long-distance endurance athlete for 12 years, and has already received 40 awards, and won 10 events and 50 races. In April 2016, over the course of 40 days, he ran 900 miles alone starting in Samara, and going through Kazan to Moscow.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Kaper also ran 60 miles from Ivanovo to Vladimir, and ran 65 miles around Moscow on the ring road in a temperature of -14 degrees Celsius. He also ran a 42-mile route in the form of a heart, through Chechnya.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"We're planning to fill around 50 film rolls with shots of the land and of the people," Kaper said of the plans to film his epic voyage. "Our global assignment is to show Russia and change the stereotypes that exist about the Russian people."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Additionally, the marathon runner will share his experiences on the Internet.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"People are so supportive of us, and we receive a lot of response on social media," said Kaper, who plans to finish in Beijing in the middle of September.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://rbth.com/sport/2017/03/03/moscow-to-beijing-russias-forrest-gump-to-run-5000-miles-in-200-days_713281">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s1600/image006-712131.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s320/image006-712131.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216369632462802" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Art></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Art & Entertainment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Exhibition:_'Art_and"></a>Exhibition: 'Art and Satisfaction in Mental Action'<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 5 (UB Post) E.Enkhzaya, B.Dulguun, U.Narbayasgalan, U.Odmaa, N.Amarsaikahn, and R.Chinzorig unveiled a group exhibition of installation, mixed media, and video art titled "Art and Satisfaction in Mental Action", which was on view at Contemporary Art Center of Mongolia from February 6 to 28.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The potential for satisfaction exists inside everyone, but the way satisfaction is felt is different. The exhibition aspires to release different feelings of satisfaction through mental action.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Artist B.Dulguun said about her work "Perceiving/Feeling the Information", "I went to a sauna three years ago when I was in South Korea. I had never seen so many naked women at once before. There were women with different body shapes, faces, and ages. It seemed to me that no one cared what people thought about them. At that time, I understood that the clothes we wear change us a lot and hide our faults.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"There is quote that says the female body is God's creation, and it is perfect. I didn't agree with that at that time. I didn't feel good when I saw a lot of naked women. They were like animals, like a flock of animals. I also thought that the human body itself is like clothes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"My exhibition 'Shell', at 976 Art Gallery in 2016, was related to clothes. Humans transmit information through clothes when they are wearing them. I thought about how clothes couldn't express anything when they weren't being worn. I tried to express this idea through my pieces."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/03/art-and-satisfaction-in-mental-action/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s1600/image006-712131.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVm5uR6m4_J6vJlNOPg-MeFDcKMGLXhNoxRicHqvEqw_XqxUWXDc8g6aZ1m0XLk6h9bh1CSf3UlyQEdL0M92Cbao_3qd_XjD4bk1MJedFigXnC8z22ijXZS9q-EAoLzDxEyvzj4ms4whQ/s320/image006-712131.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6394216369632462802" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Travel></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Travel<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia:_Still_in"></a>Mongolia: Still in the Grip of Genghis <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>by Glenn A. Baker<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 4 (Place Oddity) It helps to understand the sheer scale of the conquest. No Roman Emperor, no British monarch ever controlled more of the planet than the Mongols. The grand sweep of the Khans took them west into Europe, east into China and south to Java – the largest contiguous land empire in world history. As the text books tell us, Tenggeri, the sky god of the Mongols, gave Genghis Khan the mission of bringing the rest of the world under one sword. He near enough succeeded.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia no longer has aspirations to bring the world's citizenry under its control, though it is determined to entice as many of them as possible to its sumptuous realm, where the Central Asian steppe, taiga forests, blue lakes, the Altai mountains and the Gobi Desert meet in a high landlocked plateau between Russian Siberia and northern China's plains.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Of the mighty array of attractions, there is none more potent than Naadam, one of the most dramatic and exhilarating events of its kind in the world. A summer festival believed to have existed in some fashion for centuries, it is a Grand Final of sorts, a summit playoff of horseracing, archery and wrestling events (the 'Three Manly Sports', with some earnest knucklebone throwing tossed in as well) staged during the year throughout a country the size of Alaska peopled by only two and a half million.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But, more importantly, it is an affirmation of the Mongolian spirit. To witness ranks of riders surging into the central stadium of Ulaanbaatar on the same compact, sprightly horses that the great Genghis rode into battle – surrounded by athletes, monks, dancers, soldiers, musicians and nomad herders – is to glimpse the grandeur of a civilisation that shaped the world as we now know it. Then to see horses race, at ferocious pace, in their hundreds through vast valleys, while tens of thousands cheer them on; and to observe rotund but almost balletic wrestlers trounce an opponent and then prance across an arena in a traditional victor's Eagle Dance, is to be enveloped in a culture of extraordinary strength.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Though fiercely proud of their rich heritage, modern Mongolians are neither hostile nor warlike; a hospitable warmth is at the heart of their collective character. And while some visitors venture into seemingly untouched terrain where a GPS co-ordinate is more useful than an address, they first pass through a city of shopping malls, supermarkets, boutiques, restaurants, yellow cabs and mini-skirts. Unexpected contrasts pile one atop the other. A Lenin statue a block from a swish fashion catwalk, a 4WD sharing a road with a yak cart, a plush western hotel a short drive from a <i>ger</i> (traditional round felt dwellings) camp. Some stately buildings are topped with massive signage from the days when Moscow called the shots, patriotic exhortations ranging from <i>Let's Improve Mongolia</i> to <i>May Mongolians' Faith Always Improve And Develop Like Their Fire</i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Nowhere are these contrasts more intriguing and more rewarding than in Mongolia's startling wealth of music and performance arts. There is a spectrum of sound that can scarce be believed. At one end, the grand and sweeping classical orchestras, sustained in showpiece style by the Soviets over decades but thoroughly Mongolian in their use of local compositions, and traditional performers playing the Horse Head fiddle and other Mongol-designed lute, wind and percussion instruments.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the other end, a range of powerful rock bands of long standing – Jargalsaikhan, Chinggis Khan, The Hurd and Haranga – whose CDs are stacked in Tokyo-type record shops alongside the offerings of hip hop, rap, dance and new age entities such as Saraa, Funksta, Gennie, Urna, Hulan and, famed for the anthemic <i>Born In UB</i>, Masta Flow. And straddling them both – acclaimed and ethereal Mongolian throat singers such as Booyoo, who somehow simultaneously bring forth from their voicebox both high and low notes in spell-binding manner.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There is so much pouring out of this long locked-away country that it is hard to keep up with it all. Those who come expecting to be confronted by the past in a nation that has just celebrated its 800<sup>th</sup> birthday are soon caught up in the present, with promise of the future. Jasper Becker may have titled his essential book on Mongolia <i>The Lost Country</i>, writing of "wandering tribes, prophets, shamans and mystic kings – where the wolf still stalks the wild horse across the treeless plain and where the eagle hangs in the blue sky searching the bare mountains" but what strikes visitors now is a real sense of making up for years lost. Not only those who make their way there – an easier exercise than may be imagined, with relatively brief air links from Seoul and Beijing – but those who seek out at home groundbreaking and award-winning Mongolian films like <i>The Story of the Weeping Camel</i> and <i>The Cave of the Yellow Dog</i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>All carried on under, it would seem, the watchful eye of Genghis Khan, the relentless thirteenth century warrior who fathered over a thousand children and struck fear into more hearts than any leader before or since. The very mention of his name was forbidden by Russian overlords but today it and the accompanying image is absolutely everywhere in Mongolia – from towering statues to vodka bottles, hillsides to t-shirts, banknotes to postage stamps, airports to cultural spectaculars. Leaving you in absolutely no doubt as to where you are and who was there before you.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>His was an incomparable genetic footprint. Because Genghis (or Chinggis as he is known at home) had a particular version of the Y chromosome and was no slouch when it came to spreading his seed, it has been possible for an international team of geneticists to determine that one in twelve men in Asia, or about 16 million men in total across the planet, today have him as their forebear. A few years ago, a London restaurant, Shish, offered daily DNA tests at its two branches, with free meals to those found to be descendants of the legendary warlord. That promotion was just a tiny part of a global fascination with a late bloomer hailed as a murdering savage on one hand and a wise father of international diplomacy on the other.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A dichotomy left unresolved by the Japanese-funded big budget feature film set to arrive in 2008. Gen<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Modern Mongolians are as fascinated by themselves and their heritage as everybody else. In this land without fences, the last "wild west", where near toxic fermented mares' milk is swigged like cola, all ride high in the saddle; that is when they bother with saddles. The horse to human ratio is 13 to 1 and there seems to be permanent blur in your line of sight as sturdy steeds fly by. There are popular eight-day horseback expeditions through the mountains outside Ulaanbaatar, undertaken alone or in a group. With the horses as certain of the terrain as the camels are of the Gobi desert, there is a rare sense of absolute unfettered explorative adventure.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As agreeable a city as Ulaanbaatar may be, the primary attraction of this country and the principal business of its slew of tour operators, is road trips across its vast surrounds and to its far corners made both possible and comfortable by an uncountable number of Ger (or yurt) camps which have opened up the county to pretty much all-comers with the portable communal tents that have housed nomadic herders for centuries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Now there are refinements – restaurant, modern shower block, gift shop – but the essence is pure. Across steppe, mountain and desert, by blue lakes and under mountain outcrops, this is where you stay and the experience is both agreeable and unforgettable. There's sheep stewed in a pot, yoghurt delivered by passing nomads (half the population qualifies for the term in some way), a brace of swift horses on call, and visiting serenading throat singers and Mongolian movies on a small screen to pack you off to a serene sleep.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The ger girl comes by at about 6 AM to stoke your fire. By prior arrangement, of course. Apart from the odd crackle from the steel stove that is the centrepiece of your circular felt world, you hear nothing; she's done this before.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Increasingly popular are two- and three-week expeditions, out to Western Mongolia or in "The Big Loop" that sweeps down south to the Gobi and north to the alpine lake of Khovsgol Nuur. They take in massive dunes, mountains, glaciers, canyons, raging rivers, dinosaur quarries and desert monasteries, with hiking, fishing, riding, swimming, climbing, kayaking, dune sliding and camel trekking integral to the experience.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Most of the visitors arrive around July and not just to catch Naadam. Just as Antarctic visitors take advantage of a two month "window" that starts around the middle of December, Mongolian venturers are generally keen to avoid winter temperatures that descend to minus 30 centigrade. As your <i>Lonely Planet</i> guide will warn you, "Ulaanbaatar is possibly the coldest capital city in the world". But in July and September the dust storms have settled, the days are warm, you're still taking photographs at 10.30pm without need of a flash, the skies are clear, the air is pristine, and the atmosphere enormously amenable.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar is not just a gateway to Mongolia. Take the two-and-a-half hour Korean Air flight from Seoul and you can join the daily sleeper train that will take you, with a connection, past Lake Baikal and on to Vladivostock, or link you to the Trans Siberian Express. Next door is the equally vast Kazakhstan, with its own array of compelling societies and terrains. (its cloaked eagle handlers cross the border to entertain tourists).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Freed of the Russians, indifferent to the Chinese, the Mongolians have eagerly aligned themselves with the globalised world, claiming the right to pick'n'choose, with feet in myriad camps, whatever comes their way. With one foot in the thirteenth century and another in the twenty-first, they are a people to contend with.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Capital-dwellers eagerly frequent a branch of the Californian-based Mongolian Barbeque chain, even though, as one young patron admitted, the expensive fare on offer bears little relationship to anything ever served at her family table. It's all about the thrill of the new and there's no shortage of that.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yet it is the thrill or at least the promise of the very ancient, the uncovering of things once hidden, that is bringing the world to Mongolia. If there's a red carpet at Ulaanbaatar Airport, it would be rarely rolled up. In recent years, a path has been beaten to the exotic and intriguing land by an illustrious array of planetary citizens. Not just George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin but the Dalai Lama, Kofi Annan, Jimmy Carter, a Chinese premier, a Japanese prime minister and prince, a Thai princess, Turkish, Vietnamese, Hungarian and South Korean presidents, a Canadian secretary of state, a UNESCO director-general and Julia Roberts, who went to live with nomadic horseman and learned to milk yaks. But then, given a chance, who wouldn't? It's a mental checklist sort of place, a destination that even the vaguely adventurous factor in for some stage of their travelling life.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>So cogent is Mongolia's representation of freedom and possibility that it has become a starting or staging point for investigation of what may well be the world's last great frontier. Some fly in from Seoul or Beijing to join the daily sleeper train that connects with the Trans Siberian and will take you past Lake Baikal to Vladivostock, Russia's easternmost port. Others venture off toward neighbouring Kazakhstan, Manchuria, or the bordering Russian republics of Tuva, Buryatia and Altai, each with its own array of compelling terrain and societies. A Hamburg To Shanghai car rally snakes through the country during the summer (few would dare it during the winter harshness).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Horses remain a constant as you shake the dust off your boots in Ulaanbaatar and prepare to depart. You can see them prancing near acrobatically indoors in the city, bringing to life tales of Genghis and his Mongolian hordes through handlers of far calmer demeanor. You are never allowed to forget just where and in whose company you are.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://placeoddity.com/2017/03/04/mongolia-still-in-the-grip-of-genghis-by-glenn-a-baker/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Travel Writing 2017 Application<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_The_Mongolian_Hair-Cutting"></a>The Mongolian Hair-Cutting Ceremony 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>A place I'll never forget<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>By William Frantz<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia had already been an unforgettable trip full of adventure. I'd learned to ride a horse and how to make traditional Mongolian clothing, but what will always stick with me was happening onto a little boy's hair-cutting ceremony.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We were travelling from ger to ger and when we arrived at our stop for the night they'd just slaughtered a goat. We knew something special was happening because fresh meat is a privilege. One of the aunts from Ulaanbaatar spoke enough English that she was able to explain what was happening. She conveyed that it was the little boy's 5th birthday and his first haircut. This is a significant mark of manhood and it was huge party with family and friends.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After butchering the goat, they made blood sausage and put the skins to dry. We spent the rest of the evening shooting toy bows with the children, hiking, and eating a lot of offal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Next morning, after all the family had arrived, everyone gathered in the main ger. There was a massive crowd in the small space, indicative of how much love they had for the boy. Everybody was seated around the ger in a horseshoe with the top opposite the doorway. The father sat at the head and to either side of him sat important male family members. Everybody was dressed in good clothing and all the men were wearing their cowboy hats.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Once everybody was in the room, the dad gave a short speech in Mongolian. My friend and I understood none of it, but it was obviously a coming-of-age speech. We were all served arag, which is fermented horse milk, and some people started drinking vodka. The father then used scissors to cut the first lock of hair. They continued cutting in descending order of importance, saving the hair in a large prayer bag. At the end, my friend and I were the last two to cut some hair. We thought it incredibly sweet to include us and we appreciated being held for last as we were only accidental visitors. They left some hair on the boy's head, which we later learned was reserved for an absent family member.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Soon after the ceremony, we left on the next part of our journey. Later, we unexpectedly ran into some fellow travelers who'd stayed with the family the night after the ceremony. Apparently it had extended into a full day party with the adults drinking an arguably ridiculous amount of vodka and getting belligerent.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>All of Mongolia was incredible, but stumbling onto such an significant piece of another culture was entirely unexpected and one of the best parts of the whole trip.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://scholarships.travel/writing17/the-mongolian-hair-cutting-ceremony">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Ten_truly_remote"></a>Ten truly remote places where your boss can't track you down<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>These places don't have cell reception, Wi-Fi, or other distractions from the outside world — such as politics<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 5 (TODAY) When the weather is bad and days are short, workers can feel especially cooped up in the office — and bogged down in constant contact with other human beings. All the more reason to choose a vacation destination that is so remote and so untouched by modernity that you will feel truly alone. At these 10 places, there's no Wi-Fi or bad cell reception, and there's very few other humans. So go ahead and turn on that "out of office and into the wild" notification. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Jalman Meadows Ger Camp, Mongolia</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You'll say "out of office" like you really mean it the moment you zip out of Ulaanbaatar's city limits and into rural Mongolia. Stay in a comfortable camp such as <a href="http://www.nomadicjourneys.com/jalman-meadows-2/" target="_blank">Jalman Meadows</a> — which has 14 well-appointed tents, many with private showers and wooden stoves—and spend some time with the nomads who live here. Switching off has never felt so Zen. Days are spend hiking the Khan Khentii protected wilderness park in which the camp is located, fishing in the nearby Upper Tuul River, or riding horses with the nomads. <i>From US$73 per person, per night, including meals.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.todayonline.com/lifestyle/travel/ten-truly-remote-places-where-your-boss-cant-track-you-down">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_U_of_Vermont:"></a>U of Vermont: Map to Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>In a fragile landscape, Simon McIntosh '17 finds the best places for new roads<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 3 (University of Vermont) On the eighth day, Simon McIntosh '17 got off his horse and started walking. He was exploring a roadless mountain pass in the northernmost corner of Mongolia, near the border of Russia. To his east, Lake Hovsgol stretched for more than eighty miles. "Some people call it the Blue Pearl," he says. "It's stunning around there—where the steppe grasslands and taiga forests meet the Siberian mountains." In that region, nomadic Tsaatan people herd reindeer, and endangered ibex and Argali sheep roam. A few trucks and motorcycles meander through the grasses and mud. To cross the mountains, and descend into the Darkhad Valley, there is no improved road, only rough tracks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"But that is changing," McIntosh says. The Mongolian government has established new national parks in the area and built a paved road from the capital to Lake Hovsgol in 2013. There has been a sharp increase in the number of visitors to the region—bringing with them greater impacts on the land and opportunities for economic development. "In a grassy field, you'll see tire tracks going in every direction," McIntosh says. The government now aims to build a paved road from the lake over into the remote valley. "But the question is: where?" McIntosh says.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Route Finding<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Helping to answer that question became McIntosh's senior thesis—and took him to Mongolia for the summer of 2016. It was his second trip there to make maps in partnership with local park rangers and the Mongol Ecology Center. An environmental studies major in <a href="http://www.uvm.edu/cals" title="UVM CALS">UVM's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences</a>—with a <a href="http://www.uvm.edu/~geosptal/?Page=GSTMinor.html" title="geospatial technologies minor">minor in geospatial technologies</a>—McIntosh spent weeks trekking over five mountain passes with a Mongolian partner, and a pocketful of GPS equipment—"collecting data on the Garmin every fifty meters," he says.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"It's a beautiful and fragile place," he says, "and I knew my research could make a difference."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Most of his mapping outings were on horseback and lasted "three or four days," McIntosh says. But, late in summer, he and his working partner, Orhan, set out for eight days. "Mongolian horse saddles are not as comfortable as European ones," McIntosh recalls with a rueful laugh. He collected the data he needed, but his backside was so sore that "by the last day I was walking," he says.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"A road has many implications," McIntosh says. With support from the UVM Office of Undergraduate Research, a Simon Family Public Research Fellowship—and guidance from UVM professors <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/rsenr/profiles/patricia_stokowski" title="pat stokowski">Patricia Stokowski</a>, Bob Manning, and Rick Paradis—McIntosh planned his independent research expedition. In the Darkhad Valley, he input observations on his smartphone about each of the five mountain passes, like soil type and slope. Then he applied a matrix tool—including input from conservationists, local officials, and nomadic herders—to make a recommendation about which route "could help the most people," he says, "while also best protecting the land."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>His final report, which he shared with Mongolian leaders in the region, showed that two passes could be suitable. But that the southern Öl Pass might be the best choice for a road that "links rural communities, national parks, and indigenous routes for future tourism purposes," McIntosh notes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Write a thesis or do an independent study. Find a project that is yours," McIntosh suggests to incoming students. "You should look at college as something you do, rather than something that's done to you."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.uvm.edu/~uvmpr/?Page=news&storyID=24123&category=ucommall">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Indy_Guide_Mongolia"></a>Indy Guide Mongolia Trips:<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://indy-guide.com/en/listings/201-altai-mountain-trekking-tour-in-western-mongolia-10-days">Western Mongolia: Altai Mountain Trekking Tour, 10 Days</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://indy-guide.com/en/listings/698-tour-center-of-energy-mongolia-4-days">Tour 'Center of Energy', Mongolia, 4 Days</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://indy-guide.com/en/listings/870-khuvsgul-lake-tour-2017-mongolia-10-days">Khuvsgul lake tour 2017, Mongolia, 10 Days</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://indy-guide.com/en/listings/55-western-mongolia-fishing-tour-unique-experience">Western Mongolia: Fishing Tour - unique experience</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://indy-guide.com/en/listings/223-northern-mongolia-pack-horse-trekking-tour-14-days">Northern Mongolia Pack Horse Trekking Tour, 14 Days</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://indy-guide.com/en/listings/92-the-best-of-gobi-tour-in-mongolia-11-days">The Best of Gobi Tour in Mongolia, 11 Days</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://indy-guide.com/en/listings/890-ulaanbaatar-city-tour-and-terelj-np-mongolia-5-days">Ulaanbaatar City Tour and Terelj NP, Mongolia, 5 Days</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a 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style='color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Suite </span><span lang=MN style='color:#1F497D'>303</span><span style='color:#1F497D'>, Level 3, Elite Complex<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>14 Chinggis Avenue, Sukhbaatar District 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia<br></span><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Email</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: </span><a href="mailto:info@covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@covermongolia.com</span></a><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Website</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: <a href="http://www.covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>www.covermongolia.com</span></a></span><u><span style='color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Phone (Office)</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: +976 7711 6779</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:Webdings;color:#339966'>P</span><span style='color:#339966'> </span><span lang=EN-AU style='color:#007F00;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-23897993189735437292017-03-03T11:15:00.000+08:002017-04-21T09:35:03.753+08:00[CICG vendor pulls out; Jan FDI falls 52%; Bat-Uul enters race; MMJ explains new mining bill; and King Tug climbs to 27th]<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiC5xa5Qspy8TLCs2K5vWXHDcPvOD_tJT-w3YLeTG4WHXCFW0wSlGaUw4dzy070gqXssB7Re70Afur01nxPyN9rLBr-yueXuZ1VWdQS-JASjQzdrqz4uXGqaMHLqSSb5QbrAxU3s9wq5Q/s1600/image001-788117.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiC5xa5Qspy8TLCs2K5vWXHDcPvOD_tJT-w3YLeTG4WHXCFW0wSlGaUw4dzy070gqXssB7Re70Afur01nxPyN9rLBr-yueXuZ1VWdQS-JASjQzdrqz4uXGqaMHLqSSb5QbrAxU3s9wq5Q/s320/image001-788117.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106018410738546" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7MJ7CPpbbBt1prAWlJjsmDlXa3WrJbfUeuyAGURslcLNqi5i_n6VpCmcAVmMdc1xgo46UlWvp7o-sUXPGgoPf3oVUTIy34PJ9ITcJqsZj_17jfM1DD5EuFsA-qswcFq2GqhXPLEcZJo/s1600/image002-790173.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO7MJ7CPpbbBt1prAWlJjsmDlXa3WrJbfUeuyAGURslcLNqi5i_n6VpCmcAVmMdc1xgo46UlWvp7o-sUXPGgoPf3oVUTIy34PJ9ITcJqsZj_17jfM1DD5EuFsA-qswcFq2GqhXPLEcZJo/s320/image002-790173.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106026762826978" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Friday, March 3, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'>Cover Mongolia</span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span style='color:#4472C4'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></u>, <span style='color:#00B0F0'><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#00B0F0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#2F5597'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#2F5597'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span style='color:black'>, </span><span style='color:#C55A11'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><b><span style='color:#C55A11'>Instagram</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#C00000'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><b><span style='color:#C00000'>YouTube</span></b></a></span> and <span style='color:#FFC000'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><b><span style='color:#FFC000'>Blogspot</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><u>Jump to</u>: <a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> - <a href="#Local">Local Market</a> - <a href="#Economy">Economy</a> - <a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> - <a href="#Business">Business</a> - <a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> - <a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> - <a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> - <a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> - <a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> - <a href="#Sports">Sports</a> - <a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> - <a href="#Travel">Travel</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Headlines in <b><i>Italic</i></b> are ones modified by Cover Mongolia from original<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>HEADLINES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadIntl></a><u><a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_caps_size">Mongolia caps size of new 7-year US dollar bond issue at $600m</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_CICG:_Mongolia_project">CICG: Mongolia project vendors withdraw from acquisition until trading on exchange</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYrzFmFdGicfqJnQPcvxBSvVbpRm8SPzrYX_f1WylE2J4nXrkS3rwCEfwkLoMILCjQAQs11FfUcKLyhKZY9sHADUpFdal6GL05NPUqEYO1TqrpTowCWkY7qBsIaRxfEUyUwfr3pNZPWM/s1600/image003-792757.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHYrzFmFdGicfqJnQPcvxBSvVbpRm8SPzrYX_f1WylE2J4nXrkS3rwCEfwkLoMILCjQAQs11FfUcKLyhKZY9sHADUpFdal6GL05NPUqEYO1TqrpTowCWkY7qBsIaRxfEUyUwfr3pNZPWM/s320/image003-792757.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106042659921298" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadLocal></a><u><a href="#Local">Local Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MSE_Trading_Report:">MSE Trading Report: Top 20 +0.41%, ALL +0.17%, Turnover ₮33.8 Million Shares</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_UN_Security_Council">UN Security Council Sanctions lists available through FRC website</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUg0yy4a5rLzMByAKsJ6RuK3b83gsmi1pdUEBZCHkV0W4iUmEBpCztd2hOTGA8Yn06egp6ivImMBY3DL9sdX8ea0i1AR7yocyPXfcNb8G9Poi22QXdlqvMj0iiCWSxM752bjFNpqtu0k/s1600/image004-794776.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUg0yy4a5rLzMByAKsJ6RuK3b83gsmi1pdUEBZCHkV0W4iUmEBpCztd2hOTGA8Yn06egp6ivImMBY3DL9sdX8ea0i1AR7yocyPXfcNb8G9Poi22QXdlqvMj0iiCWSxM752bjFNpqtu0k/s320/image004-794776.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106049700019730" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadEconomy></a><u><a href="#Economy">Economy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_MNT_Rates:">MNT halts 6-day winning streak vs USD</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_buys_$12m">BoM buys $12m at ₮2,470, declines MNT swap offers</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_GoM_sells_₮70">GoM sells ₮70 billion 12-week t-bills at 16.911% discount with ₮70 billion bids</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia's_sees_$38.3m">Mongolia's sees $38.3m FDI in January, 52% less than 2016, current account deficit shrinks 85%</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3Es47Ihc91RzbxxXpNwqw32fRW16GJbNblZlI5batKha_32wVRL9PjbcVzpxgQPWtZTSYx7tu0NB6NOAI4xSZrVIvZgqgBYe5wSHtjR0iSmjVHQR0aNQBLjezsm0CoY3w0ZyOCx_0RA/s1600/image005-796854.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3Es47Ihc91RzbxxXpNwqw32fRW16GJbNblZlI5batKha_32wVRL9PjbcVzpxgQPWtZTSYx7tu0NB6NOAI4xSZrVIvZgqgBYe5wSHtjR0iSmjVHQR0aNQBLjezsm0CoY3w0ZyOCx_0RA/s320/image005-796854.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106058681608178" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadPolitics></a><u><a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Former_mayor_E.Bat-Uul">Former mayor E.Bat-Uul enters race for Presidential election</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia's_new_mining">Mongolia's new mining law to have longer regulatory reach</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s1600/image006-799175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s320/image006-799175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106065493868370" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadBusiness></a><u><a href="#Business">Business</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_New_deal_to">New deal to see Mongolian buildings go sustainable</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s1600/image006-799175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s320/image006-799175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106065493868370" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadUlaanbaatar></a><u><a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_How_Deadly_Pollution">How Deadly Pollution Became One of Mongolia's Biggest Problems</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BCM_Guideline_for">BCM Guideline for Companies to Combat Air Pollution</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Thousand_police_officers">Thousand police officers keep 'Tsagaan sar' traffic flowing</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Book_Exchange_Day">Book Exchange Day to be held Saturday on Sukhbaatar Square</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_What_can_you">What can you eat with $10 in UB</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Finding_solutions_to">Finding solutions to common problems facing young people</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s1600/image006-799175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s320/image006-799175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106065493868370" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadDiplomacy></a><u><a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_Ambassador,_former">Mongolian Ambassador, former PM S.Bayar presents credentials to Queen Elizabeth</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Amb._John_Langtry:">Amb. John Langtry: Governments Are Not Good at Business</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s1600/image006-799175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s320/image006-799175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106065493868370" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadHealthEdu></a><a name=HeadCulture></a><u><a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_1,500_Mongolians_permitted">1,500 Mongolians permitted entry to South Korea under government employment contract</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia's_guardian_dogs">Mongolia's guardian dogs help preserve steppe ecology</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Breaking_waste_picker">Breaking waste picker stereotypes with 'Baatar'</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s1600/image006-799175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s320/image006-799175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106065493868370" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadNature></a><u><a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_4.1_magnitude_earthquake">4.1 magnitude earthquake shakes Selenge's Zuunkharaa</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s1600/image006-799175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s320/image006-799175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106065493868370" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadSports></a><u><a href="#Sports">Sports</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_'King_Tug'">Mongolian 'King Tug' defeats Philippine 'Disaster' Gemino for 8-0, climbs to world 27th</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s1600/image006-799175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s320/image006-799175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106065493868370" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadArt></a><u><a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> <b><o:p></o:p></b></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Two_Mongolians_reach">Two Mongolians reach finals of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2017</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia's_'Khusugtun'_to">Mongolia's 'Khusugtun' to perform tomorrow at UN</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_folk_music">Mongolian folk music band Khusugtun playing in NY's Rubin Museum on March 10</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s1600/image006-799175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s320/image006-799175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106065493868370" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadTravel></a><u><a href="#Travel">Travel</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_I_Documented_Mongolia's">I Documented Mongolia's Mystical Tsaatan Reindeer People</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s1600/image006-799175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s320/image006-799175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106065493868370" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>ARTICLES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=International></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Int'l Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_caps_size"></a>Mongolia caps size of new 7-year US dollar bond issue at $600m<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>By Daniel Stanton<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>SINGAPORE, March 2 (IFR) - The Government of Mongolia , rated Caa1/B-/B-, has capped the size of new US dollar seven-year bonds at $600 million and given guidance for a new money component alongside an exchange offer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Holders of $476 million of Development Bank of Mongolia's state-guaranteed March 2017 bonds agreed to exchange them for new sovereign bonds</b>. <b>These will be exchanged at par for new bonds yielding 8.75 percent</b>, the minimum yield that was indicated for the offer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Since the old DBM bonds were issued under Regulation S and were not sold in the US, while the sovereign bonds are being sold under 144A/Reg S, <b>it has been decided to allow new investors to buy into the offering</b>. <b>Guidance for the new money tranche has been indicated at 8.25 percent</b> area, meaning that those investors will pay a premium to face value.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <b>combined size of both tranches is capped at $600 million</b>, since $580 million is needed to redeem the DBM bonds on March 21.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Credit Suisse and JP Morgan are managing the transaction</b>, which will price today.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia reached a funding agreement with the International Monetary Fund on February 19, without which it had been expected to struggle to repay the DBM bonds.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.kitco.com/news/2017-03-01/Mongolia-caps-size-of-new-7-year-US-dollar-bond-issue-at-600m.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=LON:CICG">CICG</a> is in trading suspension since …<o:p></o:p></i></p><h2><a name="_CICG:_Mongolia_project"></a>CICG: Mongolia project vendors withdraw from acquisition until trading on exchange<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal><i>Corporate Update<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 2 -- CIC Gold (LSE:"<b>CICG</b>" or the "<b>Company</b>") is pleased to provide the following general corporate update.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>New Director Appointment<o:p></o:p></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company is pleased to confirm the <b>appointment of Mr. Kevin Holley as Non-Executive Director</b> effective from March 1, 2017. Mr. Kevin Holley has some 34 years international experience as a Director and Geotechnical Engineer including 16 years with SRK Consulting, one of the World's leading multi-disciplinary mining advisory companies. Mr. Kevin Holley is a Chartered Engineer (CPEng), a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Fellow of Engineers Australia. Mr. Kevin Holley detailed profile is available on the Company's website <b><i>www.CICGold.com</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Mr. Jeffrey Karoly is to retire from the board and act as independent advisor to the company</b>. Mr. Jeffrey Karoly is to be appointed to an un-related company seeking a public listing on the London Stock Exchange. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company maintains a 3/2 ratio of independent non-executive directors vs. executive directors to ensure highest standards of corporate governance. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Gobi Mineral Group Acquisition<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <b>Company announced that it was subject to a regulator enquiry on January 4</b>, 2017. <b>Post this announcement the vendors have withdrawn from the acquisition</b> until the Company is trading on a designated exchange. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.londonstockexchange.com/exchange/news/market-news/market-news-detail/CICG/13145137.html">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OW5FvdxIyAuq5899-i_ozDP0NoDwGjNIfb1yS0tQWcbBwO7AQYDcZ6JhY0Uhr65axm1nev8EVdDTJB0EezunwGPXFdmmOdfhjSxTo2SUoJVDuinQq15AxMqydFZ5Lx2PQhbdTyS9Y_0/s1600/image007-701435.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OW5FvdxIyAuq5899-i_ozDP0NoDwGjNIfb1yS0tQWcbBwO7AQYDcZ6JhY0Uhr65axm1nev8EVdDTJB0EezunwGPXFdmmOdfhjSxTo2SUoJVDuinQq15AxMqydFZ5Lx2PQhbdTyS9Y_0/s320/image007-701435.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106081521088002" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Local></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Local Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_MSE_Trading_Report:"></a>MSE Trading Report: Top 20 +0.41%, ALL +0.17%, Turnover <span lang=MN>₮</span>33.8 Million Shares <span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 2 (MSE) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCG6aZIY3S3svDgOEQcNmWkQusVu_p6wyTm9mE40Y9SUFOsfR2B5DaWxep-AcUTiPpjYT4RJqoTU-Aiv2q4caGAutxo_giM7zI2g5vtqzUCMz5CVy0ypG2gy1s-Z5y1COcj4jnIOSOk0/s1600/image019-703521.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCG6aZIY3S3svDgOEQcNmWkQusVu_p6wyTm9mE40Y9SUFOsfR2B5DaWxep-AcUTiPpjYT4RJqoTU-Aiv2q4caGAutxo_giM7zI2g5vtqzUCMz5CVy0ypG2gy1s-Z5y1COcj4jnIOSOk0/s320/image019-703521.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106086168091922" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/uploads/ariljaa/reports/report_en-17.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_UN_Security_Council"></a>UN Security Council Sanctions lists available through FRC website<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 2 (MONTSAME) The Financial Regulatory Commission of Mongolia has put on its official website a link to the Consolidated Sanctions List, which includes all individuals and entities subject to sanctions measures imposed by the UN Security Council. Member States are obliged to inform the list and implement the measures specific to each listed name as specified on websites of the related sanctions committee of the Security Council.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Interested bodies can visit "Fighting against money laundering and terrorism' section of <a href="http://www.frc.mn/">www.frc.mn</a> website to get the list. The commission also warns commercial banks, non-banking financial institutions, insurers, professional institutions, who participate in stock markets, insurance and investment actions, to inform suspicious transactions within 24 hours to the Financial Information Unit of the Bank of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8961">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI55Fh7KDwwqnhO5UkHQya8tB7pJwPjWJ6oLA0eFtYTS5K2YF8wrzi07JbicD5a0VBWGfX_o-_vYiI7TNknxLj7oW658E0qsTSgOPCf1_Jr-T3EkUTbbGQFMYgNn0NCN-HLE3SzWVBTGM/s1600/image008-705401.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI55Fh7KDwwqnhO5UkHQya8tB7pJwPjWJ6oLA0eFtYTS5K2YF8wrzi07JbicD5a0VBWGfX_o-_vYiI7TNknxLj7oW658E0qsTSgOPCf1_Jr-T3EkUTbbGQFMYgNn0NCN-HLE3SzWVBTGM/s320/image008-705401.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106093723393906" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Economy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Economy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>Reds</span> are when MNT fell, <span style='color:#00B050'>greens</span> when it rose.<b> <span style='color:red'>Bold reds</span></b><span style='color:red'> </span>are rates that set a new historic high at the time. </i><o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_BoM_MNT_Rates:"></a><span lang=MN>BoM MNT Rates: </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>Thursday</span><span lang=MN>, </span>March 2 <span lang=MN>Close </span><o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoTable15Plain5 border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=963 style='width:722.25pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>4</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>0</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>7</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>6</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>5</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>4</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>High</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>Date</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1059" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/b27dbc49-e16d-41ae-8557-f99cdb40c367.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e147de94-098c-41fc-a613-e68b961bc287.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>USD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,470.84<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,470.83<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,473.63<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,476.02<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,479.84<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,482.29</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,483.11</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,483.39</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,482.58</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,485.38</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,498.75</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1060" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/bebede1f-9fde-45e8-9abf-07cee5d98010.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/7fff4ee5-d12c-4bd2-8a56-d47fa1ab5b0d.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>EUR</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,604.14<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,617.84<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,608.32<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,601.68<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,623.05<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,635.45</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,645.75</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,635.37</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,625.20</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,636.99</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,681.43</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/10/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1061" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/280be717-5c83-46be-b0c7-d0b2cf9575f2.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/73256f8e-4c86-438d-9d39-350646eb7f40.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>JPY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.64<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.92<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.83<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.84<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.94</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.89</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.79</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.68</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>21.89<o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>23.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/9/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1062" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0e866dbf-0eff-45bc-aa83-c145b2345900.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/170ec7e9-2636-4b7d-a624-7ae9fef54841.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>GBP</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,035.80<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,100.15<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,086.72<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,091.68<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,082.44<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,085.98</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,100.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,100.51</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,092.30</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,112.19</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>3,183.26</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>8/13/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1063" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/33370dc8-8964-434b-8694-6462f39746fb.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a481156f-5e01-436d-b063-c22ecd3ed0dd.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>RUB</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.33<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.67<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.73<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.99<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.75</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>43.06</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>43.35</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>43.78</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>43.06</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>54.32</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>6/27/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1064" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/c37f3eb9-e9ba-4c1d-bc0f-2669bc4c1412.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/56dc9518-41a5-4bb4-9d57-167f6de07f2e.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CNY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.01<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.62<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.70<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.97<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>360.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.01</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.45</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>361.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.47</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>361.72</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>363.02</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/5/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1065" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e5792094-f0b8-4c3a-a82b-97ddd5401a38.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ab781b89-2767-4b9c-b3cb-b3c6cc603016.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>KRW</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.16<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.17</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.18<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/6/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1066" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/75233918-55b6-4977-a5ef-f682c93bbdb0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/9a4a44a5-6be7-4141-8159-5aa30a12bb45.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>SGD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,751.75<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,758.66<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,750.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,744.60<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,745.63<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,751.17</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,752.25</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,749.54</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,746.21</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,751.62</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,758.66<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/24/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1067" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a8311ed8-a900-4237-bf18-4ebf7b10bbf0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/53fdb4a8-f38e-4f01-b01a-c2dee4a6895d.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CAD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,850.82<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,888.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,881.52<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,883.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,886.74<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,896.62</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,899.42</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,902.40</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,899.45</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,904.00</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,908.84</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/18/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1068" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/5d744e37-53d2-4c10-aa04-7bc77a3c3abc.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/6ec5578f-dca9-4257-b326-e755e3b2400b.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>AUD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,892.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,906.25<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,902.35<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,905.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,900.55<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,907.02</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,911.00</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,904.64</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,907.16</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/16/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1069" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6f012c2-8c16-455d-b0b0-8427d7512a2b.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6b9f8ce-b8d2-4ce7-bdce-b85ce1812325.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>HKD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.29<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.40<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.78<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.03<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.52<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.84</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.94</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>319.99</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.89</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>320.31<o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>322.21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1070" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0588bbef-101c-4211-8d37-8045475e110d.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ae638f8b-a29a-4d70-90b3-52ad2a79d482.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CHF</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,445.65<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,456.83<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,447.81<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,446.66<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,464.93<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,475.24</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,486.34</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,473.00</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,464.96</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,471.79</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,497.77</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/09/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:red'>Bank USD rates at time of sending</span></b>: <a href="https://www.khanbank.com/en/home/rates">Khan</a> (Buy ₮2,458 Sell ₮2,474), <a href="http://tdbm.mn/en/exchange">TDB</a> (Buy ₮2,465 Sell ₮2,478), <a href="https://en.golomtbank.com/home/citizen">Golomt</a> (Buy ₮2,458 Sell ₮2,474), <a href="http://xacbank.mn/en/calculator/rates">XacBank</a> (Buy ₮2,462 Sell ₮2,473), <a href="https://www.statebank.mn/w/en/m1">State Bank</a> (Buy ₮2,460 Sell ₮2,476)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/graphic_dailyrate.aspx">USD (blue), CNY (red) vs MNT</a> in last 1 year:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUtOKB_xRsuN-5n9YmZOBw1NIN-c7D-zROWZB0sNwvPriLoZYxAjAXFrd4Lh5q4VYgQSOyixcrtLt-WIGvxfAaiH4z_N_tlCm48YijGQO6qX1jan4O6R64J4eKGvcdFqp24ZagUr4zv0/s1600/image022-707313.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUtOKB_xRsuN-5n9YmZOBw1NIN-c7D-zROWZB0sNwvPriLoZYxAjAXFrd4Lh5q4VYgQSOyixcrtLt-WIGvxfAaiH4z_N_tlCm48YijGQO6qX1jan4O6R64J4eKGvcdFqp24ZagUr4zv0/s320/image022-707313.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106105688976098" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistofficialdailyrate.aspx">Link to rates</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_buys_$12m"></a>BoM buys $12m at <span lang=MN>₮</span>2,470, declines MNT swap offers<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 2 (Bank of Mongolia) Spot trade: Commercial banks asked weighted average rate of MNT2470.66 for 23.0 million and bid weighted average rate of MNT353.25 for CNY21.0 million respectively. The BoM accepts selling bid offers of USD12.0 million with closing rate of MNT2470.00.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Swap and forward trade: The BoM received buying bid offers of USD1.0 million of MNT swap agreements from commercial banks and the BoM did not accept the bid offers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=182">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_GoM_sells_₮70"></a>GoM sells <span lang=MN>₮</span>70 billion 12-week t-bills at 16.911% discount with <span lang=MN>₮</span>70 billion bids<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 2 (Bank of Mongolia) Auction for 12 weeks maturity Government Treasury bill was announced at face value of 70.0 billion MNT. Face value of 70.0 billion /out of 70.0 billion bid/ Government Treasury bill was sold at discounted price and with weighted average yield of 16.911 %.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/documents/bond/2017/20170302_12_zguts_eng.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Mongolia's_sees_$38.3m"></a>Mongolia's sees $38.3m FDI in January, 52% less than 2016, current account deficit shrinks 85%<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Preliminary Balance of Payments for January, 2017<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 2 (Bank of Mongolia) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Main indicators </b> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Current and Capital account balance totaled to $2.4 million deficit which is $49.5 million decline compared to the same period of the previous year</b>. The change was due to decrease by $43.9 million in goods and services account creating surplus of $19.4 million, and decrease by $5 million in income account creating deficit of $41.3 million.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span lang=MN>Financial account had a surplus of $97.3 million</span></b><span lang=MN> which is declined by $303.3 million compared to the same period of the last year. According to the interpretation of 6<sup>th</sup>edition of Balance of Payments manual, Mongolia has a net borrowing during this period.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As of the first month of 2017, <b>overall balance of payment deficit was $175.9 million</b>, net error and omissions was -$<span lang=MN>76</span>.2 million.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Table </b><b><span lang=MN>1. Preliminary Balance of Payments for January, 2017, by million USD</span></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdZ-4cMdOeUhFcXjTvPGqESP4jO_2vxSnk7MIDHYPiCdnzvTq58Xa9jVJDzauVo47LzXSnm6fWrhSTTy9sXPYkHfIXjn4aofez0wHbRGU3BYz75zgNinzcloukqH7EpInuqhVGpM_JAs/s1600/image009-709463.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdZ-4cMdOeUhFcXjTvPGqESP4jO_2vxSnk7MIDHYPiCdnzvTq58Xa9jVJDzauVo47LzXSnm6fWrhSTTy9sXPYkHfIXjn4aofez0wHbRGU3BYz75zgNinzcloukqH7EpInuqhVGpM_JAs/s320/image009-709463.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106109837380386" /></a></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Detailed information</b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><b><a href="http://www.mongolbank.mn/documents/statistic/externalsector/2017/BOP_Jan_2017_Eng.xlsx"><i>Balance of Payments for January, 2017</i></a></b><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><b><a href="http://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/liststatistic.aspx?id=4"><i>External sector statistics</i></a></b><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=1431">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUg0yy4a5rLzMByAKsJ6RuK3b83gsmi1pdUEBZCHkV0W4iUmEBpCztd2hOTGA8Yn06egp6ivImMBY3DL9sdX8ea0i1AR7yocyPXfcNb8G9Poi22QXdlqvMj0iiCWSxM752bjFNpqtu0k/s1600/image004-794776.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUg0yy4a5rLzMByAKsJ6RuK3b83gsmi1pdUEBZCHkV0W4iUmEBpCztd2hOTGA8Yn06egp6ivImMBY3DL9sdX8ea0i1AR7yocyPXfcNb8G9Poi22QXdlqvMj0iiCWSxM752bjFNpqtu0k/s320/image004-794776.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106049700019730" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Politics></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Politics & Legal<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Former_mayor_E.Bat-Uul"></a>Former mayor E.Bat-Uul enters race for Presidential election <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 2 (MONTSAME) Today, a well-known politician and former mayor of Ulaanbaatar city E.Bat-Uul announced that he is going to enter a Democratic Party (DP) race to determine the nominee for the upcoming Presidential election. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to a revised rule of the party, its National policy committee will convene and candidates for the presidency rally will be officially announced.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The nominee from the DP for the Presidential election will be selected through a poll involving all members of the party, similar to how the party had elected its leader.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8962">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia's_new_mining"></a>Mongolia's new mining law to have longer regulatory reach<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>The Mongolian Mining Journal /January 2017 098/<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 23 (Mongolian Mining Journal) The Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry has completed work on the draft of a brand new mining law which will soon be offered for public discussion. This does not seek to replace or supersede the current mining law but would be a separate and independent law containing regulatory provisions. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The news has come as a total surprise, and reaction to it has been divided. Some see it as an anomaly that there would be a new law with the existing one remaining in force, but others feel that a new law will be more effective than a series of amendments to plug loopholes in the present law, to resolve contradictions between regulations, and to correct ambiguities. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As far ago as in 2010, the private sector made a strong demand for what was called a 'hat law' as it would comprehensively regulate all areas of the mining sector. Work on a draft began but was abandoned without much progress. The Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy – as it was then called -- decided that the then existing law had to be studied in more detail, and if it needed changes or improvements, amendments to its provisions could take care of that. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A working group established under the Office of the President came up with a draft mining law at the very end of 2013. This faced a lot of criticism and, after a few months during which time it had been discussed in the Civil Chamber, the President announced that he would not proceed with it. Instead, he instructed officials to prepare a state policy on the mineral sector. This was in the early months of 2014, and the Ministry of Mining and its affiliate agencies worked hard to finalise a draft policy document before long. Later in the year this was approved and adopted by the Parliament as the State Policy on the Minerals Sector until 2025. The Reform Government was then in power, and the policy was widely hailed as a real progressive step.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>At the same time, the feeling was gaining ground that provisions in the present mining law were inadequate to effectively regulate complex issues cropping up in the course of extraction, processing, closure and rehabilitation activities. The Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry agreed and appointed a working group to prepare the draft of a fresh mining law in November 2016. It was led by J.Ganbaatar, Head of the Mining Policy Department at the Ministry, and its members included specialists from the Ministries of Finance, and Environment and Tourism, the MRPAM and M.Dagva, project advisor to the SESMIM. This group has now submitted the draft.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ts.Dashdorj, Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry and S.Byambatsogt, Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs, formally approved the concepts of the draft on 5 January. It was put on the ministry's website on 1 January, 2017 and the mandatory open discussions would be held before long.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The preamble gives four reasons for why the law was found necessary and lists three main objectives. The main justification was given in the following words: "Proper implementation of the measures stated in the State Policy on the Minerals Sector until 2024 would be possible only if there is a conducive legal environment related to the mineral law and the entire mining operation cycle including extraction, refining and processing activities is regulated by law."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Another justification given is that a new law is needed to help achieve the avowed goal of the Action Plan of the Government 2016-2020 "to effectively run mining projects and create a legal environment for mine closure". The new regulations will lead to fewer disputes on issues of environmental rehabilitation and also of project implementation, which would be decided after thorough economic and investment analysis. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The justification that has drawn the most attention from industry professionals says, "There is need to make a public revelation of the actual ownership of mining companies, in tune with recent global trends." Now, making it legally mandatory to declare ownership or the pattern of shareholding is certainly one way of ensuring transparency but it is not an easy way, is time consuming and bears the risk of alienating investors. Still, it is in accordance with the interests of national security, promoting responsible and transparent mining, and tightening the monitoring of revenue.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The draft is quite clear about why a new mining law was needed, saying, "The mineral law and law on underground wealth do not completely regulate all areas in the mine life cycle, and some of the regulations are inconsistent with current trends. The mineral law basically regulates matters associated with mining licences, but fails to set out rules on mining investment, infrastructure, extraction, refining, production, rehabilitation and closure. This is leading to problems on the ground."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>It is also seen that even though various laws, such as the one on the environment, the mineral law, the law on common mineral resources, on nuclear energy, and others do regulate mining activities to a certain extent, they are sometimes inconsistent with one another and lack the proper mechanism for implementation. This is also included among the justifications.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The proposed new law thus has the potential to resolve inconsistencies in rules and regulations, and eliminating the possibilities of concealed ownership. The working group has promised that 2017 will be the year when the messy legal environment will be put in order and set on a right course. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Areas to be regulated<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The objectives are listed in 14 articles and starts with the following, "To extract mineral resources in an economically profitable way with a minimum impact on the environment, and in accordance with national interests and to develop responsible mining practices".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Enumeration of objectives, definitions, the scope of the law, rights of state organizations, the control system and involvement of professional unions and non-governmental organizations are stated in the first two chapters. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Chapters 3-7 include regulations related to goals of geological studies and mineral exploration work, and to stages of financing, reporting on results, requirements for feasibility studies, designing of processing plants, preparations before the resources are used, resources extraction and related activities, refinery, production and waste treatment plants.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Chapters 8-14 consist of issues related to occupational safety, health, rescue measures, the environment, rehabilitation, product sales, mine closure, transparency, management, organization and dispute resolution.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The chapters are divided into stages of the production process and the articles can be changed after the open discussions. Some of these exist now in the form of regulatory practice but without any legal mandate. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In a major move, the draft seeks to change the system of working with an exploration licence first, and then switch to extraction. Under the new law, anyone desirous of running extraction operations would have to show they know and understand the rights and responsibilities of a licence owner before hoping to get the rights to start mining. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A set of articles lists the main requirements for a feasibility study and designing the mine. For example, one article in the fourth chapter says, "The feasibility study of the refinery and processing plant based on the mineral resources deposit will have to be supported by adequate and appropriate technical and technological data giving the most economically efficient option and setting out the schedule of work at every stage of implementation."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A feasibility study will cover all the stages of the project, from initial exploration to mine closure, and mine managers will have to work strictly according to the schedule therein. The present practice of approving a feasibility study within 60 days of its completion is being changed to something more realistic. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Transparency and mine closure<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>These are the two areas where the new law will have the most impact. As an expression of its intent, the working group has put the two laws into a chapter all by themselves. Clare Short, Chair of the EITI board, spoke about the importance of legal provisions ensuring transparency to the then Prime Minister, Ch.Saikhanbileg, when she met him in June, 2015, and now they are part of a chapter in the draft. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Certain issues related to mine closure are at present regulated differently by the mineral law and the law on the environmental impact assessment. The draft proposes comprehensive regulations reconciling these differences. This is after a working group established last year under the Ministry of Mining to prepare a draft law only for mine closure had found that the contradictions in the present laws were too difficult to resolve.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The issue is of the utmost importance if we are to follow responsible mining practices. People will not any longer allow miners to 'leave behind the empty box after taking the gold'. The demand for stronger regulations with legal force behind them has grown along with the awareness that the mining sector must operate in a sustainable and economically efficient manner, with the minimum harm to the environment. Mining in Mongolia must be more than owning a licence and extracting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The draft seeks to codify this trend. However, this is not the first time that such an initiative was proposed. Certain similar suggestions were made in the policy research report on improving legal regulations on mine closure in 2010. The present Government's Action Plan 2016-2020 also talks about bringing mining rehabilitation and closure activities to international standards.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Would it have been better to have all regulations on mine closure in one law exclusively devoted to that issue? The present working group obviously did not think so and preferred to make them part of a wider-ranging mining law. Some industry professionals are not convinced.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>When the present draft, prepared with international financing, is approved as a mining law, it will change the nature and quality of the way mining is done in Mongolia. Many experts, however, wonder if it would not have been better to wait for some time. Their particular concern is with the mine closure regulations. What is the hurry, they ask, when only two large mines -- Erdenet Mining Corporation and Mongolrostsvetmet – are due to close in the near future? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The work of implementing a law approved by the parliament is usually given to an agency like the MRPAM, which has this responsibility for the mineral law and the law on petroleum. In case the present draft becomes law, the Government will have to establish an implementation structure, and it is doubtful if it has the necessary money for this. On the other hand, dismantling the current Mineral Resource and Petroleum Authority could cause some difficulties. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Given that the existing mineral law is proving inadequate, was there any overwhelming need to prepare a draft for a new law? What is the experience of other countries? Developing countries such as Chile, Vietnam and South Africa usually have one law on mineral resources whilst developed countries such as Australia and Canada also have one, which they call their mining law. Some suggest that Mongolia as a developing country could focus on the cycle-processing concept of the current mineral law and then take time to adopt a mining law. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The mining law in a developed country usually covers only extraction, refining, processing, reclamation, and mine closure, leaving geology-exploration and tax issues out of its ambit. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This is so as the purpose of the mining laws there is to accelerate growth in the mining industry through minimum environmental harm, but for a country like Mongolia, laws should apply more to work on the ground, and be focused on extraction and processing activities and, of course, to proper closure.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia has a different perspective, and there is no surprise that news of the draft mining law has generated public debate. The Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry's working group has initiated preparation of 10 law amendments including mineral law, law on underground wealth, common environmental law, penal law, law on violation, law on common mineral resources, law on special licence for organizations/entities, and fee on government special seal. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A number of provisions such as feasibility studies on using a mineral deposit, and mine closure plans would be added to the mineral law. Furthermore, the draft mining law states, "The issues related to mine and mine closure will be regulated by the mining law."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Amendments to other laws will also be incorporated into the draft law, which might cause duplication, leading to confusion and lack of clarity, instead of taking the industry forward.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://en.mongolianminingjournal.com/content/64149.shtml">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3Es47Ihc91RzbxxXpNwqw32fRW16GJbNblZlI5batKha_32wVRL9PjbcVzpxgQPWtZTSYx7tu0NB6NOAI4xSZrVIvZgqgBYe5wSHtjR0iSmjVHQR0aNQBLjezsm0CoY3w0ZyOCx_0RA/s1600/image005-796854.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin3Es47Ihc91RzbxxXpNwqw32fRW16GJbNblZlI5batKha_32wVRL9PjbcVzpxgQPWtZTSYx7tu0NB6NOAI4xSZrVIvZgqgBYe5wSHtjR0iSmjVHQR0aNQBLjezsm0CoY3w0ZyOCx_0RA/s320/image005-796854.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106058681608178" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Business></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Business<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_New_deal_to"></a>New deal to see Mongolian buildings go sustainable<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 2 (Energy Live News) A deal has been signed to encourage, promote and develop green buildings in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Construction and Urban Development (MCUD) to jointly develop mandatory regulations and voluntary policies for this purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The partners will also generate awareness and share knowledge regarding sustainable buildings.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia is one of the most urbanised countries in Asia – around 72% of its population live in cities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>However, about 60% of these urban residents live in traditional tent dwellings, with many others living in poorly insulated buildings. Both groups still rely heavily on inefficient household stoves and coal-based heating systems.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>These methods waste fuel and money, as well as directly contributing to severe air pollution.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Improving building designs could result in substantial benefits by reducing monthly utility bills, improving public health and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Government of Mongolia aims to reduce heat losses from buildings by 20% by 2020 and 40% by 2030, compared to 2014 levels.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Energy efficient buildings are expected to play a large part in helping the government achieve these targets.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia has vast renewable resources for electricity production which could potentially be exported.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.energylivenews.com/2017/03/02/new-deal-to-see-mongolian-buildings-go-sustainable/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s1600/image006-799175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s320/image006-799175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106065493868370" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Ulaanbaatar></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_How_Deadly_Pollution"></a>How Deadly Pollution Became One of Mongolia's Biggest Problems<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 2 (Newsweek) It feels like dusk, but it's only 11 a.m. In Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia's rapidly expanding capital, light falls in a soft yellow haze over the centre and surrounding suburbs. Coal smoke fills the air, interspersed with a more acrid, throat-tickling taste of burning plastic. Ulaanbaatar is one of the world's most heavily polluted cities—in December it experienced pollution levels <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-12-22/world-s-worst-air-has-mongolians-seeing-red-planning-protest" target="_blank">five times higher</a> than in Beijing. For families, trying to survive in the world's coldest capital is expensive: many throw everything onto the family stove—old shoes, tyres, and <a href="http://theubpost.mn/2016/12/14/ulaanbaatars-silent-killer-2/" target="_blank">scrap plastic</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The city's center has modern skyscrapers that look out over a sea of Soviet tower blocks. Beyond this brutalist crust are 180,000 gers, or yurts, home to the city's most recent arrivals. Here, tree stumps dot the landscape, felled by city residents for essential fuel.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Twenty percent of Mongolia's population have migrated to Ulaanbaatar <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/05/mongolian-herders-moving-to-city-climate-change" target="_blank">over the past three decades</a>. Weather patterns, called dzud, have forced many to leave their traditional way of life herding cattle and sheep and move to the capital. Dzud is an ultra cold-weather phenomenon believed to <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-35983912" target="_blank">occur in five-yearly cycles,</a> but has been increasing in frequency, especially in the Gobi Desert region of Mongolia. One million animals died last year due to the deep freeze, often buried neck-deep in snowdrifts. In 2009 nearly eight million animals were wiped out in one of Mongolia's worst ever winters, <a href="http://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/10/7/074012" target="_blank">destroying the herds of 9,000</a> families. The dzuds ruin the farmers' livelihoods, and due to lack of social support systems, the only choice left is to move to Ulaanbaatar and find a job.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As more people arrive in the city in their gers, the number of stoves increases too, each belting out enough heat to cook three meals a day and heat the cold gers through winter. The pollution levels that come with them are proportionally huge: 80 percent of all pollution in Ulaanbaatar is caused by ger stoves, according to the <a href="http://www.who.int/en/" target="_blank">World Health Organisation (WHO)</a>. The rest is caused by transportation (10 percent), thermal power plants (6 percent), and solid waste (4 percent).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), part of what causes pollution to be damaging to human health, have been recorded as <a href="https://www.pollutionsolutions-online.com/news/air-clean-up/16/breaking-news/is-anywhere-more-polluted-than-beijing/41349" target="_blank">80 times higher than WHO guidelines</a>, and the organization predicts the situation will worsen over the next 10 years. On December 16 the level of PM2.5 peaked at 1,985 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m 3 ). The WHO recommends PM2.5 exposure of no more than 25µg/m 3 on average over a 24-hour period.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This winter, the rate of pollution-related pneumonia among children has been so high that the city's hospitals <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-12-22/world-s-worst-air-has-mongolians-seeing-red-planning-protest" target="_blank">are full.</a> It is now the second most common cause of mortality among Mongolian children, accounting for 15 percent of all deaths. A 2011 <a href="https://www.sfu.ca/university-communications/media-releases/2011/study-air-pollution-killing-ulaanbaatar-mongolia-residents.html" target="_blank">study</a> by Ryan Allen, associate professor of environmental health at Simon Fraser University, found that one in 10 deaths in Ulaanbaatar can be <a href="https://www.sfu.ca/university-communications/media-releases/2011/study-air-pollution-killing-ulaanbaatar-mongolia-residents.html" target="_blank">attributed to air pollution.</a> Researchers studying the impact of pollution estimate <a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8439" target="_blank">29 percent of cardiopulmonary deaths</a>, and 40 percent of lung cancer deaths in Mongolia are caused by pollution.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In a bid to fight the recent outbreak of influenza and pneumonia, the Central Military Hospital opened <a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8196" target="_blank">50 beds for children to deal with overspill</a> from other hospitals, while the mayor requested 30 new beds to be added to the Second Central Hospital in January. The Mongolian health also minister asked the mayor of Ulaanbaatar to supply hospitals with baby <a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8196" target="_blank">breathing apparatus</a> and recommended kindergartens, universities and workplaces reduce their opening hours. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Given a choice between keeping their families warm in a city where temperatures plunge to minus 30 degrees Celsius during winter, and keeping air pollution at bay, it's a no-brainer for many residents that the stoves need to stay alight.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However, this year, many in Ulaanbaatar started to raise their voices in protest at pollution levels, with two large demonstrations in the capital.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On January 28 thousands gathered in the city center carrying black balloons. Wearing face masks to protect them from the smog, the crowds marched in minus 20 degree temperatures waving banners reading, "Wake up and smell the smog." In this ex-Soviet city, protests are rare. Mongolians understand the seriousness of the situation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to professor Ryan Allen, Ulaanbaatar is at a natural disadvantage. "The city's geography doesn't help. [It] is in a river valley, which tends to trap pollution. The pollution then tends to stick around at ground level because it's sheltered by mountains so there isn't much wind," he tells <i>Newsweek</i> .<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Air pollution has got significantly worse in the past decade he believes. "I've noticed a very dramatic shift. You can feel it in your throat, in your eyes, in your nose. The fundamental cause is without doubt the stoves in the gers. When you enter the ger districts it gets so much worse."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A ger house is perfect for a nomad. A large, tent-like structure, it is built using poles and felt, and can be collapsed in two hours. During the colder months, extra layers of felt are added to the gers to increase insulation. But there is little traditional about the structures encircling Ulaanbaatar's center. The ger districts have no running water or waste disposal, while <a href="https://blogs.ucl.ac.uk/mongolian-economy/2015/06/24/social-exclusion-in-the-ger-districts-of-ulaanbaatar/" target="_blank">educational and health centres are massively outnumbered</a> by residents.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"These urban slums are killing people with their levels of pollution, and affecting pregnant women. From the perspective of an outsider, I would argue that they're very far from the traditional lifestyle where movements depend on the needs of the herd," says Allen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As awareness of air pollution has risen, so has the push to do something about it. "Since 2014, real-time information about air quality <a href="http://www.agaar.mn/index" target="_blank">has been available,</a> and the World Health Organization has encouraged the government to inform the public real-time information about air quality through organizing…consultative meetings," says Delgermaa Vanya, a spokesperson for the WHO in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/mongolian-air-pollution-project#/" target="_blank">Local crowdfunding projects</a> have tried to find short-term solutions, first by raising money and awareness of the problem, and then by distributing pollution masks and purifiers to ger dwellers. One campaign to buy and distribute 100 air purifiers to hospitals and schools raised $1,400 (£1,122) of a $37,000 target <a href="https://www.generosity.com/community-fundraising/100-air-purifiers-to-reduce-pollution-mortalities--2" target="_blank">in five days</a>, enough to buy approximately four machines.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However, Audrey de Nazelle, a lecturer in air pollution management at Imperial College London, says that masks are not a solution, and there is no quick fix. They filter out only the coarsest particles, leaving ultrafine particles to enter the system. So far there is no easy fix for city dwellers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>International organizations, such the World Bank, are working with the government to come up with longer-term solutions. To reduce air pollution to a manageable level, the <a href="http://projects.worldbank.org/P122320/ulaanbaatar-clean-air-project?lang=en" target="_blank">Ulaanbaatar Clean Air Project</a> estimates the city needs to reduce current emissions by 94 percent. One of the ways to achieve this is to reduce stove emissions, by introducing energy-efficient electric stoves to households. The government has recently made steps to incentivize this—on January 1, it <a href="https://akipress.com/news:586144" target="_blank">removed the night tariff</a> paid by residents to use electric stoves, and cut further tariffs for residents looking to use electric heating.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Closed stoves could also help, says de Nazelle, as they are more efficient, even if not electric. "The problem with open stoves is that they're an open fire so combustion isn't complete. Close the stove up, and fuel is burned more efficiently. However, this presents a cultural challenge, as [the ger dwellers] may not know how to cook the recipes they've always cooked on these closed stoves."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In December 2016 Prime Minister Erdenebat <a href="https://akipress.com/news:586144" target="_blank">told AKIpress</a> : "We need to take effective action against air pollution. The government will support renewable energy usage, offer electricity tariff discount for households using electric heating, support the import and consumption of high-quality fuel and use natural gas fuel for transportation by spending air pollution charge properly."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Despite these promises, and the tariff changes, Ryan Allen is "discouraged by the rate of progress." He points to the challenge of installing new stoves and energy efficient boilers in places where there's no electricity, and says, "All the while, more people are moving into the city, so it feels like we're swimming upstream."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the long-term, other cities in Mongolia need to be become attractive to encourage people to move there instead, he says. This will reduce the burden on Ulaanbaatar, and encourage potential newcomers to relocate, which will give the city a chance to improve air quality.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A longer-term goal is to move the population out of the gers, and into purpose built housing. In <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/dafcddc6-9bfc-11e4-a6b6-00144feabdc0" target="_blank">2013 the Mongolian parliament</a> approved a masterplan to redevelop some of the city's gers into apartments. However, the developments, have been put on hold due to a <a href="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/once-booming-mongolia-facing-an-economic-crisis/3394170.html" target="_blank">growing economic crisis.</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Even with help from international organizations, reducing emissions by 93 percent is a big ask. It would seem that for now at least, there is no happy ending forecast for Ulaanbaatar. At the end of winter, air quality tends to improve as people have less need for their stoves, and public focus moves elsewhere. However, with the number of immigrants streaming into the city year-round, if the problem is ignored, it could become an even bigger crisis next winter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.newsweek.com/pollution-mongolia-ulaanbaatar-deadly-kill-children-higher-beijing-562881">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_BCM_Guideline_for"></a>BCM Guideline for Companies to Combat Air Pollution<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ulaanbaatar, March 2 (Business Council of Mongolia) -- <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Purpose:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> This Guideline document is to help CEOs and business leaders quickly identify possible actions they can implement in their organizations against air pollution.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Resources for information on Air Pollution</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.mne.mn/en/681">Ministry of Environment Tourism on Air Pollution;</a><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.mne.mn/mn/1651">National Committee on Reduction of Air Pollution</a>;<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.agaar.mn/article-view/444">The Resolutionof the National Committee to Reduce Air Pollution;</a><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2016/12/06/air-pollution-reduction-national-committee-reports-on-2015-2016-activities/">Air Pollution Reduction National Committee reports on 2015-2016 activities;</a><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.legalinfo.mn/law/details/6371">Measures taken in connection with the adoption of the Law on air pollution reduction;</a><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.ub-air.info/ub-air/en/">Air Quality in Ulaanbaatar: Monitoring outputs by Air Quality Department, Capital City</a>;<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://eabi.ub.gov.mn/">City Health Authority: UB Health Index;</a><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://bcmongolia.org/working-groups/energy-and-environmental-working-group">BCM Energy & Environment Working Group</a>: <a href="http://bcmongolia.org/knowledge-base/presentations/bcm-eneregy-environmnet-working-group-meeting-13-dec-2016">2017 Program;</a><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.unicef.org/mongolia/Understanding_and_addressing_the_impact_of_air_pollution_on_childrens_health_in_Mongolia.pdf">UNICEF Reports on "Understanding and addressing the impact of air pollution on children's health in Mongolia"</a><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/763976830421472/?hc_ref=SEARCH">Parents against air pollution FB page;</a><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.agaar.mn/">www.agaar.mn</a><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.ub-air.info/">www.ub-air.info</a><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.stateair.mn/">www.stateair.mn</a><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://ubairpollution.org/">http://ubairpollution.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>mobile apps: AirVisual, "Аgaar"<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Specific ACTIONS that companies can take NOW:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Educate employees about air pollution; invite guest speakers; encourage employees to share information with friends and family; discuss possible solutions with employees<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo4'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Possible topics: damages and causes of air pollution, protection measures, energy consumption & efficiency; indoor air quality (smoking indoors); breastfeeding & healthy diet; vehicle idling; vehicle maintenance;<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Work environment:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l8 level1 lfo5'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Improve energy efficiency in building/office to reduce energy consumption;<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l8 level1 lfo5'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Plant & maintain trees; install air cleansing plants in the office;<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l8 level1 lfo5'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Install HEPA air filter and air purifiers to tackle indoor air pollution (For an affordable solution, visit <a href="http://smartairfilters.com/mn/en/">http://smartairfilters.com/mn/en/;</a><o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l8 level1 lfo5'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Install monitoring devices;<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Work activities:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo6'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ensure company vehicles are well maintained to reduce pollution emissions;<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo6'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Drivers/employees instructed to not idle & to turn off vehicle engine when not moving;<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo6'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Implement carpooling activities;<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo6'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In polluted air, ensure employees wear pollution masks;<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Social responsibility:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo7'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Focus CSR (corporate social responsibility) initiatives to tackle air pollution<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo7'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Tackle air pollution in UB: UNICEF recommends focusing on areas where children are especially affected, and where urgent interventions need to be put in place to protect them as soon as possible. These include the provision of air filtration systems and electric heaters in kindergartens and schools in some of the worst-affected regions. For more information and guidance, please contact UNICEF for (Nicholas Rees, nrees@unicef.org; and Sunjidmaa, sjamba@unicef.org);<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo7'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Run marketing/PR campaigns & contests that raise awareness about air pollution.<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b><u><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>List of distributors for pollution masks:</span></u></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l9 level1 lfo8'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>BRB – 70119967, 99658555<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l9 level1 lfo8'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>BOX shop – 99062387, 75557007, 90878111 – Facebook: RZ утааны маск<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l9 level1 lfo8'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>CATD LLC – 11327308, 99114346<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l9 level1 lfo8'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mmarket – 75758001 – Facebook: Утааны Маск<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l9 level1 lfo8'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>MONOS Pharmacy – 99190858<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l9 level1 lfo8'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Seven summits – 11317923<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l9 level1 lfo8'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>3M Mongolia Premier Service - 9400-3088, 9910-3335<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l9 level1 lfo8'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Utaanii Mask – 99906643 – Facebook: Утааны маск + Агаар шүүгч<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://bcmongolia.org/news/detail/bcm-guideline-for-companies-to-combat-air-pollution-02-february-2017">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Thousand_police_officers"></a>Thousand police officers keep 'Tsagaan sar' traffic flowing<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 2 (news.mn) Nearly one thousand traffic police officers have been worked during 'Tsagaan sar', Mongolia's traditional Lunar New Year Festival, which this year took place from 27<sup>th</sup> of February to 1<sup>st</sup> of March. Ulaanbaatar is increasingly suffering from traffic congestion; furthermore, many travelled to the countryside to spend the holiday with members of their families living in all parts of the country. It is not surprising that this dramatically increases the number of vehicles on countryside roads and causes congestion.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Students of the Law Enforcement University have been helping the police by taking part in traffic regulation during the days of this long holiday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/326437">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Book_Exchange_Day"></a>Book Exchange Day to be held Saturday on Sukhbaatar Square<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 2 (news.mn) Mongolia has recently started organising a Book Exchange Day on Ulaanbaatar's main square. The event takes place on the first Saturday of every month from 12.00 p.m to 13.00 p.m. The third time the new initiative will be held will be on 4<sup>th</sup> of March.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Book Exchange Day is being organised by Ulaanbaatar City Art and Culture as part of the 'Happy City' programme. The event aims to support the benefits of exchanging books and to promote the national library services. During the event, the National Library of Mongolia will present membership cards to the first 100 people.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/326451">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_What_can_you"></a>What can you eat with $10 in UB<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 2 (gogo.mn) In scope of Asia News Network project, we at GoGo Mongolia aimed to figure out what can you eat with US$10 (that is 25 thousand Mongolian Tugriks) in Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We visited following places;<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo9'>Exe coffee shop, locates 1st floor in Exe office building for breakfast, <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo9'>Etugen university to try the "Piroshki" that most students have every day,<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo9'>Cafe Bene for a coffee and a slice of cake,<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo9'>Narantuul market to try some street food called "Banshtai tsai" ,<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo9'>Hot pot cafe for "Huushuur", the cheapest, delicious and easy filling food of Mongolia, <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo9'>Cafe tree for a bottle of local beer. <o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Of course, Mongolia has many different kind of food places, including Western style, Asian style and vegetarian food places too. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also you might have heard that most Mongolians eat lots of meat every day, even for breakfast. But in this video, we tried to mostly show you the local foods.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We hope you enjoy the video.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(<a href="https://youtu.be/QniYcXPI6V4">VIDEO</a>)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157521">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Finding_solutions_to"></a>Finding solutions to common problems facing young people<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>By B. Dulguun<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 2 (UB Post) <i>The Metropolitan Youth Development Agency (MYDA) was established four months ago to bring focus to youth, who make up 34 percent of Ulaanbaatar's population, and help them deal with their problems.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Head of MYDA S.Sukh-Ochir was interviewed to find out if the agency has made strides to support employment of young people, and improve their health education, as promised when the agency was opened. </i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>MYDA was founded as a form of investment toward young people, who are vital to the future of Mongolia. What have you accomplished so far?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>MYDA was established in 2016 in accordance with the Government Resolution No.8 and Ulaanbaatar Mayor's A 825 directive. Until now, there wasn't a government organization that manages youth development issues. This puts a tremendous amount of responsibility on our shoulders. We planned measures for young people all over Mongolia, not just for those living in Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our first project is "Ikh Khotiin Soyol", which features 24 series of 40-minute videos that will change attitudes of youngsters and help them develop a correct city lifestyle and culture. We've planned more than 40 measures for 2017, which we will carry out on different months this year. We've been drafting a policy for young people in Ulaanbaatar since December 2016. In other words, our staff is working hard to have a youth development program approved. The main objective of the program is to nurture creative, positive, proactive, well-mannered, helpful and responsible young people who contribute to society.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>The places where young people can hang out and spend their leisure time is very limited in Ulaanbaatar. Are you doing anything to resolve this issue?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As the economy is in a bad shape, we're trying to spend the minimum amount of funds on our projects to save on the (city) budget. One of the main targets in the 2016-2020 Ulaanbaatar Mayor's Action Plan is infrastructure issues for creating new places where young people can spend quality and productive leisure time. Within the framework of this target, government and nongovernment organizations operating in the capital will cooperate with the private sector.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We started surveying two districts to determine if it's possible to build a youth development park as part of a project aimed to improve infrastructure in ger areas. In particular, we're hoping to create favorable conditions for sports during the winter and planting trees by building a youth development park at the National Garden Park.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>MYDA is also working to establish a youth center. This will enable youngsters to meet new people, exchange experience with them, and spend their free time more productively. We must do whatever we can with the resources we already have rather than building new facilities with excessive spending of funds from the city or state budget. Young people might learn something from this and if they do, it will become a form of investment to their knowledge, intelligence, and attitude.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Several organizations dedicated to helping young adults become productive members of society have agreed to launch five to seven hobby clubs in 2017. Basically, our MYDA is opening a place where young people with the same interests, such as hard rock music or metal can gather. We welcome any group of people passionate about anything.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>You mentioned surveying two districts for building youth development parks. Exactly which two districts are you surveying? Can you share details about this project?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This matter hasn't been finalized yet. Basketball and football courts, as well as parks, are built in the middle of cities and buildings in other countries. It gives a nice impression of being in the middle of a forest without having to actually leave the city. We're looking at ways to bring this kind of scenery to Ulaanbaatar, which needs to be suitable for Mongolia's climate and special conditions. We're still researching this at the moment. We will involve mainly young people when we build the park.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Most children are spending the majority of their time at PC gaming centers, bringing about negative influence in society. How do you plan to stop children from going to gaming centers?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This year, MYDA is going to organize workshops and seminars aimed to prevent children and young adults from developing bad habits, becoming involved in crimes, and going on the wrong path. I've contrived several measures and activities for not only stopping children from getting addicted to PC games but from getting hooked to dangerous and harmful addiction, which could distance them from human interactions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>MYDA is preparing a room equipped with 10 computers at the agency in an attempt to start a small IT business with people who play PC games. In addition, we're developing directives for limiting a child's stay at gaming centers to three hours a day.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>It seems that drug use among young adults is increasing lately. Is there a way to prevent them from taking drugs?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The issue of drugs has been put together with "toxic habits" in the 2017 plan. MYDA will work with the General Police Department, Ulaanbaatar Police Department, and district police departments to get the exact number on this criminal offense. Based on our findings, we will determine a strategy for combating drug use and launch an anti-drugs campaign.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One of the 24 series of "Ikh Khotiin Soyol" is about why people use drugs and ways to stop them. We must fundamentally study why young people indulge in drugs. It's important to thoroughly research first if we want to find a solution to this issue.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>The gap between urban and rural settlements was very big in the 1970s. Now, nearly half the population of Mongolia lives in the capital. Some people say the city is being heavily influenced by rural cultures. What has MYDA planned for educating young people and setting them on the right path?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It requires time to change a trend that has already set in. The media plays a huge role in fixing something that has been kept for many years. There's a set of rules and laws city residents have to follow regarding sanitation and hygiene. A program will be produced for raising awareness about these laws and helping people adjust to city life and rules.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Have you conducted a survey on unemployed young people? What are you doing to help these people find jobs and get stable income?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Ulaanbaatar Mayor's Action Plan specifies to ensure that each household has at least one person with a job. Through a survey on labor issues of young people, we found that a group of people choose to stay unemployed because they're unsatisfied with the job they get while another group can't find jobs in line with their profession. We're going to organize two career fairs so that we can promote youth employment. In particular, a job fair for young people with no work experience will be held in May. The fair is for people who just graduated and have no work experience and those who recently finished vocational education and training schools. Most jobs require work experience. Therefore, we will focus on supporting people who lack experience.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In fall, a career fair will be organized for young people who have work experience and those who graduated abroad. We also plan to give advice to high school seniors. We will raise one of their concerns and give them the correct understanding on whether they need to enter a university.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At present, there are 205,000 students studying in university and college in Ulaanbaatar. It'll be hard for most of them to find jobs after graduating. Instead of chasing after a diploma, they should be trying to get a trade apprenticeship and not allow foreigners to take up this huge job opportunity.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover, we'll support young people who want to introduce a new product to the market.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>There are young people living with disabilities. What do you plan to do for them?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To promote employment of young adults living with disabilities, MYDA is encouraging them to start doing intellectual jobs aside from engaging in arts and craft production. There's an article in the Labor Law that states that public and private organizations with more than 25 employees must employ at least one person living with a disability. State agencies operating in Ulaanbaatar are calling on the Mayor's Office to strengthen the implementation of that regulation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>How efficiently does the MYDA use social media?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are 700,000 active Facebook users in Mongolia. Hence, we share our plans and measures through social media. We will spread positive solutions for various issues through the internet as well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We will make a program on the proper way to use the internet and digital world. We're striving to run a training workshop with media organizations about how to distribute correct information through the internet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Is there anything you'd like to tell young people?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our agency is open for all of you. If there's a problem, don't hesitate to contact us because we'll always be ready for anything. Don't wait for an opportunity, find it yourself and seize it when you do. We all need to be positive to be able to become the real owners of our city and develop it further – treat the city like it's our home!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/02/finding-solutions-to-common-problems-facing-young-people/">Link to interview</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s1600/image006-799175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s320/image006-799175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106065493868370" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Diplomacy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Diplomacy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_Ambassador,_former"></a>Mongolian Ambassador, former PM S.Bayar presents credentials to Queen Elizabeth<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ On March 1, S.Bayar Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland presented his diplomatic credentials to the Queen Elizabeth II at the Buckingham Palace.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia and the United Kingdom established diplomatic relations in 1963. Ambassador S.Bayar is the 13th Mongolian Ambassador to the UK, who presented diplomatic credentials since the establishment of the diplomatic relations. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Following the ceremony to present diplomatic credentials, Ambassador S.Bayar introduced the staff of the Embassy of Mongolia in London to the Queen Elizabeth II and talked about bilateral relations and collaboration between Mongolia and the UK.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Previously, Ambassador S.Bayar served as an Ambassador of Mongolia to the Russian Federation and is 25th Prime Minister of Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8963">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Amb._John_Langtry:"></a>Amb. John Langtry: Governments Are Not Good at Business<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Australian Ambassador John Langtry's interview for the Mongolian Mining Journal (Feb 2017)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://mongolia.embassy.gov.au/files/ulnb/mmjeng.pdf">Link to PDF</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s1600/image006-799175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s320/image006-799175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106065493868370" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HealthEdu></a><a name=Culture></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Culture & Society<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_1,500_Mongolians_permitted"></a>1,500 Mongolians permitted entry to South Korea under government employment contract<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 2 (UB Post) The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection is giving 1,500 people the chance to establish employment contracts and work in South Korea, agreed to under a memorandum signed by the Government of Mongolia and South Korea's Ministry of Employment and Labor<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Those interested in the offer can apply for the work program at the ministry's headquarters. Korean language proficiency tests will be administered at district and provincial labor departments on March 6, 7, and 9, scheduled to take place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 39, have basic Korean language speaking and reading skills, and must not have a criminal record or have been deported from South Korea in the past.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/02/1500-mongolians-permitted-entry-to-south-korea-under-government-employment-contract/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia's_guardian_dogs"></a>Mongolia's guardian dogs help preserve steppe ecology<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Native breeds protect livestock, reducing the need to kill predators<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ULAANBAATAR, March 2 (Nikkei Asian Review)</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Bruce Elfstrom got a firsthand look at the fragility of Mongolian nomads' existence while producing a documentary in 2004.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Elfstrom, a biologist and outdoor adventurer, was camping with a film crew and some nomadic herder families on the vast steppes of rural Mongolia. He was awakened one freezing, star-filled night by the sound of slaughter. A wolf pack had attacked, killing 17 horses and 30 other animals.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Such losses are devastating but common for Mongolian nomads, who maintain a millennia-old lifestyle of small family units residing in mobile yurts and are dependent for subsistence on livestock -- traditionally horses, camels, yaks, sheep and goats.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Livestock predation can ruin nomadic families, which often retaliate by hunting the culprits -- primarily gray wolves, lynx and snow leopards. High-powered rifles and off-road vehicles have greatly increased the capabilities of nomad hunters in recent years, leaving predator populations under threat. Conservationists estimate, for instance, that only 500 to 1,000 snow leopards survive in Mongolia, putting them on the endangered species list.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Wolves are by far the biggest threat to livestock, and the New York-based Wildlife Conservation Society has reported that they are "almost certainly declining in number." A wolf pelt and body parts can command more than $300 in China, further incentivizing retaliatory killings.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The loss of livestock by struggling herders shocked Elfstrom, as did the threat posed by the wolves. But as a conservationist, he thought to himself, "How can I fix it?"<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The solution to both livestock predation and retribution hunting, Elfstrom soon discovered, was already available and had long been part of the nomadic lifestyle: Mongolian bankhar livestock guardian dogs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"It's a Mongolian solution for a Mongolian problem, based on ancient Mongolian tradition," he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>DETERRING PREDATION</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Bankhar dogs, native to Mongolia, are considered livestock guardians -- one of many such breeds developed over the centuries. The bankhar and breeds such as the Great Pyrenees and the Anatolian Shepherd have proved highly effective in deterring predation and reducing the need for lethal control of predators in places ranging from South Africa and Australia to the U.S.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Livestock losses to predation often decline by at least 80%, or are even eliminated, following the introduction of guardian dogs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolian lore indicates that bankhar dogs have long been used as livestock guardians. However, the turmoil created by 70 years of collectivization and modernization, imposed on nomadic communities by the Soviet Union and its Mongolian proxies, resulted in the loss of vital traditional knowledge, including the capabilities required to train and employ bankhar dogs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>According to Mongolian herders and field biologists, the dogs were actively destroyed under communist rule because of a misconception that they spread disease to livestock. The dogs survived only in the most isolated herding communities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>To reintroduce the canines to nomads around Mongolia, Elfstrom raised $40,000 in seed money in 2011 through Kickstarter, a crowdfunding platform, and added a larger sum of his own to establish the Mongolian Bankhar Dog Project. The initiative located 10 bankhar dogs living with isolated herders around Mongolia, and those animals form the core breeding population.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Zoe Lieb, a conservation biologist and anthropologist who took over the program in Mongolia in November, said restoring the breed is a priority. The project has so far reared nearly 40 puppies, most of which have been deployed as livestock guardian dogs or are in training.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>To increase its impact, the project has also teamed up with several domestic and international conservation organizations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Wildlife Conservation Society recently began working with the project as part of its Sustainable and Wildlife-friendly Cashmere Project, which partners with global luxury brands to source cashmere wool from herders who have pledged to engage in sustainable herding practices. These include refraining from lethal control of predation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"We are definitely taking a bet" on the Mongolian Bankhar Dog Project, said Onon Bayasgalan, the sustainable enterprise officer for WCS Mongolia. "Supporting our bet is that we have a history of guardian dogs here," she said. "That's a good foundation to work off."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Bankhar dogs can also mitigate desertification, which has increased in recent years because herders now primarily raise goats for cashmere wool to sell on the open market. Goats have voracious appetites and damage pastures more than other livestock, resulting in pasture depletion and increasing desertification. The Gobi Desert is estimated to be growing at 3,000 sq. km a year, with vast sandstorms contributing to smog levels throughout East Asia. Pasture productivity has deteriorated.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>SMALLER HERDS</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Three times as many goats now roam Mongolia's steppes as in the 1980s, and herders are keeping ever-larger livestock herds as a hedge against predation and weather-related losses. But reducing the risk of livestock losses can spur herders to keep smaller herds, in the expectation that more will survive.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Further, the use of the dogs encourages predators to focus on natural prey, such as the Asiatic wild ass and Mongolian gazelle. The increased threat encourages these wild ungulates to herd and graze in more compact units, helping reduce pasture damage.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"This one dog, as a tool, can satisfy a number of different things," Elfstrom said, "including ecological balance, sustainability, security, as well as cultural aspects."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The use of bankhar dogs, however, will not address all of Mongolia's looming ecological threats. Poaching has had a dramatic impact on wildlife populations in the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>According to Mongolian government estimates cited by the Wildlife Conservation Society, the population of critically endangered saiga antelope fell by 85% to just 800 animals during a five-year period in the late 1990s. The number of red deer plummeted by 92% between the 1980s and early 2000s, and argali mountain sheep numbers dropped by 75% in roughly the same period. The loss of prey species is likely pushing predators to hunt livestock, further exacerbating threats to predator populations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Meanwhile, the effects of climate change are already being felt in Mongolia, with colder and drier winters, falling water tables and more violent storms.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Despite its limitations, the Mongolian Bankhar Dog Project is showing tangible results. Elfstrom said herders have seen predation losses fall from between 20 and 80 sheep a year to fewer than 10.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Elfstrom envisions one day putting Mongolian management in charge of the project and hopes that the use of bankhar dogs will become part of normal herding practices.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Once that momentum builds and it's in the hands of Mongolians," he said, "it will cause a chain of emulations that will create a healthier ecology and economy."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://asia.nikkei.com/magazine/20170302/Life-Arts/Mongolia-s-guardian-dogs-help-preserve-steppe-ecology">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Breaking_waste_picker"></a>Breaking waste picker stereotypes with 'Baatar'<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 2 (UB Post) <i>Space Entertainment is presenting "Baatar" (Hero), a docudrama inspired by the true story of D.Khurelbaatar, who changed his life of picking through waste for the better.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>People living on the street and picking through trash are condemned as pathetic and lazy, but "Baatar" documentary shines a spotlight onto the real life struggles of people living on the street, showing that there's more to their life than meets the eye. "Baatar" is expected to be featured at numerous prestigious festivals, according to producer E.Temuulen.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>E.Temuulen spoke more about the film's inspiration in an extensive interview about "Baatar".</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Why did you decide to film a docudrama on the lives of waste pickers? How did you find the protagonist?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>President of the National Recycling Association D.Byambasaikhan told me about D.Khurelbaatar, who used to pick waste and trash from the streets, but found success and is now living well. He proposed that I make a film about this. Then I met with D.Khurelbaatar, wrote a script based on his life, and started filming it immediately. He might have been a waste picker, but now he owns two centers that collect secondary raw materials and he recently opened a new center, which is operated by four to five recovering alcoholics.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Do most people view them as "pathetic" individuals?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This is an abandoned world that we don't know much about. It was very difficult for us (the production team) to go into this society. Seeing them broke my heart. People thoughtlessly throw away trash, but waste pickers assort our garbage with their bare hands and take heavy sacks full of trash to collection centers all four seasons of the year. They do ecologically beneficial tasks for free. They don't get much money in exchange for their huge sacks. They get 2,000 MNT per sack at most. They still make ends meet with what little they earn.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Practically everyone, including teachers, students and politicians, make demonstrations, but this group of people never speaks up for themselves. Yet, we blame, criticize and judge them as pathetic individual when they've done nothing wrong.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>People say they'll never become like them but anything can happen in life. Instead of criticizing, we should encourage them.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>How did the protagonist improve his life?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>No one helped or gave D.Khurelbaatar a home. Someone told him to stop drinking and that there was a vacant job. That person gave hope to D.Khurelbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I asked him if he was ashamed during a conversation because I would have been if I'd been covered in mud, gotten cursed on the street, and been spit on the face like him. Even if I'd changed that life, I would be embarrassed to talk about it. However, he showed me where he collapsed and got kicked in the face, and told me that he walked away smiling. He said that he can now encourage others because he wasn't ashamed back then. His words hit me hard as most people choose to hide their flaws and bad sides.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Do you think the society has forgotten and abandoned these people?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I don't know if politicians ignore them because of their bad image or because they don't know about them.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to a national census, there are around 300 people who make ends meet by picking trash. They might've had ID cards once. When we went to survey collection centers, there were around 3,000 people from a single district. Based on this, there are roughly 20,000 people living as waste pickers in Ulaanbaatar's nine districts. These people might not be able to vote because they lost or don't have ID cards or because they don't think their vote is important. Still, 20,000 is a big number. We must support and encourage these people.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>What was it like to meet waste pickers?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Lots of things hurt me while filming. There were women among them too. Their hands had calluses and blisters from picking wastes. Even when blood was dripping from their hand, they just licked it and continued picking trash.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I don't know these people's lives. I looked at them from a slightly different perspective and regarded them as another human being instead of judging them as bad people. Then I thought maybe these people are doing something really beneficial for us and lessening ecological problems little by little.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>What challenges did you face while filming?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It was very hard to film people carrying sacks because they felt self-conscious in front of the camera. They ran away from us and even chased us away. They agreed to talk with us in exchange for a cigarette or something else. We tried to handle them as well as we could.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We started filming when the coldest period of winter began so the camera froze, and actors and team members got frost bites. Some couldn't feel their hands or legs. These things are something they must overcome though. Rather than being difficult, it was actually fun. Our team wants to do another film about these people.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Why did you name the docudrama "Baatar"?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You, me, or anyone else can become a hero. Nowadays, children think heroes are people like Spiderman and Hulk, or prominent figures like Chinggis Khaan, D.Sukhbaatar, Olympic medalists and world champions. They are heroes for sure, but the concept of a hero has become very narrow. A hero is victory. Similar to how all heroes started off as ordinary people, we can overcome challenges and live like heroes. The society needs encouragement to help lost people reach their goals.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We showed the docudrama at nursing homes, prisons and military units before the premier. Apparently, suicide attempts are common in jails and prisons because most prisoners have lost the will to live. Even so, these people have thousands of tomorrows. You can lose or make a mistake but you can fix it. This is the message I want to give to others.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Alcoholism is a serious issue in the society. You can drink, but think before drinking. Is it really the best option? We try to put the blame on alcohol producers or someone else. Instead of blaming others, be careful and responsible for your own actions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We raised this broad topic and tried to find the light within it. We found D.Khurelbaatar from it. He's a true hero. He drank alcohol and lived unhappily for many years, but managed to find the correct path and is guiding others to success. It's heroic to change others' lives. I hope other young people change their lives and become their own heroes. This is our cry to society.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>It's difficult to make people open up about themselves. While conversing with waste pickers, were you able to find out why they ended up picking trash?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There were people who used to be exceptional artists, police officers and economists among waste pickers. Like many others, they stumbled in life. They talked about their problems. Women shared very sensitive and hard issues. I can't talk about the details because I promised them that I wouldn't reveal it to others.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I understood one thing while talking to so many of them. Anything can happen in life. It's wrong to blame people before trying to understand them. People avoid or go around waste pickers when they're just walking on the street. When I asked them why they isolate themselves from society, they said "We don't isolate ourselves from society. Society isolates us. I'm scared to go around public areas and Sukhbaatar Square". Social attitude impacts them greatly. When someone tells them it's their fault, instead of defending themselves, they succumb to the idea that they are at fault.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One of them said that they can't look at people's eyes because it's obvious what they're thinking while looking at them. Another said they can't go into shops to buy bread because they're chased away from public areas. They're humans – they need to eat too.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I was filming one of them when they tried to go into a pharmacy but a guard stopped him because he thought he was trying to steal. People living on the street need medicine as well. We tried to take them to a restaurant but the managers didn't allow it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The society discriminates these people. If they aren't disregarded so much, they might wash their clothes and shower before going to a store. It could give them hope that they could live like normal people. The negative stereotype in society is a huge issue in and of itself.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>What do you hope to tell viewers through "Baatar"?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I hope viewers become encouraged. Have faith in the thousands of tomorrows to come. Never give up. Be strong, courageous and fight again and again.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>"Baatar" is a nonprofit film. Isn't this risky for your film crew?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This is the start of Space Entertainment's projects for raising social awareness. The docudrama will be showcased in cinemas for free only once. Some people questioned why we're doing something so unprofitable and who'd watch a docudrama. In my opinion, we must shoulder the social responsibility. Arts and culture guide the society. It becomes intellectual investment for us. Our team agreed to carry out the project because we consider it very important for artists to produce things beneficial to society and the public.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I'm very grateful to everyone who participated in the filming of "Baatar". It costs 20 to 40 million MNT to produce a docudrama. Our crew worked day and night without salary and poured all their efforts into making this film. Forty of us united under a single goal. I'm very pleased with that. The names of people featured in the film have been listed on the poster, because it's the product of everyone in Space Entertainment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/03/02/breaking-waste-picker-stereotypes-with-baatar/">Link to interview</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s1600/image006-799175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s320/image006-799175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106065493868370" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Nature></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Nature & Environment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_4.1_magnitude_earthquake"></a>4.1 magnitude earthquake shakes Selenge's Zuunkharaa<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 2 (news.mn) Earlier today (2nd of March) an earthquake occurred in the Mandal soum (district) of the Selenge province in northern Mongolia. According to The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), "the 4.1 magnitude earthquake occurred in the soum's administrative centre Zuunkharaa at 08.07 a.m. The epicentre was 6 km away from the town". According to the information source, small tremors was felt through the city. Zuunkharaa is located 200 km north of the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/326447">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s1600/image006-799175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s320/image006-799175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106065493868370" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Sports></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Sports<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_'King_Tug'"></a>Mongolian 'King Tug' defeats Philippine 'Disaster' Gemino for 8-0, climbs to world 27<sup>th</sup> <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 2 (news.mn) N.Tugstsogt, 24, the silver medalist from the World Championships and the Olympics has won his eighth professional fight with super bantamweight Jhon Gemino, 'The Disaster' from the Philippines on 26<sup>th</sup> of February.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Boxer N.Tugstogt, was nicknamed 'King Tug', after he entered professional boxing in 2006. He has won all his previous fight by knockout, and is currently ranked at the 27<sup>th </sup>place among 1,514 bantamweight boxers. Previously, N.Tugstsogt ranked 73<sup>rd</sup>. If "King Tug" wins all the next fights, he will fight for Boxing Championship Belt at the end of the 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/326442">Link to article</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/8960">'King Tug' N.Tugstsogt now 27th in world ranking</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, March 2<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s1600/image006-799175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s320/image006-799175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106065493868370" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Art></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Art & Entertainment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_Two_Mongolians_reach"></a>Two Mongolians reach finals of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World 2017 <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>March 2 (news.mn) BBC Cardiff Singer of the World has announced the names of the 20 singers who will compete in the televised finals in June 2017. Among them are two Mongolians, namely, the baritone G.Ariunbaatar, who is a Soloist of the Mariinsky Theatre of Russia and Honoured State Artist of Mongolia along with tenor B.Batjargal who is a soloist of the Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The televised finals are split into four rounds, in which finalists will perform programmes of operatic and concert works, accompanied by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the Orchestra of Welsh National Opera.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>BBC Cardiff Singer of the World was established in 1983 by BBC Wales, and has since become one of the most popular classical music competitions in the world. The winner of the main prize will receive £15,000 and the Cardiff Trophy, while the World Song Prize, awarded to the best singer of Lieder and other songs, carries a £7,000 prize and trophy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/326441">Link to article</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/8959">Two Mongolians make final of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World</a> – <i>news.mn</i>, March 2<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia's_'Khusugtun'_to"></a>Mongolia's 'Khusugtun' to perform tomorrow at UN<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 2 (news.mn) 'Khusugtun', internationally recognized Mongolian ethnic group is about to commence a concert tour of Canada and the USA. The group's first venue, tomorrow 3<sup>rd</sup> of March, will be the United Nations in New York. The tour concert is organized by <a href="http://www.miye.mn/">www.miye.mn</a> in cooperation with the Khusugtun band for the promoting Mongolian tradition and history to the world.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The band will perform concerts in the following 10 cities:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo10'>5<sup>th</sup> of March in Toronto, Canada<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo10'>6<sup>th</sup> of March in Montreal, Canada<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo10'>10<sup>th</sup> of March in New York, USA<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo10'>12<sup>th</sup> of March in Washington D.C., USA<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo10'>18-19<sup>th</sup> of March in Chicago, USA<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo10'>20<sup>th</sup> of March in Seattle, USA<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo10'>21th of March in Vancouver, Canada<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo10'>24<sup>th</sup> of March in Berkeley, USA<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo10'>25<sup>th</sup> of March in Mill Valley, USA<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l7 level1 lfo10'>26<sup>th</sup> of March in Los-Angeles, USA.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/326445">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Mongolian_folk_music"></a>Mongolian folk music band Khusugtun playing in NY's Rubin Museum on March 10<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal><b>Date</b>: MARCH 10, 6:30 - 9:00 PM <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Advance Tickets:</b> $30.00<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Day of: </b>$35.00<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Members Advance: </b>$27.00<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Members Day of : </b>$31.50<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Khusugtun is an internationally recognized band that performs traditional music from Mongolia and will perform two concerts on March 10. The first will be at 6:30 p.m. and the second at 9:00 p.m. They are especially renowned for their a capella arrangements using "khöömei" or "throat-singing," which is an UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity from Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>About the band</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Khusugtun</b> formed in 2008 when its members were working together at the National Song and Dance Ensemble. Over the past eight years, the six musicians have produced numerous works that feature elements of Western classical music and musical instruments and techniques that form part of Mongolia's intangible cultural heritage, including the horsehead fiddle, zither, flute, lute, open-ended flute, various jaw harps, and throat-singing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://rubinmuseum.org/events/event/khusugtun-03-10-2017">Link to event</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s1600/image006-799175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s320/image006-799175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106065493868370" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Travel></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Travel<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_I_Documented_Mongolia's"></a>I Documented Mongolia's Mystical Tsaatan Reindeer People<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 2 (GoGo Mongolia) Tsaatans, known as Reindeer Herder, live in the Khuvsgul Province, Northern Part of Mongolia which is near the border with Russia. Their lives are divided into two different parts which are East and West. It is said that there are approximately 500 tsaatans living in a Tsagaannuur soum.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>More info: <a href="http://www.toursmongolia.com/" target="_blank">toursmongolia.com</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The tribal leader of east Taiga is Mr. Ganbaa and his wife Ms. Purvee and we were visited while they were in hibernation. The first day we arrived, we had a talk with leader Ganbaa about the life of taiga, at his home. While we were talking, he said that this year there are full of snows in taiga, and also he said sometimes they come together in the same place to share the latest news of Ulaanbaatar city and other interesting news.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157535">Link to photo essay</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s1600/image006-799175.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TG25inATePT9gAt7ialws9NfiNHTLM40ENyeQiHjyGhi7rWzo_uumx-yHwRGnI-NZIn8UvN4hfSWjWmofmZwHiBBzQQoHvlkamF9GVx2mIR005-GWFaP_xgRDuFVs62wCV_ZqKX7vTs/s320/image006-799175.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6393106065493868370" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#365F91'>---<br></span><b><span style='color:#44546A'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg5NBSGFIOwH6t83PTT_wE3jZeeU4UVK3OgJYW4QDR4ydgnH2pKg3zroQa0Vg5a5dR0kOzOAGOJHRk4sd84y8bzFfEm8f-Ifn8ZMecbSvNlj27wBxBHOVLrziqpqXwcsgyy2aUFsiMlqA/s1600/image010-711428.png"><img 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Complex<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>14 Chinggis Avenue, Sukhbaatar District 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia<br></span><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Email</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: </span><a href="mailto:info@covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@covermongolia.com</span></a><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Website</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: <a href="http://www.covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>www.covermongolia.com</span></a></span><u><span style='color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Phone (Office)</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: +976 7711 6779</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:Webdings;color:#339966'>P</span><span style='color:#339966'> </span><span lang=EN-AU style='color:#007F00;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-40609994161791496742017-03-02T12:44:00.001+08:002017-04-21T09:35:03.771+08:00[BREAKING: Khuraldai bonds capped at $600m, new investors welcome at 8.25%, $476m DBM holders agree to exchange at 8.75%]<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvo9cXbAKJkXAIRySKrFrFnspOmNWfYliO1ODbvdbzMQbbxhNBOP7eoew8BoLY7z2tRMs8G70FJatvvFlvTSdBWXsDET3MF9UB5eqOZoPyzbSKkZONQM1wTg589Oox_9UkYKArYuGRpnA/s1600/image001-784774.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvo9cXbAKJkXAIRySKrFrFnspOmNWfYliO1ODbvdbzMQbbxhNBOP7eoew8BoLY7z2tRMs8G70FJatvvFlvTSdBWXsDET3MF9UB5eqOZoPyzbSKkZONQM1wTg589Oox_9UkYKArYuGRpnA/s320/image001-784774.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392757689790928194" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMziC3-_AxLpnCp1t2lQXuzO2EghL5lsxErhzpUQg_D8-fyi5d0eKd-qMxtbzML0J104ngehuBKfsddXbYpfVyhgvXUlbuOwfIbNqo2MJi3vZlIq5h6a1hOvTs7HLNK4xthHDh8DskFM0/s1600/image002-788254.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMziC3-_AxLpnCp1t2lQXuzO2EghL5lsxErhzpUQg_D8-fyi5d0eKd-qMxtbzML0J104ngehuBKfsddXbYpfVyhgvXUlbuOwfIbNqo2MJi3vZlIq5h6a1hOvTs7HLNK4xthHDh8DskFM0/s320/image002-788254.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392757703879941602" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>- <span style='color:red'>BREAKING NEWS </span>-<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Thursday, March 2, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'>Cover Mongolia</span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span style='color:#4472C4'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></u>, <span style='color:#00B0F0'><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#00B0F0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#2F5597'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#2F5597'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span style='color:black'>, </span><span style='color:#C55A11'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><b><span style='color:#C55A11'>Instagram</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#C00000'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><b><span style='color:#C00000'>YouTube</span></b></a></span> and <span style='color:#FFC000'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><b><span style='color:#FFC000'>Blogspot</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1>Mongolia caps size of new 7-year US dollar bond issue at $600m<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>By Daniel Stanton<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>SINGAPORE, March 2 (IFR) - The Government of Mongolia , rated Caa1/B-/B-, has capped the size of new US dollar seven-year bonds at $600 million and given guidance for a new money component alongside an exchange offer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Holders of $476 million of Development Bank of Mongolia's state-guaranteed March 2017 bonds agreed to exchange them for new sovereign bonds</b>. <b>These will be exchanged at par for new bonds yielding 8.75 percent</b>, the minimum yield that was indicated for the offer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Since the old DBM bonds were issued under Regulation S and were not sold in the US, while the sovereign bonds are being sold under 144A/Reg S, <b>it has been decided to allow new investors to buy into the offering</b>. <b>Guidance for the new money tranche has been indicated at 8.25 percent</b> area, meaning that those investors will pay a premium to face value.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <b>combined size of both tranches is capped at $600 million</b>, since $580 million is needed to redeem the DBM bonds on March 21.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Credit Suisse and JP Morgan are managing the transaction</b>, which will price today.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia reached a funding agreement with the International Monetary Fund on February 19, without which it had been expected to struggle to repay the DBM bonds.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/international-business/mongolia-caps-size-of-new-7-year-us-dollar-bond-issue-at-600m/articleshow/57422665.cms">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#365F91'>---<br></span><b><span style='color:#44546A'><a 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style='color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Suite </span><span lang=MN style='color:#1F497D'>303</span><span style='color:#1F497D'>, Level 3, Elite Complex<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>14</span><span style='color:#1F497D'> </span><span style='color:#1F497D'>Chinggis Avenue, Sukhbaatar District 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia<br></span><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Email</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: </span><a href="mailto:info@covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@covermongolia.com</span></a><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Website</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: <a href="http://www.covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>www.covermongolia.com</span></a></span><u><span style='color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Phone (Office)</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: +976 7711 6779</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:Webdings;color:#339966'>P</span><span style='color:#339966'> </span><span lang=EN-AU style='color:#007F00;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-26409125116467941792017-03-02T10:52:00.001+08:002017-04-19T11:28:22.700+08:00[ETG spinning off US projects; Gobi Coal eyes IPO; MNT gains for 6 days; Russia extends $1.7B loan; and Happy Year of the Fire Rooster!]<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUkFOptCZR13mmL1aBqduC6BTDfNzRkB1y6Hwi7rEarqhVWd2IbmE1xxYSXrxHhKghJW7HhTJ3rtPG_krb8wvikS6SrsBI2irnxQOAmOvI0Iv3YUcouCndo0OpZWmMCPTGlaQgpB-WoI/s1600/image001-759277.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQUkFOptCZR13mmL1aBqduC6BTDfNzRkB1y6Hwi7rEarqhVWd2IbmE1xxYSXrxHhKghJW7HhTJ3rtPG_krb8wvikS6SrsBI2irnxQOAmOvI0Iv3YUcouCndo0OpZWmMCPTGlaQgpB-WoI/s320/image001-759277.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728799809556962" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmam25TO2RQ40WZmyXTvFioPq_Ik8E-9M3k2fwcMB09-RroFWs4NuV5ovYgbLfqEiVmwGZW74YaoZSzk4jZ7p4XMxKJBFId2QLstcpsmaxcrC0rQ-kA4_gjYIqqM0z7Ew8lC4JkFmrO8/s1600/image002-762034.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmam25TO2RQ40WZmyXTvFioPq_Ik8E-9M3k2fwcMB09-RroFWs4NuV5ovYgbLfqEiVmwGZW74YaoZSzk4jZ7p4XMxKJBFId2QLstcpsmaxcrC0rQ-kA4_gjYIqqM0z7Ew8lC4JkFmrO8/s320/image002-762034.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728810637869778" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:red'>- HAPPY YEAR OF THE FIRE ROOSTER -<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Thursday, March 2, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'>Cover Mongolia</span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span style='color:#4472C4'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></u>, <span style='color:#00B0F0'><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#00B0F0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#2F5597'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#2F5597'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span style='color:black'>, </span><span style='color:#C55A11'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><b><span style='color:#C55A11'>Instagram</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#C00000'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><b><span style='color:#C00000'>YouTube</span></b></a></span> and <span style='color:#FFC000'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><b><span style='color:#FFC000'>Blogspot</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><u>Jump to</u>: <a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> - <a href="#Local">Local Market</a> - <a href="#Economy">Economy</a> - <a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> - <a href="#Business">Business</a> - <a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> - <a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> - <a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> - <a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> - <a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> - <a href="#Sports">Sports</a> - <a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> - <a href="#Travel">Travel</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Headlines in <b><i>Italic</i></b> are ones modified by Cover Mongolia from original<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>HEADLINES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadIntl></a><u><a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Turquoise_Hill_announces">Turquoise Hill announces retirement of CFO</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Entree_Gold_Announces">Entree Gold Announces Spin-Out of US Projects</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_Growth_Group">Mongolia Growth Group Announces Renewal of Normal Course Issuer Bid</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Prophecy_to_Greet">Prophecy to Greet Investors at 2017 PDAC Bolivian and Mongolian Forums in Toronto March 5 to 8</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Oriental_Non-Ferrous_Resources">Oriental Non-Ferrous Resources Development sees Mongolia as cornerstone of Asian mining strategy</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Gobi_Coal_&">Gobi Coal & Energy Acquires Advanced Uranium Project in Mongolia and Plans Public Listing</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvbON_kp54dC74ZdCl-HivEe24PRpaIkWFbB-hHOwZCKeyoRlxM26OZuvBbW2ZFP1jYjqCOf5BNDq5xvRL7VWysw-eXYn5ZzmeXn-xUDn3xlu3EspKGHU_zoYBywQL38BZY3thQ7wPqM/s1600/image003-764323.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvbON_kp54dC74ZdCl-HivEe24PRpaIkWFbB-hHOwZCKeyoRlxM26OZuvBbW2ZFP1jYjqCOf5BNDq5xvRL7VWysw-eXYn5ZzmeXn-xUDn3xlu3EspKGHU_zoYBywQL38BZY3thQ7wPqM/s320/image003-764323.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728817032376466" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadLocal></a><u><a href="#Local">Local Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MSE_Weekly_Report:">MSE Weekly Report: Top 20 +7.34%, ALL +3.94%, Turnover ₮463.5M Shares, ₮7.9B T-Bill Primary, ₮1.7B Secondary</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Gan_Khiits_JSC">Gan Khiits JSC announces ₮24.2 million dividend, ₮100 per share</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_FRC_halts_Atar">FRC halts Atar Urguu JSC share trading under auditor's recommendation</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_ETC_SME_Local">ETC SME Local Currency Programme Technical Cooperation Framework: Capital Market Development Strategy for Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_NdfmUnwjDQnWDLkVvAwIbxbLIfnqp4LtEpeiQq9EsyQv7qnbKls8Eq8OX1iH5LpjsqEPG1fPoCj0ziuYVKpQXSMcVXgOZXJTMARKedKMs_KIwqCI1PMhC5iE2jmBhoaeIVkPokCplU/s1600/image004-766208.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_NdfmUnwjDQnWDLkVvAwIbxbLIfnqp4LtEpeiQq9EsyQv7qnbKls8Eq8OX1iH5LpjsqEPG1fPoCj0ziuYVKpQXSMcVXgOZXJTMARKedKMs_KIwqCI1PMhC5iE2jmBhoaeIVkPokCplU/s320/image004-766208.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728825418319282" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadEconomy></a><u><a href="#Economy">Economy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_MNT_Rates:">MNT loses 22.8% in Year of the Fire Monkey</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_issues_₮609.55">BoM issues ₮609.55 billion 1-week bills, total outstanding -8.1% to ₮609.55 billion</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_and_China">Mongolia and China agreed to extend bilateral currency swap arrangement</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Russia_extends_Mongolia">Russia extends Mongolia a 100 billion ruble loan</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_Economic_Forum">Mongolia Economic Forum 2017, March 30-31</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_NRGI:_Mongolia_Macro-Fiscal">NRGI: Mongolia Macro-Fiscal Model</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_China's_coal_imports">China's coal imports from North Korea ease after sanctions</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_China's_coal_consumption">China's coal consumption falls for 3rd year in a row</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-M1OFLII-ZX4x10fk3fKHwhUGreUhqh_B3zhHxcJ1X5GJv7_1nTfWhh9i3PeCEE8FmeX6IuFxUuc3uTk8b4tjHDfs6-08_tDpmG7uYEJvSJqtiuKn3IFmNGNIB9J6Mh9QnaMYt8edDM/s1600/image005-768245.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-M1OFLII-ZX4x10fk3fKHwhUGreUhqh_B3zhHxcJ1X5GJv7_1nTfWhh9i3PeCEE8FmeX6IuFxUuc3uTk8b4tjHDfs6-08_tDpmG7uYEJvSJqtiuKn3IFmNGNIB9J6Mh9QnaMYt8edDM/s320/image005-768245.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728834310692610" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadPolitics></a><u><a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Parliament_expected_to">Parliament expected to convene next week</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Investment_environment_of">Investment environment of Mongolia discussed at MFA</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Central_bank_and">Central bank and police cooperate against illegal transactions</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_President_extends_Lunar">President extends Lunar New Year greeting</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Prime_Minister_wishes">Prime Minister wishes prosperous Year of Rooster</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_State_greetings_on">State greetings on Lunar New Year</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Julian_Dierkes:_Benchmarking">Julian Dierkes: Benchmarking Corruption</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Opinion:_Working_with">Opinion: Working with Mongolia local government to prevent corruption</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_EU-CSO_Programme:_Enhancing">EU-CSO Programme: Enhancing CSOs' Contribution to Governance and Development Processes in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_joins_Global">Mongolia joins Global Consensus on Sustainable Livestock</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire">AmCham Daily Newswire for February 24, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s1600/image006-770654.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s320/image006-770654.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728846955772290" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadBusiness></a><u><a href="#Business">Business</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BCM_Trade_&">BCM Trade & Logistics Working Group Needs Assessment Survey 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Development_Bank_of">Development Bank of Mongolia to participate in 'One Belt One Road'</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Green_Public-Private_Partnerships">Green Public-Private Partnerships for Public Infrastructure in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_March_Monthly">AmCham March Monthly Meeting, March 7</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_KT&G_enjoys_sales">KT&G enjoys sales boom in Mongolia with tailored strategies</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s1600/image006-770654.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s320/image006-770654.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728846955772290" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadUlaanbaatar></a><u><a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_10_clinics_to">10 clinics to be built in UB with Turkish aid</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_UB_Mayor_receives">UB Mayor receives Istanbul delegates</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s1600/image006-770654.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s320/image006-770654.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728846955772290" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadDiplomacy></a><u><a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_A_Conversation_With">A Conversation With Mongolia's Foreign Minister Tsend Munkh-Orgil</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Foreign_Minister_addresses">Foreign Minister addresses UN Human Rights Council session</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Malaysia_detains_three">Malaysia detains three vessels, two from Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_UAE_Ambassador_meets">UAE Ambassador meets with Mongolia's President in Ulaanbaatar</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Justice_Minister_receives">Justice Minister receives Ambassador of Italy</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_State_officials_welcome">State officials welcome foreign diplomatic representatives for Tsagaan Sar</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MFA_state_secretary">MFA state secretary discusses ties with US ambassador</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_State_Dept:_Mongolian">State Dept: Mongolian Lunar New Year (Tsagaan Sar)</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_and_Japan">Mongolia and Japan celebrating 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s1600/image006-770654.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s320/image006-770654.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728846955772290" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadHealthEdu></a><u><a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Taiwan_donates_braille">Taiwan donates braille embosser to Mongolian national blind federation</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Students_can_apply">Students can apply for military course until March 10</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s1600/image006-770654.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s320/image006-770654.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728846955772290" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadCulture></a><u><a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_Severe_Winter:">Mongolia Severe Winter: Humanitarian Report (as of 15 Feb 2017)</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Teenage_Girls_Run">Teenage Girls Run Households During Mongolia's Winter Crisis</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Severe_winter_killing">Severe winter killing off livestock in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_GoPro:_Eagle_Hunters">GoPro: Eagle Hunters in a New World</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Tsagaan_Sar_-">Tsagaan Sar - Lunar New Year celebration begins in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Bituun_(Tsagaan_Sar">Bituun (Tsagaan Sar Eve)</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Year_of_the">Year of the Red Fire Rooster welcomed</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_First_day_of">First day of Tsagaan Sar</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Gandantegchenling_Monastery_to">Gandantegchenling Monastery to perform chants for 15 days</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia:_A_Changing">Mongolia: A Changing Landscape</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_East_Meets_West:">East Meets West: Medieval European Travellers and the Great Khans of Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Historical_records_of">Historical records of Genghis Khan's empire translated into Mongolian</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s1600/image006-770654.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s320/image006-770654.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728846955772290" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadNature></a><u><a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Endangered_antelope_in">Endangered antelope in Mongolia faces extinction</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Saiga_Conservation:_A">Saiga Conservation: A short overview of the situation in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Four_baby_snow">Four baby snow leopards in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Late_Paleozoic_low-angle">Late Paleozoic low-angle southward-dipping thrust in the Züünharaa area, Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s1600/image006-770654.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s320/image006-770654.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728846955772290" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadSports></a><u><a href="#Sports">Sports</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_judokas_triumph">Mongolian judokas triumph at Dusseldorf Grand Prix</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Ch.Sanjaadamba_wins_Lunar">Ch.Sanjaadamba wins Lunar New Year wrestling tournament</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Swimmer_Sh.Davaadorj_preps">Swimmer Sh.Davaadorj preps for 2022 Winter Olympics</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Tough_men_from">Tough men from the steppe</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Speaker_M.Enkhbold_welcomes">Speaker M.Enkhbold welcomes distinguished horse trainers</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_President_awards_state">President awards state titles to horse trainers</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Child_jockeys_shouldn't">Child jockeys shouldn't race in winter horse races</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_School_Rules_for">School Rules for Mongolia's Ambitious YOG Star</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s1600/image006-770654.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s320/image006-770654.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728846955772290" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadArt></a><u><a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> <b><o:p></o:p></b></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Morin_Khuur-2016_festival">Morin Khuur-2016 festival winners announced</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Albacete_International_Circus">Albacete International Circus Festival prizes go to a Mongolian circus troupe</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_artists_to">Mongolian artists to take part in Oxford International Art Fair</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_'The_Eagle_Huntress'">'The Eagle Huntress' soars with possibility</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_The_true_story">The Eagle Huntress: The true story behind a fairytale</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s1600/image006-770654.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s320/image006-770654.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728846955772290" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadTravel></a><u><a href="#Travel">Travel</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Events_to_be">Events to be held during Tsagaan Sar 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Ice_and_Snow">Ice and Snow Festival 2017, Khuvsgul Lake, March 3-4</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Travel_Buddies:_Mongolia">Travel Buddies: Mongolia Nomads Winter Festival Tour – 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_A_photographer's_epic">A photographer's epic road trip from Scotland to Mongolia: Boys, bikes and bucket hats</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_A_traveller's_top">A traveller's top 10 cities to visit: #6 Ulaanbaatar</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Why_You_Should">Why You Should Travel to Mongolia (or, Why My Solo Trip to Mongolia Was Everything)</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Silk_Road_Treasure">Silk Road Treasure Tours: Hidden Treasures of Nomadic Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Shuren_Travel:_Fishing">Shuren Travel: Fishing in Mongolia Travel Programs</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s1600/image006-770654.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s320/image006-770654.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728846955772290" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>ARTICLES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=International></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Int'l Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSE:TRQ">TRQ</a> closed +5.68% Wednesday to US$3.35, -3.46% from last week<o:p></o:p></i></p><h1><a name="_Turquoise_Hill_announces"></a>Turquoise Hill announces retirement of CFO<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - February 27, 2017) - Turquoise Hill Resources today announced the retirement of the Company's Chief Financial Officer Steeve Thibeault effective May 23, 2017<i>.</i> Turquoise Hill is in the process of initiating a search for Mr. Thibeault's successor. An announcement will be made in due course.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jeff Tygesen, Turquoise Hill Chief Executive Officer, said, "I want to thank Steeve for his contributions to Turquoise Hill, particularly his financial and tax leadership. We wish him all the best in the future."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr. Thibeault was appointed Chief Financial Officer in June 2014 and also serves as a director of Oyu Tolgoi LLC.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/turquoise-hill-announces-retirement-of-cfo-nyse-trq-2198681.htm">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSEMKT:EGI">EGI</a> closed +9.89% Wednesday to US$0.61, -3.85% from last week<o:p></o:p></i></p><h1><a name="_Entree_Gold_Announces"></a>Entree Gold Announces Spin-Out of US Projects<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Feb. 28, 2017) -</b> Entrée Gold Inc. ("<b>Entrée</b> or the "<b>Company</b>") (TSX:ETG)(NYSE MKT:EGI)(FRANKFURT:EKA) is pleased to announce that its Board of Directors (the "<b>Board</b>") has unanimously approved a strategic reorganization of its business (the "<b>Arrangement</b>"). Pursuant to the Arrangement, Entrée's Ann Mason and Lordsburg projects (the "<b>US Projects</b>") will be transferred to a newly incorporated company, Mason Resources Corp. ("Mason"). Shareholders of Entrée ("<b>Shareholders</b>") will receive common shares in Mason ("<b>Mason Common Shares</b>") in proportion to their shareholdings in Entrée. There will be no change to Shareholders' existing interests in Entrée.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is intended that, as part of the Arrangement, the Shareholders will receive Mason Common Shares by way of a share exchange, pursuant to which each existing share of Entrée (an "<b>Entrée Common Share</b>") is exchanged for one "new" share of Entrée and 0.45 of a Mason Common Share. Optionholders ("<b>Optionholders</b>") and warrantholders ("<b>Warrantholders</b>") of Entrée will receive replacement options and warrants of Entrée and options and warrants of Mason which are proportionate to, and reflective of the terms of, their existing options and warrants of Entrée. The reorganization will be effected by way of a plan of arrangement under the <i>Business Corporations Act </i>(British Columbia) (the "<b>Plan of Arrangement</b>") and must be approved by the Supreme Court of British Columbia (the "<b>Court</b>") and by the affirmative vote of 66 2/3% of the Shareholders, as well as the Shareholders, Optionholders and Warrantholders (collectively, the "<b>Securityholders</b>") voting together as a single class. A meeting of Securityholders to approve, among other things, the Arrangement, will be held on May 1, 2017 (the "<b>Meeting</b>").<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Once the Arrangement becomes effective, the result will be two separate and focused, well-capitalized entities, each with a high quality advanced project providing new and existing shareholders with optionality as to investment strategy and risk profile.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Entrée currently has a treasury of approximately US$18.5 million, of which US$8.75 million will be transferred to Mason as part of the Arrangement. In the event that all outstanding warrants are exercised following the Arrangement, the two companies would receive up to an additional approximately C$6 million in the aggregate.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Entrée is undertaking the Arrangement in order to focus on its carried 20% joint venture interest in two of the Oyu Tolgoi deposits in Mongolia and potentially acquiring other value accreting and synergistic assets. The Arrangement is also intended to maximize Shareholder value by allowing the market to value Entrée's assets independently of the US Projects. It is expected that transferring the US Projects from Entrée to Mason will help accelerate development of the Ann Mason project and give scope to new acquisitions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mason will initially be managed by Entrée's current team of officers. Its board will consist of four directors who also currently sit on the Entrée Board, as well as at least one other new director who is independent of Entrée.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Additional details of the spin-out transaction will be included in an information circular to be mailed to Securityholders on or about March 24, 2017 in connection with the Meeting. Subject to receipt of all required Securityholder, Court and regulatory approvals, the Arrangement is expected to close by May 30, 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Entrée will be attending PDAC in Toronto between March 5 and 9, 2017 and will give a presentation at the conference on Monday, March 6 at 2:20 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/entree-gold-announces-spin-out-of-us-projects-tsx-etg-2199419.htm">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=OTCMKTS:MNGGF">MNGGF</a> closed -1.67% Wednesday to US$0.295, +40.48% in last 3 months<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_Growth_Group"></a>Mongolia Growth Group Announces Renewal of Normal Course Issuer Bid<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Calgary, Alberta, February 28 (FSCwire) - <b>Mongolia Growth Group Ltd</b>. (the "<b>Company</b>") (<b>TSX V: MGG</b>), announced today that TSX Venture Exchange (the "<b>Exchange</b>") has accepted a Notice of Intention to renew its normal course issuer bid to purchase outstanding common shares of the Company on the open market in accordance with the policies of the TSXV.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Pursuant to the NCIB, (the "<b>Bid</b>") the Company may acquire up to 2,850,000 common shares (representing up to approximately 8.3 % of the 34,524,099 common shares of the Company currently issued and outstanding, or approximately 9.9% of the 28,592,349 common shares constituting the Company's current Public Float (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange)) from time to time during the next 12 months. In accordance with the Policies of the Exchange, the maximum number of common shares that may be purchased under the Bid in any 30-day period may not exceed 2% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Company when aggregated with all other common shares purchased under the Bid in the preceding 30 days.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company is undertaking the Bid because, in the opinion of its board of directors, the market price of its common shares, from time to time, may not fully reflect the underlying value of its operations and future growth prospects. The Company believes that in such circumstances, the purchase of the common shares of the Company may represent an appropriate and desirable use of the Company's funds and further enhance market stability.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company may, subject to market conditions, sell one or more of its investment properties to finance purchases under the Bid from time to time.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>From February 23, 2016 to February 22, 2017, the Company purchased 1,008,500 of its shares at an average price of $0.35 under its most recently expired NCIB.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company has retained M Partners Inc. of Toronto, Ontario as its broker Member for the purposes of conducting the bid. The Bid will commence on or about March 1, 2017 and the Bid will end no later than March 1, 2018. The common shares will be purchased for cancellation on the open market through the facilities of the Exchange, at market price.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.fscwire.com/newsrelease/mongolia-growth-group-announces-renewal-normal-course-issuer-bid">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=TSE:PCY">PCY</a> closed -2% Wednesday to C$4.40, -15.38% in last 1 month<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Prophecy_to_Greet"></a>Prophecy to Greet Investors at 2017 PDAC Bolivian and Mongolian Forums in Toronto March 5 to 8<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCwire) - <b>Prophecy Development Corp. </b>("<b>Prophecy</b>" or the "<b>Company</b>") (<b>TSX:PCY, OTCPK:PRPCF, Frankfurt:1P2N</b>) is pleased to invite shareholders and investors to the following presentations and receptions to be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Center:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle>Sunday, March 5, 2017 2:00pm to 7:30pm <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormalCxSpMiddle><i>Mongolia: For stability, unlocking the potential</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Location: Room 206D<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.pdac.ca/convention/programming/presentation-reception-rooms/sessions/presentation-reception-rooms/mongolia-for-stability-unlocking-the-potential">http://www.pdac.ca/convention/programming/presentation-reception-rooms/sessions/presentation-reception-rooms/mongolia-for-stability-unlocking-the-potential</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Organized by Mongolia's Ministry of Mining and Heavy Industry, in partnership with Mongolian and foreign invested exploration and mining companies, the event will focus on: Mongolia's investment climate and specific actions to strengthen it; Mongolia's untapped exploration potential; and exciting Mongolian discoveries, projects and investment opportunities."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.fscwire.com/newsrelease/prophecy-greet-investors-2017-pdac-bolivian-and-mongolian-forums-toronto-march-5-8">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=CNSX:URG">URG</a> last traded C$0.90 on Jan 24<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Oriental_Non-Ferrous_Resources"></a>Oriental Non-Ferrous Resources Development sees Mongolia as cornerstone of Asian mining strategy<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Resources are important for Mongolia, accounting for a majority of the country's exports<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 28 (Proactive Investors) Covering an area larger than Peru yet with a population of just 3 million people, Mongolia is the most sparsely populated country on earth. It is also a beautiful and fascinating nation, with traditions established before Genghis Khan founded the Mongol Empire in 1206 influencing lifestyles to this day.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While mindful of its rich culture, Mongolia is easing into the modern economy with commercial-scale mining leading the way. How could it not when minerals comprise some 80% of the country's exports?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia's most famous mine is undeniably Oyu Tolgoi, the copper-gold behemoth operated jointly with the Mongolian government by Rio Tinto (LON:RIO) subsidiary Turquoise Hill Mining (TSX:TRQ) since 2013.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But the country is home to other mines as well, such as Centerra Gold (TSX:CG)'s Boroo mine, a historic gold mine whose modern-day output began in March 2004 and continued until September 2012, though with a stoppage of just over a year beginning in November 2010.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Oriental Non-Ferrous Resources Development (CSE:URG) and its leadership team were attracted to the country for the same reasons as other companies – high-quality projects, proximity to Asia and a favourable permitting environment, to name a few.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The driving force behind the company's strategy and operations, founder and director Youliang Wang, explains that the concept for Oriental Non-Ferrous Resources Development dates back some 20 years to when he was a banker at China Construction Bank, where his responsibilities included overseeing loans to Chinese mining companies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Attracted by the scale and variety of opportunity in Mongolia, Wang first invested in a dairy business, eventually broadening into other agricultural businesses as complements.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Given his background in mining finance, though, it was only a matter of time until he created a plan to move into this sector. In 2013, Wang and his team immersed themselves in the Mongolian mining community, working with consultants and local exploration teams to examine various properties. The result was the company's current land package, prospective for both industrial and precious metals.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Oriental Non-Ferrous Resources Development's properties are located in the Bornuur district in the T<span style='font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif'>ӧ</span>v Aimag, or Central Province, of Northern Mongolia. Its package spans roughly 1,050 hectares, comprised mostly of the Kharganii am-1 Molybdenum Property.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Our licensed area is situated in the North Khentii tectonic belt and we have encountered gold, copper, molybdenum, tungsten and silver on its grounds," says Wang. "The projects are located 24km northwest of Centerra Gold's Boroo deposit and 15km east of their Gatsuurt gold deposit."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Since acquiring the Mongolian projects, the company has completed extensive trenching and geophysical work, geological mapping, ground magnetic surveys and polarization gradient surveys.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Our initial phase of exploration drill work has contributed to a database that contains approximately 3,501 drill core samples and 29 trench samples that were assayed for molybdenum," says Wang. "This includes a current program which encompasses 29 holes for a total of over 11,630m."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Wang explains that many of the holes have multiple intersections of molybdenum mineralization above 0.05%, with several intervals of between 1m and 2m exceeding 0.5% Mo. The best hole yielded a 3m length averaging 2.413% Mo.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Wang notes that the Mongolian permitting environment is very reasonable, with the various licenses Oriental Non-Ferrous Resources Development holds typically being extendable for up to 30 years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>P&E Mining Consultants of Toronto was recently chosen to complete a NI 43-101 report for the company's Kharganii am-1 Project, which will reflect results from the current drill program and associated metallurgical test work. A concurrent evaluation of the preliminary economics of the molybdenum deposit is also planned.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The properties being situated within a recognized gold belt, Oriental Non-Ferrous Resources Development is also gearing up to initiate a property-wide evaluation of potential gold targets. The work will include mapping, prospecting and IP geophysics. Expansion of the property is also under consideration.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The North Khentii gold belt has an extensive history of mining both alluvial placer and bedrock gold deposits," says Wang. "After discussions with geologists from P&E, we are looking to evaluate high-potential targets within the property for gold mineralization."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Wang says Oriental Non-Ferrous Resources Development is also evaluating both merger and acquisition opportunities and possible project procurements, the longer-term objective being to develop a portfolio of Asia-based projects diversified across various mineral types and regions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Time will tell where these expansion efforts lead, but for the time being there is plenty to be excited about in Mongolia. The country has only been an internationally accessible mining jurisdiction since the mid-1990s, and if one considers what the industry has been able to accomplish in the last decade between new discoveries and active operators, Mongolia holds its own vis-à-vis many more mature mining jurisdictions in other parts of the world.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We have long believed in the viability of mining projects in Mongolia, and when the projects in our current portfolio came to our attention, we thought what better way to get involved in the space than to make investments in some of these great projects, and then look to take them public," Wang concludes. "Mongolia has a rich mining tradition, and we hope Oriental Non-Ferrous Resources Development will in time be able to play a lasting role."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/173947/Oriental-Non-Ferrous-Resources-Development-sees-Mongolia-as-cornerstone-of-Asian-mining-strategy-173947.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Gobi_Coal_&"></a>Gobi Coal & Energy Acquires Advanced Uranium Project in Mongolia and Plans Public Listing<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Diversified Energy Resources Company Focused on High Value Projects <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>SINGAPORE, February 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Gobi Coal & Energy ("Gobi Coal") is pleased to announce its 100% stock acquisition of Zaraiya Holdings Ltd ("Zaraiya"), which wholly owns an advanced in-situ leach uranium project in Mongolia, adjacent to AREVA. The acquisition is expected to complete in March and demonstrates Gobi Coal's progress towards becoming a diversified multi-national energy resources company focused on high value projects. As part of this strategy, Gobi Coal plans to rename itself Zaraiya Energy Resources Limited and is moving forward with a public listing along with an associated capital raise of up to US $10 million.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The combined company benefits from nearly US $200 million of investment in three high-grade metallurgical coal mines in Mongolia containing 318 million tons of JORC resources and the advanced in-situ leach uranium project having at least 20 million pounds of existing resource potential and up to 50 million pounds of resource potential following planned land acquisitions currently under discussion. The primary metallurgical coal mine in southwest Mongolia is pre-stripped and production ready with peak production potential of 6+ million tons per annum of semi-soft and hard coking coal and coal seams as wide as 44 meters.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the last several years, Gobi Coal successfully preserved its metallurgical coal mines through the recent sharp recovery in metallurgical coal prices during 2016. With market prices for Shandong semi-soft and Liulin hard coking coal finishing the 2016 year at RMB 1,000 (US $145) and RMB 1,600 (US$ 232), respectively, the economic value of the Gobi Coal mines has returned to near peak levels. This has allowed Gobi Coal to progress plans for the development of a railway from Shinejinst to the China border with a view to reaching full metallurgical coal production as soon as 2019.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the same time, the long-term potential for uranium has strengthened significantly. China has a reported 30 reactors in operation, 24 new reactors under construction, 40 reactors planned, and 136 reactors proposed, together which will result in a three-fold increase in its nuclear capacity by 2020-21. The UAE through the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation is leading one of the most advanced nuclear energy construction programs worldwide that reached 76% overall construction completion at the end of 2016. Reactors in operation worldwide today are already consuming in excess of 10,000 tons of uranium per year more than current global mine production capacity. This supply-demand imbalance is expected to grow sharply as numerous new reactors enter operation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to Gobi Coal Chairman, Mr. Mo Munshi, "The combination of our developed high grade coking coal mines and the in-situ leach uranium deposits next to AREVA in Mongolia positions our company to be a newly diversified energy resources company. Going forward, we are aiming to consolidate and develop high grade coking coal mines along our railway corridor in Mongolia as well as expand our uranium portfolio both inside and outside of Mongolia."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As of the end of 2016, Gobi Coal had cash receivables of US $18 million and no debt.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/gobi-coal--energy-acquires-advanced-uranium-project-and-plans-public-listing-614934223.html">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuOUc35lQRQNJYyOnC399uLqNrt47zjTXAIqZ-OvV9ZinMs5B2t1_2ssfv18XQnUU5g8BdPehEBow-5Uex5SyLzycorNSJbsn2LAx9BDIlKQVWVTNQDzftLCvCiohpifMdDBuHZzC9Ps/s1600/image007-772790.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuOUc35lQRQNJYyOnC399uLqNrt47zjTXAIqZ-OvV9ZinMs5B2t1_2ssfv18XQnUU5g8BdPehEBow-5Uex5SyLzycorNSJbsn2LAx9BDIlKQVWVTNQDzftLCvCiohpifMdDBuHZzC9Ps/s320/image007-772790.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728856528069842" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Local></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Local Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_MSE_Weekly_Report:"></a>MSE Weekly Report: Top 20 +7.34%, ALL +3.94%, Turnover <span lang=MN>₮</span>463.5M Shares, <span lang=MN>₮</span>7.9B T-Bill Primary, <span lang=MN>₮</span>1.7B Secondary <span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 24 (MSE) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIib3_RjZZnboHnb3pQATYCvzzkLqrWws_FA2co7FB0Ns8aFaWpFvoHpQ531XH10fc2yMhVw5QmHITpjpl9BtocX39McxL91jXBTH5p4tF7TS2HBozQAVXn35ELym_wDaJYO3wXp3cz0/s1600/image019-774869.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgIib3_RjZZnboHnb3pQATYCvzzkLqrWws_FA2co7FB0Ns8aFaWpFvoHpQ531XH10fc2yMhVw5QmHITpjpl9BtocX39McxL91jXBTH5p4tF7TS2HBozQAVXn35ELym_wDaJYO3wXp3cz0/s320/image019-774869.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728865154858770" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/uploads/ariljaa/reports/report_en-15.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Gan_Khiits_JSC"></a>Gan Khiits JSC announces <span lang=MN>₮</span>24.2 million dividend, <span lang=MN>₮</span>100 per share<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 24 (MSE) Board of Directors meeting of "Gan Khiits" JSC were held on 17 February 2017 and made a decision to distribute dividends to its shareholders with MNT100.00 per share which is total of MNT24.2 million.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The ex-dividend day is 4 March 2017, and dividends will be paid in cash to shareholders accounts at Mongolian Central Securities Depository.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/news/4065">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_FRC_halts_Atar"></a>FRC halts Atar Urguu JSC share trading under auditor's recommendation<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 24 (MSE) The securities of "Atar Urguu" JSC, will be placed in "Trading Halt" state accordance with the official enforcement letter of FRC's state inspector, dated 24 February 2017 and the recommendation of "Fiscal Audit" LLC that audited "Atar Urguu" JSC. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/news/4067">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_ETC_SME_Local"></a>ETC SME Local Currency Programme Technical Cooperation Framework: Capital Market Development Strategy for Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>Country</b>: Mongolia<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Business sector</b>: Financial institutions<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Project number</b>: 68284<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Funding source</b>: JPNF00 - Japan-EBRD Coop<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Contract type</b>: Consultancy Services<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Notice type</b>: Invitation for expressions of interest (CSU)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Issue date</b>: 01 Mar 2017<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Closing date</b>: 22 Mar 2017 at 23:59 London<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://eselection.ebrd.com/suite/">Access eSelection</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Project Description:</b> The Early Transition Countries (ETCs) SME Local Currency Programme Technical Cooperation (TC) Framework (the Framework) is being implemented by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD or the Bank) within its key Local Currency and Capital Markets Development (LC2) Initiative and funded by the Japan-EBRD Cooperation Fund. The Framework supports necessary capital market reforms to 1) make ETCs more resilient, 2) develop access to alternative sources in local currency for the domestic market participants, and 3) facilitate local currency funding by the EBRD and others in ETCs under the EBRD's SME Local Currency Programme (LCYP).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Framework covers 5 areas with TC work:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1)<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Reforming the legal and regulatory environment to support modern capital market activities, instruments, and infrastructure.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2)<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Providing capacity building programmes for central banks, market participants and regulators.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3)<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Developing capital market products by providing a feasibility study, implementation roadmaps, and education on the new or uncommon instruments such as corporate bonds, covered bonds, basic securitizations, repos, basic derivatives (e.g. FX or interest rate swaps), and equity listing support programs for SMEs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4)<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Reforming capital market infrastructure, covering exchange, clearing, settlement, and depository entities, as well as relevant market infrastructure areas of the central bank (e.g. money market systems, government bond trading platforms and registries, and payment and settlement systems).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l8 level1 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>5)<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Developing the local and international institutional investor base including pension funds.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.ebrd.com/work-with-us/procurement/pn-68284.html">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyjLRN-I1hpY1mS7W6muAJMpymmgcdHBBAH_07ySpAT9XuH1mW4_ZkfeW6MtzaGaZ9KrTsVyFBWItX9oj5sP33y_9RTgbwrNJyZcpGhXzpkFns-mkSMD3yEjL3lziIV0z996g8pmjhH8/s1600/image008-776762.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmyjLRN-I1hpY1mS7W6muAJMpymmgcdHBBAH_07ySpAT9XuH1mW4_ZkfeW6MtzaGaZ9KrTsVyFBWItX9oj5sP33y_9RTgbwrNJyZcpGhXzpkFns-mkSMD3yEjL3lziIV0z996g8pmjhH8/s320/image008-776762.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728868904934338" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Economy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Economy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>Reds</span> are when MNT fell, <span style='color:#00B050'>greens</span> when it rose.<b> <span style='color:red'>Bold reds</span></b><span style='color:red'> </span>are rates that set a new historic high at the time. </i><o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_BoM_MNT_Rates:"></a><span lang=MN>BoM MNT Rates: </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>Friday</span><span lang=MN>, </span>February 24 <span lang=MN>Close </span><o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoTable15Plain5 border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=970 style='width:10.1in;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>4</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>0</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>7</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>6</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>5</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>4</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>High</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>Date</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1060" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/b27dbc49-e16d-41ae-8557-f99cdb40c367.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e147de94-098c-41fc-a613-e68b961bc287.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>USD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,470.83<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,473.63<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,476.02<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,479.84<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,482.29</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,483.11</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,483.39</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,482.58</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,485.38</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,485.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,498.75</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1059" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/bebede1f-9fde-45e8-9abf-07cee5d98010.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/7fff4ee5-d12c-4bd2-8a56-d47fa1ab5b0d.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>EUR</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,617.84<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,608.32<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,601.68<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,623.05<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,635.45</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,645.75</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,635.37</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,625.20</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,636.99</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,644.96</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,681.43</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/10/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1058" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/280be717-5c83-46be-b0c7-d0b2cf9575f2.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/73256f8e-4c86-438d-9d39-350646eb7f40.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>JPY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.92<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.83<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.84<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.94</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.89</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.79</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.68</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>21.89<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.89</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>23.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/9/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1057" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0e866dbf-0eff-45bc-aa83-c145b2345900.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/170ec7e9-2636-4b7d-a624-7ae9fef54841.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>GBP</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,100.15<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,086.72<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,091.68<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,082.44<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,085.98</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,100.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,100.51</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,092.30</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,112.19</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,109.06</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>3,183.26</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>8/13/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1056" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/33370dc8-8964-434b-8694-6462f39746fb.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a481156f-5e01-436d-b063-c22ecd3ed0dd.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>RUB</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.67<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.73<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.99<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.75</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>43.06</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>43.35</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>43.78</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>43.06</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.82</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>54.32</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>6/27/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1055" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/c37f3eb9-e9ba-4c1d-bc0f-2669bc4c1412.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/56dc9518-41a5-4bb4-9d57-167f6de07f2e.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CNY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.62<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.70<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.97<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>360.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.01</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.45</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>361.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.47</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>361.72</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>361.24</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>363.02</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/5/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1054" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e5792094-f0b8-4c3a-a82b-97ddd5401a38.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ab781b89-2767-4b9c-b3cb-b3c6cc603016.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>KRW</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.16<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.17</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.18<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.16<o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/6/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1053" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/75233918-55b6-4977-a5ef-f682c93bbdb0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/9a4a44a5-6be7-4141-8159-5aa30a12bb45.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>SGD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,758.66<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,750.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,744.60<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,745.63<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,751.17</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,752.25</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,749.54</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,746.21</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,751.62</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,748.82</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,758.66<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/24/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1052" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a8311ed8-a900-4237-bf18-4ebf7b10bbf0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/53fdb4a8-f38e-4f01-b01a-c2dee4a6895d.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CAD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,888.08<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,881.52<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,883.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,886.74<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,896.62</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,899.42</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,902.40</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,899.45</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,904.00</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,899.46</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,908.84</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/18/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1051" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/5d744e37-53d2-4c10-aa04-7bc77a3c3abc.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/6ec5578f-dca9-4257-b326-e755e3b2400b.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>AUD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,906.25<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,902.35<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,905.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,900.55<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,907.02</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,911.00</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,904.64</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,907.16</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,906.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/16/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1050" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6f012c2-8c16-455d-b0b0-8427d7512a2b.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6b9f8ce-b8d2-4ce7-bdce-b85ce1812325.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>HKD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.40<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.78<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.03<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.52<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.84</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.94</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>319.99</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.89</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>320.31<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>320.31</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>322.21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1049" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0588bbef-101c-4211-8d37-8045475e110d.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ae638f8b-a29a-4d70-90b3-52ad2a79d482.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CHF</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,456.83<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,447.81<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,446.66<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,464.93<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,475.24</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,486.34</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,473.00</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,464.96</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,471.79</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,478.22</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,497.77</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/09/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:red'>Bank USD rates at time of sending</span></b>: <a href="https://www.khanbank.com/en/home/rates">Khan</a> (Buy ₮2,458 Sell ₮2,474), <a href="http://tdbm.mn/en/exchange">TDB</a> (Buy ₮2,465 Sell ₮2,478), <a href="https://en.golomtbank.com/home/citizen">Golomt</a> (Buy ₮2,460 Sell ₮2,476), <a href="http://xacbank.mn/en/calculator/rates">XacBank</a> (Buy ₮2,462 Sell ₮2,474), <a href="https://www.statebank.mn/w/en/m1">State Bank</a> (Buy ₮2,460 Sell ₮2,476)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/graphic_dailyrate.aspx">USD (blue), CNY (red) vs MNT</a> in last 1 year:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2oJXYthhPOgRjAvzxu616_Wy61qRVATKGggbUf59PGnnvVCpRPP9PnDi-gmQooFKLCIKFkm9_9_zTuuFToexEQbaTVlv7VN-enbjLEEjzsDIq844_duyZ0jBX0jk1iwjk1-ThCagQ_Us/s1600/image020-778569.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2oJXYthhPOgRjAvzxu616_Wy61qRVATKGggbUf59PGnnvVCpRPP9PnDi-gmQooFKLCIKFkm9_9_zTuuFToexEQbaTVlv7VN-enbjLEEjzsDIq844_duyZ0jBX0jk1iwjk1-ThCagQ_Us/s320/image020-778569.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728881017519426" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistofficialdailyrate.aspx">Link to rates</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_issues_₮609.55"></a>BoM issues <span lang=MN>₮</span>609.55 billion 1-week bills, total outstanding -8.1% to <span lang=MN>₮</span>609.55 billion <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 24 (Bank of Mongolia) BoM issues 1 week bills worth MNT 609.55 billion at a weighted interest rate of 14.0 percent per annum /<a href="http://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistcbb.aspx">For previous auctions click here/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistcbb.aspx">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_and_China"></a>Mongolia and China agreed to extend bilateral currency swap arrangement<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 24 (Bank of Mongolia) The Bank of Mongolia and the People's Bank of China have agreed to extend the local currency swap line <span lang=MN>during the meeting between Deputy Governor Lkhagvasuren Byadran and Deputy Governor Yi Gang </span>on February 22, 2017 in Beijing, the People's Republic of China.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Currently two central banks have RMB 15 billion swap line</b>, maturing in 2017. It is expected that the <b>maturity will be extended to 2020 by the agreement</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <b>central banks first entered into the swap arrangement in 2011 with RMB 5 billion</b>. The <b>swap line was expanded two time in 2012</b> and <b>2014 to RMB 15 billion</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=1426">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Mogi: 100 billion rubles is around $1.7 billion <o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Russia_extends_Mongolia"></a>Russia extends Mongolia a 100 billion ruble loan<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 27 (UAWire) Representatives of Russia and Mongolia held talks on economic cooperation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to the head of the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Tsendiyn Munkh-Orgil, the Russian side promised to provide the country a preferential short term loan in the amount of 100 billion rubles.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The Mongolian side adheres to the position of the joint implementation of major infrastructure, energy projects, as well as for the Ulan Bator Railway from the preferential credit of the Russian Federation," said the minister.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The two sides also discussed improvement of the Mongolian-Russian-Chinese economic corridor. Afterwards negotiations should take place concerning the energy sector, in particular, the construction of hydropower plants on the river Eg, reports Mongolnow.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.uawire.org/news/russia-extends-mongolia-a-100-bln-ruble-loan">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_Economic_Forum"></a>Mongolia Economic Forum 2017, March 30-31<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia Economic Forum-2017 will be held on March 30-31, 2017 at the State Palace, Ulaanbaatar. The Mongolia Economic Forum is the main event organized annually under the auspices of the Prime Minister of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This event, one of the largest and most prestigious in the country, which aims to bring together policy makers, the private sector and civil society representatives to discuss the economic issues. Over 1500 participants and ended each year, which included the President of Mongolia, Prime Minister of Mongolia, Speaker of Parliament, Parliament members, Ministers, foreign company representatives, businessmen, civil society and international organization representatives.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The theme of this year's forum is "Think sustainable, Act responsible" and over 1000 participants, including media representatives are expected to attend.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Registration is valid until March 25th 18:00!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>More information: <a href="http://www.meforum.mn/" target="_blank"><b>www.meforum.mn</b></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://bizsummit.mn/2017/02/mongolia-economic-forum-2017/#.WLaMnzuGPDc">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_NRGI:_Mongolia_Macro-Fiscal"></a>NRGI: Mongolia Macro-Fiscal Model<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 2017 (National Resource Governance Institute) Mongolia has experienced a series of economic <a href="http://www.resourcegovernance.org/blog/how-can-mineral-rich-mongolia-emerge-prosperous-debt-crisis" target="_blank">booms and busts over the last decade</a>, driven mainly by commodity swings but aggravated by excessive borrowing during boom times. Only few years after a balance of payment crises culminating in an IMF bailout in 2009, the prospects of massive revenues from giant copper and coal investments fueled a new spending spree. Between 2011 and 2016, government salaries, infrastructure costs and cash transfers spiraled. But when commodity prices fell again, the country was left facing renewed short-term financial pressures amid growing public debt. The government recently returned to the IMF to negotiate another <a href="https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2017/02/19/PR1754-Mongolia-IMF-Reaches-Staff-Level-Agreement-on-3Yr-EFF">bailout agreement</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The opportunities and challenges created by the mining sector highlight the need for careful planning and a solid policy framework that promotes economic sustainability. The Mongolian government took multiple important steps in this direction. In 2010, Mongolia's parliament adopted a set of fiscal rules as part of the Fiscal Stability Law setting ceilings on expenditure growth, structural budget deficits and on the stock of government debt. In 2017, the government is establishing a new sovereign wealth fund, the <a href="http://en.mongolianminingjournal.com/content/61366.shtml" target="_blank">Future Heritage Fund</a>, to accumulate a proportion of natural resource revenues for future generations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But are these rules meeting their objectives? NRGI analysts have built a Mongolian macro-fiscal model in order to monitor progress and analyze challenges.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The model was developed to project a baseline scenario of the country's economy and describe how different shocks or policy changes would impact the trajectory of key macroeconomic and fiscal variables over a 30-year horizon.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Macro-fiscal models with similar aims have been regularly built by public agencies, international organizations and by the private sector. However, this model has a number of innovative features that make it distinct.<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'>Macroeconomic models are used regularly in OECD economies; far fewer have been used in developing countries. Difficulties in obtaining reliable data, more limited resources to build and maintain such tools, and less experience in how they can be best used might all be potential contributing reasons for this. One aim of this tool is to support regular analysis of Mongolia's economic sustainability.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'>Most such models do not adequately address the significance and particularities of the natural resource sector. While many other sectors experience volatility, changes in expansion plans, tax terms, or the delays in mining mega-projects can have very large ramifications. By incorporating simplified financial models from the country's five largest mines, this model bridges the growing repository of financial models of mines, such as the open model of the Oyu Tolgoi mine and macroeconomic models.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'>Most such macroeconomic models are not publicly available. While some include a description of the model, main equations employed, key results and some parameters describing the robustness of the results, in very few instances is the full model made public. This model is open to wider reuse, scrutiny and adaptation.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'>Most such models are made with proprietary and hard-to-access software. The computationally heavy nature of modeling has led to a flourishing of dedicated tools for experts. These tools are both expensive and difficult to learn. This model is available in Microsoft Excel format and with a user-friendly interface, so that it can reach new users inexperienced with macroeconomic models.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>This model was built using data from a variety of government, company and international sources collected throughout 2016. All data used is presented in the spreadsheet. It was also informed by a series of meetings with experts in Mongolia in November 2016 to refine calculations and clarify assumptions. Nevertheless, some uncertainties and data gaps remain, most importantly regarding the financial details of the largest mines in the country as well as contingent liabilities of the state. The model is also subject to errors and overlooked information.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For questions or to provide feedback on this model:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Author: <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://resourcegovernance.org/about-us/david-mihalyi">David Mihalyi</a>, <a href="http://resourcegovernance.org/about-us/non-staff/daniel-baksa">Daniel Baksa</a>, <a href="http://resourcegovernance.org/about-us/non-staff/balazs-romhanyi">Balazs Romhanyi</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Download:<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://resourcegovernance.org/sites/default/files/documents/mongolia-macro-fiscal-model.xlsx"><b>Mongolia Macro Fiscal Model</b></a> (XLSX 8.36 MB)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://resourcegovernance.org/sites/default/files/documents/mongolia-macro-fiscal-model-summary-guide.pdf"><b>Mongolia Macro Fiscal Model Summary Guide</b></a> (PDF 1.01 MB)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://resourcegovernance.org/sites/default/files/documents/mongolia-macro-fiscal-model-guide.pdf"><b>Mongolia Macro Fiscal Model Guide</b></a> (PDF 5.12 MB)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://resourcegovernance.org/sites/default/files/documents/mongolia-macro-fiscal-appendix.pdf"><b>Mongolia Macro Fiscal Appendix</b></a> (PDF 1.24 MB)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://resourcegovernance.org/analysis-tools/tools/mongolia-macro-fiscal-model">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_China's_coal_imports"></a>China's coal imports from North Korea ease after sanctions<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 24 (Reuters) China's coal imports from North Korea eased last month after new U.N. Security Council sanctions curbing the isolated country's sales abroad came into effect, <b>while Russia, Mongolia, Australia and Indonesia raised shipments</b>, data showed on Friday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>January imports from North Korea eased 13 percent from a year earlier to 1.45 million tonnes</b>, the data showed. <b>They were down 28 percent from December</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>January's volume accounted for almost 20 percent of the latest U.N. annual sales quota of 7.5 million tonnes or $400.9 million, whichever is smaller, on North Korea's biggest export.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The imports last month came before Beijing's decision last Saturday to ban coal shipments entirely after Pyongyang tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile in its first direct challenge to the international community since U.S. President Donald Trump took office.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said he had not seen the latest figures, but that the latest U.N. resolution was clear about limiting North Korea's coal exports and China would fully enforce Security Council resolutions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"<b>According to our statistics, China has already approached the upper limits of coal imports from North Korea</b>," Geng told a daily news briefing. "So because of this, we have stopped imports of coal from North Korea with a responsible attitude."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sources said the few traders that have been left handling North Korean coal had been scooping up the fuel in recent weeks amid earlier speculation Beijing would slap a ban on imports after Pyongyang's recent ballistic missile test.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>North Korea was China's biggest supplier last year of high-grade anthracite coal</b>, used mainly by the country's steel mills, with imports reaching 22.4 million tonnes, up 14.5 percent compared with 2015.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Analysts have said steel mills will likely be forced to buy more expensive domestic anthracite or seek alternatives further afield from Russia or Australia, driving up costs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Coal shipments from Mongolia rose 154 percent to 3.12 million tonnes</b>, the fourth highest on record, as traders took advantage of its significant price advantage over Australian coal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Australian imports were up 70.8 percent from a year earlier at 7.27 million tonnes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Australian Newcastle spot prices fell sharply from about $93 per tonne at the end of December to about $83 by the end of January.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-economy-trade-coal-idUSKBN1630JF?il=0">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_China's_coal_consumption"></a>China's coal consumption falls for 3rd year in a row<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>BEIJING, February 28 (AP) — China's consumption of coal fell in 2016 for a third year in a row, official data showed Tuesday, as the world's top polluter increasingly grapples with its massive pollution challenges.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The National Bureau of Statistics said coal consumption fell by 4.7 percent last year, according to preliminary calculations. The bureau said the share of coal in China's total energy consumption mix fell to 62 percent in 2016 from 64 percent the year before.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The burning of coal is the biggest source of heat-trapping greenhouse gases that are the primary cause of global warming.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While China is the world's biggest consumer of coal, its consumption levels have dropped as economic growth slows to its lowest level since 1990. With its major cities gripped by choking air pollution, China has also aimed to reduce coal usage in favor of natural gas and renewable energy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The decline in coal use, however, did not signal an overall drop in energy consumption. The country's total use of energy rose by the equivalent of 4.36 billion tons of standard coal, an increase of 1.4 percent over the previous year, the statistics bureau said. Consumption of crude oil increased by 5.5 percent, natural gas by 8 percent and electricity by 5 percent, it said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Consumption of renewable sources such as solar and wind power accounted for 19.7 percent of the total energy mix, up 1.7 percent from the year before, while the production of coal fell by 9 percent to 3.41 billion tons. China has for years been closing smaller, less efficient and more dangerous coal mines in a bid to boost productivity in the sector.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As the world's second-largest economy, China is the top emitter of man-made carbon dioxide emissions, with the globe's leading economy, the United States, in second place.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.bigstory.ap.org/article/f61f8ec81bfe48b1b32947c94722ded8/chinas-coal-consumption-falls-3rd-year-row">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_NdfmUnwjDQnWDLkVvAwIbxbLIfnqp4LtEpeiQq9EsyQv7qnbKls8Eq8OX1iH5LpjsqEPG1fPoCj0ziuYVKpQXSMcVXgOZXJTMARKedKMs_KIwqCI1PMhC5iE2jmBhoaeIVkPokCplU/s1600/image004-766208.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb_NdfmUnwjDQnWDLkVvAwIbxbLIfnqp4LtEpeiQq9EsyQv7qnbKls8Eq8OX1iH5LpjsqEPG1fPoCj0ziuYVKpQXSMcVXgOZXJTMARKedKMs_KIwqCI1PMhC5iE2jmBhoaeIVkPokCplU/s320/image004-766208.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728825418319282" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Politics></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Politics & Legal<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Parliament_expected_to"></a>Parliament expected to convene next week<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, March 1 /MONTSAME/ Last week, a few days before the Lunar New Year holiday, an irregular session of the Cabinet was held to discuss amendments to the 2017 State Budget. In accordance with the agreement between the Government of Mongolia and the International Monetary Fund on implementing Extended Fund Facility, the state budget of this year was in need to be changed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is expected that the Cabinet would submit the amendments to the Parliament soon after working days start tomorrow on March 2, following the public holidays of the Lunar New year - Tsagaan Sar. Then, the latter would call irregular session to discuss the budget adjustments.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Although the exact date of the irregular session has yet to be announced, Mongolian lawmakers will most likely convene within the next week. Some sources, including <a href="http://eagle.mn/r/25268" target="_blank">eagle.mn</a> Mongolian news website, say the irregular session will be opened on March 6, Monday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The spring session of the parliament normally commences in April every year. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8950">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Investment_environment_of"></a>Investment environment of Mongolia discussed at MFA<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 26 (MONTSAME) On February 24, a discussion under the theme "Legal environment of bipartite international investment agreement of Mongolia and its challenges and ways to solve" was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Development Agency and National University of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The forum was attended by specialists in charge of investment issues from public organizations as well as representatives from research organizations and business entities. Such matters as tendency of international investments, current situation of the Mongolian investment environment and legal environment of the bipartite international investment agreement were touched upon.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the discussion, D.Davaasuren, State Secretary of Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduced about creating a sustainable environment of justice and cooperation for foreign investors and measures being carried-out by the Foreign Ministry with a view to ensure implementation of international agreements in accordance with an action plan of the government of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover, the participants exchanged views on some issues, such as challenges faced by foreign to investors, opportunities to solve their difficulties and subjects to pay attention in establishing investment agreement with other countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8937">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Central_bank_and"></a>Central bank and police cooperate against illegal transactions<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 24 (MONTSAME) Bank of Mongolia and General Police Office agreed to cooperate in combating illegal transactions. On February 23, Governor of Bank of Mongolia N.Bayartsaikhan and General Police Office chairman, chief commissary O.Enkhtor signed 'Cooperation memorandum'.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They will cooperate in organizing trainings and promotion, prevention from illegal transactions, exchange of information and actions to reveal illegal transactions. Moreover, the cooperation targets to creation of database regarding illegal transactions using international payment cards and suspicious transactions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8928">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_President_extends_Lunar"></a>President extends Lunar New Year greeting<span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828;letter-spacing:-.75pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 27 (MONTSAME) Marking the beginning of the Year of the Red Fire Rooster according to the lunar calendar, President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj extended greetings to the people of Mongolia, on the morning of the first day of Lunar New Year, February 27. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In his greetings, the President said "The year has come to an end. I believe the new year of Red Fire Rooster will give its blessing upon our people."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Every year has its characteristics. Our elders have told us that the Year of Red Fire Rooster will bless anyone who's working hard. And for everyone that are celebrating Tsagaan Sar across our expansive land, may the people of Mongolia live happy and prosperous. Mongolians around the world are also celebrating this glorious celebration of Lunar New Year. I extend my greetings to every Mongolian abroad and wish you all a good fortune and Khiimori in this Year of Red Fire Rooster." he added.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"May the year of Red Fire Rooster bless our people. And may everyone celebrate well." wished the President.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8942">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Prime_Minister_wishes"></a>Prime Minister wishes prosperous Year of Rooster<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 28 /MONTSAME/ The Mongolian Prime Minister, Mr Jargaltulgyn Erdenebat greeted with all Mongolians at home and around the world on the occasion of the first day of the Year of the Fire Rooster (February 27).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"There is no doubt that the newcoming Year of the Rooster will be as auspicious as the passing Year of the Monkey had been. The welcoming of lunar new year is the celebration for elders to be honored, children to be cheered and for families and relatives to get together and have fun, while wishing each other best of everything and reminding of traditions. I wish the people of Mongolia to have beautiful Tsagaan Sar and a prosperous year ahead!", said the Prime Minister. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8947">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_State_greetings_on"></a>State greetings on Lunar New Year<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 27 (MONTSAME) On the morning of the first day of the "Red Fire Rooster" year of lunar horoscope, the President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj paid his respect to the "Yusun Khult Tsagaan Tug" (Nine White Banners).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The President then visited the State House for the bow resting ceremony, which was followed by the greetings of the Parliament Speaker M.Enkhbold and Prime Minister J.Erdenebat to the Mongolian President and exchanges of "Khuurug".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After the greetings, the State Honored Artist Ts.Tserendorj played a Morin Khuur instrument (horse head fiddle), extending his praise towards the people of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Later on, Gavj Yo.Amgalan of the Gandan Monastery and Khamba Lama Ch.Dambajav of the Daschoilin Monastery arrived at the State House to greet the President, Parliament Speaker and Prime Minster, as well as to discuss the envisions of the year of Red Fire Rooster. The Khamba Lama foretold that Mongolia will have prosperous development and its people will have high 'khiimori' ("wind horse" in Mongolian, meaning spirit and might of mind and soul) in the year of Red Fire Rooster.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8940">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Julian_Dierkes:_Benchmarking"></a>Julian Dierkes: Benchmarking Corruption<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 1 (Mongolia Focus) <i>By Julian Dierkes</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In January, Transparency International released the <a href="https://www.transparency.org/news/feature/corruption_perceptions_index_2016" target="_blank">last instalment of its corruption perception index</a>. I've already commented that <a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/2017/small-year-on-year-change-cpi2016/" target="_blank">Mongolia's drop in the CPI rankings was not very meaningful</a>. The more I've looked at the CPI over the years, the more I have questioned its validity and meaningfulness given that it is/has become largely a meta-index of expert judgments. This does not strike me as a great way to assess corruption and the fact that the fluctuations in Mongolia's ranking do not really seem to be related to government policy, nor to prominent corruption cases, reinforces my sense of the overall utility of the CPI on an annual basis.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>What <a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/mongolia-scorecard/">global indices</a> are good at, however, is to provide some kind of trend line relative to other countries that are similar in some way, be it there starting position, their policy responses to corruption or some other factor.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Given that it's been <a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/2012/more-on-corruption-in-mongolia-according-to-transparency-international-further-comparisons/">five years since I last placed Mongolia's ranking on the CPI in a context</a>, let me return to that exercise here.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Mongolia's Performance over the Past Five Years<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Before I look at the index here, I would recall that corruption has been talked about a lot during this period in Mongolia. The DP has always embraced this as an important topic in its campaign, but the other parties are equally dedicated to corruption, as least rhetorically. On the policy side, some measures have been introduced and strengthened, like parliamentarians' obligation to disclose assets, and the <a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/category/eiti/">EITI</a>, for example. The fate of the Anti-Corruption Agency has been more mixed during this point. While it has gained in prominence, it has also seemingly been instrumentalized by various political actors during this time period. The "Offshoreleaks" and "<a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/2016/panama-papers/">Panama Papers</a>" cases have renewed public attention to corruption, as have the recent discussions around the purchase of 49% of <a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/category/erdenet/">Erdenet</a> Mine from Russian investors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With all this activity in the policy space and the public eye, few people seem to express a sense that much has changed about corruption, it is generally seen as still endemic.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Asia Foundation's <a href="http://asiafoundation.org/publication/survey-perceptions-knowledge-corruption-speak-vii/">2016 Survey on Perceptions and Knowledge and of Corruption</a>, does show that corruption is no longer seen as urgent a "major problem" as other issues, like unemployment for example. The proportion of respondents speaking of corruption has thus declined from nearly 30% in 2006 to under 10% in the last several years. At the same time, the assessment that "corruption is a common practice in our country" has not budged, in fact it has been rising since 2014, with roughly 2/3 of Mongolians agreeing with that statement. The regularity of the SPEAK survey allows us to compare its results to CPI rankings.<o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=639 style='width:479.25pt;background:white;border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr><td valign=bottom style='border:none;border-top:solid #E7E7E7 1.0pt;background:transparent;padding:4.5pt .25in 4.5pt .25in'></td><td valign=bottom style='border:none;border-top:solid #E7E7E7 1.0pt;background:transparent;padding:4.5pt .25in 4.5pt .25in'><p class=MsoNormal>2012<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=bottom style='border:none;border-top:solid #E7E7E7 1.0pt;background:transparent;padding:4.5pt .25in 4.5pt .25in'><p class=MsoNormal>2013<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=bottom style='border:none;border-top:solid #E7E7E7 1.0pt;background:transparent;padding:4.5pt .25in 4.5pt .25in'><p class=MsoNormal>2014<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=bottom style='border:none;border-top:solid #E7E7E7 1.0pt;background:transparent;padding:4.5pt .25in 4.5pt .25in'><p class=MsoNormal>2015<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=bottom style='border:none;border-top:solid #E7E7E7 1.0pt;background:transparent;padding:4.5pt .25in 4.5pt .25in'><p class=MsoNormal>2016<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=bottom style='border:none;border-top:solid #E7E7E7 1.0pt;background:transparent;padding:4.5pt .25in 4.5pt .25in'><p class=MsoNormal>CPI Score<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=bottom style='border:none;border-top:solid #E7E7E7 1.0pt;background:transparent;padding:4.5pt .25in 4.5pt .25in'><p class=MsoNormal>36<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=bottom style='border:none;border-top:solid #E7E7E7 1.0pt;background:transparent;padding:4.5pt .25in 4.5pt .25in'><p class=MsoNormal>38<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=bottom style='border:none;border-top:solid #E7E7E7 1.0pt;background:transparent;padding:4.5pt .25in 4.5pt .25in'><p class=MsoNormal>39<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=bottom style='border:none;border-top:solid #E7E7E7 1.0pt;background:transparent;padding:4.5pt .25in 4.5pt .25in'><p class=MsoNormal>39<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=bottom style='border:none;border-top:solid #E7E7E7 1.0pt;background:transparent;padding:4.5pt .25in 4.5pt .25in'><p class=MsoNormal>38<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td valign=bottom style='border:none;border-top:solid #E7E7E7 1.0pt;background:transparent;padding:4.5pt .25in 4.5pt .25in'><p class=MsoNormal>Proportion: Agree with "common practice"<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=bottom style='border:none;border-top:solid #E7E7E7 1.0pt;background:transparent;padding:4.5pt .25in 4.5pt .25in'><p class=MsoNormal>64.4%<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=bottom style='border:none;border-top:solid #E7E7E7 1.0pt;background:transparent;padding:4.5pt .25in 4.5pt .25in'></td><td valign=bottom style='border:none;border-top:solid #E7E7E7 1.0pt;background:transparent;padding:4.5pt .25in 4.5pt .25in'><p class=MsoNormal>62.7%<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=bottom style='border:none;border-top:solid #E7E7E7 1.0pt;background:transparent;padding:4.5pt .25in 4.5pt .25in'><p class=MsoNormal>64.6%<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=bottom style='border:none;border-top:solid #E7E7E7 1.0pt;background:transparent;padding:4.5pt .25in 4.5pt .25in'><p class=MsoNormal>65.7%<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b>Mongolia Compared to Other Groups of Countries<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>TI itself offers a regional comparison, including Mongolia in the <a href="http://www.transparency.org/news/feature/asia_pacific_fighting_corruption_is_side_lined">Asia Pacific grouping</a>. The logic behind the regional approach is that perhaps there is some kind of a contagion effect that has an impact on corruption. When the CPI is constructed in Berlin, that may make a lot of sense, especially given the extent to which the EU radiates some of its policies and practices Eastward. But for Mongolia the regional grouping that includes as disparate and unconnected cases as Japan and Mynamar, with no meaningful regional interactions, this grouping makes less sense to me.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Substantively, I would be most interest in comparing Mongolia to a) post-state socialist countries, b) democracies, c) resource economies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Mongolia and Post-State Socialist Countries<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Let's look at post-Soviet countries in Eurasia first.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In this group, I would include Armenia (AM), Azerbaijan (AZ), Belarus (BY), Georgia (GA), Kazakhstan (KAZ), Kyrgyzstan (KG), Mongolia (MN), Moldova (MD), Russia (RU), Tajikistan (TJ), Turkmenistan (TM), Ukraine (UA), and Uzbekistan (UZ).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Just like was the case in 2012, Georgia stands out in this group with a 2016 score of 57 that is far better than Belarus (40), Mongolia (38), Armenia (33), Azerbaijan and Moldova (30), Ukraine, Russia and Kazakhstan (29), Kyrgyzstan (28), Tajikistan (25), Turkmenistan (22) and Uzbekistan(21).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In this group comparing 2012 scores with 2016 shows some improvement (BY + 9, GA + 5, TK +5, KY +4, UZ +4, AZ +3, TJ +3, UA +3, MN +2, AM +1, RU +1, KAZ +1). Only one country shows a decline in its 2012 vs 2016 score: MD -6. In this grouping then Mongolia's long-term trend is not very impressive.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Emerging Resource Economies<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>What countries could we group with Mongolia as an emerging resource economy for 2012-2016?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A place to start might be data on % GDP derived from mineral rents. Then let's select countries where this percentage has been above 8% for the period 2011-15 (no data for 2016 from the World Bank yet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Burkina Faso (BF), Chile (CL), Dem Rep of Congo (CD), Guyana (GY), Liberia (LR), Mali (ML), Mongolia, Suriname (SR), Togo (TG), Zambia (ZM).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>That seems like a reasonable comparison group, though Chile is hardly "emerging" at this point and the % of GDP from mineral rents has not increasing in any of these countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>CPI scores increased in: SR +8, BF +4, GY +6, MN +2, TG +2, ZM +1. The score stayed the same in the CD and declined in: CL -6, LR -4, ML -2.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Again, Mongolia's performance here is middling at best. Take Suriname as an example. Mongolia and Suriname were very close in scores in 2012 (36/37, respectively), but the difference had widened to 7 (38/45). Why I don't know anything about this improvement in Suriname, even with doubts about the CPI generally, this seems like an important comparison for Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Guyana has also made rapid progress to almost reach the score of Mongolia. Generally, African countries with large resource sectors have fared worse than Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Democracies<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>To find some comparable democracies for Mongolia, let's start with the Freedom House ranking of 1.5. Countries at that level are: Israel, Ghana, Mongolia, Belize, Croatia, Latvia, Grenada, Mauritius, Poland, France, Lichtenstein. Of these Croatia, Grenada, Latvia, Poland became democratic around the same time as Mongolia. They all have much higher corruption scores than Mongolia. This is a pretty amorphous group, however, and it would be more useful to somehow find a grouping of countries to compare to that is defined similarly, perhaps around constitutional forms, i.e. semi-presidential democracies? I'm not sure where I might find such a listing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Some Conclusions<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Rather than focusing on year-on-year changes in the CPI score, I've tried to compare Mongolia in the medium-term trend in the CPI to countries that are characterized by similarities with Mongolia in terms of history and economy. This comparison suggests that Mongolia's performance on the CPI criteria has been moderately positive. There are examples of similar countries who have performed much better, and examples of countries where corruption is perceived to have become much worse.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/2017/benchmarking-corruption/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Opinion:_Working_with"></a>Opinion: Working with Mongolia local government to prevent corruption<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>By <a href="https://www.devex.com/news/authors/1295836">Ashleigh Whelan</a>, <a href="https://www.devex.com/news/authors/1295839">Craig Castagna</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 27 (Devex) "All politics is local" is a maxim so common as to become clichéd. Yet the wisdom applies to development work around the world.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Locally driven approaches to democracy and governance are valuable on a number of fronts, and we have found this particularly true in anticorruption programs. Anticorruption policies require a bottom-up approach that appreciates the current landscape, as well as the opportunities for corruption. They need to be able to access citizens directly, as only local governments have the capacity to do on a daily basis.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As in many countries, corruption is a key hindrance to development in Mongolia. The problem is very much on the minds of the Mongolian people: 76 percent of voting age <a href="http://www.iri.org/resource/mongolia-poll-despite-poor-economic-situation-elections-bring-renewed-hope-democracy">Mongolians identify corruption as a major problem in the country</a>. Several civil society organizations are dedicated to monitoring service delivery, and the government has formed an Independent Agency Against Corruption, tasked with conducting oversight of government officials and educating the public.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The municipal leadership in the capital of Ulaanbaatar, including former Mayor E.Bat-Uul and current Mayor Su.Batbold, sought out the International Republican Institute to help it engage with citizens and enhance civil servants' knowledge and capacity to fight corruption.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Here's what we learned:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>1.</b> <b>Consultation is key. </b>Working directly with the mayor, we were able to establish an anticorruption initiative within City Hall that convenes civil servants, civil society representatives and citizens. Through a consultative arrangement, citizens are able to identify gaps in transparency and accountability and devise solutions. For example, the initiative has worked to provide easy-to-comprehend materials that inform citizens on how public funds are allocated and spent.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>2.</b> <b>Focus on prevention. </b>One route to reform is to focus on prevention, by identifying susceptibilities to corruption before they happen. System inefficiencies are often visible when partnering with a country's local government. In Ulaanbaatar, we quickly established that budgetary malfeasance, facilitated by opaque rules and procedures, provided opportunities for corrupt behaviors or actions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>3. Foster inclusion through partnerships. </b>As with any anticorruption strategy, it's important to be able to present findings in a manner that is truthful but does not alienate key stakeholders. Partnerships that involve a variety of actors in agenda-setting and decision-making can build an inclusive, problem-solving approach, rather than top-down recommendations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This was the logic underpinning the rollout of IRI's<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWgXIul-6Oo"> Vulnerabilities to Corruption Assessment</a> tool, first piloted in 2014 in Ulaanbaatar. The rollout of this formalized structure helped us identify the key elements that make governments susceptible to graft, with wide-ranging application for implementers across the anticorruption field.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Why local government? <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>We have found that this approach is most effective when applied to local governments, as these entities play a direct role in providing everyday services to citizens and have the most interaction with the public. Armed with the lessons derived from the VCA, municipalities are able to better design interventions that will enable them to transform, over time, into "oases of good governance." Change in one area creates a positive precedent for neighboring local governments.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This approach doesn't end with the assessment. Rather, the tool can be employed to kick off a series of actions to address the vulnerabilities identified. As a result of our 2014 assessment in Mongolia, we have been working with the government of Ulaanbaatar to strengthen knowledge of ethics and have helped to design mechanisms to prevent conflicts of interest among civil servants. For example, infographic-style budget literacy tools have equipped citizens and the civil society organizations to monitor public expenditure and advocate for policy changes accordingly. The citizens of Ulaanbaatar recently did just that regarding educational spending.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Of course, following up these types of assessments with effective initiatives is by no means easy. Solutions require significant political will. It may require more time and effort than tackling individual cases of corruption to, for example, establish a task force of civil servants charged with finding cost-effective solutions for irregularities in identification cards processing. But the impact can also be more significant, attacking the systemic weaknesses that corrode public trust and faith in democracy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Not all municipalities will have leaders willing to spend the political capital to become involved in this process. However, by highlighting successes and facilitating intra-country learning, development practitioners can present a persuasive case for local governments to serve as incubators for reform and action. In our experience, when initiatives are put forward as practical steps intended to increase citizen satisfaction, as opposed to top-down, punitive or politicized measures, government officials are more open to participating. This can also help anticorruption to stay on the agenda after a transfer of power between parties, helping to bolster the program's sustainability.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This is not to argue that there is no place for nationwide anticorruption efforts facilitated by development implementers in Mongolia. But our experience in Ulaanbaatar highlights that municipal governments can become drivers of wider systemic reform — engaging both the officials and the "little platoons" that are crucial to achieving genuine improvements. It turns out all politics really is local — and that goes for the development sector, too.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.devex.com/news/opinion-working-with-local-government-to-prevent-corruption-89680">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_EU-CSO_Programme:_Enhancing"></a>EU-CSO Programme: Enhancing CSOs' Contribution to Governance and Development Processes in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>Deadline</b>: 14 April 2017<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The European Union (EU) is currently accepting proposals from eligible organizations for "Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Programme: Enhancing CSOs' contribution to governance and development processes in <a href="https://www2.fundsforngos.org/tag/mongolia/">Mongolia</a>". The objective of this call for proposals is to contribute to the reinforcement of Mongolian Civil Society Organisations as a pre-condition for a more equitable, open and democratic society for an inclusive and sustainable development and growth.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Priorities</b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=square><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo5'>CSOs as actors of governance and accountability<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo5'>CSOs as key stakeholders in promoting inclusive, equitable and sustainable growth:<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>Size of Grants</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Any grant requested under this Call for Proposals must fall between EUR 600 000 and EUR 900 000.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Eligibility Criteria</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www2.fundsforngos.org/civil-society/eu-cso-programme-enhancing-csos-contribution-to-governance-and-development-processes-in-mongolia/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_joins_Global"></a>Mongolia joins Global Consensus on Sustainable Livestock<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 26 /MONTSAME/ On February 24, a signing ceremony of Mongolia to join the Global Consensus on Sustainable Livestock, which was initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ts.Jambaldorj, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to Italy and Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the FAO signed the consensus and Mongolia becomes 17th country at a government level and 83th member of the program.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Following the ceremony, Ambassador Ts.Jambaldorj and Fritz Schneider, Global Agenda Chair of Global Consensus on Sustainable Livestock delivered remarks respectively.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With its commitment to the consensus, Mongolia, with over 60 million livestock population, will enjoy opportunities to closely cooperate with other member states on sustainable development of animal husbandry, making livestock animals healthy, manufacturing products of animal-origin and eco-friendly production of raw materials and exporting them to global markets. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In this connection, the Government of Mongolia is developing a national program on the livestock industry. It is expected that the national program would be of assistance to the effective implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2030, by corresponding with the Global Consensus on Sustainable Livestock and becoming wider in terms of its scope. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/agriculture/8938">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for February 24, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Bank of Mongolia to be audited<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Members of Parliament T. Ayursaikhan, Ts. Davaasuren, M. Oyunchimeg held a press conference to announce that a working group was established by Parliament's Economic Standing Committee to audit the Bank of Mongolia. The working group will conduct the audit from February 23 to April 30. The working group will grade the Central Bank on its operations designed to stabilize the currency exchange rate, the implementation and results of its financed projects, and the amount of currency in circulation and its effect on the economy. The MPs noted that the Bank of Mongolia's losses are covered by government securities, adding to burdens placed on the state budget, and that issues at the central bank must be identified and resolved.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Bank of Mongolia, Standing Committee |</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> <i>The Century News /page 1/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Deputy Speaker meets with the Japanese Ambassador<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Deputy Speaker of Parliament Ts. Nyamdorj received the Ambassador from Japan to Mongolia, Masato Takoaka. Ts. Nyamdorj noted that the relationship between the two countries has reached new heights in strategic partnership, and highlighted that if Mitsubishi opens a factory in Mongolia, relations would develop even further. Ts. Nyamdorj stated that the political relationship between the two countries is highly developed, but economic cooperation needs to improve. The Ambassador stated that based on the economic partnership agreement signed by Japan and Mongolia that economic and business partnership will flourish in the future. Speaking on behalf of Japanese investors, the Ambassador proposed commencing operations at the new Ulaanbaatar International Airport in Khushig Valley as soon as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> bilateral relations, Japan, infrastructure</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> <i>| Today /page A2/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ECONOMY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Investment in the oil sector increases<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Acting Director of Oil at the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority L. Radnasuren stated, "In 2017, 1.1 million tons of oil will be exported, contributing around 180 billion MNT to the state budget. This year, six companies will conduct exploration and several product sharing contracts are expected to be signed." With the announcement of the Ministry of Finance's plan to increase the excise tax on oil, consumers expect gasoline prices to rise in the near future. L. Radnasuren noted that gasoline prices will not rise in the next three months, highlighting that companies are looking for financing to establish a warehouse in Rashaant capable of storing 100,000 tons of fuel. L. Radnasuren stated that investment in the sector is increasing, based on a look at investment in exploration companies and exploration projects in Uvs and Khovd provinces commencing this year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> petroleum, investment</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> <i>| The Official Gazette /page 11/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ONLINE STORIES<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Thermal Power Plant II and III saw profits in 2016<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The state's thermal power plants (TPP) released their financial reports for 2016. TPP II and III were profitable last year, while TPP IV operated with losses. TPP III had 104.9 billion MNT in sales revenue in 2016, an increase of 9.2% compared to 2015. Profit reached 234.7 million MNT, almost two times less than profit recorded in 2015. TPP II saw 19.1billion MNT in sales revenue, an increase of almost 18% compared to 2015. Profit nearly tripled, reaching 473.2<b> </b>million MNT. TPP IV supplies about 70% of the central region's energy and sales revenue increased by 11%, reaching 216.7 billion MNT. Due to changes in the foreign exchange rate, TPP IV saw 20 million MNT in losses in 2015, but the number increased significantly in 2016, reaching only 3.9 billion MNT. The Mongolian Stock Exchange noted that the energy entity's total losses reached 2.9 billion MNT.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> MSE, energy</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> <i>| <a href="http://bloombergtv.mn/%D0%B4%D1%86%D1%81-ii-iii-%D3%A9%D0%BD%D0%B3%D3%A9%D1%80%D1%81%D3%A9%D0%BD-%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B4-%D0%B0%D1%88%D0%B8%D0%B3%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%B9-%D0%B0%D0%B6%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B6%D1%8D%D1%8D/?cid=1" target="_blank">www.bloombergtv.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>2017 marks the 45<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Mongolia-Japan diplomatic relationship<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> This year marks the 45<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the Mongolia-Japan diplomatic relationship. In commemoration of the anniversary, several events have been planned to take place throughout the year. On February 10, an art exhibition and opening ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Minister of Foreign Affairs will lead a commission responsible for organizing 45 anniversary events to celebrate the relationship between the two countries in 2017.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> bilateral relations, Japan</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> <i>| <a href="http://www.montsame.mn/dotood-medee/46704" target="_blank">www.montsame.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ANNOUNCEMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Please note that there will be no Daily Newswire from February 27- March 1, 2017 due to Tsagaan Sar holidays. The Daily Newswire service will resume as usual on Thursday, March 2, 2017. Happy Tsagaan Sar!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> AmCham, Tsagaan Sar</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> <i>| <a href="http://www.amcham.mn/" target="_blank">www.amcham.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-february-24-2017-2/">Link to newswire</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-M1OFLII-ZX4x10fk3fKHwhUGreUhqh_B3zhHxcJ1X5GJv7_1nTfWhh9i3PeCEE8FmeX6IuFxUuc3uTk8b4tjHDfs6-08_tDpmG7uYEJvSJqtiuKn3IFmNGNIB9J6Mh9QnaMYt8edDM/s1600/image005-768245.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-M1OFLII-ZX4x10fk3fKHwhUGreUhqh_B3zhHxcJ1X5GJv7_1nTfWhh9i3PeCEE8FmeX6IuFxUuc3uTk8b4tjHDfs6-08_tDpmG7uYEJvSJqtiuKn3IFmNGNIB9J6Mh9QnaMYt8edDM/s320/image005-768245.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728834310692610" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Business></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Business<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_BCM_Trade_&"></a>BCM Trade & Logistics Working Group Needs Assessment Survey 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Thank you for giving us the opportunity to serve you better. Please help us by taking a few minutes to tell us about the service you would like to see from the BCM Trade & Logistics Working Group. We would appreciate your participation and want to make sure we meet your expectations and improve our services. We would highly appreciate your feedback even if you are not a current member of the Working Group. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSenRyW9Aj3OinMtDW1J3pEGBfrZZ2qUcVcI6P-nUkMIAqOvqQ/viewform?c=0&w=1">Link to survey</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Development_Bank_of"></a>Development Bank of Mongolia to participate in 'One Belt One Road'<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 24 (news.mn) Ch.Enkhbat, deputy director of Development Bank of Mongolia and G.Jigjidsuren, director of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development of Mongolia have visited the city of Shenzhen in China. The purpose of the visit was to discuss economic, industrial and infrastructure cooperation with this Chinese mega-city.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During discussions, the Mongolian delegation expressed interest in participating in the investment project under China's 'One Belt One Road' initiative which focuses on connectivity with Asia and Europe based on the famed Silk Road trading routes which once linked China with medieval Europe.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Shenzhen, is one of China's five largest cities (the population of 'Greater Shenzhen is over 10 million people - or three Mongolia's). Located in the south of the country it is important as being the site of China's first Special Economic Zone (SEZ), which opened in 1980 and kick-started the modernisation of the China into an economic superpower.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/326229">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Green_Public-Private_Partnerships"></a>Green Public-Private Partnerships for Public Infrastructure in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>GGGI recently published a report titled, <a href="http://gggi.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/gggi_ppp_web.pdf"><b>'Green Public-Private Partnerships for Public Infrastructure in Mongolia: PPP Model and Technical Guidelines for Green Education Buildings'</b></a>. This report recommends Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) models and technical guidelines for green and energy efficient public education buildings tailored for Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The PPP models provide detailed illustrations and comparable global practices for the contractual modalities through which the Government of Mongolia may effectively engage the private sector in the provision of public education infrastructure and services. The technical guidelines provide initial guidance to the government and various public and private stakeholders in the design and construction of green educational facilities. In the report, validation of various green design options against the baseline model was conducted through simulations in order to assess impacts of green design and technologies recommended in the guidelines. Compared to the baseline model, green options for new education buildings is expected to result in an GHG reduction of 47-67%, O&M savings (including energy costs) of 34-78%, whereas upfront construction costs increase by 13-65%. The recommended green option presents that its incremental costs can be recovered from lower operating costs within 22 years. In conclusion, the report recommends various policy measures in the legal/institutional, operational, and financial aspects in order to better facilitate the use of PPP schemes in the construction of green education buildings.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Increased investment in green infrastructure is an area where government efforts are essential for the transition to the green development model under the National Green Development Policy adopted in 2014 in Mongolia. Mongolia seeks to expand its use of PPP to improve the delivery of public infrastructure services, however, challenges in implementation remain. Since 2015, GGGI has collaborated with the Government of Mongolia in developing and implementing PPP models and technical guidelines for greener, pro-poor PPP applications. This report is the first effort to address policy and investment challenges through close collaboration between the Government of Mongolia and GGGI.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Building on the work on green infrastructure PPP models, GGGI's support will focus on helping the Government access low-cost finance for green public buildings and infrastructure projects by designing a financing structure that is most beneficial for Mongolia and enhancing public and private capital flows into the program, in partnership with development partners such as the Asian Development Bank. GGGI is currently working with the Ulaanbaatar City Municipality for designing and preparing pilot PPP projects starting from public education buildings.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Read the full report <a href="http://gggi.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/gggi_ppp_web.pdf">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://gggi.org/green-public-private-partnerships-for-public-infrastructure-in-mongolia/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_March_Monthly"></a>AmCham March Monthly Meeting, March 7<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Date/Time: </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>March 7, 2017, <i>8:30 am - 10:30 am</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Location: </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://amcham.mn/locations/shangri-la-hotel-ulaanbaatar-ballroom/" title="Shangri-La Hotel Ulaanbaatar, Ballroom">Shangri-La Hotel Ulaanbaatar, Ballroom</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>AmCham Mongolia is pleased to invite you to attend our March Monthly Meeting with prominent business leaders of Mongolia for an in-depth panel discussion including a Q & A session. Panelists <b>Mr. Od Jambaljamts, President of MCS Group; Mr. Steve Potter, Executive Director of Wagner Asia Group Companies; and Mr. Tuyen Nguyen, Resident Representative for Mongolia at the International Finance Cooperation </b>will discuss the current economic situation of Mongolia and forecasts for 2017.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>AGENDA:<o:p></o:p></span></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=829 style='width:621.75pt;background:white;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>08:30<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Registration and Networking<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>9:00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Opening Remarks by, <b>Jay Liotta, Chairman of AmCham Mongolia</b><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Panel Discussion and Q & A Session with the Speakers<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>10:30<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Announcements and Adjournment<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>AmCham Members: FREE<br>Non-Members: 40,000 MNT<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Please register below by Monday, March 6th, 2017 if you wish to attend:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://amcham.mn/events/march-monthly-meeting/?contact-form-id=8491&contact-form-sent=8508&_wpnonce=abd94eb5c1#contact-form-8491">Link to registration</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_KT&G_enjoys_sales"></a>KT&G enjoys sales boom in Mongolia with tailored strategies<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 27 (The Korea Herald) Hallyu is strong in Mangolia, where there are three streets named after Korean places and around 7 in 10 cars are from Korea. Many stores also sell Korean products, including cigarettes. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>KT&G is showing a high growth rate in the country, which is a rising market for the exports of Korean firms. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The company started off by selling 4.7 million cigarettes there in 2000 and has seen continuous growth since 2010. KT&G sold 750 million cigarettes there last year -- 160 times more than its first-year sales -- with its market share at around 17.8 percent.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The growth of KT&G's exports to Mongolia was led by the super-slim low-tar brand ESSE, which costs almost twice the price of Mongolia's most-sold cigarette Ulaan Shonhor, but ranks No. 1 among exported cigarette brands. It accounts for 78 percent of the market for super-slim cigarettes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ESSE was able to achieve such a high market share due to KT&G's local marketing strategy that focuses on positioning itself as a premium brand. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Taking into account that the cigarette market in Mongolia has been growing in the area of high-tar regular products, it decided to sell a low-tar super-slim cigarette brand instead. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Recently, KT&G has been showing high growth in emerging markets, including Indonesia and America. Out of the 48.7 billion cigarettes sold overseas, 40 percent or 18.4 billion were sold in the emerging markets.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>KT&G's foreign performance has been boosted by the expansion of its distribution networks to emerging markets such as Asia, Africa and America through product development based on the local tastes and trends.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Indonesia, for instance, is the world's third-largest consumer of cigarettes. The kretek cigarette, which has clove added to it, accounts for 90 percent of the market. Due to this distinct culture, foreign companies have found it difficult to enter the country. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>With an aim to develop a product that resembles the kretek cigarette, KT&G released ESSE Change -- which uses a kretek blend -- last year, leading to more than 300 million cigarettes sold locally.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The success was due to the continuous efforts in product development that aimed to suit the diverse tastes of the locals from various countries," a KT&G official said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"We are going to regard ESSE, which has developed into a global brand, as a stepping stone to expand our exports to diverse countries further."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20170227000946">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s1600/image006-770654.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s320/image006-770654.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728846955772290" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Ulaanbaatar></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_10_clinics_to"></a>10 clinics to be built in UB with Turkish aid<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 24 (MONTSAME) Sh.Ankhmaa, City Governor's Office's deputy in charge of social affairs received the delegations led by Ismail Hakki Turunc, the Chief Advisor of the Governor of Istanbul, Turkey. The sides discussed the project on the establishment of 10 hospitals using the non-refundable aid of Turkey. Within the project framework, 9 family clinics and a dialysis clinic will be established.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sh.Ankhmaa expressed her gratitude towards the delegates for providing aid in Ulaanbaatar and said "Many projects are being implemented through foreign investment in Mongolia. But this project is one of the relatively few non-refundable aid".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A total of 152 family clinics are operating in 152 district committees throughout the city. And because of the scarce apparatus and obsolete facilities, the clinics are in dire need for reconstruction. Therefore, the renovation of nine clinics will be a relieving aid for Mongolia. The project is planning to commence with the construction season in April and Hakki Turunc mentioned that the construction work will be handled by Mongolian companies. Also, the project indicates that 10 medical apparatus will be installed in the Dialysis Clinic.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>City Governor's Office has prepared the construction sites of the clinics. Specifically, 5000 m2 area of Dialysis Clinic in Khan-Uul district and 1000 m2 for each Family Clinics are planned by the Governor's ordinance. As for the Family Clinics, 600 m2 areas will be used for the facility and 400 m2 will be composed of green areas.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>By the estimation of the Turkish side, each Family Clinics are expected to have 6 doctors that will provide medical service for 1800-2000 people which means they are capable of providing medical service to 12 thousand people. After visiting the selected construction areas, the delegates of Istanbul have met the authorities of Ulaanbaatar. Also, Sh.Ankhmaa noted that the Governor's office will provide support in every way possible to hasten the project.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Source: <a href="http://ulaanbaatar.mn/Home/newsdetail?dataID=20829" target="_blank">City Governor's Office</a></i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8925">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_UB_Mayor_receives"></a>UB Mayor receives Istanbul delegates<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 26 (MONTSAME) On February 24, S.Batbold, Mayor of Ulaanbaatar and Governor of Capital city received Turkish delegates led by Hakki Turunch, advisor to the Mayor of Istanbul city of Turkey. A visit of the Turkish delegation to Mongolia mainly focuses on commencing the construction works of nine family clinics and a dialysis center to be built in Ulaanbaatar with non-refundable assistance from Turkey. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the meeting, Mayor S.Batbold said "As Ulaanbaatar is a developing city, which faces a large number of challenges, the bilateral ties between Mongolia and Turkey will be strengthened to all spheres of cooperation in the future. E.Munkh-Ochir, Consul General of Mongolia in Istanbul has contributed significantly in the construction projects of health centers in Ulaanbaatar. Thanks to his efforts, the projects are showing great progress".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After expressing his gratitude to Mayor S.Batbold for receiving them, in turn, Mr. Hakki Turunch also praised the efforts and achievements of Consul General Munkh-Ochir and expressed its gratitude. He continued "We had visited to the construction site if the buildings of the health organizations, which we concluded that the sites have optimal locations. The construction works are likely to launch after we establish a memorandum of mutual understanding in the near future. The bilateral relations between the two countries will be further expanded as the Turkish side is ready to cooperate in a myriad of sectors with Mongolia in the future".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mayor Office of Ulaanbaatar issued an order to use 5000 sq. meter land for the building of dialysis center and each 1000 sq.meter for nine family clinics in Ulaanbaatar city. Also, each family clinics will have 6 doctors, each of whom will serve 8-13 thousand residents.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8936">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s1600/image006-770654.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s320/image006-770654.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728846955772290" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Diplomacy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Diplomacy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_A_Conversation_With"></a>A Conversation With Mongolia's Foreign Minister Tsend Munkh-Orgil<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Mongolian Minister of Foreign Affairs Tsend Munkh-Orgil gives an exclusive interview to The Diplomat.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>By Peter Bittner</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 27 (The Diplomat) In an exclusive interview, Mongolian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Tsend Munkh-Orgil speaks with with <i>The Diplomat's </i>Peter Bittner about last fall's visit by the Dalai Lama and Mongolia-China relations, the MFA's expectations for working with the Trump administration in the United States, Mongolia's economic outlook, and Ulaanbaatar's air pollution.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>(<a href="https://youtu.be/yQeg9XPXRO0">VIDEO</a>)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://thediplomat.com/2017/03/a-conversation-with-mongolias-foreign-minister-tsend-munkh-orgil/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Foreign_Minister_addresses"></a>Foreign Minister addresses UN Human Rights Council session<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>March 1 (Montsame) Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia Ts.Munkh-Orgil delivered remarks at the high-level segment of the 5th meeting of the 34th session of the Human Rights Council. The session is taking place in Geneva, Switzerland from February 27 to March 24.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In his remarks, the Foreign Minister gave a thorough introduction of the policy, actions and measures carried-out by the Government of Mongolia towards the protection and promotion of human rights on a national level and in international fora. Watch full remarks by Minister Ts.Munkh-Orgil <a href="http://webtv.un.org/meetings-events/human-rights-council/regular-sessions/watch/mongolia-high-level-segment-5th-meeting-34th-regular-session-human-rights-council/5340475979001#full-text" target="_blank">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During his participation in the Human Rights Council, Minister Ts.Munkh-Orgil met with international high level representatives, such as Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva Michael Møller, High Commissioner of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid bin Ra'ad, Deputy Secretary-General of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Joachim Reiter, Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Kairat Abdrakhmanov, Foreign Minister of Albania Ditmir Bushati and Minister for International Development and the Pacific of Australia Concetta Fierravanti-Wells to discuss bilateral ties and international issues of mutual concern.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ts.Munkh-Orgil and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Albania Ditmir Bushati signed an agreement for between the Government of Mongolia and the Council of Ministers of Albania on mutual visa exemption for diplomatic and official passport holders.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Established in 2006, the Human Rights Council, is an intergovernmental body within the United Nations system made up of 47 States responsible for the promotion and protection of all human rights around the globe. In October 2015, Mongolia was elected as a Human Rights Council member and will be serving as a member until 2018 to contribute in the activities of the international community on human rights protection and promotion and to be involved in the decision-making process of the council.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8951">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Malaysia_detains_three"></a>Malaysia detains three vessels, two from Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>JOHOR BARU, February 26 (The Star Online): Three vessels have been detained by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency in the past three days for anchoring without permission and failure to produce relevant documents.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Two Mongolia-registered ships failed to produce insurance documents while another vessel registered with the Republic of the Marshall Islands was detained for anchoring without permission.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tanjung Sedili district maritime director Capt Amran Daud said <i>MT Ruby</i> and <i>Sun Moon</i>, both registered in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, were detained on Friday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Capt Amran said that earlier, his team detained another vessel from Majuro of the Marshall Islands for anchoring without permission and failing to inform upon arrival on Malaysian waters.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The ship was spotted by a patrolling unit at 2.9 nautical miles southeast of Tanjung Ayam on Feb 22.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He said the owner could be slapped with a fine of not more than RM100,000 or jailed up to six months or both, if found guilty.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/02/26/mmea-detains-three-vessels/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_UAE_Ambassador_meets"></a>UAE Ambassador meets with Mongolia's President in Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia, 26th February, 2017 (WAM) -- Abdullah Abdul Rahman Al Tunaiji, UAE Ambassador to Mongolia, has met with Tsakhia Elbegdorj, President of Mongolia, Jargaltulga Erdenebat, Prime Minister, Miyegombo Enkhbold, Speaker of Parliament, and Tsend Munkh-Orgil, Minister of Foreign Relations, at a reception celebrating the Mongolian Lunar New Year, Tsagaan Sar, in Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the meeting, Al Tunaiji conveyed greetings from President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to the Mongolian President, wishing for continued health and prosperity for the people of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://wam.ae/en/details/1395302599728">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Justice_Minister_receives"></a>Justice Minister receives Ambassador of Italy<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 24 (gogo.mn) The Minister of Justice and Home Affairs, Mr. Byambatsogt Sandag received the Ambassador of the Italian Republic to Mongolia, H.E. Mr. Andrea de Felip. During this meeting, they discussed issues relating to the development of bilateral cooperation in the field of justice between the two countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover, the Minister shared his views on cooperation in combating crimes related to narcotics, corruption, abuse of public office and organized criminality. He also expressed the interest in establishing agreements on mutual legal assistance in civil and criminal matters.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the conclusion, the Ambassador praised the efforts of the Ministry in ensuring a favorable legal framework for foreign investors and businessmen, and introducing appropriate policies to this end.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157515">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_State_officials_welcome"></a>State officials welcome foreign diplomatic representatives for Tsagaan Sar<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 24 (UB Post) On the occasion of the Mongolian Lunar New Year, on Wednesday President Ts.Elbegdorj, Speaker of Parliament M.Enkhbold, Prime Minister J.Erdenebat, and Foreign Affairs Minister Ts.Munkh-Orgil received heads of foreign diplomatic missions and resident representatives of international organizations representing their countries and organizations in Mongolia for the exchange of traditional Mongolian holiday greetings.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the meeting's opening remarks, President Ts.Elbegdorj highlighted that Mongolia has played an active role in foreign policy at international and regional levels, including a trilateral meeting between the Mongolian, Russian, and Chinese heads of state; the signing of the World Trade Organization's trade facilitation agreement; ratification and implementation of an economic partnership agreement with Japan; and ratification of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He emphasized that Mongolia is working to develop trade and economic cooperation to overcome the nation's economic challenges, and will closely collaborate with the diplomatic missions in 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Kalybek Koblandin, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Mongolia, noted that international organizations and foreign countries have helped provide Mongolian herders facing winter challenges with financial aid and support services.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He also noted that Mongolia successfully hosted the 11th ASEM Summit and made significant achievements last year in global and regional arenas, including Mongolia's successful peacekeeping activities, fulfillment of the Member of the United Nations' Human Rights Council, ratification of the WTO's trade agreement, and establishing the International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ambassador Koblandin stated that he hopes the Think Tank will officially open in Ulaanbaatar this year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/24/state-officials-welcome-foreign-diplomatic-mission-representatives/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_MFA_state_secretary"></a>MFA state secretary discusses ties with US ambassador<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 24 (MONTSAME) On February 22, D.Davaasuren, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia met with Jennifer Zimdahl Galt, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the US to Mongolia to exchange views on bilateral relations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The dignitaries expressed their satisfaction for successfully implementing the issues agreed during a regular consultative meeting held Washington late last year. The sides pointed out the issues concerning mainly facilitating of bilateral relations and cooperation. In particular, they talked about Mongolia being selected by the US Millennium Challenge Corporation's Board of Directors as eligible to develop a second MCC compact as well as Transparency Agreement between the two countries, which is planned to take effect on March 20 of 2017, talks between Mongolia and the US to involve Mongolia in the H2 visa program of the US and events and measures in the scope of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>State Secretary D.Davaasuren thanked Ambassador J.Galt for the US has been rendering firm support for Mongolia to hold talks with the IMF on receiving Extended Fund Facility.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ambassador J.Galt noted the USA is interested in increasing the people-to-people exchange between the two countries and will be pleased if Mongolian people would travel to the US for various purposes, including travel, business and education and training. Moreover, she requested the Mongolia's side to co-implement measures with the Mongolian side on promoting the need to provide accurate and true information on applications for US visa to the public.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8922">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_State_Dept:_Mongolian"></a>State Dept: Mongolian Lunar New Year (Tsagaan Sar)<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Press Statement: Rex W. Tillerson, Secretary of State<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Washington, DC, February 24, 2017 (U.S. Department of State)</b> On behalf of President Trump and the American people, we send our best wishes to the people of Mongolia as you gather with your families and friends to celebrate Tsagaan Sar on February 27.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>I hope that the new year brings you prosperity and success, and that the close ties between the American and Mongolian peoples continue to deepen as we mark the 30<sup>th</sup> anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.state.gov/secretary/remarks/2017/02/268034.htm">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_and_Japan"></a>Mongolia and Japan celebrating 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 24 (MONTSAME) On this day 45 years ago, Mongolia and Japan established diplomatic relations. The opening ceremony for the celebration of this milestone was held on February 10, with a reception, photo exhibit and exchange of congratulatory note between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In frames of the jubilee, the legislative bodies of the two countries will exchange visits, documentaries will be shown, booklets will be published and academic conferences will be held on the history of Mongolia-Japan friendship.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover, a total of 45 events are planned throughout this year, including Mongolian traditional costumes' fashion show and cashmere fair in Japan, Morin Khuur Ensemble concert, Japanese Komaki Ballet and Ikebana Show in Mongolia, as well as contest of presentations about Japan, essay competitions and song contests will be held among children.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The organizing committee of Mongolia is led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and comprising of the Mongolia-Japan Friendship Group in the State Great Khural, officials from the ministries of Finance and of Education, Science and Sports, the Office of the Mayor of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolian National Broadcaster, Mongolia-Japan Friendship Community and representatives of NGOs and companies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8919">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s1600/image006-770654.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s320/image006-770654.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728846955772290" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HealthEdu></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Health & Education<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_Taiwan_donates_braille"></a>Taiwan donates braille embosser to Mongolian national blind federation <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 24 (UB Post) The Taiwanese government donated a braille embosser to the <b>Mongolian National Federation of the Blind</b> (MNFB) on Wednesday to support learning experiences of the blind and visually impaired.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>After handing over the <b>embosser worth 15,000 USD</b>, Taiwan's representative to Mongolia <b>Huang Kuo-Jung</b> and his secretary discussed further directions of mutual cooperation with Head of the MNFB <b>D.Gerel</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The <b>Taiwanese side mentioned that this was their first donation to the MNFB despite the many years of partnership between Mongolia and Taiwan</b>. They chose to give away a braille embosser as advised by D.Gerel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"<b>We're happy to be able to assist the visually impaired in getting access to information quickly</b>. This is the first time we've made a donation to the MNFB<b>. We said that this was the beginning of our cooperation but we've already collaborated in many areas</b>. For many years, we partnered with the MNFB and taught various skills, such as massage therapy, to people living with visual impairment. I'm confident that our cooperation will further expand in the future," said a representative from the Taipei Trade and Economic Representative Office in Ulaanbaatar during the meeting with D.Gerel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>D.Gerel stated that the <b>majority of programs and projects implemented in Mongolia don't address problems faced by the blind and visually impaired</b>, but Taiwan has been helping alleviate this issue in the last four years through all kinds of programs and workshops.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The <b>Taiwanese side has been organizing workshops and programs for the blind and visually impaired in Mongolia for four years</b>. This time, they've donated an embosser worth 15,000 USD. The embosser is the most essential item for distributing information to people living with visual impairment," she said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>D.Gerel highlighted that the embosser will significantly help improve the learning experiences of the blind as it is three times faster than their current machine. <b>She also criticized the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science for the lack of books and reading materials</b> for the visually impaired.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Our association isn't able to reach every blind member of the public. In fact, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science is supposed to publish braille books. Yet, they make an excuse saying that the MNFB is supposed to carry out that work through projects. I believe that the situation will improve soon now that a law for the blind has been adopted," she noted.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia used to import braille books from Russia up until the late 1990s due to lack of equipment and financing</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>. The MNFB opened the first library for the blind in 2005. Reportedly, there are 16,600 people living with visual impairment in Mongolia and only 9,000 of them are members of the MNFB.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The MNFB operates an industrial vocational training center, kindergarten, braille publisher, and massage therapy center.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/24/mongolia-and-taiwan-broaden-support-for-the-blind/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Students_can_apply"></a>Students can apply for military course until March 10<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 24 (MONTSAME) On February 23, a press conference was held by the Ministry of Defense, Military Staff of Mayor's Office and Mongolian Student Association regarding Student Soldier program.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Colonel S.Ganbyamba, Head of Local defense – national military mobilization division of Department of Strategic Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Defense said, "With realization of Student Soldier program, students were given more opportunities to serve in the military, and it was a reformation in military service. Moreover, by taking an intensified military course, students are able to fulfill the requirement of having served in the military when applying for public service. Not only does the program shape patriotism in young men, it is helping them improve their tolerance and physical development.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For the last 3 years, 2390 students undertook the Student Soldier program in general military and professional military courses.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This year, the program registration will take place in compliance with the designated procedure on Student Soldier program on the basis of Law on Military Service, and the registration is open to students of all universities run in Ulaanbaatar city and those from Orkhon and Darkhan-Uul aimags.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The procedure reflects that 1000 students who passed the physical eligibility test will deposit MNT 76 thousand to take the theoretical training. Those who passed the theoretical training will be able to further their study.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The registration will continue until March 10, and the physical eligibility test will take place March 22-23.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8917">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s1600/image006-770654.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s320/image006-770654.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728846955772290" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Culture></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Culture & Society<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_Severe_Winter:"></a>Mongolia Severe Winter: Humanitarian Report (as of 15 Feb 2017)<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 27 (UN Resident Coordinator for Mongolia) --<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>OVERVIEW</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia is currently experiencing harsh winter conditions which are severely impacting herders. The impacts of an unusually dry summer, late autumn rains and early, followed by heavy snowfall in September to November 2016 have combined to create an unfolding humanitarian crisis. The Government of Mongolia is reporting dzud or near dzud conditions in 127 soums of 17 provinces, and two districts of Ulaanbaatar City. It is estimated that 165,282 people (43,579 herder households) are at risk. One quarter are children, pregnant women, people with special needs and elderly people.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The extreme winter weather, following on from a drought during the summer of 2016, has depleted herders' reserves of hay and fodder. Heavy snow and ice cover in the north of the country, means grazing and the movement of animals has become increasingly difficult. With temperatures dropping to below -40 degrees, weakened livestock are at significant risk of ill health and death with humanitarian impacts on herder families.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The most vulnerable to the impacts of the severe winter weather are herder households with less than 200 head of animals, who have limited coping mechanisms. The poor health and death of their livestock places them at risk of decreased incomes, indebtedness, difficulties in purchasing essential items, and negative coping mechanisms such as withdrawing children from education.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A Joint UN-NEMA Rapid Assessment conducted in December 2016 found many herder households in affected areas were unable to meet their basic needs including food, clothing, fuel for heating and cooking fuel, hygiene products, livestock feed and emergency communications.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As well as the impact on vital livestock, the severe winter weather is also cutting people off from accessing essential services such as healthcare and education. According to the Ministry of Health, 2,479 pregnant women, 26,166 children under five and 12,813 elderly people are wintering in areas with no or limited access to basic services.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>KEY NUMBERS</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>127 soums of 17 provinces affected<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>157,000 people affected (37,000 herder households)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>12,600 people targeted with CERF funded projects<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>FUNDING OVERVIEW (US$)</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>$6,671,000 total amount required for the response<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://reliefweb.int/report/mongolia/mongolia-severe-winter-humanitarian-report-15-feb-2017">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Similar:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="https://www.savethechildren.net/article/mongolia-s-herders-living-brink-dying-season-begins-livestock-extreme-winter-dzud">Mongolia's Herders Living on the Brink as 'Dying Season' Begins for Livestock in Extreme Winter 'Dzud'</a></b> – <i>Save the Children</i>, February 28<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://blogs.savethechildren.org.uk/2017/02/extreme-weather-threatens-livelihoods-in-mongolia/">Extreme Weather Threatens Livelihoods in Mongolia</a></b> – <i>Save the Children UK</i>, February 27 <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Teenage_Girls_Run"></a>Teenage Girls Run Households During Mongolia's Winter Crisis<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>With Mongolia in the grip of a winter so severe it has already killed tens of thousands of livestock, many herders choose to stay in the countryside to tend to their animals, sending their children to towns to go to school and live in homes run by teenage girls.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>By Terrence Edwards<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>KHAIRKHAN SOUM, Mongolia – Every morning, 17-year-old Nemekhbayar Enkhzayaa wakes up to find the water and bread have frozen overnight. She races to get the fire burning and tea made, so she and the three younger children she lives with can get to school on time.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In the small town of Khairkhan Soum, in Mongolia's Arkhangai province, Enkhzayaa is the head of what professionals call a "child-led home," where children take care of themselves and other children while their parents are away in remote corners of the country following their herds down centuries-old pasture routes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Enkhzayaa is the oldest in the house this year, so it's her turn to take charge. That means buying daily necessities using the money provided by the children's parents, including soap and school supplies. It also means being the one to comfort the younger ones when homesickness strikes or they come down with a cold.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Because I'm the oldest, I'm worried about the smaller ones when they're left alone," she says. "I don't know if they're OK, or getting cold."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Enkhzayaa had made sure that the round, tent-like home she runs was clean and warm before her guests arrived. Save the Children workers are visiting families and children around the province to take account of how bad this year's winter could turn out. After serving traditional salty milk tea and pastries in a white bowl, she takes a seat by the wood-burning stove at the center of the one-room home.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"We won't complain," she says. "But sometimes there are difficult times."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Winters in Mongolia are hard enough, but they become a fight for survival during the winter disaster known as the dzud. Extreme cold arrived early this winter, with temperatures dropping below -40F (–40C) in October. The dzud has been known to kill off over a million livestock in one winter. With tens of thousands of families in Mongolia reliant on traditional herding practices for their livelihoods, many herders have moved into towns to look for new sources of income.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Others have chosen to stay in the countryside to help their animals survive the cold. But to keep their children in school, many families send their sons and daughters to live in town – and often that means leaving them to look after each other.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Many locals consider the children of herders to be the same as orphans, with the children spending two-thirds of the year in dorms or child-led homes like Enkhzayaa's. "Sometimes it is difficult for the younger ones because they miss their parents," she says. "Because it's a challenging winter, they can't come so often."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Privately, she tells the Save the Children staff that it's hard for her to make the right decisions without advice from an adult. Although most of the food, firewood and other basics are brought to them by the parents on the few occasions they can visit, it's up to Enkhzayaa to keep track of everything their home needs. Her responsibilities leave her with little time for after-school clubs, seeing friends or studying.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolians have superstitions about this being the Year of the Ape. Many fear this winter will be much more terrible than last, when more than a million livestock died.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Herders are particularly vulnerable," says Erdenebileg Telmen, a program manager for Save the Children. "Rural families who have less than 100 or 200 animals are most vulnerable."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Leading a team to assess how they can best help the herders and their children, Telmen has learned that some herders in the Arkhangai province have already gone through half their year's supply of winter fodder for their animals. There is some relief now that the weather has tempered. But the really worry is what will happen come Mongolia's notoriously unpredictable spring, when sunshine can turn to blizzard in a moment's notice. Every head of livestock that dies is more than $500 lost for the family it belongs to.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Last year, Save the Children spent $1.1 million to educate officials throughout five of Mongolia's provinces on dzud response and teachers on how to help children cope with the stresses disaster brings. Other money spent went toward direct relief for families, such as removing dead animal carcasses and distributing livestock feed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>For the kids away at school, knowing the hardships their parents face every winter can lead to guilt over being away from home. Some will run away to get back to their parents. Others will drop out of school to go back to the countryside and help their parents.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>For those who do stay in school, even traveling back and forth to see their parents during the holidays is a challenge. "Teenage girls sometimes travel 70 kilometers (43 miles) on the road on top of a small truck for three hours," says Save the Children staffer Sandagsuren Tamir. "It's dangerous for them … They say, 'We have so much fear,' and they're so cold."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Some students live in school dormitories instead of in child-led homes, but even then girls still find themselves taking on the responsibility of looking after the other kids. At one school in Khairkhan, Khatkhuu Erdenesuvd, 16, makes sure the two younger girls she rooms with get their homework done and get into bed by 10 p.m.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The advantage of [living in] the dorm is becoming independent," says Erdenesuvd of life away from her parents.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Enkhzayaa agrees, saying she, too, has learned a lot about being a young woman. She hopes that running a child-led home will help her become independent enough to leave her small town for bigger and greater things. "I want to be a doctor and study in [Mongolian capital] Ulaanbaatar," she says. "I want to be an ob-gyn."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.newsdeeply.com/womenandgirls/teenage-girls-run-households-mongolias-winter-crisis/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Severe_winter_killing"></a>Severe winter killing off livestock in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>BEIJING, February 28 (Channel NewsAsia) : Thousands of Mongolian herders are facing disastrous livestock losses from a dreaded severe weather phenomenon known as the "dzud".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Temperatures in parts of Mongolia have gone as low as minus 50 degrees Celsius, while snow is blanketing more than three-quarters of the country, threatening the livelihoods of herders who depend entirely on livestock for food, transportation and income.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A dzud used to occur only once every 12 years, but now appears roughly once every four years. Climate change is believed to be behind this new pattern.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This is the second year in a row that landlocked Mongolia is grappling with dzud conditions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>More than 1 million animals perished during last year's dzud, while more than 8 million died in the previous one in 2010.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The current dzud has killed more than 40,000 animals so far, but experts said the worst is yet to come.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Non-governmental organisation (NGO) Save the Children has warned that Mongolia's poorest herders are increasingly going into debt just to buy food.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>They are also selling off their livestock cheaply and skipping meals as they brace for large-scale livestock deaths over the coming months.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Red Cross has estimated that currently, more than 157,000 people are at risk this year across 17 of Mongolia's 21 provinces.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Among them is Daariimaa Bileg, a nomad who herds animals about 50 kilometres outside Ulaanbaatar, the capital city.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The dzud is difficult for everyone," she said. "Two of our children are students. That means if our livestock don't make the winter, we won't be able to afford their tuition fee for the next year."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Hence we're doing our best to keep our animals alive. As livestock is our (only) source of income, I often have trouble sleeping because of the stress and worry of losing our livestock," she added.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia's recent economic downturn has also added to the crisis by limiting the government's ability to prepare.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Stockpiles of fodder and hay are reportedly much smaller than planned, and there is less help for vulnerable herders.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Red Cross has launched an international emergency aid appeal while NGOs like Save the Children are providing relief including hay and veterinary packages to keep animals alive.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The next couple of months in particular are really important," said Evan Schurrman from Save the Children. "If we see huge amounts of snowfall and temperatures remain really low in the minus 30s and 40s and 50s, then we really could see huge numbers of animals deaths, similar to last year when more than a million animals died."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/severe-winter-killing-off-livestock-in-mongolia/3555252.html">Link to article</a> (and video)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Similar:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://www.humanosphere.org/environment/2017/02/severe-winter-dzud-continues-ravage-mongolia/">Severe winter 'dzud' continues to ravage Mongolia</a></b> – <i>Humanosphere</i>, February 27<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_GoPro:_Eagle_Hunters"></a>GoPro: Eagle Hunters in a New World <span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 23 (GoPro) On the Western plains of Mongolia a nomadic group of Kazakhs continue the ancient practice of hunting with golden eagles. The Burkitshi are a small and dwindling community, eager to pass on their traditions in the face of growing modernization in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Original score by William Ryan Fritch <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Eagle Hunters In A New World" the full soundtrack is available on Vinyl, CD, Digital through Lost Tribe Sound: <a href="http://goo.gl/C1o9gf" target="_blank">http://goo.gl/C1o9gf</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Special thanks to Lauren McGough and Jagaa Baatar for leading the team out on the steppes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Shot 100% on the HERO® cameras from <a href="http://gopro.com/" target="_blank">http://GoPro.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvhM8Lc9m-o">Link to video</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Tsagaan_Sar_-"></a>Tsagaan Sar - Lunar New Year celebration begins in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 26 (MONTSAME) In Mongolia, today is the Eve of the Lunar New year – Tsagaan Sar. The Mongolian Lunar New Year rituals begin on the day before Lunar New Year's Eve when every family cleans their home. The title of the day can be translated as 'Dust Beating Day' because homes are beaten off their dust as everyone engages in the cleaning and washing campaign to welcome the New Year afresh. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On Lunar New Year's Eve, which is called Bituun (literal meaning; close down) and can be understood as a preparatory day, households prepare a big feast for a Bituun ceremony which begins after sunset. The last day of the year is called Bituun because the moon can't be seen on this day and all unfinished business must be settled within the day.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bituun ceremony begins after sunset. All families cook foods and set the table for dairy products, drinks and sweets and put a white stone, limpid ice at the west jamb of the door. It is an auspicial to open door of good direction's owner and periapt. Also, they put thorny bush, sagebrush at the east jamb of the door. It means to close bad direction's internal malfeasance. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>All behaviors of Lunar New Year's Eve or Bituun have full of optimism and brightness to welcome the New Year. That day, Mongolians symbolize that all of unpleasant memories will be stayed with old year and door of satisfied and wealthy life will be opened in an upcoming New Year. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On the evening of the Lunar New Year's Eve or Bituun, Mongolians wear clean and nice clothes and gather in each of their parents' home to eat dinner. During the Lunar New year eve's dinner, elder people tell their children and youngsters folk tales and myths and all members of the family play knucklebone games and other traditional games. It is customarily prohibited to leave their livestock animals or belongings at the place of others, drink heavily, talk about any bad things or news, argue with someone and stay hungry.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8934">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Bituun_(Tsagaan_Sar"></a>Bituun (Tsagaan Sar Eve)<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 26 (gogo.mn) <b>BITUUN (TSAGAAN SAR EVE)</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The last of the winter season is celebrated by Mongolians from the very old times and this celebration is called Bituuleg derived from the verb Bituulekh, which means celebration of the last day of the month by the lunar calendar a day of dark moon. This day should be spent with celebrations with special rituals by every household. Moreover, people believe that every misunderstanding or outstanding debt should be figured out and paid back. Before the Bituun every household dusts the home, cleans every corner and conducts the offering rituals for the gods. At the evening of Bituun father places ice on the upper side of the entrance door to invite the good spirits, while placing weed and thorns on the upper left side of the entrance door to shoo away the bad spirits. After this ritual every family member changes into new garments, give offerings to spirit of fire and gods and then celebrate the night.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Why ice is put on the entrance during Bituun?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolians believe that good spirits are always protecting them from the bad spirits and during the big celebrations have tradition to please the spirits with offerings. One of the greatest offerings is the ice put on the upper right side of the entrance, as the ice is believed to be offered for the horse of the good spirit and white grain is put for the spirit. As the spirit travels the world with great speed Mongolians try to put the offerings before the sunset to make sure that good spirit is pleased with offerings.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Feast at Bituun</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bituun feast is prepared with closed cook an intact sheep's head with the chin-bone and tongue still in place, make offerings to the God as a sacrifice and break open a marrow-bone. This is called "Bituurekh". In Bituun one needs "to eat to repletion" or to have enough food. This symbolizes plenty of food and full belly in the coming New Year. In Bituun households place on the food-table a sheep's carcass and cow breastbone. The carcass tail is to be decorated by butter extracted from milk by churning or from cream by heating and its leftovers. Other pieces of meat need to be arranged according to the practiced rules. The neighbors exchange Bituun food.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Things to avoid on the Bituun day</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>1. As this day is the very last day of the year people avoid to wander around going from ger to ger (traditional felt dwelling of the Mongols) and spend night at someone else's home, believing that soul will wander the whole next year. Fathers or household head should stay at home so that all the good blessings stay at household.<br>2. Beating or getting the dogs whining. It is believed that dogs should be fed and treated nicely, otherwise the whole next year bad things will happen<br>3. To walk out with full mouth and spill dirty water on the ground. It is believed that bas spirits will lick the mouth and bring bad health.<br>4. To leave the house dark, leave the outer garment outside and call the babies by their names. It is believed that bad spirits will do harm.<br>5. To stay hungry on Bituun evening. It is believed that staying hungry on this day will prophet hunger for the whole state so that everyone makes sure that one has eaten.<br>6. To talk to each other loudly from inside and outside ger, otherwise the whole year the household will be experiencing disputes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/144505">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Year_of_the"></a>Year of the Red Fire Rooster welcomed<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 27 (MONTSAME) Tsagaan Sar or Lunar New Year officially begins when the sun rises on the first day of spring /by lunar horoscope/. <a href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=This%20lunar%20year%20is%20attributed%20as%20a%20Red%20Fire%20Rooster">This lunar year is attributed as a Red Fire Rooster</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The ancient nomadic people's first statehood, the Hun was established over 2000 years ago in the current territory of Mongolia and later became the Great Mongol Empire under Chinggis Khaan's rule. Mongolians wake up early before the sun, wearing their freshly made deel (Traditional costume), brews their tea to offer the best to the mother-earth and proceeds in greeting their family.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Each family member greets the elders first. The edge of Khadag /traditional ceremonial scarf/ must face the greeting person. Traditionally, the younger person greets the elder by grasping their elbows to show support for them and say "Ta amarkhan sain baina uu?" (Are you living peacefully?), allowing the elder to kiss them on both cheeks. The elder should respond "Amar mend ee" (Living trouble-free). After sitting behind the feast table, the guests and the elders exchange Khuurug (snuffle-bottle with a fine-ground tobacco inside) with its lid released and say "Ta sar shinedee saikhan shinelej baina uu?" (Are you celebrating well?). And the response should be "Saikhan, saikhan" (Good and well).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For Mongolians, exchanging khuurug means to strengthen the bonds between family and friends. Same-aged people greet by crossing their wrists. Also, it is a taboo for spouses to greet each other, as their souls are counted as one. For pregnant women to greet each other is another taboo for Mongolians as it claims that the genders of the unborn would change.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Another tradition that tourists find strange is the ethics of starting footprints. The good and taboo directions of 12 years and 28 stars are explained upon the drawings of celestial direction in the pictorial representation of 'eight seats' in lunar horoscope which wards off the misfortunes of that year. This unique tradition is mostly related to Mongolian shamanism.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tsagaan Sar traditions are originated from the ancient Daoism and was enriched by Buddhism, which became the unique cultural and religious heritage of Mongolia. On the first day of Lunar New Year, the head of a family practices the tradition of 'starting footprint', wearing a full garment of Mongolian traditional costume and ride their horses to the top of the hill before sunrise in order to offer treats and pray to the spirits.This represents the anticipation of good fortunes in business and work in the upcoming year. The tradition is still being kept in modern days as the people in the city prioritizes the tradition of starting footprints on the first day of spring.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8939">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_First_day_of"></a>First day of Tsagaan Sar<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 27 (GoGo Mongolia) <b>FIRST DAY OF TSAGAAN SAR</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the first morning of <b>Tsagaan Sar</b> young and old alike get up early, take some food, tea, table or mat etc and go to "ovoo", cairn erected as a shrine or to an eminence, and have ceremony such as praying to the heavens and making a ritual start in a prescribed direction at New Year. From there, they go to give New Year greetings to their parents, brothers, sisters, relatives and neighbors in order of age. People greet each other in a unique way. The younger people vow to the elderly and cross their hands under the hands of the older people supporting their elbow, with an offer of "Hadag", a blue scarf as token of respect.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Greeting with Hadag</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hadag differs by its length and symbols on it. If it has image of a human it is mostly given to parents, elders and honored guests. If the hadag has sun, moon and words, it is mostly used during funerals.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hadag should be given to elder with the open end of a fold directly to hands of other person and should be received with both hands and respectfully folded and put away. When greeting an elder or respected guest with hadag special greeting words that ask if the greeted person is in good health and if the New Year is being good.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But the hadag greeting also differs by how the greeting person holds the hadag. If the person has wrapped ring finger twice with hadag, it means he shows respect and greets everyone with hadag and this hadag stays with the person. Usually elders do so.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If the person is holding hadag without wrapping finger it means he intends to gift the hadag and one must receive it respectfully. If person you are to greet starts wrapping the ring finger with hadag it also should be understood as great respect towards you.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Greeting with snuff-bottles</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thereafter, the guests have a seat and exchange snuff-bottles in greeting and say: have you got through the winter in plenty and seeing at spring well. With these traditional New Year greetings they encourage each other.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Younger person starts the greeting with snuff-bottle by loosening the cap of the bottle by turning it to right three times and snuffing it first and offer it to elder person with right hand. In return elder person gets own snuff-bottle loosens the cap as well and exchange. Loosening the cap means that person has no bad thoughts and comes in peace. Receiving the snuff-bottle should be done with both hands, proceeded with sniffing the bottle and giving it back little bit tightening the cap, which means the person accepts coming in peace.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is prohibited to loosen button on deel and roll up sleeve when greeting with snuff-bottle.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When the elderly offer a round of drinking and singing, long-songs "Bogd Chinggis Khaan", "Heavens Wind", Stupa Height" are performed in chorus and a couple of drinks can be consumed. Then the guests say "many visits ahead, long distances to go, horses get frosted", and mount their horses to continue their visits.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Another practice is people observe signs of the coming year from dawn till dark during the first day of Tsagaan Sar. For example, a slow break of day at dawn and crystal-clear cloudless sky at sunrise symbolizes a fortunate year for babies and little ones.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Things to avoid doing during Tsagaan Sar</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>1. To get water from springs or rivers. Water buckets should be filled beforehand<br>2. To sew old clothes. Only sewing of new garments are welcomed and seen as good wishing for New Year.<br>3. To borrow and lend.<br>4. To cry and quarrel. It is believed that whole year will be bad with disputes.<br>5. To throw away ash from stove. Cleaning should be done on Bituun.<br>6. To say bad words, to hunt, to kill animal.<br>7. To greet elders and relatives, to go to other household on seventh day of New Year, as this year is considered as black day.<br>8. To greet one's husband or wife. Doing so might end in split and become enemies.<br>9. To overdrink and be disrespectful at the feast table.<br>10. To carry knife. This means that someone came with bad intentions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Historically, Tsagaan Sar has been always the most honored celebration as it has to do with all, young and old alike.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/144515">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Gandantegchenling_Monastery_to"></a>Gandantegchenling Monastery to perform chants for 15 days<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 24 (MONTSAME) Following its Tsagaan Sar traditions, Gandantegchenling Monastery, central institute of Mongolian Buddhism will perform a chant called 'Tseder Lhamo' which is a praise to the Protectress Palden Lhamo on Bituun, Buddhist blessings from the first day of lunar new year until the 15th day, and torma (balin in Mongolian) blessing ritual.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>J.Odgarig, Head of Press Division of the Gandantegchenling Monastery explained the meaning of the Praise to the Protectress Palden Lhamo for us.<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo9'><i>'Tseder Lhamo' chant is performed on Bituun day every year, and it's an offering to Palden Lhamo. 'Tseder' means new year offering in Tibetan. In other words, it can be understood as an oblation of the Buddhist followers in appreciation of the deity's commitment for their well-being.</i><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>In the evening of Bituun, New Year's Eve, Mongolians prepare their festival feast, place a white stone and ice on the right side of the door lintel to invite good deities in and barb on the left side to bar malevolent deities. Mongolians have believed in an eastern tale about Palden Lhamo, one of the 1000 deities of Buddhism, encircling the earth on her yellow mule and visiting every home on Bituun evening, and the above ritual corresponds to this belief. The ice on the lintel is intended for Palden Lhamo's mule to drink.<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo10'><i>According to Buddhist teachings, every being can achieve enlightenment, there are many gods who have found enlightenment from unimaginable time to this day, and this process will continue. It is believed that existence will find peace when every living on earth reaches enlightenment. There's a concept of Bodhisattva vow in Buddhism when Buddhist practitioners take a vow to attain complete enlightenment for the sake of all beings. Palden Lhamo deity who is believed to visit every home on Bituun is a Bodhisattva who has taken the vow. To fulfill her promise to protect sentient beings, she visits each home, and converts poison into remedy.</i><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Spring festival is widely celebrated in the east, and Mongolians' spring festival Tsagaan Sar is a symbolic festival with national and religious significance. Therefore it is rich in religious rituals which include mur gargah (leaving a new footmark) and blessing for the whole year which leads to many people destine to Gandan and other monasteries for monks to perform different chants. Thus, we sought to know which chants the monks of Gandantegchenling Monastery perform for Tsagaan Sar.<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo11'><i>Gandantegchenling Monastery has maintained the rituals for Buddhist ceremonies set by generations of Mongolian Bogd lamas until today. In particular, the first Bogd, Undur Gegeen Zanabazar, and the 4th and the 8th Bogds determined and taught the reflection of Buddhist customs and principles in chanting ceremonies. As an initiation to Tsagaan Sar, we perform 'Old mantra' for three days, 'Torma blessing ritual' for one day and 'Hajidyn Chogo' for one day. On Bituun, we perform the chants to praise Palden Lhamo. On the first day of Tsagaan Sar, we perform blessings of Buddha, inducing a prosperous year for everyone.</i><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>This year, the first day of Tsagaan Sar falls on February 27. Though there are many times when Mongolia's Tsagaan Sar coincides with the spring festivals of other eastern nations like China, Japan and Korea, Mongolia's Tugsbuyant calendar system indicated a different date this year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/video/society-art-and-culture/gandantegchenling-monastery-perform-chants-15-days">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia:_A_Changing"></a>Mongolia: A Changing Landscape<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>By Paula Bronstein, Photojournalist<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://paulaphoto.com/mongolia--a-changing-landscape/mongolia_gallery001/">Link to photo album</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_East_Meets_West:"></a>East Meets West: Medieval European Travellers and the Great Khans of Mongolia (8th March 2017)<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 27 (Cardiff Medieval and Early Modern Reading Group) <b>Next meeting: 8th March 2017 / Room 2.04 / 3-5pm</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Genghis Khan and The Mongol Empire</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Genghis Khan (b. 1162, d. 1227), born Temüjin, was the founder and first Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, which was the largest contiguous land empire in history. Originating in the steppes of Central Asia, the Mongol Empire eventually stretched from Central Europe to the Sea of Japan, extending northwards into Siberia, eastwards and southwards into the Indian subcontinent, Indochina, and the Iranian plateau, and westwards as far as the Levant and Arabia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Temüjin rose to power in the late twelfth century. When his wife, Börte, was kidnapped by the Merkit tribe, Temüjin united the rival Mongol tribes under his rule through political manipulation and military might. With the help of Toghrul, Khan of the Keraites, and his childhood friend, Jamukha, Temüjin defeated the Merkit tribe, secured the return of his wife, and went on the defeat the Naimans and Tatars.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Temüjin was elected khan of the Mongols in 1186. In the following year, however, Jamukha attacked Temüjin defeated him at the Battle of Dalan Balzhut. Temujin and his patron Toghrul were subsequently exiled. In 1197, the Jin dynasty initiated an attack against the Tatars, with help from the the Keraites and the Mongols. Temujin commanded part of the attack, and after his victory the Jin restored him to power. In 1201, Jamukha was elected Gür Khan, which caused Temüjin to declare war on him. After several battles, Jamukha was turned over by his own men, and Temüjin was victorious.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>By 1206, Temüjin had managed to unite or subdue the Merkits, Naimans, Mongols, Keraites, Tatars, Uyghurs, and other disparate smaller tribes under his rule. He was acknowledged as Khan of the consolidated tribes and took the new title, 'Genghis Khan'. The title <i>Khagan </i>– or 'Great Khan' – was conferred posthumously by his son and successor, Ögedei, who took the title for himself.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Genghis had four sons by his wife Börte, including Jochi, Chagatai, Ögedei, and Tolui, and he divided his empire among them; however, Genghis did not name his eldest son, Jochi, as his successor as there was widespread doubt over his paternity. Chagatai declared that he would not accept Jochi as his father's successor and threatened to go to war with his brother. To avoid civil conflict, Genghis named his third son, Ögedei, as his successor.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Three of the descendants of Genghis Khan – Güyük Khan, Möngke Khan, and Kublai Khan – are described in the travel narratives of John of Plano Carpini, William of Rubruck, and Marco Polo. Güyük Khan reigned from 1246 to 1248, and he was the eldest son of Ögedei Khan. Möngke Khan reigned from 1251 to 1259, and he was the eldest son of Tolui Khan. Kublai Khan reigned from 1260 to 1294, and he was the second eldest son of Tolui Khan.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Kublai Khan established the Yuan dynasty, which ruled over present-day Mongolia, China and Korea and he assumed the role of Emperor of China. By 1279, the Mongols had conquered the Song dynasty and Kublai became the first non-native emperor to conquer all of China. By the time of Kublai's death in 1294, the Mongol Empire had fractured into four separate khanates or empires, each pursuing its own separate interests and objectives: the Golden Horde khanate in the northwest; the Chagatai Khanate in the middle; the Ilkhanate in the southwest; and the Yuan dynasty in the east based in modern-day Beijing<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Travellers and their texts</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://memorireadinggroup.wordpress.com/2017/02/27/east-meets-west-medieval-european-travellers-and-the-great-khans-of-mongolia-8th-march/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Historical_records_of"></a>Historical records of Genghis Khan's empire translated into Mongolian<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 28 (Xinhua) Historical records compiled more than 600 years ago about Genghis Khan's empire have been translated into the Mongolian language, experts said Tuesday. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The records consist of 15 books with 210 volumes and chronicle the rise and fall of the Mongol empire. They were compiled in 1370 as ordered by Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), which ended Mongolian reign in China. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Over the past six centuries, historians have made several attempts to translate the books, written in Classical Chinese, into Mongolian. But the efforts were interrupted due to difficulty and war. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In March 2014, 16 experts in Mongolian history teamed up to start translation. They believe the historical records could help Mongolian people better understand their own history. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The books will be published in the next two years. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>One of the largest empires in history, the Mongol Empire, later known as the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) in China, once extended from China to Central Europe. Its founder, Genghis Khan, unified nomadic tribes before conquering large areas of Eurasia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-02/28/c_136091360.htm">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s1600/image006-770654.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s320/image006-770654.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728846955772290" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Nature></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Nature & Environment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Endangered_antelope_in"></a>Endangered antelope in Mongolia faces extinction<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 25 (DPA) A critically endangered species of antelope in Mongolia is facing the threat of extinction due to a virus that has wiped out 40 per cent of its population after being passed on from sheep and goats.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>More than 3,880 saiga antelope have been found dead in the Great Lakes Depression of western Mongolia since late December.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Their deaths have been attributed to a virus called PPR, or Peste des Petits Ruminants, which was first discovered in Mongolian livestock in September and is believed to have spilled over to the saiga.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Workers regularly burn the antelope carcasses to prevent the spread of the disease.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Now wildlife experts are concerned the virus, combined with harsh winter conditions and scarce food, might spell doom for the species.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>About 10,000 saiga antelope lived in Mongolia before the epidemic began, experts say. That number is down to about 60 per cent and counting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The saiga antelope is already under threat from poaching pressure and competition with livestock for access to pasture and nutritional resources," Amanda Fine, a veterinarian and associate director with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) in Asia, said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The additional impact of a disease like PPR, which could reduce the population by 90 per cent, is an extinction risk and this die-off must be addressed with that likelihood in mind."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The virus causes pneumonia and alters the animals' gastrointestinal tract. They die a few days after having shown signs of dehydration and weakness. Videos provided by the World Wildlife Fund Mongolia show antelopes struggling to breathe.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This is the first time both antelope and livestock in Mongolia have been exposed to PPR, so their immune system was not equipped to fight the virus, Fine said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The antelope shared the pasture more closely with sheep and goats during winter, thus becoming infected.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The virus likely entered Mongolia from neighbouring China, as it's related to a strain from a Chinese outbreak in 2013-2014, experts say. It is not transmissible to people.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Vaccination of Mongolian livestock against PPR has largely been "uncoordinated, sporadic and ineffective," Bouna Diop, secretary of the PPR Global Eradication Programme, said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The programme was set up by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) last year, with the aim of eradicating PPR globally by 2030.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The cost estimate for its first five-year phase is 996 million dollars.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The implications of the PPR outbreak could extend well beyond the tawny-coated antelope to affect other wildlife and ultimately people's livelihoods.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>FAO and OIE experts who visited Mongolia recently found that the virus has spread to two other wildlife species, the ibex and the goitered gazelle.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Diop said PPR could spread further into central and eastern Mongolian regions, disrupting the ecosystem and posing socioeconomic and food security problems.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"This is a true international emergency, threatening the health of rural people through impacts on food security and livelihoods," she said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>More than a third of Mongolians depend on livestock to live. The country exports large quantities of live animals, meat, milk and cashmere wool.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There's already evidence of the PPR occurring in yak and domestic Bactrian camels.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>FAO and OIE, with support from WCS, have established a crisis management centre and animal health rapid response team in Mongolia. The team collects samples from dead saiga, conducts necropsies and provides recommendations to local authorities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However, donors have yet to fund the joint FAO/OIE livestock vaccination programme, said Richard Kock, a professor of emerging diseases at the Royal Veterinary College in London, who is part of the rapid response team.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"It is a great pity," Kock said, "as the spread and expansion of the virus has been apparent since the beginning of the millennium, but it affects poor people, and they don't have much influence."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.gulf-times.com/story/534352/Endangered-antelope-in-Mongolia-faces-extinction">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Similar:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://www.thescottishfarmer.co.uk/news/15117669.Sheep_disease_devastates_wildlife/">Sheep disease devastates wildlife</a> – </b><i>The Scottish Farmer</i>, February 25<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Saiga_Conservation:_A"></a>Saiga Conservation: A short overview of the situation in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 24 (Saiga Conservation Alliance) Our colleague, Richard Kock from the Royal Veterinary College in the UK, worked on the Mass die-off in Kazakhstan in 2015, he recently came back from carrying out emergency research into the terrible scene unfolding in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In these two very short clips he explains what is going on. Thanks to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dw.globalideas/?fref=nf">DW Global Ideas</a> for sharing:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.facebook.com/dw.globalideas/videos/10154071894181710/" title="Is an extinction of the Saiga antelope possible?"><b>Is an extinction of the Saiga antelope possible?</b></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.facebook.com/dw.globalideas/videos/10154069916901710/" title="Saigas: killed again by the virus"><b>Saigas: killed again by the virus</b></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>You can help!</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We have launched an appeal to raise funds to support the efforts of the Mongolian government and International scientists. Every last penny and cent counts and goes directly to the appeal. As ever, it is due to the amazing support of our 'Saiga Friends' that we are able to make a difference to the future of this unique species. Thank you<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.loveanimals.org/campaigns/save-mongolian-wildlife/589b26b1066206f204cde257">Visit our fundraising page here</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>More information</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>An outbreak of a devastating disease, <a href="http://www.fao.org/ppr/en/" target="_blank">sheep and goat plague</a> is killing saiga antelopes and other unique and imperiled animals in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Already more than <b><u>4,000</u> </b>saigas have suffered a horrible death, and the epidemic only seems to be picking up speed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>What we know so far</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Experts from the<a href="http://saiga-conservation.org/" target="_blank"> Saiga Conservation Alliance</a>'s in-country partners – <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wwfmongolia/?fref=ts" target="_blank">WWF Mongolia</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/wcsmongolia/?fref=ts" target="_blank">WCS- Mongolia</a> – and scientists from the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, <a href="http://www.rvc.ac.uk/" target="_blank">Royal Veterinary College</a> and <a href="http://www.fao.org/home/en/">FAO</a>, are on the scene, investigating the causes and working with government agencies trying to stop the spread of the disease before more of saigas and other animals fall victim to it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While wildlife have long been considered potentially vulnerable to this disease this is the <b>FIRST</b> time it has been documented to have killed wild antelopes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Initial investigations suggest that even though over 14,000,000 livestock had been vaccinated against this lethal disease in 2016, the disease has likely spread from domestic animals to vulnerable wild animals through sharing grazing areas, which is especially common in winter when foraging ranges are fewer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>The unique Mongolian saiga</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This population is a unique subspecies of saiga found <b><u>only</u></b> in one area of Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo3'>Total population estimated at only 10,000 animals in 2016.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo3'>25% of the population has already been lost to this disease<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo3'>Experts suggest as much as 80% of the population will be lost to this outbreak if we don't act NOW!<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>We have Every donation goes directly to the emergency appeal we have sent up and will help us find a solution to this crisis.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="https://www.loveanimals.org/campaigns/save-mongolian-wildlife/589b26b1066206f204cde257">Visit our fundraising page here</a></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Thank you for your support</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://saiga-conservation.org/2017/02/24/short-overview-of-the-mongolian-situation/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Four_baby_snow"></a>Four baby snow leopards in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 25 (Dear Kitty Blog) This January 2017 camera trap video shows a <a href="https://dearkitty1.wordpress.com/2017/01/02/snow-leopard-video/">snow leopard</a> with four babies in Mongolia. Four young <a href="https://dearkitty1.wordpress.com/2015/04/20/snow-leopard-discovery-in-siberia/">snow leopards</a> is very rare.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://dearkitty1.wordpress.com/2017/02/25/four-baby-snow-leopards-in-mongolia/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://youtu.be/EkHKCgPduII">Link to video</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Late_Paleozoic_low-angle"></a><span lang=EN>Late Paleozoic low-angle southward-dipping thrust in the Züünharaa area, Mongolia: tectonic implications for the geological structures in the Sayan-Baikal and Hangai-Daur belts<o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span lang=EN>by Gantumur Onon, Kazuhiro Tsukada<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN>February 26 (International Journal of Earth Sciences) <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Abstract</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB) is key to understanding the Paleozoic–Mesozoic geodynamics of Eurasian continent. The geological structure of the Middle-to-Late Paleozoic rock units in the North Mongolia–West Transbaikal region is critical in revealing development process of CAOB. The region is largely comprised of rocks from the continental affinity and accretionary complexes which form the Sayan-Baikal (SB) and Hangai-Daur (HD) belts. This paper describes the lithology, stratigraphy, geological structure, and U-Pb age of the rocks in the Züünharaa area, which is located within the Haraa terrane of the HD belt in Mongolia. We identified a regional low-angle southward-dipping thrust in this area. The tectonic implication of the low-angle south-dipping thrust is discussed within the North Mongolia–West Transbaikal region. The study area exposes metamorphosed clastic rocks of the Haraa Group intruded by Ordovician–Silurian granitic rocks, Devonian felsic volcanic rocks of the Ulaan Öndör Formation, and Visean clastic rocks of the Örmögtei Formation in ascending order. The Haraa Group, granitic rock, and Ulaan Öndör Formation are cut by the low-angle southward-dipping thrust throughout this area. The rocks along the thrust are fractured to form cataclasite zone up to ~40 m wide. The thrust includes granite–rhyolite clast of ~450–420 Ma, and is unconformably covered by Visean Örmögtei Formation. Therefore, thrusting occurred after Ordovician–Silurian and before Visean. Late Paleozoic low-angle southward-dipping thrusts, similar to the present study, are widely distributed in the Haraa terrane of the Hangai-Daur belt and in terranes of the Sayan-Baikal belt. Whereas, the contemporaneous southeast-verging composite folds and northward-dipping thrusts are developed in the accretionary complexes, which are exposed at south of the Haraa terrane. These contrasting structures suggest a couple of "landward-verging" and "oceanward-verging" structures and may correspond to the "doubly vergent asymmetric structure" of Alpine-type compressional orogen.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs00531-017-1446-0">Link to paper</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s1600/image006-770654.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s320/image006-770654.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728846955772290" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Sports></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Sports<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_judokas_triumph"></a>Mongolian judokas triumph at Dusseldorf Grand Prix<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 26 (MONTSAME) A team of Mongolian judo athletes won each of gold, silver and bronze medals from the "Dusseldorf Grand Prix-2017", which was organized by the International Judo Federation on February 24-26 in Germany. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A judoka G.Boldbaatar, with a title of Honored Sportsman of Mongolia gained a gold medal in 60kg category and Olympic silver medalist and Honored Sportswoman of Mongolia D.Sumiya secured a silver medal in 57 kg category. In addition, Honored Sportsman of Mongolia B.Amartuvshin took a bronze medal from the competition.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/8935">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Ch.Sanjaadamba_wins_Lunar"></a>Ch.Sanjaadamba wins Lunar New Year wrestling tournament<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 27 (MONTSAME) Ch.Sanjaadamba (with a state title of giant) triumphed over 256 wrestlers came from all aimags of Mongolia in the traditional wrestling championship on the occasion of the "Red Fire Rooster" Lunar New Year, with wrestler O.Khangai (with title of Lion) came in second place. The wrestling championship was held yesterday, on February 26, the Lunar New Year's Eve at the National Wrestling Palace in Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It was Sanjaadamba's third victory in the wrestling championship of Lunar New Year. His first win was in 2010 when he had 'Lion of Aimag' title and his second was in 2015 with 'Elephant of State' title.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As for O.Khangai, it's his second time as a runner-upper in the Lunar New Year championship. His first one was back in 2014 against D.Ragchaa (with a state title Garuda).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/8941">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Swimmer_Sh.Davaadorj_preps"></a>Swimmer Sh.Davaadorj preps for 2022 Winter Olympics<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 24 (UB Post) <i>Around 200 people competed in the State Swimming Championship of Mongolia last year. Half of these swimmers were teenagers between the ages of 14 and 16. These teenagers have a great potential in becoming regional and world champions but they don't have good coaches, says Sports Master Sh.Davaadorj, the only winter swimmer in Mongolia.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>"Enhancing the skills of coaches can boost development of swimming and even winter swimming. Making the public healthier and providing accurate information is the key to developing this sport. People think that swimming in pools is healthy. Well, winter swimming requires much more patience, endurance and discipline. However, those interested in becoming winter swimmers need to learn how to withstand cold waters and what food to eat," Sh.Davaadorj noted.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>48-year-old Sh.Davaadorj will participate in the 13th Latvian Winter Swimming Championships (LWSC) to be held on February 25 in Jurmala, Latvia. He shared about his training for the championships, winter swimming and future plans in the interview below.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Can you tell us about LWSC?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>LWSC will take place on February 25 in Jurmala, Latvia. The eighth Winter Swimming Festival Pirita Open will begin on March 4 in Tallinn, Estonia. These two are the last scheduled competitions of the International Winter Swimming Association (IWSA) for 2016 to 2017. I plan to compete in both competitions. I will leave for Estonia right after LWSC.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b> Which events will you participate in?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I will enter three events at LWSC: 25-meter breaststroke, 50-meter dolphin kick (butterfly stroke), and 50-meter freestyle swim events. In Estonia, I will participate in the 25-meter butterfly stroke and freestyle events. It's required to register a month in advance to enter the championship.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b> Do you have a coach?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>No. I learned everything related to training and diet through the internet. My profession helped a lot. I graduated as an electrician in Russia in 1988. In Mongolia, I graduated from both the National Institute of Physical Education and the School of Law of the National University of Mongolia. Afterwards, I studied international security at the Novosibirsk State University. All three of these institutes are related to security and legal system, and two of them are related to food and anatomy. Hence, I know when to eat what for recovering lost energy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b> What's your training routine? Is it true that you train in Khuvsgul Lake?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yes. I organized a workshop about swimming in cold water and rescue operation last year in June as requested by the Maritime Administration of the Ministry of Roads and Transportation. During my stay there, I trained in Khuvsgul Lake. The water temperature dropped from 16 degrees to four degrees. I used to work out for around an hour and constantly tried to make myself comfortable in cold water back then. I first started going into a bathtub filled with cold water. You start getting used to it after a while. Then, I started going into bathtubs half-filled with ice. Like so, I trained every day.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You can't become a winter swimmer just by becoming used to cold water. It's essential that you manage your diet. For example, I swim five to eight kilometers per training session on average, meaning I burn around 6,000 calories. I need protein and vitamins to recover lost energy. Even if you eat well and swim regularly, you need to improve your strength to improve your speed. It's important to focus on all of these things or your rivals will beat you.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Coming in fifth or sixth place means I deceived myself and neglected my training. I must work hard to win a medal. I participated in eight swimming competitions in the last year-and-a-half. Five of them were international competitions. Out of 31 medals I won, 24 were gold.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b> Is winter swimming popular in Mongolia?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Many Mongolians train in swimming, but I'm the only one who does winter swimming. Young people try it out but never decide to continue doing it. Winter swimming requires immense amount of patience, endurance and discipline. Simply put, the water temperature of pools is usually 28 degrees, tap water is around 12 to 16 degrees, and kharz is eight degrees Celsius. Most people can't stay in water at -2 degrees Celsius for more than five minutes. They'll die immediately.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yet, winter swimming competitions are held in -2 or -4 degrees Celsius waters. It's an extreme sport. It requires significant training and endurance. Mongolia has become the 21st member of the International Winter Swimming Association (IWSA). I sent the request to join the association in 2016. It took a year for them to let us join because they needed to discuss it with all member states. Five people make up the IWSA board of directors. The president is a Filipino and the deputy is a Latvian-English person. There are Russian and German board members too.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b> How long have you been training in winter swimming?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I've been training in winter swimming for the last two years. I used to do bodybuilding as well as swimming. I liked water sports since I was a kid. I first started swimming when I was 13. I came first in the 1986 State Swimming Championships. I didn't swim much while studying in Russia, though. At the time, I stopped entering swimming competitions and focused on bodybuilding. I participated in the Mister Mongolia bodybuilding competition five times and won three gold and one silver medals. I earned the Master of Sports title. I went back to swimming 28 years later in 2014.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b> Do you plan to participate in the 2022 Winter Olympics?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yes, because the maximum age limit for winter swimming is 104. I'm only 48 now. I'm still young. I'm at my peak swimming age. I've been swimming for 34 years and doing bodybuilding for 28 years. I'm able to continue swimming because I never stopped doing sports.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I used to train with a lot of people in the past, but they all stopped doing sports and got bellies. It's the same everywhere in the world. People are deciding to stop swimming when they become a little bit older. I competed against 86 swimmers from 16 countries in the butterfly stroke event of a Chinese competition last year. Still, I got in first place. This is thanks to constant training. I left my job to pursue this life and so that I can reach the top.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I used to teach swimming in Bayangol District. I stopped coaching and became an athlete. Without quitting my job, I can't succeed. I could work while training but my records would be only good for international events. I was able to get medals from World Swimming Cups and Championships because I quit my job and dedicated my entire life to training.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>My next goals is the 2022 Winter Olympics. The timing is perfect. There's still five years until the 2022. I'll have plenty of time to challenge myself and improve. By 2022, I'll only be 52 or 53. It's no problem.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b> What do you plan to do in the near-future?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I'm trying to schedule one of IWSA's World Championships in Mongolia between 2018 and 2019. There are six major World Winter Swimming Championships. I'm discussing to organize one of them in Khuvsgul Lake. It would be economically beneficial to host it here since winter swimming enthusiasts from every corner of the world would come to see it. This would open up opportunities to develop winter tourism and boost economic growth.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tourists come to Mongolia mostly in summer. The number of tourists drastically fall in winter. Hosting a winter swimming competition in Mongolia would not only flourish winter tourism but also make more young people interested in the sport.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Something similar to an ice festival is held in Khuvsgul Province. I hope to organize the World Winter Swimming Championship before or after the festival because I think it would be better to have something else sports fans can watch besides the competition.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b> How did foreigners react when you took part in your first international competition?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They looked down on the skills of Mongolian swimmers. They didn't even know Mongolia existed. In response to their insults, I told them that Mongolians could swim too and to watch me. Ultimately, I came in first place. After I won, people started to open up and realized that Mongolia has good swimmers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b> Which swimming styles are you most confident in?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The butterfly stroke is my forte. The second competition I participated in was the World Swimming Cup held in China. The sixth Scandinavian Winter Swimming Championships took place from February 10 to 12 in Sweden. I didn't enter it because, first of all, I wanted work on the mistakes I made at the competition in China. Secondly, I had some financial problems. Members of our Mongolian Winter Swimming Association (MWSA) are independent athletes so it's financially difficult. I also don't like to participate in competitions all the time since I have my own family and life. Our association covered all my expenses for entering the competition in China.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b> Can you tell us about MWSA? What's MWSA's plan for developing winter swimming in Mongolia?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>N.Ider is the president of MWSA. Yu.Sodbileg and B.Bulgan are board members. We have one athlete – me. We made several plans. For example, we plan to compete with a team at the 2022 Winter Olympics. It's mandatory to enter the Winter Olympics with a team so we're trying to recruit three more people and train them well. We need two women and another man as required by the Olympic rules. Our first goal is to participate in scheduled competitions of IWSA, and later in the 2022 Winter Olympics.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/24/swimmer-sh-davaadorj-preps-for-2022-winter-olympics/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Tough_men_from"></a>Tough men from the steppe<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>From Mongolian lakes to Asian Winter Games<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>SAPPORO, Japan, February 24 (International Ice Hockey Federation) – Mongolia evened its record at 2-2 in the Asian Winter Games on Thursday with an impressive 7-6 victory over Hong Kong. While the result was nice, the players enjoyed the extra benefit of playing with a roof over their heads at Mikaho Gymnasium. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Putting together a respectable national team is no easy feat in Mongolia, where there are no indoor rinks. The players not only must have passion for the game, they also must be able to deal with the elements while training in the depths of winter. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia coach Arslan Mergen spoke after his team's victory about the challenge of organizing a squad and developing players in his country. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We have just 20 open rinks," Mergen stated. "Mongolia is a very big country. All the conditions we are playing in outdoors, sometimes at -35° C, are different. To come here and play indoors it's a different feeling. If we want to move up to a different level, we definitely need to have an indoor building." <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The fact that the team has to train outdoors also means that they are faced with an abbreviated training period each year. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We can basically only practise from November until February. After that it melts out," noted Mergen. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We normally only have one tournament a year outside of Mongolia and that is the Challenge Cup of Asia," he said. "Basically we are playing on the lakes and the rivers. We have a lack of hockey equipment in Mongolia. We have approximately 150-200 kids playing on the open-ice conditions. We have a lack of a lot of things, but we love hockey." <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mergen, who also doubles as a translator for the team, clearly is grateful for the opportunity to get his players some game action in traditional hockey conditions. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mergen's unit is definitely showing progress. Currently 50th in the IIHF World Ranking, Mongolia put six goals on the board in the first period against Hong Kong and then held on for the win. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"This has been a great experience to have all these hockey teams from Asia," Mergen commented. "It's like 20 different countries. I want to thank the Japanese people for organizing this event." <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mergen said that what his charges lack in tools, they make up for in commitment. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We don't have much infrastructure in Mongolia, so to get to this level it takes the players hearts and souls," he said. "It is a difficult process. When you play outdoors vs. indoors, the ice surface is different. I'm very happy that my players can switch from outdoors to indoors at this high level and beat Hong Kong or Singapore." <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mergen, who attended Hope International University in Anaheim, California, lived in the United States for eight years. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I grew up in Mongolia, then my parents lived in Russia and that is where I learned my hockey skills," he stated. "I went to Luzhniki Hockey School. I developed there and then played hockey when I was going to school in the U.S." <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia goalie Baatarkhuu Bazarvaani has been a member of the national team for 10 years. The 26-year-old works as driver when he is not playing. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I'm very excited about playing in the Asian Winter Games," he said on Thursday. "I want to say thank you to all the people. It's been really nice here." <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Forward Gerelt Ider, a 19-year-old student, is currently in his third year with the national squad. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I am very happy that I fit into the national team," he commented. "I have been enjoying my time with my teammates in Sapporo." <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Veteran defenceman Batgerel Zorigt, who admires NHL star Sidney Crosby, has been impressed with the level of opposition Mongolia has faced here. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"There are a lot of countries and they have brought really good teams," he said. "The only difference is that they practice 365 days and we only practice three-and-a-half months. I have a lot of respect for the other teams, they are very highly skilled." <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Goalie Munkhbold Bayarsaikhan, a four-year member of the national team, has found himself on the end of some high-velocity shots from opponents in the tournament. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The other teams shoot the puck very strongly," he noted. "The team is very happy we won this game." <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Playing the Asian Winter Games in February opposed to the spring dates for the Challenge Cup of Asia suits the Mongolians. After a tight 5-4 loss to Thailand they blanked Singapore 8-0, lost to the United Arab Emirates 6-3 and beat Hong Kong 8-6. Tomorrow they will play their last game in the men's Division I tournament against Chinese Taipei. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thailand is currently leading the round-robin competition with 11 points before the last day with Chinese Taipei with 9 points being the only other team in the race for tournament win. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Click <a href="SAPPORO,%20Japan%20–%20Mongolia%20evened%20its%20record%20at%202-2%20in%20the%20Asian%20Winter%20Games%20on%20Thursday%20with%20an%20impressive%207-6%20victory%20over%20Hong%20Kong.%20While%20the%20result%20was%20nice,%20the%20players%20enjoyed%20the%20extra%20benefit%20of%20playing%20with%20a%20roof%20over%20their%20heads%20at%20Mikaho%20Gymnasium.">here</a> for scores from the four ice hockey tournaments at the 2017 Asian Winter Games.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.iihf.com/home-of-hockey/news/news-singleview/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=11446">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Speaker_M.Enkhbold_welcomes"></a>Speaker M.Enkhbold welcomes distinguished horse trainers<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 24 (MONTSAME) The horse trainers, officially awarded state titles by the presidential decree, was welcomed at the State House by Chairman of the State Great Khural M.Enkhbold on Thursday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This year, the state titles for horse-trainers were conferred to 23 best horse trainers. First time in the history, brothers and father and son have been awarded the titles under one decree.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As for the distinguished horse trainer from Uvurkhangai province, Mr B.Otgonnasan, the year 2017 was full of success for he was awarded both state titles for best horse-trainer and the "Champion Herder".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After meeting with the horse-trainers, Speaker M.Enkhbold handed prizes to the most successful horse breeding and training teams and jockeys.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Prizes in the name of the Equestrian Sports and Trainers' Federation were granted to 29 children-jockeys.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Speaker of Mongolian Parliament M.Enkhbold is also the head of the Equestrian Sports and Trainers' Federation of Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8920">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_President_awards_state"></a>President awards state titles to horse trainers<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 24 (UB Post) President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj bestowed state titles to respected horse trainers on February 23 at the State Palace.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Horse trainer from Dornod Province O.Batbileg, T.Battsooj of Khovd Province, T.Gantumur of Govi-Altai Province, S.Luvsanbaldan of Tuv Province, and B.Otgonnasan of Uvurkhangai Province were awarded the State Principal Horse Trainer title.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The State Leading Horse Trainer title went to B.Badraa of Umnugovi Province, L.Batmunkh and Ts.Gantumur of Govi-Altai Province, T.Boldbaatar of Khuvsgul Province, T.Galbadrakh of Zavkhan Province, T.Ikhbayar of Tuv Province, and U.Purevbaatar of Arkhangai Province.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Horse trainer of Bayangol District B.Baasanbazar; O.Batbold, S.Kherlen and B.Sukhbaatar of Tuv Province; G.Bayartsogt of Orkhon Province; G.Buyantogtokh of Bagakhangai District; N.Zorigt of Govi-Altai Province; B.Lkhagva-Ochir and S.Munkhbat of Dundgovi Province; P.Sergelen of Uvurkhangai Province; and Yu.Tugsjargal of Uvs Province received the State Honored Horse Trainer title.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After awarding state titles to horse trainers, President Ts.Elbegdorj said, "Congratulations to all. The Year of the Monkey is about to end and the Year of the Rooster is coming. I want to wish long-lasting happiness to all of you who protect the most important nomadic heritage of Mongolia – horses – and enrich the culture of Mongolian horse training."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"From ancient times, Mongolians always rode with their horses. The horse is an inspirational animal for nomadic Mongolians. That's why the horse is inscribed in the state coat of arms. Every historic success of Mongolia is related to horses," he added.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The President said, "Horse trainers and herders are the people who have inherited the culture of horse breeding and training. The state values your contributions in traditional horse racing. So I present state titles to you. I also want to congratulate child jockeys and your families. I hope you will spread the horse culture and entertain Mongolians with powerful horses for many years to come. Have a festive Tsagaan Sar!"<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/24/president-awards-state-titles-to-horse-trainers/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Child_jockeys_shouldn't"></a>Child jockeys shouldn't race in winter horse races<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 23 (UB Post) <i>-Horse racing in winter and spring puts child jockeys in danger-</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A group of children's rights NGOs and associations have joined hands to stop child jockeys from taking part in spring and winter horse races, raising their concerns at a press conference on February 20.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the conference, representatives stressed that due to the very cold weather conditions of Mongolia, it is not safe for child jockeys, who can be as young as seven years old, to take part in winter races.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The NGOs said that although Ministry of Labor issued an order on February 8, 2016 to ban all types of horse racing which uses child jockeys between November 1 and May 1 each year, the order hasn't been implemented in reality. The order also banned the involvement of children in any tasks related to training or breeding horses outside.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There is a rumor that the Dunjingarav horse race will be organized in March, which violates the ministry's order.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Head of the organizing committee of Dunjin-garav Ya.Boldbaatar said, "Horse enthusiasts like to watch Dunjingarav. We have a long lasting tradition to organize this horse race. We will organize it in the beginning of March. The exact date hasn't been decided yet. We will announce the date soon."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Representatives from the National Network for Eliminating the Worst Forms of Child Labor, National Network for Child Protection, Institute of Training and Research for Child Rights, National Civil Society Coalition, ECPAT Mongolia Network, Save the Children, and World Vision attended the press conference.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They noted that racing in early Spring means that child jockeys are training in extreme winter temperatures, greatly increasing their risk of accidents and injuries, and exposures to dangers, jeopardizing children's well-being and raising education-related issues.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Due to prolonged races and training, child jockeys can also miss out on important schoolwork, meaning they get left behind in lessons.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The NGOs also say that races organized during the winter and spring are not traditional, unlike the races which take place as part of the Naadam Festival in the summer, and are organized for commercial gain. Because of this, they say adults should take part as jockeys rather than children.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Child jockeys are at greatest risk of being hurt when horses race in the extremely cold weather and at their highest speed, they underlined.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to statistics, over 1,500 child jockeys were injured during training and races in the last five years, many children became disabled for life as a result of these races, and more than 10 lost their life during a race.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Horse racing is part of the cultural heritage of Mongolia, but horse racing in winter and spring has never been part of the traditional Mongolian culture," children's rights activists said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They also added, "We reviewed 381 files related to horse racing which is being kept in the General Archival Authority. From 1803 to 1920, the Naadam Festival was celebrated between May and August. Horse races also took place from May to August. There were no horse races in winter."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They urged that using child jockeys during winter and spring should be viewed as a dangerous form of child labor.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"It puts their lives and health in danger, and it is a serious breach of their rights as children," said a children's rights NGO spokesperson.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They appealed to the government, and city and provincial authorities to continue to ban winter and spring horse races involving child jockeys.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They also noted that the notion that protective gear and warmer clothes can ensure safety is wrong. "Most people think child jockeys will be safe if they wear protective gear. This is a false notion," they added.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>During the press conference, head of the National Network for Child Protection P.Tseveen spoke to reporters about the use of child jockeys in winter races.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>It isn't 100 percent clear that the Dunjingarav horse race will be held in March. Did you meet the Federation of Mongolian Horse Racing Sport and Trainers?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Federation of Mongolian Horse Training Sport and Trainers will organize Dunjingarav this March. I tried to meet them but they refused. I hope they will get back to us. We didn't contradict or ban a traditional sport of Mongolia. We are just protecting the rights of child jockeys, and asking them to not allow children to participate in winter and spring races.People have to understand this.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>What would you do if Dunjingarav is to be organized?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Head of the Mongolian People's Party M.Enkhbold is the president of the Federation of Mongolian Horse Training Sport and Trainers and Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry P.Sergelen is the secretary-general. So I hope they will become a role model to other MPs and make the right decision.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/23/child-jockeys-shouldnt-race-in-winter-horse-races/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_School_Rules_for"></a>School Rules for Mongolia's Ambitious YOG Star<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Cross country skier Ochirsukh Adiyabaatar is halfway through a self-imposed, semi-sabbatical from the sport he loves. Guided by his mother, the 18-year-old has agreed to focus on his studies before returning to the slopes with a vengeance next year and attempting to qualify for the Olympic Games.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 24 (IOC) One year on from representing his country at the Youth Olympic Games, Ochirsukh Adiyabaatar is negotiating the tricky but crucial balance between his studies and his sport. It is a factor no doubt familiar to many of the 1,067 athletes who competed in Lillehammer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Since the YOG my mother wants me to focus on my studies. She thinks it is very important for my future," said cross country skier Adiyabaatar, who had a best finish of 41<sup>st</sup> in the 10km event at the YOG. "So for this year I am taking a year off from training and focusing on my studies."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The 18-year-old who has ambitions of one day competing at the Olympic Games, is showing a startlingly mature attitude to his sabbatical. "My mother is right. Even if I want to ski I have to think about my studies. If I continue with my career as an athlete and enter many competitions, after I am done what am I going to do with my life? You need education for applying for a job," he said. "She wants me to study well and then after I can ski all I like."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As a result, this season Adiyabaatar trains at the weekend and has only entered national Mongolian competitions. It is not harming his form too much, with a recent fifth place in a seniors' event prompting him to consider that he may even have improved.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Naturally however, he finds it hard to watch those YOG competitors who are on the slopes fulltime. "On Facebook they are like 'I just did 50km training and now I am ready for competition'. I look at them and get jealous," Adiyabaatar said. "I really want to race with them, I want to know how they improve. I want to know how good an athlete I am next to them. It makes me cringe. I really want to ski but right now I can't."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Adiyabaatar, who is aiming to be an electrical engineer once he has fulfilled his sporting ambitions, has recognised that he needs the academic focus this year in order to make his second career a reality. "To tell the truth, it is hard. When I was in high school I was mostly focusing on skiing and training and I totally forgot about my studies. And now I am trying to study I need my high school knowledge," he said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Under the terms of the deal he has made with his mother, Adiyabaatar will join the majority of his nation's fellow cross country skiers in the capital Ulaanbaatar next year. He will then combine studying with intensive training.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>While the teenager is occasionally concerned that he is being left behind, with his competitors' personal best times "getting better and better", Adiyabaatar is confident that he has plenty of room for improvement himself. "I believe I can be in the real Olympics. I feel I can do better. I didn't reach my limit yet. Maybe after two or four years I can do better, maybe I can get quicker and compete more," he said. "I just need to wait until next year."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>On occasion the Mongolian even remembers that there are some advantages to being part-time. "I am not on that diet anymore," he admitted, having caught plenty of attention in Lillehammer last year after revealing that he was on a strict, carrot-based vegetarian diet. "I am enjoying the moment and eating a lot of meat. Mongolian traditional food, it is full of meat," he laughed.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Other pleasures exist too. He likes to take his school friends out to the mountains and teach them to ski. And he also has a trove of special memories to draw upon. "From the moment I got there you meet a lot of athletes, participate in a lot of events. It is hard to choose only one memory. Racing was the best experience if I had to choose one. You had the (Youth) Olympic champion right there and I was racing with him and I know him now," Adiyabaatar said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Not bad motivation, for when this student returns to the race track full-time. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.olympic.org/news/school-rules-for-mongolia-s-ambitious-yog-star">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s1600/image006-770654.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s320/image006-770654.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728846955772290" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Art></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Art & Entertainment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Morin_Khuur-2016_festival"></a>Morin Khuur-2016 festival winners announced<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 24 (MONTSAME) Best music of the 30th annual "Morin Khuur 2016" festival (horsehead fiddle) has announced their winners. "Tenger Ikh Tal" (Grand Plain of the Sky) received Grand Prix award for the Best song of 2016. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The song was written by poet N.Bayanmunkh, composed by Sh.Ulziibayar and was sung by E.Ankhbayar, soloist of the State Opera and Ballet Academic Theater.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As for the contest, State Honored artist U.Dalantai's "Gegeen Nutag" (Holy Land) won the first place. It was written by Kh.Chilaajav and composed by T.Ser-Od.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While "Aavtai orchlon" (The World with a Father) song that was written by Ch.Nandintsetseg and composed by Sh.Sugartseren was awarded second place. Third place victory went to a song titled "Iim l saikhan" (Such a beauty) by B.Tsermaa and composed by B.Byambabayar .<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Russian Buryat and Kalmykian, as well as Chinese Inner Mongolian artists were competed in this year's contest.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/8931">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Albacete_International_Circus"></a>Albacete International Circus Festival prizes go to a Mongolian circus troupe<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 24 (UB Post) A troupe from the Mongolian Circus Development Center, led by N.Erdene, won two prizes at the 10th Albacete International Circus Festival for their contortion performance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Albacete International Circus Festival took place in Albacete, Spain, from February 16 to 21. Over 80 circus artists from 14 countries took part in the annual festival.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mongolian contortion team included five artists and earned applause from the team of international judges. A team of five Mongolian contortionists performed "Snake" at the festival, earning the troupe two prizes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Albacete International Circus Festival has been taking place in Spain since 2008.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/24/albacete-international-circus-festival-prizes-go-to-a-mongolian-circus-troupe/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_artists_to"></a>Mongolian artists to take part in Oxford International Art Fair<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 24 (UB Post) A number of Mongolian artists will represent Mongolia at the fourth Oxford International Art Fair, which will be held in the U.K. from February 24 to 26.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Contemporary and traditional artwork by D.Batbileg, T.Otgonbayar, D.Tuvdendorj, Ch.Sendem, Kh.Elbegzaya, S.Altantsooj, O.Odgerel, M.Ochir-Erdene, and O.Molor-Od will be on view. The artists are based out of the U.K., Mongolia, and Poland.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Embassy of Mongolia in the United Kingdom and Cultural Ambassador of Mongolia J.Unurmaa have been working together since 2015 for the inclusion of Mongolian artists in the Oxford International Art Fair. In 2015, a Mongolian artist won the Best Artist award among 150 participants.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Talented artists from over 30 countries display their artwork in this international art fair, which attracts over 6,000 visitors every year. A highlight of this year's fair will be an original artwork by the British contemporary artist Damien Hirst, part of the work on view from In Vogue Art Gallery.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/24/mongolian-artists-to-take-part-in-oxford-international-art-fair/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_'The_Eagle_Huntress'"></a>'The Eagle Huntress' soars with possibility<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 25 (National Catholic Reporter) In the 2002 New Zealand film "Whale Rider" (directed by Niki Caro), a 13-year-old Maori girl named Paikea disrupts an ancient tradition of progeniture — a system that pre-ordains the eldest son as first in the line of succession for leadership — to emerge as the new chief destined to breathe new life to her dying tribe.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Traipsing on a similar path, the 2016 U.K.-produced film "The Eagle Huntress" (directed by Otto Bell) follows the adventures of Aisholpan, a 13-year-old girl from a nomadic Kazakh tribe in Mongolia, who overcomes seemingly insurmountable odds to emerge victorious in a tournament that had been, for generations, the exclusive domain of men.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The parallels between the two films are striking, but having said that, there is a marked difference. "Whale Rider" is an earnest work of fiction based on a Maori cultural myth; "The Eagle Huntress" is a beautifully realized documentary, shot as cultural phenomena unfold.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Aisholpan Nurgaiv is a plucky schoolgirl with a sunny disposition to match her cherubic face. Because her homestead is located in the remote Mongolian Altai Mountains, she needs to live in a boarding school on weekdays with other girls her age. This all seems unspectacular until we get a glimpse of what she does in off-school days: She is undergoing serious training to qualify her for eagle hunting, the ancient practice of raising fledgling golden eagles to catch other animals for meat and fur. This means undergoing a physically and psychologically challenging regimen apparently designed for muscular, grown men.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The film takes us to each stage of the journey that Aisholpan must hurdle before she realizes her lofty dream. The starting point is, in and of itself, a perilous challenge. Her father, Agalai, harnesses his daughter with rope and lowers her on a steep cliff to an eagle's nest where she is to capture one of the eaglets. To be sure, witnessing Aisholpan as she struggles to snatch a large bird of prey from its nest while the mother eagle hovers in the background is a nail-biting experience; one can't help but root for the brave girl.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the next scenes, we see how Aisholpan begins to bond with her eagle, a female like her. She learns how to use her arm as perch to some 15 pounds of avian muscle, how to set the bird to flight and teach it to respond to her call. Through sheer determination and discipline, the young girl and her winged partner are finally ready to compete against 70 men in the hunting tournament.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I anticipate that the art of eagle hunting might invite questions about the treatment of wildlife, to which I would suggest thinking in context: Understand that this is a 4,000-year-old tradition of an indigenous, nomadic culture of people who live off the land and keep a close relationship with nature. It would be unreasonable to mention their use of eagles in the same breath as the excesses and ecological degradation wrought by affluent consumerist cultures.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Notably, custom dictates that the eagles be set free after seven years when they have reached mating age. The continuation of the circle of life is celebrated with a meaningful ritual where the trainer offers an entire slaughtered sheep to the eagle, accompanied by a prayer of thanksgiving.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Watching "The Eagle Huntress" is virtually entering into another world. The audience is ushered into a liminal space, a threshold where past and present are interwoven. From start to finish, the stunning cinematography — painterly wide-angle shots and gravity-defying drone shots contrasted with closer, intimate shots — opens a portal into a lost horizon where resplendently garbed Eurasian nomads on horseback ride against the backdrop of a vast, frozen mountainscape.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> Simon Niblett, director of cinematography, achieved this creative feat with the help of just two other cinematographers; the three made a heroic effort to work within the limits of a shoestring budget and in bitingly cold conditions. The visual tour de force makes "The Eagle Huntress" worth the theater experience.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The film's human story is a fascinating study of culture as a site of creative tension. Getting a glimpse of Aisholpan's family life, we begin to understand where her strength and confidence are rooted. This family is a countercultural force in what appears to be a patriarchally oriented culture. As the narrative reels out, amusing cut-to-cut close-ups of cynical male community elders, each one a naysaying "talking head," punctuate the scenes of Aisholpan's sojourn. But the girl stands on solid footing; she finds support where it counts the most — her family. Leading her cheering squad are her father and grandfather, veteran eagle hunters both, who do not see her gender as an issue and who wholeheartedly believe that she is the one.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The pageantry and energy of the tournament proper is an exhilarating watch. One male competitor after another takes his turn in a series of challenges that are largely dependent on the rigor of one's training, not to mention the bond of trust between the hunter and the eagle partner. When Aisholpan is finally introduced, there is a noticeable sense of bemusement from the crowd. After all, she is small girl in a big man's world, and that is exactly how she looks. Aisholpan, not surprisingly, proves the cynics wrong.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>That said, the tournament is the film's false climax. The true test of an eagle hunter is yet to come. Aisholpan needs to move beyond the artificially constructed context of an organized tournament into an actual fox hunting expedition. This means riding on horseback for days out in the untamed Altai Mountains, eagle perched on one arm, and exposed to punishing temperatures of minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit. These are treacherous conditions for an adult hunter, let alone an inexperienced minor. And this is her eagle's maiden attempt at actual hunting, so there are no guarantees to success. But we have previously seen how Aisholpan's mojo works, how she can beat the odds and emerge triumphant.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yes, we have previously seen the story of the unexpected heroine and its various re-appropriations in film. But I bet you have never seen a 13-year-old plucky Kazakh schoolgirl from Mongolia soar like a golden eagle before. This is your chance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>[Precious Blood Br. Antonio D. Sison is associate professor of systematic theology at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, and author of the book The Sacred Foodways of Film. "The Eagle Huntress" is available on video from Sony Pictures Classics.]<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.ncronline.org/news/media/eagle-huntress-soars-possibility">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_The_true_story"></a>The true story behind a fairytale<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>Insights into 'The Eagle Huntress' documentary</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 1 (Mongol Messenger) The story of a thirteen-year-old girl hunting with her eagle companion on her forearm might just be a fairytale for western people, but not for Mongolians. Even a few tales were told among the natives that a young girl on a horse took down a wolf with her whip. The story of a young girl named Nurgaiv Aisholpan's win over eighty adult men in a traditional eagle festival of the Kazak nomads in the western Mongolia recently caught the world's attention. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The young girl became a world star after the picture of her on top of a canyon with an eagle on her forearm was taken during the festival and sent to major western media by Israeli photographer, Asher Svidenski. Directed by Otto Bell, the documentary film on Aisholpan's life 'The Eagle Huntress' was released during the 2016 Sundance Film Festival and has received many comments from both critics and viewers. Even after traveling the world upon the film's release, Aisholpan's bashful kind-heart and modest smile never once wavered.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The little girl was even included in the '2016 Women Who Dare' list of Harper's Bazaar magazine, along with former nominee for the USD Presidential Election Hillary Clinton and famous actress Uma Thurman. Rising tall on top of the mountain during winter with an 8kg eagle on her forehand, the girl is definitely 'daring'. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As for her documentary film, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) reviewed and nominated the film as the 'Best Documentary Film' for the 70th British Academy Film Awards. However, the Academy Awards or Oscars considered the film ineligible for nomination. According to BBC's article "Is the Eagle Huntress really a documentary?" A reviewer described the film as a "fairytale documentary". Some viewers are saying the film was staged. Although many audiences believe that the documentary is genuine, some factors doubt the rest.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Reason number One</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Judging from the review that says "fairytale documentary", Aisholpan must feel like a fictional character to viewers. Maybe the image of a young girl climbing up an edgy cliff and stealing a baby eagle may have felt like a hoax to westerners, but according to the BBC news post, Director Otto Bell said, "The scene where she takes the baby eagle out of the nest – people are always surprised to know that was in one single take. I did it drawing on my experience in commercials. As far as reconstructing and staging, what you see on the screen is what we got".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Civilization of settlers may find it difficult to understand Mongolian unique tradition, endurance of its people and their horses crossing rocky mountains on bare hooves. However, this is the reality of Mongolian lifestyle. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A young British actress Daisy Ridley narrated the documentary. The story of Aisholpan is filled with exciting scenes. Her father teaches the rosy-cheeked thirteen-year-old heroine how to hunt with an eagle. Traditionally a male pursuit, the little girl shocks everyone every year by winning the annual eagle hunting contest that takes place in Bayan-Ulgii Aimag. The news agencies around the world that reported this news surely know the story was genuine.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Reason number Two</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tim Robey, a journalist from 'Telegraph' newspaper says 'When we heard the announcement of the Golden Eagle festival on the Nurgaivs' home radio, and Aisholpan's immediate plea to enter the contest, it's a woefully unspontaneous scene - engineered storytelling in which she is essentially being made to act for us. You feel sorry for her acting out some of these charades.'<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>First of all, understand that the film is a documentary. The director can decide on what to show the audience after discussing the character. Recording the entirety of the unique culture of Eagle Hunting, along with the actual process of the hunt and showing the tales of Altaic people would be a fairytale itself. Only the main point of the film is what matters. Famous Oscar-winning Italian Director Federico Fellini once said "Making a movie is a mathematical operation".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Reason number Three</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Aisholpan never had to act, the film only showed her everyday life. Hunting with an eagle, getting kissed by her dad, receiving blessings from her grandfather and riding on a horse, would ever doubted by a Mongolian because this is the lifestyle we were raised in.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But it is not the fault of foreign audiences to consider the film as 'fiction-alike' or 'staged'. They were raised in a different lifestyle. No one would ever imagine a young girl hunting with an eagle in the snow-capped Altai Mountains. It must seem like fiction to them.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian history, the lives of herders, and even the way they treat nature and animals would seem like a 'fairytale'. There's no blame here. However, every single one of them is a truth. Neither a frozen dress nor a unicorn ever flew across some golden canyons in the film. Not a single notion of a 'fictional documentary' was displayed. Only the part where the eagle being trained to hunt feels a bit deceiving but that too is a true story.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also, critics reviewed the Kazakh elders and women participating in the eagle hunting competition as 'edited'. The U.S historian Adrienne Mayor made a laughable claim that "Bell went searching for these naysayers in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan". It is clear to Mongolians that the director went around knocking on elders' doors, and all openly voiced disapproval. So he put them in the film.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Finally, the diligent critics have all seem to be given up. Because Adrienne Mayor said "Her bravery and her feats in that eagle hunting contest are really amazing and inspiring. That would have been enough in the film."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Surely, that is enough in the film. Aisholpan Nurgaiv's sincere feeling towards her eagle, the hunting ability she earned for herself and the scenery where she's flying alongside her eagle on a horse isn't fiction. It is a true story of our fairytale-like country.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>The article first appeared in the Mongol Messenger's issue No.8-9 for February 24. <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/content/true-story-behind-fairytale-0">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s1600/image006-770654.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s320/image006-770654.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728846955772290" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Travel></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Travel<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Events_to_be"></a>Events to be held during Tsagaan Sar 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 26 (gogo.mn) Can`t decide what to do during Tsagaan Sar? We at GoGo Mongolia, offering you events to be held during Tsagaan Sar in Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This year the first day of Tsagaan Sar occurs on Feb 27th and the first three days of Tsagaan Sar (Feb 27-Mar 1) is non-working public holiday nationwide. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>So don't just hide at home during Tsagaan Sar – come out and celebrate this beautiful age-old celebration and experience the Mongol culture, hospitality and traditions with following events.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>CELEBRATE TSAGAAN SAR WITH LOCALS</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian Secret History camp is organising an annual event during the Tsagaan Sar to give expats and visitors alike the opportunity to experience this beautiful celebration just like locals. The event will be held on February 26-27th. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more info on the event program and tax, please click <a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157278" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Or contact the organisers at: <b>Phone:</b> 976-11-70000450, 99043547, 99993200. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>THE FIRST SUNRISE TOUR OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Genco Tour Bureau tourism centre invites you to take part in their Lunar New Year First Sunrise tour on February 27th (the First day of Tsagaan Sar) and whisper your wish to make come true. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The tour will take place at the Chinggis Khan statue complex, Tsonjinboldog - about 1.5hr drive from Ulaanbaatar to the east. There will be a sunrise ceremony, breakfast, calligraphy and traditional music performance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more info, please click <a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157475" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>WATCH THE EAGLE HUNTRESS - A STORY OF 13-YEAR-OLD EAGLE HUNTER GIRL</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Adventure Temple offers you a cozy evening with a good film "The Eagle Huntress" directed by Otto Bell on Mar 3rd. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The documentary nominated for BAFTA Film award 2017, tells a story of 13-year-old Aisholpan who trains to become the first female in twelve generations of her Kazakh family. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more info, please click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/661013047434217/?active_tab=discussion" target="_blank">HERE</a> or contact at 7710 8002. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>NOMAD EVENT</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian Photographer`s Association is organizing Nomad event on March 4th at Ugtaaltsaidam soum, Tuv aimag which locates 140 km away from Ulaanbaatar city.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The event enables you to visit herder family, attend Nomad and Horseman competition, eat lunch outside near fire and take photos. Also horse riding is available for 20,000 MNT. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Event tax is 50,000 MNT (including transportation, lunch, dinner and other performances). <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more info, please click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/434287873569153/?active_tab=about" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>"BLUE PEARL" INTERNATIONAL ICE FESTIVAL 2017</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Blue Pearl International Ice Festival 2017 will take place at Khatgal village, the southern shore of lake Khuvsgul on Mar 3-4th or the fifth and sixth day of Tsagaan Sar, enabling you to experience Tsagaan Sar celebration visiting a nomad family. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The event offers traditional horse sled races, reindeer races, skating competitions, and shamanic rituals. Also, there will be an Ice Sculpture Competition – artists will create a winter fairyland on the 2-3m thick, crystal clear ice of the Lake Huvsgul, and various performances by the locals and artists of the local theatre.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more info, please click <a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157117" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>DUNJINGARAV 2017 – REGIONAL SPRING HORSE RACES</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Federation of Mongolian Horse Racing Sport and Trainers is organizing the annual regional spring horse races "Dunjingarav 2017" on Mar 5th. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The horse races will feature both Mongolian breed and mixed breed horses during the 2 day event at Argalant soum, Tuv aimag. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It's an event not to be missed as one can experience the Mongolian horse culture in depth and take a little break in the steppes (free of charge).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>EAGLE FESTIVAL AT CHINGGISIIN KHUREE 2017</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Just after the Tsagaan Sar celebration, the Eagle Festival is announced to be held on Mar 5th, 2017 at the Chinggisiin Khuree tourism camp, located in the Bogd Khan National Park. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Real eagle hunters with their mighty Eagles will come all the way from Bayan-Ulgii to compete including the famous Aisholpan – actress of "The Eagle Huntress" (2016) documentary directed by Otto Bell. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is the event for those who can't travel over 1300 km to the westernmost Mongolia to see the Eagle Festivals that take place in September (Altai Eagle Festival) and October (Golden Eagle Festival) in Bayan-Ulgii province. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more info, please click <a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157421" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>CAMEL FESTIVAL 2017</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The date of the Camel Festival 2017 is 6-7 March and the event will take place in Bulgan soum of Umnugobi aimag. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It's an entertaining 2-days of event that features various contests related to Mongolian camel culture and lots of local music and dances. Nomads from far and near wear their best deels, the traditional costume of Mongolia and ride their best camels to attend the festival as it's their pride and a big celebration for them. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more info, please click <a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157418" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>HAPPY TSAGAAN SAR!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157497">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Ice_and_Snow"></a>Ice and Snow Festival 2017, Khuvsgul Lake, March 3-4<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 24 (UB Post) The Ice and Snow Festival 2017 will be held on March 3 and 4 at Khuvsgul Lake. Residents of Khuvsgul Province celebrate the Ice and Snow Festival every March.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The festival involves various activities and competitions, including ice sumo, ger building with ice, ice skating, and sleigh rides.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This two-day event is also offering a rare display of shaman ceremony and the Tsaatan people's way of life.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Details</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Where</b>: Khuvsgul Lake<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>When</b>: March 3 and 4<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>More Information</b>: 70120011<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/24/ice-and-snow-festival-2017/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Travel_Buddies:_Mongolia"></a>Travel Buddies: Mongolia Nomads Winter Festival Tour – 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>TOUR HIGHLIGHTS</b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'> Witness Mongolia winter<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'> Take a part of winter festivals<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'> Travel to the Gobi & Khovsgol lake<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'> Meet Eagle hunters<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>DETAILED DESCRIPTION</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Best Mongolia Winter Tour – The nomads' winter festival offers a unique opportunity to visit Mongolia in one of the most special times; end of the long winter, when the thaw comes. Mongolians celebrate the arrival of spring organising three important festivals in the first days of March including "Ice Festival & Skating Event" in Khuvsgul Lake in the Northern Mongolia, "Eagle festival" near in Ulaanbaatar city and "Camel festival" in Southgobi province. These festivities are well-known to locals and best events for Mongolia winter tour.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>ICE FESTIVAL </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>EAGLE FESTIVAL</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>CAMEL FESTIVAL</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>ACTIVITIES – </b> Festival and Mongolia winter tour<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>ACTIVITY LEVEL – </b> Leisurely<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>DURATION / DISTANCE – </b> 8 days<br><b>PLACES VISITED – </b> Khovsgol lake /Gobi desert<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.travelbuddies.info/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/winter-adventure.jpg">Link to package</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_A_photographer's_epic"></a>A photographer's epic road trip from Scotland to Mongolia: Boys, bikes and bucket hats<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>It took 10,000 miles, 19 countries, 40 rolls of film, three deserts, two seas and a vintage car – but James Parker has pulled together a nuanced photo project around ideas of masculinity.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>March 1 (Huck Magazine) Last summer, James Parker and two friends set out on the trip of a lifetime: taking a 1972 Morris Minor from Edinburgh, Scotland to the outer reaches of Russia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Given that the vintage car rolls along at an average speed of 18 miles per hour, winding through 19 countries would take a while. Fifty-three days, to be precise.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I wanted an adventure: to meet new people and experience new cultures," says James, a 25-year-old from Barnsley in Yorkshire.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He inherited his first bits of camera equipment from his grandfather, initially using it as an excuse to get into music and sport events for free, before studying photography at both Edinburgh Napier and Ryerson University in Toronto.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"This was the first time I had been 'travelling' – if you can call it that – and it turns out that it's certainly more challenging than relaxing. Driving 10 hours a day for that long really affects you."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The trip was all in the name of charity – the trio successfully raised funds for two community programmes in Barnsley that help the homeless and people with mobility issues – but James brought along 40 rolls of film to see if a photography project would emerge from their adventures. And one did.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Between Romania and Mongolia, James found himself capturing enough snapshots of masculinity that a pattern emerged: there were always boys, bikes and bucket hats.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Over time I realised that I was focusing on situations that I recognised myself in," he says. "The project has this air of growing up, boyhood, vulnerability and finding your way."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The friends would camp under the stars in the Gobi desert, get lost in Istanbul during an attempted coup and ride a hot air balloon over Cappadocia at sunrise.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Any time they stopped for a rest, people would spring out of nowhere, wielding pots of coffee and a determined curiosity to see what was under the car's hood.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The lowest points came when we struggled to find food and fuel; police would constantly stop us. Our lowest bribe was a couple of smokes and a handshake. It wasn't easy and we had a few arguments and break downs along the way, but never a punctured tyre."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After developing film from the trip – which continues to be edited – James sifted through images of mountain trails leading nowhere, barren desert landscapes and random roadside encounters. But the theme of masculinity kept emerging, just not quite in the way he anticipated.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I had questioned if gender assumptions and behaviours changed from the West to East before the journey," he says.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"But from those I met I recognised common themes and feelings: to love, to share and help others, which we rarely get to see [in the West].<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Obviously men don't have to drive, lift, herd, secure, plant and build… but those I met chose to and that's okay too."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Check out James Parker's <a href="http://www.jameschrisparker.com/" target="_blank">photography portfolio</a> or follow him on<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jameschrisparker/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>.</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.huckmagazine.com/art-and-culture/photography-2/james-parker-photographer-road-trip-boys-bikes-bucket-hats/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_A_traveller's_top"></a>A traveller's top 10 cities to visit: #6 Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 25 (Caboolture News) OBVIOUSLY you enjoy some places more than others when travelling. Some locations stick in your memory for their fun, beauty, people, mystery, adventure, history, culture, or just for the time in your life that this place occupied. Over the past five years I have travelled to 30 countries, and spent time exploring, meeting locals, viewing sights, relaxing, and learning about life and the world. Here are my top 10 places that linger in my memory as special.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>#6: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>For a capital tucked away on the Mongolian steppe, Ulaanbaatar is a booming town of surprising architecture and high fashion. After traversing hours of grassy, undulating hills or desert depending on where you have come from, Ulaanbaatar provides as much civilisation as anyone could need. The centre of town is host to glassy skyscrapers and large, traffic-clogged avenues, and, a shock to the unprepared, young Mongolians parade around in clothes fit for a European catwalk. Mongolia has experienced a massive GDP rise from Gobi Desert mining in the past few years, and new apartments and roads are springing up around town.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.caboolturenews.com.au/news/a-travellers-top-10-cities-to-visit/3147145/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Why_You_Should"></a>Why You Should Travel to Mongolia (or, Why My Solo Trip to Mongolia Was Everything)<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 27 (Oneika the Traveller) If travel to Mongolia isn't already on your radar it should be. Here's why, plus my recommendations for things to do and see in Mongolia on a short trip.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Travelling Mongolia isn't really on the average tourist's radar, but since I was living in Hong Kong (which isn't super close by but is at least in the same hemisphere) planning a visit there was always in the back of my mind.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However, after <a href="http://www.oneikathetraveller.com/category/hong-kong">nearly five years in HK</a> and travels to nearly every other country in the region, I still hadn't made it to Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Why? Turns out that going to Mongolia, even from HK, isn't particularly cheap nor easy. And as someone who mostly plans their trips around cost and convenience, this meant a visit to Mongolia kept getting put on the backburner, while I flitted around to places like <a href="http://www.oneikathetraveller.com/category/japan">Japan</a>, <a href="http://www.oneikathetraveller.com/category/thailand">Thailand</a>, and <a href="http://www.oneikathetraveller.com/category/myanmar">Myanmar</a>. *cue the world's smallest violin*<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But last year, as my move back to <a href="http://www.oneikathetraveller.com/nyc-new-neighbourhood.html">The Big Apple loomed</a>, I decided to bite the bullet, throw down the cash, and make the time (and energy) for a recon trip. I went to Mongolia for 5 days in June (yet froze my buns off?!) and rocked the adventure solo dolo (thinking about travelling alone? Peep <a href="http://www.oneikathetraveller.com/9-tips-for-solo-travel-if-youre-a-girl.html">my tips for solo travel here</a>).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>And you know what? It was everything.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But before I get into what I did, here are a few quick facts about Mongolia for you geography buffs out there.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Facts and figures (aka why you should go to Mongolia in the first place)<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>-Mongolia is one of the most sparsely populated nations in the world, with only 4.3 people per square mile.<br>-Mongolia is known as the "Land of Blue Sky" because it has 260 days of sun a year.<br>-There are 13 times more horses than humans in the country, and sheep outnumber humans 35 to 1.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.oneikathetraveller.com/why-you-should-travel-to-mongolia.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Silk_Road_Treasure"></a>Silk Road Treasure Tours: Hidden Treasures of Nomadic Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>Duration of this Trip 11 days Days Priced From $3,530 per person<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>Endless steppe, sky and vast desert horizons bordered by remote, pristine mountain ranges have lured outdoor adventurers to Mongolia for centuries. The land of Chinggis and Kublai Khan, the Mongolian Empire once extended as far east as Korea, south to Vietnam, and west to Hungary. Formerly inaccessible to the outside world, travelers are only recently discovering the gifts that this amazing country of rosy-cheeked smiles has to offer: unparalleled star gazing, horseback and camel riding, fossil hunting, and overnights in traditional <i>gers</i>. Discover the beauty of Mongolia for yourself!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.silkroadtreasuretours.com/hidden-treasures-of-nomadic-mongolia">Link to package</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Shuren_Travel:_Fishing"></a>Shuren Travel: Fishing in Mongolia Travel Programs<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>Fishing 7 days tour to Orkhon River <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>Travel to Karakorum, the remains of the capital city of historically the largest land empire the world has ever known. Go fishing at the nearby Orkhon River, which combines many of the largest tributaries originating from the majestic Khangai and Khentii Mountains. The river is home to 9 species of fish, including the Siberian grayling and the lenok.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Fishing 7 days tour to Kherlen River <o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>A fisherman's dream-come-true! Travel to one of the three most famous, and largest rivers in the nation. Go fishing for spinners, ruff fish, taimen and many others while enjoying the rich wildlife in the area. On your way back, spend a night at our Elstei Ger camp and enjoy the relaxing ambience amidst the beautiful landscape. Finish the trip off with a full day sightseeing in the capital city.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.shuren-travel.com/travel/fishing-mongolia.htm">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA38PYhWjpBGwtVZKNlf21alnjVwj-PjRvNgDkgD-u_NsMl6ns26zE0lawxK4thSL8oO4kUa8kluLo1QPTzWukqmttleg3_6rJBcu72yHECrFHAgoYUdNw_fv-Lu_hZPlUr4Napg6wMfc/s1600/image006-770654.jpg"><img 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/></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'> </span><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:#365F91;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSMS782j3YTJlBGdIGmQjgQ802Oe4hAM-sKIdIPuovVgBF0R5q0jDGbxeu7BUxSqUdcNhAQRNl74sxGHawpt0ER3Kz6EeEqn2bXbZSaaKI9BtZXEb_XqKAO9YRgwuQ1ITt8GAyuuygEQ/s1600/image016-792613.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJSMS782j3YTJlBGdIGmQjgQ802Oe4hAM-sKIdIPuovVgBF0R5q0jDGbxeu7BUxSqUdcNhAQRNl74sxGHawpt0ER3Kz6EeEqn2bXbZSaaKI9BtZXEb_XqKAO9YRgwuQ1ITt8GAyuuygEQ/s320/image016-792613.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6392728942234334850" /></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Suite </span><span lang=MN style='color:#1F497D'>303</span><span style='color:#1F497D'>, Level 3, Elite Complex<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>14 Chinggis Avenue, Sukhbaatar District 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia<br></span><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Email</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: </span><a href="mailto:info@covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@covermongolia.com</span></a><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Website</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: <a href="http://www.covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>www.covermongolia.com</span></a></span><u><span style='color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Phone (Office)</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: +976 7711 6779</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:Webdings;color:#339966'>P</span><span style='color:#339966'> </span><span lang=EN-AU style='color:#007F00;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-32232953452316465202017-02-24T15:26:00.001+08:002017-02-24T15:30:53.413+08:00[BREAKING: Mongolia sets 8.75% minimum yield on new seven-year bonds]<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyXs66x3xvtcI11zMq31tAQz8J6O5sQ1nSDpvxSImtzTjiHKvvy7-a5xbWR3ABa2SNmHyTfAvgwZ8Q5Ze8pfUdK0NSUyjOaorSDR4v2hdN7BvM3KCCUwl6gdEKoltH_RmyifRvYhBs50/s1600/image001-715365.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmyXs66x3xvtcI11zMq31tAQz8J6O5sQ1nSDpvxSImtzTjiHKvvy7-a5xbWR3ABa2SNmHyTfAvgwZ8Q5Ze8pfUdK0NSUyjOaorSDR4v2hdN7BvM3KCCUwl6gdEKoltH_RmyifRvYhBs50/s320/image001-715365.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390572969899512578" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSUxoguPJDqC3nX_s9OxIXevfNSKEo-3T0yRgpqNPsfjGhA05bP5Zmhth_Jfl4rek9ulwP6Mv4DfGYLnzOsZ1la-VElvdqDsICqdjpTjo_2TyHWGOfglX7-9scLqvc6Jr0sN95gDxL-o/s1600/image002-719136.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYSUxoguPJDqC3nX_s9OxIXevfNSKEo-3T0yRgpqNPsfjGhA05bP5Zmhth_Jfl4rek9ulwP6Mv4DfGYLnzOsZ1la-VElvdqDsICqdjpTjo_2TyHWGOfglX7-9scLqvc6Jr0sN95gDxL-o/s320/image002-719136.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390572987307504642" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>- <span style='color:red'>BREAKING NEWS </span>-<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Friday, February 24, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'>Cover Mongolia</span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span style='color:#4472C4'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></u>, <span style='color:#00B0F0'><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#00B0F0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#2F5597'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#2F5597'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span style='color:black'>, </span><span style='color:#C55A11'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><b><span style='color:#C55A11'>Instagram</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#C00000'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><b><span style='color:#C00000'>YouTube</span></b></a></span> and <span style='color:#FFC000'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><b><span style='color:#FFC000'>Blogspot</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1>Mongolia sets minimum yield for new dollar bonds<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>By Daniel Stanton and Spencer Anderson<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>SINGAPORE/HONG KONG, Feb 24 (IFR) - The Government of Mongolia's new US dollar bonds, to be issued as part of an exchange offer for Development Bank of Mongolia's state-guaranteed March 2017 bonds, will have a <b>seven-year tenor and minimum yield of 8.75 percent</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <b>exchange offer ends on March 1</b> and the <b>new notes will be priced on March 2</b>. <b>Investor meetings run until February 28</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Credit Suisse and JP Morgan are managing the transaction</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There had been concerns that Mongolia might struggle to meet the $580 million DBM bond redemption on March 21.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However, <b>over the weekend the International Monetary Fund said it had reached an agreement on funding for Mongolia</b>. The <b>agreement is subject to the confirmation of financing assurances and approval by the IMF executive board</b>. <b>That means funding would not be received before the DBM bonds mature, raising the need for the exchange offer</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.kitco.com/news/2017-02-23/Mongolia-sets-minimum-yield-for-new-dollar-bonds.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#365F91'>---<br></span><b><span style='color:#44546A'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDqdiaKud0ktLWUapKgAjmxpgRvSrMfmzPiJlmCZOT5xcc9DGVQUmfym7UrnVWliCm9KQ640-OOyqP4HHlPhezv5s-1S6TMiLkfeD_45dNO6oGT2227ZLCg2w2TacPX3_aG4sg0S6wA_Y/s1600/image003-722907.png"><img 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</o:p></p></div>Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-78902019182933072512017-02-24T13:05:00.000+08:002017-04-17T12:02:12.329+08:00[ERD closes C$13.8m financing; MNT gains for 5th day; SMI contracts but slower; and two former DP MPs arrested]<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOzJ3hSzcdi-N26QKsN8BPd7mqkMyzgV9SdZyWrhOzBiVufAO1jmbdYNZPiZE-CmfwteOXYnORdkIgwqZszLHsOHmZetoOPTsMQFL8l8ChU-wl5vHKcVchR_7BeBQtSO7j5m6ETun0Y1s/s1600/image001-792417.jpg"><img 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style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Friday, February 24, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'>Cover Mongolia</span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span style='color:#4472C4'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></u>, <span style='color:#00B0F0'><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#00B0F0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#2F5597'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#2F5597'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span style='color:black'>, </span><span style='color:#C55A11'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><b><span style='color:#C55A11'>Instagram</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#C00000'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><b><span 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style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Turquoise_Hill_Resources">Turquoise Hill Resources Vs. Northern Dynasty</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Centerra_Gold_2016">Centerra Gold 2016 Year-End Gold Mineral Reserves Increase to 16 Million Contained Ounces</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8w73h073JA_ERLEbeBa5vBsE_TOBJphPJ1zmZGN6sYFzcHHUAMMgE1rLio10xFncKKBx3_c0ur7PN2abZB7yOu75tZ10mwFZ0EmY-R2FYDJuZM5aPdW6HxzJvIQ2yexdKoZdPYNor1U/s1600/image003-798885.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg8w73h073JA_ERLEbeBa5vBsE_TOBJphPJ1zmZGN6sYFzcHHUAMMgE1rLio10xFncKKBx3_c0ur7PN2abZB7yOu75tZ10mwFZ0EmY-R2FYDJuZM5aPdW6HxzJvIQ2yexdKoZdPYNor1U/s320/image003-798885.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536818455153090" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadLocal></a><u><a href="#Local">Local Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MSE_Trading_Report,">MSE Top 20 +2.39%, ALL +1.25%, Turnover ₮91.8M Shares, ₮7.9B T-Bill Primary, ₮283.1M Secondary</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_GoM_sells_₮8.3">GoM sells ₮8.3 billion 39-week t-bills at 17.911% discount , ₮575.3 million 3-year bonds with 18% coupon</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Makh_Impex_announces">Makh Impex announces ₮380 million dividend, ₮100 per share</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_APU_announces_₮741.6">APU announces ₮741.6 million dividend, ₮1 per share</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Bayangol_Hotel_announces">Bayangol Hotel announces ₮150.1 million dividend, ₮355 per share</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Ulaanbaatar_Carpet_announces">Ulaanbaatar Carpet announces ₮30.3 million dividend, ₮75 per share</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongol_Daatgal_launches">Mongol Daatgal launches takeover bid for Khorgo Khairkhan JSC at ₮273 a shares</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_K3wmF6ExfXlYr_B0kLL2EKELLzgl9KtHuqSFMc-wmLghtQpy46YhSGHu4AGn1XhThLmxMXwOguaZiW8kX_J1xbaZ5rS2b1ScKNrHQVunV2wVBOD70fZNthYNKn0HBO1ee86kq_ngcY/s1600/image004-701464.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_K3wmF6ExfXlYr_B0kLL2EKELLzgl9KtHuqSFMc-wmLghtQpy46YhSGHu4AGn1XhThLmxMXwOguaZiW8kX_J1xbaZ5rS2b1ScKNrHQVunV2wVBOD70fZNthYNKn0HBO1ee86kq_ngcY/s320/image004-701464.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536831402894226" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadEconomy></a><u><a href="#Economy">Economy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_MNT_Rates:">MNT gains for 5 straight days</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_issues_₮254">BoM issues ₮254 billion 1-week bills, total outstanding +23.9% to ₮663.5 billion</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_buys_$20.6m">BoM buys $20.6m at ₮2,476.99, receives no swap offers</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM:_Loan_Report">BoM: Loan Report of Commercial Banks, January 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_Economy_Continues">Mongolian Economy Continues to Contract but at a Slower Rate</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Railway_transport_revenue">Railway transport revenue down while air is up in January</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_economists_on">Mongolian economists on IMF's Extended Fund Facility program</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_This_might_yurt:">This might yurt: The IMF bails Mongolia out—again</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMrgoKMd0WZOR8Ouz3e1m6NhfpNw5y1LrT_zO986aXXe5qDc6S326S_nwk7d578YFFcX2rP0rkKM_cdMJ0wjGQfjNmLG1gRoHF9F6NBqapLH4VlMdEOt0z_-EMStnl05ZdJ8XIEVwnB8/s1600/image005-704203.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMrgoKMd0WZOR8Ouz3e1m6NhfpNw5y1LrT_zO986aXXe5qDc6S326S_nwk7d578YFFcX2rP0rkKM_cdMJ0wjGQfjNmLG1gRoHF9F6NBqapLH4VlMdEOt0z_-EMStnl05ZdJ8XIEVwnB8/s320/image005-704203.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536837693303970" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadPolitics></a><u><a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Former_MPs_B.Garamgaibaatar,">Former MPs B.Garamgaibaatar, N.Batbayar arrested by anti-corruption agency</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Budget_amendment_bill">Budget amendment bill backed by Cabinet</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Standing_committee_begins">Standing committee begins probe of Mongol Bank</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Democratic_Party_group's">Democratic Party group's position against IMF program</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Civic_engagement_in">Civic engagement in democracy discussed</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_Movable_Property">Mongolia Movable Property Pledges: Online Registration is Perfection</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Support_Mongolian_Troops'">Support Mongolian Troops' Education Efforts in Africa</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire">AmCham Daily Newswire for February 22, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s1600/image006-706986.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s320/image006-706986.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536849828796626" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadBusiness></a><u><a href="#Business">Business</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_President_awards_highest">President awards highest state awards to Gobi Cashmere and Erdenet Carpet</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_State_fund_prices">State fund prices wheat incentive at ₮55 thousand per tonne</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Study_explores_Mongolia-Japan">Study explores Mongolia-Japan trade expansion opportunities</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Cabinet_approves_regulation">Cabinet approves regulation on reusing mining dumps</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham:_February_Networking">AmCham: February Networking Night Sponsored by Herbalife Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Mentor_Day">AmCham Mentor Day 2017, April 1</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_High-tech_Mongolian_herdsmen">High-tech Mongolian herdsmen use Beidou to track their 'ships of the desert'</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s1600/image006-706986.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s320/image006-706986.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536849828796626" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadUlaanbaatar></a><u><a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_'Bankers_Club_Ulaanbaatar'">'Bankers Club Ulaanbaatar' opens at Galaxy Tower</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_UB_Mayor:_City">UB Mayor: City will implement its investment projects independently of IMF program</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s1600/image006-706986.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s320/image006-706986.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536849828796626" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadDiplomacy></a><u><a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Environmental_impacts_of">Environmental impacts of Eg and Shuren hydro power plant projects to be studied</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Prime_Minister_to">Prime Minister to visit China next month</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_PM_receives_UN">PM receives UN Assistant Secretary-General</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Speaker_meets_Japanese">Speaker meets Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Strategic_meeting_of">Strategic meeting of Mongolia and Japan Foreign Ministries completes</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_JICA_to_finance">JICA to finance construction of secondary school building</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Cabinet_approves_guideline">Cabinet approves guideline for 7th roundtable meeting with Canada</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_leaders_greet">Mongolian leaders greet foreign diplomats ahead of Tsagaan Sar</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Highest_diplomatic_titles">Highest diplomatic titles bestowed upon senior diplomats</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Foreign_Minister_visits">Foreign Minister visits China to expand political and economic cooperation</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Cyber_war_between">Cyber war between the United States and Russia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Indonesia's_President_University">Indonesia's President University Hosts Embassy of Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mercer_University_Welcomes">Mercer University Welcomes Former U.S. Ambassador Dr. Jonathan Addleton as Visiting Professor</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s1600/image006-706986.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s320/image006-706986.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536849828796626" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadHealthEdu></a><u><a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Protein_Sciences_and">Protein Sciences and Partnership for Influenza Vaccine Introduction (PIVI) Team Up to Combat the Flu in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Czech_"TSE"_company">Czech "TSE" company donates incubator to children's hospital</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Academy_of_Sciences">Academy of Sciences appoints directors of institutes</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Australian_University_helps">Australian University helps Mongolia's flourishing photojournalism community</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_From_Mongolia_to">From Mongolia to the monsoon: Scholarships entice international students to Darwin</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_University_of_Utah:">University of Utah: Ancient Traces, Changing Spaces, Modern Faces in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s1600/image006-706986.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s320/image006-706986.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536849828796626" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadCulture></a><u><a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Events_to_be">Events to be held during Tsagaan Sar 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Photo_report_from">Photo report from a herder family's wintering place</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_All_you_need">All you need to know about TSAGAAN SAR</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_How_to_make">How to make BUUZ?</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_milk_from">Mongolian milk from herder's farm to your home</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Applique_of_unique">Applique of unique cultural heritage in Tuv aimag</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_'Collection_of_Darkhad">'Collection of Darkhad songs" book demonstrates specific dialect of ethnic group</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Books_on_Mongolian">Books on Mongolian history before Chinggis Khaan published</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Deprived_of_a">Deprived of a home, Mongolian 'dinosaurs' to demonstrate</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_SMALL_WORLD:_Knack">SMALL WORLD: Knack for language led Mongolian to Lake Placid</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s1600/image006-706986.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s320/image006-706986.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536849828796626" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadNature></a><u><a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Children_bear_the">Children bear the cost of extreme weather: New evidence from Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_People_in_Need">People in Need prepares emergency response to dzud-affected Mongolian herders for the second winter in a row</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s1600/image006-706986.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s320/image006-706986.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536849828796626" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadSports></a><u><a href="#Sports">Sports</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_sets_dates">Mongolia sets dates of horse racing event for 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Cabinet_approves_₮806">Cabinet approves ₮806 million budget for international sports competitions in 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Judokas_head_to">Judokas head to Germany for Dusseldorf GP 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_B.Achbadrakh_wins_bronze">B.Achbadrakh wins bronze medal at World Ski Championships</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Tenuun-Ogoo_and_Altain">Tenuun-Ogoo and Altain Bars conquer Hasu Cup 2017 volleyball tourney</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_swipes_41">Mongolia swipes 41 medals from Korea Open Memory Championship</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BMW_GS_Trophy">BMW GS Trophy 2018 Destination: Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s1600/image006-706986.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s320/image006-706986.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536849828796626" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadArt></a><u><a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> <b><o:p></o:p></b></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Exhibition:_'Heavenly_Horses',">Exhibition: 'Heavenly Horses', Best Art Gallery</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_woodcraft_exhibition">Mongolian woodcraft exhibition taking place at Zanabazar Museum</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s1600/image006-706986.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s320/image006-706986.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536849828796626" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadTravel></a><u><a href="#Travel">Travel</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_The_First_Sunrise">The First Sunrise Tour of the Lunar New Year</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Winter_Wonderland_of">Winter Wonderland of Blue Pearl festival to take place in March</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_'The_Nomadic_Winter">'The Nomadic Winter 2017' Festival Series Begins</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Camel_Festival_2017">Camel Festival 2017 to be celebrated in Bulgan</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s1600/image006-706986.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s320/image006-706986.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536849828796626" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>ARTICLES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=International></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Int'l Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=TSE:ERD">ERD</a> closed +1.23% Thursday to C$0.82 on the announcement<o:p></o:p></i></p><h1><a name="_Erdene_Closes_Oversubscribed"></a>Erdene Closes Oversubscribed $13.8 Million Bought Deal Financing<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - Feb. 23, 2017) -</b> <b>Erdene Resource Development Corp. (TSX:ERD) </b>("<a href="http://www.erdene.com/"><b>Erdene</b></a>" or "<b>Company</b>") is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced bought deal financing for gross proceeds to the Company of C$13.8 million (the "<b>Offering</b>"). The Offering was led by Paradigm Capital Inc., with a syndicate including Canaccord Genuity Corp. (collectively, the "<b>Underwriters</b>").<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Company issued an aggregate of 17,922,077 common shares ("<b>Shares</b>") at a price of C$0.77 per Share, including the full exercise of the Underwriters' 15% over-allotment option. The Offering was oversubscribed with participation from multiple institutional investors from Canada and abroad.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In consideration for their services, the Underwriters received a cash commission of $828,000 representing 6% of the gross proceeds of the Offering and 1,075,324 compensation warrants (the "<b>Compensation Warrants</b>") representing 6% of the Shares issued pursuant to the Offering. Each Compensation Warrant is exercisable for a period of 24 months from closing and entitles the holder to purchase one Share for $1.20 per share.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>All Shares issued in connection with the Offering are subject to a four-month hold period expiring June 24, 2017. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to advance its 100%-owned, high-grade Bayan Khundii and Altan Nar Gold Projects, and to further explore and develop the Company's other gold properties in southwest Mongolia, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes. An approximate 20,000 metre drill program at Bayan Khundii is expected to commence in April 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We are extremely pleased with the strong interest shown in the financing which was significantly oversubscribed. It is our pleasure to welcome these high caliber shareholders into Erdene", said Peter Akerley, Erdene's President and CEO. "We now have the financial capacity to significantly advance our promising gold projects in southwest Mongolia."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The securities described herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "<b>U.S Securities Act</b>"), or any state securities laws, and accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/erdene-closes-oversubscribed-138-million-bought-deal-financing-tsx-erd-2198204.htm">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=ASX:AKM">AKM</a> trading flat Friday at A$0.029<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_coal_miners"></a>Mongolian coal miners bet on One Belt, One Road to feed demand<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 22 (CNBC) Coal miners operating in Mongolia are betting on China's massive 'One Belt, One Road' program to improve access to existing markets in China and Russia and enter new ones as far afield as Eastern Europe.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Although Chinese demand for coking coal, or metallurgical coal – a key steelmaking ingredient – has recovered, infrastructure constraints in Mongolia, particularly a <b>lack of rail capacity continues to cause 'bottlenecks' and delays in getting product to markets</b>, said <b>David Paull</b>, managing director of ASX-listed <b>Aspire Mining Ltd</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the longer term, China's efforts to re-invent the Silk Road trading route for the modern era, connecting Asia to the Middle East and Europe will shift the balance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"<b>One Belt, One Road and investment in Mongolian rail will provide capacity' allowing greater penetration of the Chinese and Russian markets 'and eventually Eastern Europe</b>," Paull told CNBC in a telephone interview on Feb. 21.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Despite the longer-term appeal of new growth markets, Mongolian-focused miners like Aspire remain cautious.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"<b>The coking coal market certainly has stabilized</b>," Paull said. "<b>The capital markets were completely closed to us</b>" during the depths of the commodity price collapse in 2014.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"<b>We reduced ourselves to a skeleton crew to keep ourselves in the game</b>. We're still very much in that mode but more confident in sources of funding if you can point to the fact you can move to the development stage quickly."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the near term, <b>China's ban on North Korean coal imports is boosting demand for Mongolian coking coal</b>, said <b>Thomas Hugger</b>, founder and CEO of <b>Asia Frontier Capital</b>. "Naturally, Mongolia should be the main beneficiary of this."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.cnbc.com/2017/02/22/mongolian-coal-miners-bet-on-one-belt-one-road-to-feed-demand.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=NYSE:TRQ">TRQ</a> closed -5.01% Thursday at US$3.41<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Turquoise_Hill_Resources"></a>Turquoise Hill Resources Vs. Northern Dynasty<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>Summary<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>I compare Northern Dynasty's Pebble mine vs. Turquoise Hill Resources' Oyu Tolgoi mine.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>TRQ's current enterprise value is $9.7 billion and shareholders only own a 32.47% project interest Oyu Tolgoi. The Mongolian gov't owns 34% and Rio Tinto 33.53%.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]>Pebble Mine has nearly 4X the amount of In-Situ gold and 1.5X the copper.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 22 (Seeking Alpha) In today's piece, I compared and contrast the deposits of Turquoise Hill Resources (NYSE:<a href="http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/TRQ">TRQ</a>) vs. Northern Dynasty (NYSEMKT:<a href="http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/NAK">NAK</a>), as Turquoise Hill is probably the best comparison given its characteristics and remote location. I will start with Turquoise Hill's Oyu Tolgoi deposit first.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If we look at <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1158041/000119312516508742/d152035dex991.htm">TRQ's 40-F,</a> we learn the following (page 13):<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Turquoise Hill is an international mining company focused on the operation and further development of the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold mine in southern Mongolia, which is the Corporation's principal and only material mineral resource property. The Oyu Tolgoi Mine is held through a 66% interest in Oyu Tolgoi LLC; the remaining 34% interest is held by Erdenes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For investors unaware, Erdenes is the Mongolian government. As of the end of December 31, 2015, Rio Tinto (NYSE:<a href="http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/RIO">RIO</a>) owned 50.8% of the project. In other words, since the Mongolian gov't owns 34% then the remaining 66% project interest is split 32.47% TRQ shareholders and Rio Tinto 33.53%.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Let's look at Oyu Tolgoi's reserves and grade.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://seekingalpha.com/article/4048165-turquoise-hill-resources-vs-northern-dynasty">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=TSE:CG">CG</a> closed -2.66% Thursday at C$6.59<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Centerra_Gold_2016"></a>Centerra Gold 2016 Year-End Gold Mineral Reserves Increase to 16 Million Contained Ounces<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>This news release contains forward-looking information that is subject to the risk factors and assumptions set out on page 8 and in our Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Information on page 11. At Mount Milligan mineral reserves and mineral resources are presented on a 100% basis. Sales of gold and copper from the Mount Milligan mine fall under a streaming arrangement whereby Royal Gold Inc. is entitled to 35% and 18.75% of gold and copper sales, respectively. All figures are in United States dollars.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - February 23, 2017) - Centerra Gold Inc. (TSX: <a href="http://www.marketwired.com/news_room/Stock?ticker=TSX:CG">CG</a>) today issued its 2016 year-end estimates for mineral reserves and mineral resources.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Highlights</b>:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l8 level1 lfo6'>Centerra's proven and probable gold mineral reserves increased to 16 million ounces of contained gold (673.4 million tonnes (Mt) at 0.7 g/t gold) from 8.4 million contained ounces (112.5 Mt at 2.3 g/t gold) a year ago.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l8 level1 lfo6'>At Centerra's 100% owned Mount Milligan mine in north central British Columbia, Canada, proven and probable mineral reserves are estimated to be 5.8 million ounces of contained gold and 2,049 million pounds of contained copper (496.2 Mt at 0.4 g/t gold and 0.187% copper at an NSR cut-off of $8.12 per tonne). The Company plans to complete and file a new NI 43-101 technical report on the Mount Milligan mine by the end of March 2017.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l8 level1 lfo6'>At Centerra's 50% owned Greenstone Gold Project in Canada, the Company announced the completion of the feasibility study for the Hardrock Project in November 2016. As a result of this study, measured and indicated mineral resources on the Hardrock open pit were upgraded to an estimated probable mineral reserve of 70.9 million tonnes at 1.0 g/t gold containing 2.3 million ounces of gold (Centerra's 50% share) at a cut-off grade of 0.33 g/t gold.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.marketwired.com/press-release/centerra-gold-2016-year-end-gold-mineral-reserves-increase-16-million-contained-ounces-2198336.htm">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vo0xdEGmIvrtxLJY-XcBlsXGIZ9An6QSgeDoGSISHmIanPt6blRZ2igtfX2jX7x6ckANRb9BGwQoSCOBVpfTGd21hx-9FAf36fs8BhNcwrw3zQ-3PKqLSs8-wRanFyZW5PWTaQxtU6U/s1600/image007-709768.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6vo0xdEGmIvrtxLJY-XcBlsXGIZ9An6QSgeDoGSISHmIanPt6blRZ2igtfX2jX7x6ckANRb9BGwQoSCOBVpfTGd21hx-9FAf36fs8BhNcwrw3zQ-3PKqLSs8-wRanFyZW5PWTaQxtU6U/s320/image007-709768.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536864268452098" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Local></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Local Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_MSE_Trading_Report,"></a>MSE Trading Report, Feb 23: Top 20 +2.39%, ALL +1.25%, Turnover <span lang=MN>₮</span>91.8M Shares, <span lang=MN>₮</span>7.9B T-Bill Primary, <span lang=MN>₮</span>283.1M Secondary<span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 23 (MSE) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUQdZJICFndL7vS99c24CoRdlgiF9gFYKAPrE7hhyphenhyphenIEURBv0nbbhjItIrTcunadF7cdxz_ZPbcIrA7A-weskiwSlhueqDVxDPE9qRdmT6DUnWmDR5nSAVvkYHvb6GtEjaBI2vf9KGVDg/s1600/image021-712319.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUQdZJICFndL7vS99c24CoRdlgiF9gFYKAPrE7hhyphenhyphenIEURBv0nbbhjItIrTcunadF7cdxz_ZPbcIrA7A-weskiwSlhueqDVxDPE9qRdmT6DUnWmDR5nSAVvkYHvb6GtEjaBI2vf9KGVDg/s320/image021-712319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536878934116770" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/uploads/ariljaa/reports/report_en-17.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_GoM_sells_₮8.3"></a>GoM sells <span lang=MN>₮</span>8.3 billion 39-week t-bills at 17.911% discount , <span lang=MN>₮</span>575.3 million 3-year bonds with 18% coupon <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 23 (MSE) On 23 February 2017, the 39 weeks Government bonds /17.911% annual coupon rate/ and 156 weeks Government bonds /18.000% annual coupon rate/ total worth MNT 7.8 billion traded at Mongolian Stock Exchange.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bellow member brokerage companies participated in bonds trading as follows:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJtm4471QbePBVuq17Ve_8Nis9GDZS6LTItRSauBf91nOlaE_7XLVIBhXa8I5NQljaTwgdqntt1XR0Z4MCauKUSr7Hp1tIgcwIZxghhdo9a3aGe4lpLJWOz8TOPRelEwucIWfs9g9Ew4/s1600/image024-714938.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJtm4471QbePBVuq17Ve_8Nis9GDZS6LTItRSauBf91nOlaE_7XLVIBhXa8I5NQljaTwgdqntt1XR0Z4MCauKUSr7Hp1tIgcwIZxghhdo9a3aGe4lpLJWOz8TOPRelEwucIWfs9g9Ew4/s320/image024-714938.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536888892728338" /></a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/news/4060">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Makh_Impex_announces"></a>Makh Impex announces <span lang=MN>₮</span>380 million dividend, <span lang=MN>₮</span>100 per share<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 22 (MSE) Board of Directors meeting of "Makh Impex" JSC were held on 15 February 2017 and made a decision to distribute dividends to its shareholders with MNT100.00 per share which is total of MNT380.0 million.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The ex-dividend day will be set on its annual shareholders meeting of 2017 and payment date will start from 1 October 2017 at "Makh Impex" JSC's building.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/news/4051">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_APU_announces_₮741.6"></a>APU announces <span lang=MN>₮</span>741.6 million dividend, <span lang=MN>₮</span>1 per share<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 22 (MSE) Board of Directors meeting of "APU" JSC were held on 17 February 2017 and made a decision to distribute dividends to its shareholders with MNT1.00 per share which is total of MNT741.6 million.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The ex-dividend day will be set on its annual shareholders meeting of 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/news/4052">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Bayangol_Hotel_announces"></a>Bayangol Hotel announces <span lang=MN>₮</span>150.1 million dividend, <span lang=MN>₮</span>355 per share<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 22 (MSE) Board of Directors meeting of "Bayangol Hotel" JSC were held on 17 February 2017 and made a decision to distribute dividends to its shareholders with MNT355.00 per share which is total of MNT150.1 million.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The ex-dividend day is 31 March 2017 and the payment will start from 1 September 2017 thought Mongolian Central Securities Depository or "Bayangol Hotel" JSC's building.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/news/4055">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Ulaanbaatar_Carpet_announces"></a>Ulaanbaatar Carpet announces <span lang=MN>₮</span>30.3 million dividend, <span lang=MN>₮</span>75 per share<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 23 (MSE) Board of Directors meeting of "Ulaanbaatar Carpet" JSC were held on 22 February 2017 and made decision to distribute dividends to its shareholders with MNT 75.00 per share which is total of MNT30.3 million.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The ex-dividend day is 10 March 2017 and payment will be transferred into shareholders accounts at Mongolian Central Securities Depository between 1 May 2017 and 15 May 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/news/4063">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Mongol_Daatgal_launches"></a>Mongol Daatgal launches takeover bid for Khorgo Khairkhan JSC at <span lang=MN>₮</span>273 a shares<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 23 (MSE) "Mongol Daatgal" LLC made a tender offer to buy controlling amount of shares or more of "Khorgo Khairkhan" JSC accordance with the Clause 57.1 of Company Law, the Clause 22.1.1 of Mongolian Securities Law and the Regulation named "To make tender offer to Joint Stock Company" of Financial Regulatory Commission.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Offering price</b>: Not less than MNT273.00<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Receiving buy order period</b>: 2017.02.21-2017.03.24<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Payment day</b>: 2017.03.27<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Tender offer maker</b>: "Mongol Daatgal" LLC<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Address</b>: "Mongol Daatgal" LLC's building, Seoul street, Khoroo#5, Sukhbaatar district, Ulaanbaatar. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Tel</b>: 313839, 99103042, 99008777<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/news/4061">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRKON2oLe2BMVfTy2tLjDoSAxBL8EBGXw2xJtAHa0oJTUn-pKymZDbejmzGq5K2AHM7lIkXT_aEZkL3S_hgmI_iVOZgagZBM929Bk_MY1NbP542rKAfiXn4BUfdaxREiiOkDWsRJTBKs/s1600/image008-717579.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRKON2oLe2BMVfTy2tLjDoSAxBL8EBGXw2xJtAHa0oJTUn-pKymZDbejmzGq5K2AHM7lIkXT_aEZkL3S_hgmI_iVOZgagZBM929Bk_MY1NbP542rKAfiXn4BUfdaxREiiOkDWsRJTBKs/s320/image008-717579.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536900616540690" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Economy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Economy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>Reds</span> are when MNT fell, <span style='color:#00B050'>greens</span> when it rose.<b> <span style='color:red'>Bold reds</span></b><span style='color:red'> </span>are rates that set a new historic high at the time. </i><o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_BoM_MNT_Rates:"></a><span lang=MN>BoM MNT Rates: </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>Thursday</span><span lang=MN>, </span>February 23 <span lang=MN>Close </span><o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoTable15Plain5 border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=958 style='width:718.7pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>0</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>7</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>6</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>5</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>4</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>10</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>High</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>Date</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1030" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/b27dbc49-e16d-41ae-8557-f99cdb40c367.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e147de94-098c-41fc-a613-e68b961bc287.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>USD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,473.63<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,476.02<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,479.84<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,482.29</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,483.11</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,483.39</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,482.58</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,485.38</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,485.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,483.59</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,498.75</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1031" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/bebede1f-9fde-45e8-9abf-07cee5d98010.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/7fff4ee5-d12c-4bd2-8a56-d47fa1ab5b0d.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>EUR</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,608.32<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,601.68<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,623.05<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,635.45</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,645.75</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,635.37</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,625.20</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,636.99</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,644.96</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,643.41</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,681.43</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/10/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1032" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/280be717-5c83-46be-b0c7-d0b2cf9575f2.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/73256f8e-4c86-438d-9d39-350646eb7f40.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>JPY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.83<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.84<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.94</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.89</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.79</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.68</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>21.89<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.89</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.84</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>23.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/9/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1033" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0e866dbf-0eff-45bc-aa83-c145b2345900.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/170ec7e9-2636-4b7d-a624-7ae9fef54841.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>GBP</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,086.72<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,091.68<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,082.44<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,085.98</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,100.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,100.51</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,092.30</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,112.19</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,109.06</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,100.51</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>3,183.26</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>8/13/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1034" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/33370dc8-8964-434b-8694-6462f39746fb.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a481156f-5e01-436d-b063-c22ecd3ed0dd.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>RUB</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.73<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.99<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.75</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>43.06</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>43.35</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>43.78</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>43.06</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.82</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.14</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>54.32</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>6/27/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1035" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/c37f3eb9-e9ba-4c1d-bc0f-2669bc4c1412.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/56dc9518-41a5-4bb4-9d57-167f6de07f2e.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CNY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.70<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>359.97<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>360.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.01</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.45</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>361.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.47</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>361.72</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>361.24</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.08</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>363.02</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/5/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1036" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e5792094-f0b8-4c3a-a82b-97ddd5401a38.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ab781b89-2767-4b9c-b3cb-b3c6cc603016.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>KRW</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.16<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.17</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.18<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.16<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/6/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1037" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/75233918-55b6-4977-a5ef-f682c93bbdb0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/9a4a44a5-6be7-4141-8159-5aa30a12bb45.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>SGD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,750.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,744.60<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,745.63<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,751.17</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,752.25</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,749.54</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,746.21</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,751.62</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,748.82</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,747.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,757.02</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/18/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1038" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a8311ed8-a900-4237-bf18-4ebf7b10bbf0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/53fdb4a8-f38e-4f01-b01a-c2dee4a6895d.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CAD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,881.52<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,883.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,886.74<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,896.62</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,899.42</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,902.40</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,899.45</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,904.00</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,899.46</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,889.31</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,908.84</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/18/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1039" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/5d744e37-53d2-4c10-aa04-7bc77a3c3abc.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/6ec5578f-dca9-4257-b326-e755e3b2400b.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>AUD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,902.35<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,905.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,900.55<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,907.02</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,911.00</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,904.64</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,907.16</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,906.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,898.70</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/16/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1040" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6f012c2-8c16-455d-b0b0-8427d7512a2b.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6b9f8ce-b8d2-4ce7-bdce-b85ce1812325.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>HKD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>318.78<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.03<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.52<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.84</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.94</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>319.99</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.89</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>320.31<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>320.31</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>320.14</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>322.21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1041" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0588bbef-101c-4211-8d37-8045475e110d.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ae638f8b-a29a-4d70-90b3-52ad2a79d482.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CHF</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,447.81<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,446.66<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,464.93<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,475.24</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,486.34</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,473.00</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,464.96</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,471.79</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,478.22</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,476.78</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,497.77</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/09/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:red'>Bank USD rates at time of sending</span></b>: <a href="https://www.khanbank.com/en/home/rates">Khan</a> (Buy ₮2,463 Sell ₮2,476), <a href="http://tdbm.mn/en/exchange">TDB</a> (Buy ₮2,465 Sell ₮2,478), <a href="https://en.golomtbank.com/home/citizen">Golomt</a> (Buy ₮2,460 Sell ₮2,476), <a href="http://xacbank.mn/en/calculator/rates">XacBank</a> (Buy ₮2,464 Sell ₮2,476), <a href="https://www.statebank.mn/w/en/m1">State Bank</a> (Buy ₮2,462 Sell ₮2,476)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/graphic_dailyrate.aspx">USD (blue), CNY (red) vs MNT</a> in last 1 year:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKv8xbKlPvStZnE2TDqISFoZuTAJaXOE30aX2BLJrzdPQmox2LfYTKTIHQ58nYFfXfZQoxHKEBt5CMxdJStS_98lR5jfCfts5P5ko-yD8axfD2UWzjm41dzVaq47qiiusZ16vp7B0vhE/s1600/image019-720537.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitKv8xbKlPvStZnE2TDqISFoZuTAJaXOE30aX2BLJrzdPQmox2LfYTKTIHQ58nYFfXfZQoxHKEBt5CMxdJStS_98lR5jfCfts5P5ko-yD8axfD2UWzjm41dzVaq47qiiusZ16vp7B0vhE/s320/image019-720537.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536911319059138" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistofficialdailyrate.aspx">Link to rates</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_issues_₮254"></a>BoM issues <span lang=MN>₮</span>254 billion 1-week bills, total outstanding +23.9% to <span lang=MN>₮663</span>.<span lang=MN>5</span> billion <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 22 (Bank of Mongolia) BoM issues 1 week bills worth MNT 254 billion at a weighted interest rate of 14.0 percent per annum /<a href="http://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistcbb.aspx">For previous auctions click here/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=173">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_buys_$20.6m"></a>BoM buys $20.6m at <span lang=MN>₮</span>2,476.99, receives no swap offers<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 23 (Bank of Mongolia) Spot trade: <b>Commercial banks asked weighted average rate of MNT 2475.98 for USD24.4 million</b> and <b>asked weighted average rate of MNT 353.95 for CNY10.0 million</b>. The BoM bought USD20.6 million with a closing rate of MNT 2476.99.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Swap and forward trade: The <b>BoM did not receive any swap offers from commercial banks</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/dblistforexauction.aspxhttps:/www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=182">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_BoM:_Loan_Report"></a>BoM: Loan Report of Commercial Banks, January 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 23 (Bank of Mongolia) --<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/documents/statistic/loanbank/2017/m01e.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_Economy_Continues"></a>Mongolian Economy Continues to Contract but at a Slower Rate<o:p></o:p></h1><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l10 level1 lfo5'><b>Sales Growth Index reports solid progress</b><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l10 level1 lfo5'><b>Prices charged for goods and services continues to grow</b><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l10 level1 lfo5'><b>Job losses evident as economic challenges continue</b><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>February 21 (World Economics) The Headline Mongolian Sales Managers' Index (SMI) was 40.4 in February, an improvement from the level of 38.4 in January. The Market Growth Index in February, when compared the same month in 2016 represents a 7.2 point increase, which could indicate that the Mongolian economy is slowly showing signs of improvement. All sub index components of the SMI with the exception of the staffing index registered improving levels in February. The Sales Growth Index is still in contraction territory but there has been an emerging trend of improving conditions, with the rate of negative growth dropping off. Prices charged for new sales are continuing to grow, which suggests higher price inflation is to follow. Managers' report that the price increases have had a minimal impact on profit margins, indicating higher input costs are the driving force. The fast approaching Mongolian Lunar New Year and mild winter weather has given businesses a slight respite from the challenging conditions in February.<o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoTableGrid border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr><td width=312 valign=top style='width:233.75pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>Headline Sales Managers' Index<br></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTRP5A42KiqZa3lOasZIemzyVJ389HUfs6_ckKwlyR2BPgTPriWlD-KhxPbRLQquCo3qC76tkyfLn6_Ep63M_jUp-P6qnUPifOjoHH_vz6BC43VFcBn24BlmgZrT10Y6qq-J3GV3Im6g/s1600/image009-723295.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQTRP5A42KiqZa3lOasZIemzyVJ389HUfs6_ckKwlyR2BPgTPriWlD-KhxPbRLQquCo3qC76tkyfLn6_Ep63M_jUp-P6qnUPifOjoHH_vz6BC43VFcBn24BlmgZrT10Y6qq-J3GV3Im6g/s320/image009-723295.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536919527419826" /></a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=312 valign=top style='width:233.75pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>Sales Managers' Indexes Trends</b><br><br><o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=314 style='width:235.5pt;background:white'><tr><td width=160 style='width:120.0pt;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'> <o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border-top:solid silver 1.0pt;border-left:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;border-right:none;background:#F8F8F8;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>Direction<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;background:#F8F8F8;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>Condition<o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr><td width=160 style='width:120.0pt;border-top:solid silver 1.0pt;border-left:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>SMI<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border-top:solid silver 1.0pt;border-left:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>Falling<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>Improving<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=160 style='width:120.0pt;border-top:solid silver 1.0pt;border-left:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>Business Confidence<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border-top:solid silver 1.0pt;border-left:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>Falling<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>Improving<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=160 style='width:120.0pt;border-top:solid silver 1.0pt;border-left:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>Market Growth<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border-top:solid silver 1.0pt;border-left:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>Falling<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>Improving<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=160 style='width:120.0pt;border-top:solid silver 1.0pt;border-left:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>Sales Output<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border-top:solid silver 1.0pt;border-left:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>Falling<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>Improving<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=160 style='width:120.0pt;border-top:solid silver 1.0pt;border-left:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>Prices Charged<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border-top:solid silver 1.0pt;border-left:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>Growing<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border:solid silver 1.0pt;border-bottom:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>Faster<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td width=160 style='width:120.0pt;border:solid silver 1.0pt;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>Staffing Levels<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border:solid silver 1.0pt;border-right:none;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>Falling<o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=77 style='width:57.75pt;border:solid silver 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt 3.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>Worsening<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr><td width=312 valign=top style='width:233.75pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>Business Confidence Index<br></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eXD2De7OCl3OgtlL7gtvomS1Ydn4erTrqRozmRMftJ73Q9bnZ3C6JGCQP3FlbSKKY0PF5XcJxrTiSTm4jXVfVi4hqAtzQsIQ0rAWrxy-zonJbK2XiXuB60D5hEZmSzW3RkqhGG2tB9Q/s1600/image010-725428.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0eXD2De7OCl3OgtlL7gtvomS1Ydn4erTrqRozmRMftJ73Q9bnZ3C6JGCQP3FlbSKKY0PF5XcJxrTiSTm4jXVfVi4hqAtzQsIQ0rAWrxy-zonJbK2XiXuB60D5hEZmSzW3RkqhGG2tB9Q/s320/image010-725428.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536934387753266" /></a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td width=312 valign=top style='width:233.75pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>Prices Charged Index</b><br><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8_jCEKInDS7Xw3ljm9O6kf9LOik7fn2IgWq-EPC6ZqcyCx4K3f2RKWuBa6TRyYn1t7uAWrdDsVbs6GSB28oeYsWGNRJWSLY0F8jvQJsaF4kkgO8WHBlFgD75nEM_XR4k0W9SmQe-0hE/s1600/image011-727774.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8_jCEKInDS7Xw3ljm9O6kf9LOik7fn2IgWq-EPC6ZqcyCx4K3f2RKWuBa6TRyYn1t7uAWrdDsVbs6GSB28oeYsWGNRJWSLY0F8jvQJsaF4kkgO8WHBlFgD75nEM_XR4k0W9SmQe-0hE/s320/image011-727774.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536943772713074" /></a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.worldeconomics.com/SMI/Mongolia-SalesManagersIndex.efp">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Railway_transport_revenue"></a>Railway transport revenue down while air is up in January <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 22 (MONTSAME) In January 2017, 1622.1 thousand tons of freight and 207.8 thousand persons (double counting) were carried by railway transport.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Compared to the same period of the previous year, the number of carried freight has decreased by 34.7 thousand tons (2.1%) and the number of carried passengers has decreased by 17.7 thousand persons (7.9%). The revenue from railway transport reached 32.5 billion which has decreased by MNT 1.2 billion (3.5%) compared to the same period of the previous year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In January 2017, 210.3 tons of freight and 53.1 thousand persons (double counting) were carried by air transport. The volume of carried freight decreased by 13.5 tons (6.0%) and the number of carried passengers increased by 6.6 thousand (14.1%) compared to the same period of the previous year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The revenue from air transport reached 20.2 billion which has increased by MNT 1.3 billion (7.1%) compared to the same period of the previous year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Source: National Statistics Office</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/8880">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_economists_on"></a>Mongolian economists on IMF's Extended Fund Facility program<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 22 (gogo.mn) On 19th Feb, 2017, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Government of Mongolia have reached staff-level agreement on an economic and financial program to be supported by a three-year Extended Fund Facility for $440 million, as part of a $5.5 billion external financing package. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Other international partners also plan to support the government's program: the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, and bilateral partners including Japan and Korea are together expected to provide up to $3 billion in budget and project support; and the People's Bank of China is expected to extend its RMB 15 billion swap line with the Bank of Mongolia for at least another three years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As a result, Mongolian external debt to GDP ratio will be doubled than the international average while it has forecasted to reach 86.3 percent of GDP by 2017. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On the other hand, some tax rates will be increased including excise taxes on vehicle, alcoholic products and tobacco as well as social insurance premium and personal income tax starting 1st of April, 2017 required by the IMF`s Extended Fund Facility program.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However, requirements related to increase of tax rates, new tax and social issues regarding salary and pension are irritating public. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thus we clarified the position of Mongolian professional economists on IMF`s Extended Fund Facility program.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Economist D.Angar: <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>-I think it is the best action to overcome economic crisis. Mongolia was facing lack of discipline and financial accountability. Unfortunately, Mongolia has established an agreement with IMF after reaching its final stop to face economic collapse. IMF talks mainly about budget and monetary policy. However this time they suggested new proposal to conduct complex audit on the operation of commercial banks and financial system. Because they consider that it is not working well. IMF`s program is the only thing can fix it. If the Government of Mongolia fulfill the obligations required by the IMF on time, very positive result is awaiting us. Collapsed economy shall be restored with strict requirements. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Economist Kh.Batsuuri:<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>-IMF`s program seems quite reasonable for me. IMF has eased the loan requirements in the last five years. However we should notice that what terms and conditions are hiding behind. It is significant for us to know all requirements even it is hidden.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>IMF demanded to tax interest income on personal savings accounts and I think it is right. However, increasing social insurance premium and retirement age are wrong decision. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Economist Kh.Bolorbold:<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>-World Bank and IMF have ruined Mongolian economy. We must acknowledge it at all levels. Reaching an agreement with IMF means that they are going to repay the previous loan that collateralized by Mongolian people with the people too. IMF have already became bankrupt at the end of 1990s. They take others money and make economic and political ultimatum. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>IMF has not developed any countries as they promised. Stopping all policies directed to social support might worsen Mongolian economy. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Economist T.Bayarkhuu:<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>-There are no good news about IMF. We have been cooperating with the IMF since 1998. They are always causing fall in Tugrik rate. All countries that cooperated with the IMF went into debt. Extended Fund Facility program was implemented previously in Russia, Ukraine and Egypt which brought negative results, causing currency fall. Salary, pension, benefits will depreciate in Mongolia after the program and the country will trap in poverty. I think it is the program to make Mongolia as a geopolitical subsidiary place against Russia and China through economic and financial method.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157438">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_This_might_yurt:"></a>This might yurt: The IMF bails Mongolia out—again<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>Every commodity bust brings a balance-of-payments crisis<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 25 (The Economist) WHEN Jim Anderson first lived in Mongolia in 1993, there was one local word foreigners could not help but learn: <i>baikhgui</i>, which translates as "absent" or "unavailable". Bread? Rice? Electricity? Often as not, they were <i>baikhgui</i>, he recounts in a blog post for the World Bank, for which he has returned to Mongolia as country director. Even those lucky enough to have American currency to spend in "dollar shops" received sticks of chewing gum as change.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia thought it had left those days far behind. A mining boom (copper, coal, gold) has transformed the country, filling the shops with goods and the cities with cranes. From 2009 to 2014, the economy grew by 70%. In 2012 alone, it attracted foreign-capital inflows equivalent to some 54% of its GDP. But since 2014 commodity prices have fallen, foreign-direct investment has reversed and a number of daunting debt payments have crept closer. Mongolia's foreign reserves have dwindled from over $4bn in 2012 to little more than $1bn at the end of September, equivalent to about four months' imports. Foreign creditors were about to learn the word <i>baikhgui</i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Enter the IMF. This month it agreed to lend Mongolia about $440m over three years to help it avoid default and rebuild its reserves. Assuming the agreement is approved by the fund's board, it should unlock another $3bn or so from the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, Japan, South Korea and others.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>China should also help. Irked by the Dalai Lama's visit in November, it imposed new duties on Mongolian goods and delayed lorries at the border. A little over 50% of Mongolians identify as Buddhist. But almost all the country's exports (84%) are sold to China, making it the most China-dependent exporter in the world (see chart). Mongolia's government has apologised for the "misunderstanding" caused by the visit and said it will not permit a repeat. It now hopes China will extend a 15bn yuan ($2.2bn) swap line.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The strings attached to the IMF's loan are more conventional. They include keeping the central bank out of "quasi-fiscal" activities: it had bought cheap-rate mortgages worth 1.95trn togrog ($787m), helping to support a housing bubble in a country known for nomadism. At the IMF's urging, the government is also distancing itself from the management of the Development Bank of Mongolia, a state lender that accounts for over a fifth of credit in the country.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia's prospects should improve. Copper and coal prices have recovered somewhat. The economy will also benefit from heavy investment in Oyu Tolgoi, a copper mine operated by Rio Tinto. But Mongolia has turned to the IMF twice in eight years. If it does not manage the next commodity cycle better, it might find that its benefactors' patience is <i>baikhgui</i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>This article appeared in the Asia section of the print edition under the headline "This might yurt"<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.economist.com/news/asia/21717414-every-commodity-bust-brings-balance-payments-crisis-imf-bails-mongolia-outagain">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_K3wmF6ExfXlYr_B0kLL2EKELLzgl9KtHuqSFMc-wmLghtQpy46YhSGHu4AGn1XhThLmxMXwOguaZiW8kX_J1xbaZ5rS2b1ScKNrHQVunV2wVBOD70fZNthYNKn0HBO1ee86kq_ngcY/s1600/image004-701464.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_K3wmF6ExfXlYr_B0kLL2EKELLzgl9KtHuqSFMc-wmLghtQpy46YhSGHu4AGn1XhThLmxMXwOguaZiW8kX_J1xbaZ5rS2b1ScKNrHQVunV2wVBOD70fZNthYNKn0HBO1ee86kq_ngcY/s320/image004-701464.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536831402894226" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Politics></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Politics & Legal<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Former_MPs_B.Garamgaibaatar,"></a>Former MPs B.Garamgaibaatar, N.Batbayar arrested by anti-corruption agency<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 22 (news.m) The Independent Authority Against Corruption of Mongolia has arrested two former members of parliament, namely N.Batbayar and B.Garamgaibaatar on suspicion of wrongly channelling money from the country's sovereign debt fund.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>B.Garamgaibaatar is one of the major debtors to the Development Bank of Mongolia. N.Batbayar, then Minister of Economic Development was arrested on charge of abuse of power and embezzlement of Samuria and Chinggis bonds.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/325993">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Budget_amendment_bill"></a>Budget amendment bill backed by Cabinet<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 23 (gogo.mn) At the regular Cabinet meeting held today on February 23, 2017, a draft budget amendment has been discussed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Having reviewed the budget amendment formulated and submitted by the Ministry of Finance, the Cabinet has backed it and it will be submitted to the Parliament shortly. Sources said, the irregular session of the Parliament would be called most probably soon after the Lunar New Year-Tsagaan Sar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This step is one of the prior actions reflected in the IMF's "Extended Fund Facility" program.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157500">Link to article</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8914">Government to submit bill on budget amendments</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, February 23<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Standing_committee_begins"></a>Standing committee begins probe of Mongol Bank<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 23 (news.mn) The Economic Standing Committee has established a working group for examining the operations of the Central Bank of Mongolia, also known as Mongol Bank, between the years 2012-2016. The working group will undertake its study over 30 days.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They intend to probe into national currency exchange rate stability, the price stabilising programme, financed projects and the results of operations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/326120">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Democratic_Party_group's"></a>Democratic Party group's position against IMF program<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 23 (MONTSAME) Democratic Party group in Parliament considers that International Monetary Fund has underestimated the situation of Mongolia and it has a position against receiving IMF's Extended Fund Facility program. On February 22, DP group held extended meeting and discussed some pressing issues relating to IMF's program and Development bank.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"- Raising rates of individual income tax and contributions of social insurance is not acceptable amid economic difficulties. They paid much more attention in increasing the budget revenue rather than saving the budget expenditure. We observe that IMF has underestimated the situation of Mongolia. Total external financing package within the program will be around USD 5.5 billion, while, the DP - we took a total loan of USD 1.5 billion when in power. They should explain for what the remaining USD4 billion would be spent. Stage budget was sustained within MNT6-7.6 trillion, now it reached to MNT9 trillion, when MPP is in power. It shows there is possibilities to cut expenses." said DP group head D.Erdenebat. The group considers Mongolia can overcome economic difficulties through proper management of state budget, when price of mining products is growing back in the world market.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8906">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Civic_engagement_in"></a>Civic engagement in democracy discussed<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 22 (MONTSAME) On February 21, Tuesday, an academic conference under the theme 'Development of Democracy – Citizen Participation' was co-organized by Presidential Office, Civic Engagement Project of Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), National Legal Institute and School of Law of National University in the Citizen Chamber of State House.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The conference was chaired by Ch.Unurbayar, Human Rights and Legal Policy Advisor to President, and addressed a crucial agenda concerning democracy and civic engagement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Presentations were given under themes such as 'Representative democracy, challenges', 'Direct democracy and citizen participation', 'Nature of Mongolian democracy, concerning issues', 'Citizens' initiative rights on local level', 'Political party and engagement of civil society', 'Realization of right to lodge complaints to public organizations and officer', 'Freedom to demonstration' and 'Role of human rights organizations in democracy'.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In his closing speech, Ch.Unurbayar appreciated all the presentations given, and added his perspective. <a href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The%20presentations%20will%20be%20compiled%20for%20publishing%20http://en.montsame.mn/node/8872">The presentations will be compiled for publishing</a>, he informed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8872">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_Movable_Property"></a>Mongolia Movable Property Pledges: Online Registration is Perfection<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 23 (LehmanLaw) As we posted previously, the Mongolian Law on Pledge of Movable and Intangible Property was adopted on July 2, 2015. This new legislation was supposed to come into force on September 1, 2016. However, effective date of the law had been postponed until March 1, 2017 due to lack of preparation of the required online database for registration of pledges.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In order to fully implement this new law, the Ministry of Justice and Internal Affairs, the International Finance Corporation, the Intellectual Property Rights and State Registration Office, the Bank of Mongolia, and other organizations have cooperated to establish an online database for the registry of pledges on movable property and information regarding collateral.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>According to the law, collateral may be all kinds of stocks, securities, rights to demand, industrial designs, trademarks, all creative works of sciences, arts and other movable properties or intangible assets and present or future movable properties of individuals that are usable and transferable to other's ownership of individuals that is valid and transferable to other's ownership. Under the law, a Pledge will be perfected upon registration of a notice of the pledge with online registry, whether collateral is not transferred to the pledgee's possession or a pledge is created by operation of law.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As for movable and intangible assets which have been pledged prior to the new law coming into effect, these collateral need to be registered with the new online database within six months after the entry into force of the law.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The new online database shows how Mongolia is utilizing new technologies to make its legal and financial systems more efficient, and will benefit Mongolian citizens and foreign investors alike. The implementation of this law provides a new lifeline for the economy and will create new opportunities in the business sector. Furthermore, information in the database will be available to the public, and registered information will become official records of assets and collateral.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://lehmanlaw.mn/blog/mongolia-movable-property-pledges-online-registration-perfection/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Support_Mongolian_Troops'"></a>Support Mongolian Troops' Education Efforts in Africa<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Published in</span></i><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> <a href="http://unuudur.mn/article/94683" target="_blank">Unuudur</a><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>by <a href="https://www.hrw.org/about/people/bede-sheppard">Bede Sheppard</a>, Deputy Director, Children's Rights Division<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 22 (Human Rights Watch) There's a town in Africa that offers an amazing view of the Mongolian steppes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The picturesque panorama is hand-painted on the patio wall of Rubkona Primary School, in a rural town in South Sudan. The flowing rivers on the wall contrast sharply with the country's brown landscape during the dry season.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The school's mural was the most artistic touch in a renovation project carried out by the Mongolian soldiers who make up the contingent of UN peacekeepers sent to protect civilians in the area. At a cost of about US$50,000, the Mongolians renovated nine classrooms and built three new ones. They installed electricity and lighting in all classrooms, and restored desks for the school's 1,534 students.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>At the re-opening ceremony for the school in October 2013, the Mongolian commanding officer, Colonel Tumendemberel explained that his battalion had chosen projects related to the education of children because they were South Sudan's future presidents, parliamentarians, and governors.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Yet, less than two months after this ceremony, no child was attending Rubkona Primary School. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A brutal civil war erupted in South Sudan in December 2013, between forces within the army loyal to the president, Salva Kiir, and those loyal to the former deputy president, Riek Machar. The fighting started in Juba, South Sudan's capital, but spread north quickly and reached Rubkona. Within weeks, soldiers from the pro-government side had set up inside the school's classrooms and were using them as a barracks and a base. It wasn't until November 2015 that the soldiers vacated the school and it was finally returned to the students.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The fate of Rubkona Primary School is sadly not unique. In wars around the world, government armed forces and non-state armed groups have taken over schools, pushing children out or putting them in the line of fire. Students, teachers, and schools have also been deliberately targeted for attack. Either way, education is a casualty of war.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>That's why countries from around the world will gather in Argentina on March 28-29, for an international conference demanding safe schools, even during times of war. Attending countries will consider supporting the Safe Schools Declaration—an international political commitment that decries attacks on students, teachers, and schools during war.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The declaration outlines a number of common-sense, yet concrete, measures that governments can take to make it less likely that schools will be attacked, and that would mitigate the negative consequences when such attacks occur.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Countries that have signed the Safe Schools Declaration seek to deter attacks by making a commitment to investigate and prosecute war crimes involving schools. And they agree to minimize the use of schools for military purposes, such as for barracks or bases, so as to not convert schools into targets for attack.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The declaration builds an international community committed to respecting the civilian nature of schools, and developing and sharing examples of the best practices for protecting schools from attack and military use.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>So far, 57 countries have already endorsed this declaration. Will Mongolia?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolian forces that take part in peacekeeping missions already have made a commitment not to use schools in their military operations. And through their support for schools such as Rubkona Primary School, they have already signaled their support for children's right to education, even in countries affected by armed conflict.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In March in Argentina, Mongolia's government can show its support too, by endorsing the Safe Schools Declaration. Given Mongolian peacekeepers' efforts in Africa, it should be an easy choice.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/02/22/support-mongolian-troops-education-efforts-africa">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for February 22, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Law on Arbitration conference held<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Parliament's Legal Standing Committee and the Ministry of Justice and Internal Affairs organized the Mongolian Law on Arbitration and International Standards conference. Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs S. Byambatsogt stated, "The Law on Arbitration was revised to develop the legal framework of Mongolia, considering the unique environment of the country and its business environment with respect to international standards, and a new version of the law is in effect. With the approval and implementation of the law's amendments, business entities will have the legal right to determine the laws and regulations used to settle their disputes. This shows that Mongolia's arbitration process has reached international standards." During the conference, Chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce Jay Liotta gave a presentation on the law and the impact of the new amendments on foreign investors.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> legislation, arbitration, Ministry of Justice</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The National Post /page 2/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Former members of government detained by the IAAC in DBM investigation<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The Independent Authority Against Corruption has detained former Member of Parliament B. Garamgaibaatar and former Minister of Economic Development N. Batbayar on the suspicion of abuse of power to receive large loans from Development Bank of Mongolia. Sources claim that B. Garamgaibaatar's company Monroad received around 30 billion MNT to construct a 100 km road. Former Executive Director of Development Bank N. Munkhbat has also been detained, and is being questioned about the alleged misuse of Chinggis and Samurai bond financing. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> IAAC, Development Bank</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>Daily News /page 7/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>MINING<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Price for coking coal reaches 153 USD per ton<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The price of coking coal price rose by 2.4%, reaching 153.60 USD. Mining.com reported that China's decision to stop importing coal from North Korea affected the price of coal. In 2016, China imported 22.4 million tons of anthracite coal from North Korea, an increase of 15% compared to 2015. China imported 59.2 million tons of coal in 2016, and Australia is the nation's biggest exporter at 26.8 million tons of coal purchased, an increase of 4.8% compared to 2015. In 2016, Mongolia exported 23.6 million tons of coal to China, an increase of 85%. Last December, the price of coking coal from Mongolia sold to China was 63 USD per ton, while coal traveling by ocean reached 230 USD per ton.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> coking coal, export</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>Today /page A5/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ONLINE STORIES<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Speaker of the Parliament receives Japan's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Speaker of the Parliament M. Enkhbold received Japan's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Takeo Akiba. During their meeting, Akiba noted that the consultative meeting held between the two countries' Ministries of Foreign Affairs was successful, and that he was happy that Mongolia successfully negotiated with the IMF. In commemoration of the 45<sup>th</sup>anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Mongolia, the two sides discussed the Speaker of Parliament's upcoming official visit to Japan. Akiba noted that Japanese companies are interested in being involved in the management of the new international airport in Khushig Valley. M. Enkhbold stated that the previous parliament's decisions must be implemented, and that an important factor in establishing agreements for the airport is that service fees must be fair to the Mongolian people.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> bilateral relationship, Japan, IMF</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i><a href="http://bloombergtv.mn/%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%BA%D1%8D%D0%BE-%D0%B0%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B1%D0%B0-%D0%BE%D1%83%D0%B2%D1%81-%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D1%85%D3%A9%D1%82%D3%A9%D0%BB%D0%B1%D3%A9%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%B3-%D1%85%D1%8D%D1%80%D1%8D%D0%B3%D0%B6%D2%AF%D2%AF%D0%BB%D1%8D%D1%85-%D1%8F%D0%B2%D1%86%D0%B0%D0%B4-%D1%88%D0%B0%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B4%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B3%D0%B0-%D0%B3%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BB-%D1%82%D1%83%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B6-%D0%B4%D1%8D%D0%BC%D0%B6%D1%81%D1%8D%D1%8D%D1%80-%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%B9%D1%85-%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BD%D0%BE/?cid=7" target="_blank">www.bloombergtv.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Development Bank's Euro bond reaches its highest price since June 2013<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Development Bank of Mongolia's bond released in 2012 has exceeded the 100 USD mark in the secondary market, its highest price since June 2013. The Ministry of Finance proposed that the bond's holders exchange the bond for a new government-backed bond, the Khuraldai. Credit Suisse and JP Morgan have been employed as the new bond's underwriters, and sources claim that a meeting with Asian and European investors is set to take place shortly. The 580 million USD bond was originally released with a 5.75% interest rate, and the new bond's interest will be paid semiannually. The bond's interest rate is still unknown, but investors will be able to extend terms and make amendments to their contracts, while the holders of the old bond will not be able to resell it. If investors choose not to exchange their bonds, Mongolia will still have to pay the bond's debt.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Development Bank, bonds</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i><a href="http://bloombergtv.mn/%D1%85%D3%A9%D0%B3%D0%B6%D0%BB%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D0%B1%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%BA%D0%BD%D1%8B-%D0%B5%D0%B2%D1%80%D0%BE-%D0%B1%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B4%D1%8B%D0%BD-%D2%AF%D0%BD%D1%8D-2013-%D0%BE%D0%BD%D1%8B-vi-%D1%81%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%B0%D1%81-%D1%85%D0%BE%D0%B9%D1%88%D0%B8%D1%85-%D0%B4%D1%8D%D1%8D%D0%B4-%D1%82%D2%AF%D0%B2%D1%88%D0%B8%D0%BD%D0%B4-%D1%85%D2%AF%D1%80%D1%8D%D0%B2/?cid=7" target="_blank">www.bloombergtv.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-february-22-2017/">Link to newswire</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMrgoKMd0WZOR8Ouz3e1m6NhfpNw5y1LrT_zO986aXXe5qDc6S326S_nwk7d578YFFcX2rP0rkKM_cdMJ0wjGQfjNmLG1gRoHF9F6NBqapLH4VlMdEOt0z_-EMStnl05ZdJ8XIEVwnB8/s1600/image005-704203.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMrgoKMd0WZOR8Ouz3e1m6NhfpNw5y1LrT_zO986aXXe5qDc6S326S_nwk7d578YFFcX2rP0rkKM_cdMJ0wjGQfjNmLG1gRoHF9F6NBqapLH4VlMdEOt0z_-EMStnl05ZdJ8XIEVwnB8/s320/image005-704203.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536837693303970" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Business></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Business<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_President_awards_highest"></a>President awards highest state awards to Gobi Cashmere and Erdenet Carpet<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 23 (news.mn) The President of Mongolia, Mr Ts. Elbegdorj, has presented the National Development Award – the State Gerege" in a ceremony held earlier today at Government House.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This year, the recipients were 'Gobi' LLC and 'Erdenet Carpet', which received the 'National Superior Creation Award'.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> 'The State Gerege' is presented for an outstanding creation or work that has became a role model in the social, economic and intellectual life of the country. The award ceremony is always held right before the Mongolian national festival of 'Tsagaan Sar' (Lunar new year),.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Established in 1981 by the combined efforts of the Mongolian and Japanese governments, 'Gobi' was the first Mongolian luxury knitwear brand to break into the European, Japanese and the US markets in the last century. Since it started operating, 'Gobi' has become one of the top 85 manufacturers in the world specialising in cashmere, camel wool and yak down products.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Erdenet Carpet" LLC, is both a production and trading company, and was established using equipment from Germany, Japan, Great Britain, Poland and Russia - also in 1981. The company has been operating for more than 33 years and manufactures wool carpet and carpet products using state-of-the art technology. 'Erdenet Carpet' manufactures six types of 80-100% sheep wool carpets with over 1900 designs including contemporary, classic and modern images.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/326121">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/8910">Gobi Cashmere and Erdenet Carpet awarded state prizes</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, February 23<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_State_fund_prices"></a>State fund prices wheat incentive at <span lang=MN>₮</span>55 thousand per tonne<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 23 (Mongolian Economy) It has been decided that MNT 55,000 will be the going rate for each tonne of first-grade quality wheat supplied by citizens and legal entities to domestic flour plants and the Crop Farming Support Fund in order to support wheat production. The incentive will be MNT 50,000 per tonne for 2nd-4th grade wheat.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last year, wheat was planted on 355 thousand hectares of land nationwide, with 460 thousand tonnes harvested. A total of 292 thousand tonnes of standard quality food wheat was harvested, and the Crop Farming Support Fund acquired 68.5 thousand tonnes of it. The national resource sector acquired 0.1 thousand tonnes and flour industries 224 thousand tonnes. The significance of this is that flour demand can be ensured domestically and that the price of flour and flour products can be stabilised.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This year, MNT 16 billion in the state budget will go towards food wheat incentives, with 729 citizens and entities from 65 soums of 12 provinces having met the requirement to receive the incentives.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolianeconomy.mn/en/i/9641">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Study_explores_Mongolia-Japan"></a>Study explores Mongolia-Japan trade expansion opportunities<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 22 (MONTSAME) On February 21, a seminar was held at the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry to discuss the expansion of Mongolia-Japan trade in connection with bilateral Economic Partnership Agreement taking effect.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mitsuaki Hoshino, Director of Northeast Asian Division at the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry addressed the meeting and said, "In recent years, high level meetings have been frequently held between Japan and Mongolia, and I think, it shows the depth of bilateral relationship and cooperation".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan in cooperation with the Embassy of Japan in Mongolia has conducted a study, assessing three products – cashmere, sea buckthorn and dairy products which were considered to have the highest export potential. The study aimed to continually expand bilateral trade with not only minerals but other products, and explore how conventional agriculture can be developed in Mongolia and Japan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The study was launched on October 12, 2016. Engaging 13 public and corresponding organizations, 17 private sector companies and 3 specialists, the study unveils the current state of Mongolian cashmere, sea buckthorn and dairy products industries, and challenges in exporting the products to Japan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The study identified some solutions for successful export of cashmere such as improving quality control, production control and monitoring skills, launching a brand suitable for customer demand, ensuring stability and information on all procedures until the product is ready for use and learning marketing know-how in Japan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The study also found three forms in which Mongolian sea buckthorn can be exported to Japan which are raw material, oil and oil powder.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The current state of Mongolian dairy industry was assessed by the study which concluded that although the nutrient quality of Mongolian milk is high, all-year stable supply is difficult because of the shortness of dairy season which is from July to September.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Generally, the study concluded with certain recommendations which include improving quality control, enhancing workforce capacity, consistently participating in expositions, business meetings and business matching, consistently updating on the activities of Mongolian companies and introducing a management to realize Japanese marketing strategies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>source: ikon.mn</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/8877">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Cabinet_approves_regulation"></a>Cabinet approves regulation on reusing mining dumps<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 22 (MONTSAME) - The Government approved a regulation on issuing license to use mining dumps, and a regulation on running activities using mining dumps and requirements to the activities. Mining companies make dumps during mining process by displacing the waste rock or other material that overlies an ore or mineral body and the materials left over after the process of separating the valuable fraction from the uneconomic fraction of an ore, in the mining field.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8891">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham:_February_Networking"></a>AmCham: February Networking Night Sponsored by Herbalife Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 23 (AmCham Mongolia) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://amcham.mn/february-networking-night-sponsored-by-herbalife-mongolia/">Link to photo album</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Mentor_Day"></a>AmCham Mentor Day 2017, April 1<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>Date/Time: </b>April 1, 2017, <i>9:30 am - 4:00 pm</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Location: </b><a href="http://amcham.mn/locations/shangri-la-hotel-ulaanbaatar-ballroom/" title="Shangri-La Hotel Ulaanbaatar, Ballroom">Shangri-La Hotel Ulaanbaatar, Ballroom</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AmCham Mongolia is pleased to announce our second annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, AmCham Mentor Day 2017. AmCham Mentor Day 2017 is a day-long mentoring event giving students the opportunity to learn from the nation's top business leaders and attend workshops on career development, confidence building, and teamwork, as well as resume development, led by the human resource directors of Mongolia's leading companies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Applicants:</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Third and fourth year university students are eligible to apply for AmCham Mentor Day 2017. Interested participants must submit their <b><a href="https://form.jotform.me/70508180552452">Application Form</a></b> by no later than 6:00 p.m., <i>Friday, March 17, 2017.</i> The main criteria for selection will be the strength of the applicant's personal essay, which should be written in English and should not exceed 200 words. The essay should include a brief introduction, your history of community involvement, why you would like to attend AmCham Mentor Day 2017, and your goals for the future. Participant selection will be based on the content of your essay as well as your written English skills. For more information regarding participation in the event, please contact us at <i><u>info@amcham.mn or 7000-3437</u></i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Sponsorship and Volunteering:</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>AmCham members will have the exclusive opportunity to engage in this worthy CSR initiative through sponsorship and volunteering. Please contact Mr. Munkhjargal, Director of Events for AmCham Mongolia, at <i><u>munkhjargal@amcham.mn or 9999-7104</u></i> regarding sponsorship and volunteer opportunities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Confirmed Speakers (out of the total 6 speakers):</b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l11 level1 lfo7'>Mr. Gankhuyag Chuluun, CEO of ARD Financial Group<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l11 level1 lfo7'>Mr. Gantumur Lingov, CEO of MCS Holding LLC<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l11 level1 lfo7'>Ms. Beatrice Camp, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Embassy Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>The event agenda will be announced soon. Join the AmCham Mentor Day 2017 event page on <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1102943159833312/">Facebook</a></b> to receive timely updates.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://amcham.mn/events/mentor-day/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_High-tech_Mongolian_herdsmen"></a>High-tech Mongolian herdsmen use Beidou to track their 'ships of the desert'<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 22 (Global Times) Mongolian herdsmen have started using a unique service supported by China-developed Beidou system this year to track their camels, stallions and other livestock, media reported on Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Studhorses, camels used for breeding and rams are now equipped with the navigation system, so that herdsmen can learn the number of their livestock, their location and living conditions, a senior Mongolian herdsman was quoted by the Science and Technology Daily as saying on Wednesday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The herding system tailored for Mongolians was jointly developed by Mengke Beidou Electronic Technology Co in Erdos of North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and the National University of Mongolia in Ulan Bator. The system has already been promoted in four banners (counties) of Erdos.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Unlike Inner Mongolia, the geographical and climate conditions in Mongolia are poorer, posing bottlenecks for the promotion of the system," said Zhao Lu, a manager from Mengke, adding that the tailored system also uses the Mongolian language.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The herding system is expected to be popularized in countries along the Belt and Road initiative, such as Kazakhstan and Tajikistan, the Science and Technology Daily reported.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Named after the Chinese term for the Big Dipper, the Beidou satellite navigation project began in 1994, some 20 years after GPS, the Xinhua News Agency reported.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A regional Beidou network has taken shape, providing positioning, navigation, timing and short message services for China and several other Asian countries, reports said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1034357.shtml">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s1600/image006-706986.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s320/image006-706986.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536849828796626" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Ulaanbaatar></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_'Bankers_Club_Ulaanbaatar'"></a>'Bankers Club Ulaanbaatar' opens at Galaxy Tower<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 23 (news.mn) 'Khaliun Tugul' LLC has established first ever Mongolian Bankers Club in Ulaanbaatar. Known simply as the 'Bankers Club - UB', it offers a venue for respected banking executives and their private guests to meet and undertake a range of activities. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The prototype is the 'Bankers Club of Chicago', which was established 133 years ago in 1882 and is the world's oldest such institution. It describes its own aims as providing 'a forum for prominent bankers in the area to discuss issues of importance to the financial landscape of Chicago as well as the community at large'.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/326119">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_UB_Mayor:_City"></a>UB Mayor: City will implement its investment projects independently of IMF program<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 22 (Mongolian Economy) The 2017 Ulaanbaatar Investment Forum, jointly organised by the Ulaanbaatar City Mayor's Office and Ulaanbaatar Chamber of Commerce, took place on Monday. The main purpose of this meeting is to support the economic development of the capital city, protect the rights of entrepreneurs, develop public-private partnerships and create a more favourable investment and business environment for people and businesses.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ts.Sandui, Head of the Ulaanbaatar City Citizens' Council, opened the meeting with his speech in which he stated that the "city authorities are paying particular attention to the implementation of policy that will develop the city the right way. In order to realise this policy, we have declared this year as a 'year of legal reform with public participation' and developed two new laws related to creating new legal environment for the city."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Projects and programmes amounting to USD 319.3 billion will be implemented through funds from the national and capital city budget investments, concessions and the Development Bank, and MNT 359.8 billion by funds from foreign loans and grants in accordance with the 2017 the national and capital city budget. Performing all the works and events included in the budget in timely manner, as well as boosting investment and their benefits, is one of the most important goals. We hope that our meeting will play significant role in attracting the attention of foreign and domestic investors on the development priorities of the city."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"A total of MNT 677.5 billion in investment will be implemented in the capital city, including MNT 69.6 billion worth of investment from the state budget, MNT 174.4 billion from the capital city budget, MNT 64.3 billion from the Development Bank, MNT 12.1 billion from the local development fund and MNT 356.9 billion from aid."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"A total of MNT 4 .9 trillion in investment is needed in order to build 150 high-tech plants in Nalaikh, Baganuur, Bagakhangai and Emeelt, which will create 15 thousand new jobs."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We are aiming to reduce population concentration and become a 'multi-centre' city."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Six sub-centres will be built in 3 phases in places such as Selbe, Bayankhoshuu, Dambadarjaa and Denjiin 1000 through a USD 320 million soft loan from the Asian Development Bank."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"A total of MNT 2.1 trillion is needed in order to build residential apartments for 18 thousand families as well as service and trade facilities that will create 14 thousand jobs in new settlement areas. "<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"A total of 26.8 billion will be spent on construction of ger district engineering networks in 2017."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The construction of the new Yarmag bridge; renovation of the old bridge; construction of bridges at the intersection near the Traffic Police office; construction of a 288-metre steel and concrete bridge over the Tuul River; a 289-metre steel and concrete bridge at Sonsgolon; and expansion of the 20- km Nalailkh-Choir road from the Gachuurt intersection: these will be carried out in 2017 through a USD 132.2 million soft loan from China."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"BRT, the special bus lane project, will begin from this spring through a USD 274.4 million soft loan from the ADB."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"This year, 3 kindergartens will be built through the state budget's funds, 10 through the capital city budget funds and 5 in the framework of public-private partnerships."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"In 2017, the construction of 11 schools will start through MNT 42.7 billion in investment from the state budget, 7 schools through a MNT 39 billion grant from China and 29 within the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science as well as through public-private partnerships."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"MNT 3.7 billion will be spent on social welfare, and a 132-apartment welfare housing unit will be commissioned."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"MNT 3.6 billion is needed to build 12-14 km of bicycle paths. In 2017, the construction of bicycle paths will begin through MNT 1 billion in investment from the capital city budget's funds." <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"In 2017, MNT 2.3 billion will be spent on urban beautification technology and equipment, MNT 2 billion on street lighting and MNT 1 billion on an integrated lighting management system."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Public private partnerships, economic strategy, investment projects, procurement, transparent tenders, urban development and infrastructure issues were widely discussed during the 2017 Ulaanbaatar Investment Forum.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolianeconomy.mn/en/i/9638">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s1600/image006-706986.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s320/image006-706986.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536849828796626" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Diplomacy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Diplomacy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Environmental_impacts_of"></a>Environmental impacts of Eg and Shuren hydro power plant projects to be studied<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 22 (MONTSAME) On February 22, Wednesday, Foreign Minister Ts.Munkh-Orgil held a press briefing to report on his visits to the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China. On February 13-14, the Foreign Minister paid a visit to the Russian Federation at the invitation of his counterpart Sergey Lavrov.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"In brief, Prime Minister to visit China next month, and most importantly, we now have to ensure full execution of our previous agreements. The main purpose of my visit to the Russian Federation was to prepare for Mongolian Prime Minister J.Erdenebat's visit to the country, and we've agreed that the visit will take place within the first half of 2017", the Minister informed reporters. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"There are several agreements of significance to Mongolia including the negotiations on rail transit transportation which will be finalized during the Prime Ministerial visit. We've agreed on the concepts to establish a general agreement on Mongolia-Russia energy cooperation, and settle certain matters regarding regional and border area cooperation". <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We also talked about the soft loan of USD 1.5 billion from the Russian Federation which Mongolia is keen to spend on rail and energy projects. Moreover, we discussed in detail the issue of hydro power plants in Eg River and Shuren, and resolved to conduct a study whether if the establishment of these power plants will damage or affect the eco system of Baikal Lake", Minister Ts.Munkh-Orgil said about his Russia visit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8883">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Prime_Minister_to"></a>Prime Minister to visit China next month<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 22 (MONTSAME) On Wednesday, February 22, Foreign Minister Ts.Munkh-Orgil briefed on his visit to the People's Republic of China which took place on February 20-21. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"My visit was designated to prepare for Mongolian Prime Minister J.Erdenebat's visit to the People's Republic of China in the first quarter of 2017, and the visit will take place next month. Moreover, Prime Minister J.Erdenebat will participate in the One Belt, One Road international summit by the invitation of President Xi Zinping", he said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I held talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, Vice President Li Yuanchao and other officials. Sides have noted with satisfaction that there's no political and social conflict between the two countries", reiterated Foreign Minister Ts.Munkh-Orgil.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to the Minister, 7 Chinese ports are now accessible to Mongolia in frames of the 'Agreement on Mongolia's access to sea and ship transport through China' which has been adopted by the Chinese Government. "There are about 10 intergovernmental agreements to be signed which will be settled during the Prime Minister's upcoming visit. Also, a working group led by Deputy Prime Minister will visit the country", he added.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Foreign Minister said that both the Russian Federation and the People's Republic of China have expressed their support to Mongolia through IMF, Asian Development Bank and World Bank. When asked about the total amount of monetary support from the southern neighbor, he answered, "The Chinese side has agreed to provide a USD 1 billion soft loan and CNY 1 billion nonrefundable aid".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8885">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_PM_receives_UN"></a>PM receives UN Assistant Secretary-General<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 23 (MONTSAME) On February 22, Prime Minister of Mongolia J.Erdenebat and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ts.Munkh-Orgil met with Haoliang Xu, the United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific who is on a visit to Mongolia on February 21-25.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Prime Minister J.Erdenebat conveyed his gratitude to UNDP for its consistent support for Mongolia in social and economic challenges, highlighted the valuable contribution of the organization in formulating Mongolia's Sustainable Development Vision – 2030, noting that many objectives included in the vision are reflected in the Cabinet 2016-2020 action plan. He also emphasized on how the Cabinet action plan coheres with the 2017-2021 programs of UNDP.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr. Haoliang Xu remarked upon the advancement of UNDP's cooperation with Mongolia in the last 10 years, expressing his confidence that Mongolia will maintain its sustainable development vision.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the meeting with Foreign Minister Ts.Munkh-Orgil, sides exchanged views on the implementation of Sustainable Development Vision - 2030, reduction of Ulaanbaatar air pollution, intensification of the functions of International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries and further cooperation on urban planning.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8902">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Speaker_meets_Japanese"></a>Speaker meets Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 22 (MONTSAME) On February 21, Parliament Speaker M.Enkhbold received Takeo Akiba, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Japan, who attended a regular consultative meeting between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and Japan in Ulaanbaatar. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the beginning of the meeting, Speaker M.Enkhbold pointed out that the consultative meeting was held in success and said "Mongolia and Japan maintains traditionally pleasant bilateral relations and cooperation. Mongolian people always appreciate Japan and its people for their support for us who have been supporting and assisting Mongolia during difficult times". The Speaker then underlined that Mongolian PM J.Erdenebat's visit to Japan and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe's visit to Mongolia last year were of significance in the future intensification of bilateral cooperation in the fields of trade and economy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After expressing his gratitude to the Mongolian Parliament Speaker for receiving him in response, Takeo Akiba, Deputy FM noted "Despite the fact that this is our first meeting, I have known you for a long time. During the visits of former Japanese PM J.Koizumi in 2006 and of Japanese Crown Prince Naruhito in 2007 to Mongolia, I came in Ulaanbaatar as I was working as a Head of First China and Mongolia Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and met with you when you were the Prime Minister at that time".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Takeo Akiba continued by informing that the consultative meeting between Mongolia and Japan was held successfully in Ulaanbaatar, during which he met with D.Davaasuren, State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and agreed that Mongolia and Japan will have a close relationship by regularly exchanging information between the Foreign Ministries and jointly expressing the positions of the two sides during the current times of changing world politics.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8879">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Strategic_meeting_of"></a>Strategic meeting of Mongolia and Japan Foreign Ministries completes<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 22 (MONTSAME) A strategic consultative meeting between the Foreign Ministries of Mongolia and Japan was held in Ulaanbaatar on February 21. The meeting was chaired by the State Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Mongolia D.Davaasuren and Deputy Foreign Minister of Japan T.Akiba.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the meeting, the parties evaluated the current situation of the two countries' relationship and exchanged their views on targets of the near future and midterm. The both parties appreciated that political relations and mutual trust have reached the highest level and emphasized that economic partnership agreement was a historic success in the relationships between the two countries. They agreed on the importance of introducing friendly and trustworthy relationships at the high level into all level.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>State Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ministry D.Davaasuren expressed that Mongolia gives significance to enrich Strategic partnership relations of the two countries with economic context and increase efficiency of Economic partnership agreement. And he said Mongolia has an aspiration to actively develop the Mongolia-Japan relationship amid the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations of the two countries this year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The parties agreed that the Foreign affairs Ministries would closely cooperate to establish a new medium term strategic partnership program.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Japan acknowledges that Mongolia faces economic difficulties, said Deputy Foreign Minister of Japan T.Akiba and noted that Japan will support Mongolian economic renovation in collaboration with international organizations including the International Monetary Fund. He underlined developing Mongolia and Japan relationship based on principle of being mutually beneficial is essential to become a Strategic partner in real sense.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8884">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_JICA_to_finance"></a>JICA to finance construction of secondary school building<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 22 (MONTSAME) A project to construct secondary school building will be carried-out by non-refundable assistance from the JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On February 21, protocols in the scope of the project were signed by head of the second group of the project Chee Esaki, research team leader of the project Tomohiro Fukuo, specialist of education planning of JICA Tomohiro Osava and Director of the Department of Finance and Economy of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science T.Batmagnai.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After signing the protocols, the sides reciprocally agreed on their rights and responsibilities within the construction project. Depending on the financing, about 3-4 secondary school buildings will be commissioned in the academic year of 2020-2021<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/education/8892">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Cabinet_approves_guideline"></a>Cabinet approves guideline for 7<sup>th</sup> roundtable meeting with Canada<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 22 (MONTSAME) - A guideline of Mongolian representatives to adhere to in the 7th roundtable meeting of Mongolia and Canada to be held in Ottawa on March 9, was approved. During the roundtable meeting, the sides will discuss the two countries' cooperation in all fields including politics, economy, investment, trade, mining, construction, infrastructure, agriculture, education, culture, defense and humanity and exchange views develop ties in possible areas.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8891">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Mongolian_leaders_greet"></a>Mongolian leaders greet foreign diplomats ahead of Tsagaan Sar<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 23 (MONTSAME) On February 22, heads of state and government of Mongolia hosted a ceremony in State House to greet the heads of foreign diplomatic missions in Mongolia on the occasion of the upcoming Tsagaan Sar celebration.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj, Parliament Speaker M.Enkhbold, Prime Minister J.Erdenebat and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ts.Munkh-Orgil were present at the ceremony.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>President Ts.Elbegdorj greeted the diplomats on behalf of the Prime Minister and the Speaker, and said, "We are pleased to see you at this traditional ceremony after a long and cold winter".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Mongolia's external relations and internal affairs were full of historic events in 2016", the President said. He then recalled important events of 2016 such as the 11th ASEM Summit which was hosted in Ulaanbaatar on July 15-16, signing of Mongolia-Russia-China Economic Corridor Program on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit, Mongolia's ratification of Paris Agreement on climate change and General Elections that took place on June 29. He then talked about 2017 which is expected to be a significant year because of the upcoming Presidential Election and an economically challenging year. "Happy Tsagaan Sar", the President wished.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On behalf of the foreign diplomatic missions in Mongolia, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Kazakhstan to Mongolia Kalybek Koblandin gave remarks. He said, "I am delighted to deliver a speech on behalf of the diplomatic missions. We have gathered here to conclude the year of the Fire Monkey, and welcome that of the Fire Rooster".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Then the Ambassador briefly touched upon highlights of the last year including dzud conditions, the General Elections, Mongolia's presence in UN Human Rights Council, the ASEM Summit, Mongolia's active participation in UN peacekeeping missions, Mongolia's ratification of Trade Facilitation Agreement and Ulaanbaatar dialogue - 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He also appreciated the expansion of foreign diplomatic missions in Mongolia with the Embassies of Australia, United Arab Emirates and Italy last year, and said, "We hope to welcome representations of Poland, Saudi Arabia and the European Union this year. The international community's interest in Mongolia shows their belief that Mongolia has a bright future".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8897">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Highest_diplomatic_titles"></a>Highest diplomatic titles bestowed upon senior diplomats<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 23 (MONTSAME) In commemoration of the 105th anniversary of modern diplomatic service in Mongolia, a Presidential decree was issued to bestow the highest diplomatic titles 'Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary' and 'Envoy Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary' to Mongolian diplomats.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The ceremony took place on February 22, Wednesday at State House with attendance of President Ts.Elbegdorj who handed over the badges and the certificates.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The new Ambassadors are Ts.Munkh-Orgil, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ts.Tsolmon, former Minister of Defense, R.Altangerel, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to Canada, S.Odonbaatar, Head of Policy Management Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, L.Orgil, Head of ASEM Preparation Office, N.Nyamjav, O.Dambiinyam, G.Jargalsaikhan and B.Suvd, Advisors to the ASEM Preparation Office and senior diplomat Ya.Dashnyam.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The new Envoys are B.Batkhishig, Ambassador of Mongolia to the Republic of Turkey, Ts.Batbayar, Ambassador of Mongolia to Cuba, B.Delgermaa, Ambassador of Mongolia to Russia, Kh.Davaadorj, Ambassador of Mongolia to Belgium, S.Tsoggerel, Ambassador of Mongolia to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, L.Dugerjav, Ambassador of Mongolia to Bulgaria, former Ambassador D.Idevkhten and senior diplomats Ch.Agvaandamdin and T.Dugeree.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The titles were thus given with consideration of the diplomats' participation in realization of foreign policy goals, commitment and dedication to Mongolian foreign affairs field and contribution to hosting of the 11th ASEM Summit in Ulaanbaatar last July.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8900">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Foreign_Minister_visits"></a>Foreign Minister visits China to expand political and economic cooperation<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 21 (UB Post) Foreign Affairs Minister Ts.Munkh-Orgil visited China on February 20 and 21, at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During Minister Ts.Munkh-Orgil's meeting with Minister Wang Yi, held on February 20, the pair discussed possible areas for further cooperation between the two countries and exchanged views on global and regional issues.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The sides agreed to organize a state visit by Mongolian Prime Minister to China and the second meeting of the Mongolian Parliament and China's National People's Congress cooperative mechanism. They also agreed to host the first meeting of Mongolian and Chinese Cooperative Council on mineral, energy, and infrastructure cooperation as soon as possible.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To strengthen the legal and regulatory environment for cooperation between the two countries, the ministers also agreed to establish a new agreement on Mongolian and Chinese border sanitation and to sign a memorandum of cooperation and an agreement on roads and transportation cooperation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Both sides emphasized that the two countries will take measures to increase export on mining products, and beef and mutton from Mongolia to China.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister noted that China has signed an agreement on Mongolia's route to the sea through Chinese territory.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Minister Wang Yi stated that China will support Mongolia through bilateral and multilateral aid channels to overcome economic challenges facing Mongolians and stressed that he hopes Mongolia will maintain its fast growing economic development by dealing with its economic difficulties quickly. He said that China is ready to postpone a date to negotiate the currency swap deal between the two countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As a part of his visit to China, Minister Ts.Munkh-Orgil met with Vice President of the People's Republic of China Li Yuanchao and China's Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng to discuss legislature and economic cooperation between the two nations. During the meeting, the Chinese Vice President stressed that Mongolian Foreign Affairs Minister's visit is of significant importance to strengthening political mutual trust and expanding cooperation between the two countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mongolian Foreign Affairs Minister highlighted that developing friendly relations with China is a key piece of Mongolia's foreign policy and Mongolia is focusing on developing its comprehensive strategic partnership with China.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the end of their meeting, Minister Ts.Munkh-Orgil invited Vice President Li Yuanchao to pay an official visit to Mongolia at his convenience.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During Minister Ts.Munkh-Orgil's meeting with China's Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng, the two pair discussed to speed up the implementation of agreements that have been reached.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The agreement specifies to organize a meeting of the Mongolia-China Intergovernmental Commission's working groups, accelerate work on China-Mongolia cross border economic cooperation zone, speed up the implementation of projects funded through Chinese soft loans and non-refundable aids, and to collaborate with the Silk Road Fund and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank on holding seminars and trainings.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Minister Hucheng stated that China is ready to collaborate with Mongolia to boost mutual economic and financial cooperation during challenging economic times.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/21/foreign-affairs-minister-visits-china-to-expand-political-and-economic-cooperation/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Cyber_war_between"></a>Cyber war between the United States and Russia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 23 (gogo.mn) Who would be the 45th president of the United States? Will relations between Russia and Amerika be restored? These two questions were attracting global attention. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Rumours spread for a while that President-elect Donald Trump won the White House with the help of Russia. After the presidential election of the United States, articles with the title "Putin win" have published in Russian and American press.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has concluded that Russia intervened in the 2016 election to help Donald Trump win the presidency, rather than just to undermine confidence in the U.S. electoral system, the Washington Post reported. The situation has sharpened the Washington`s concerns about Russia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>CIA experts considered that cyber attacks carried out by Russian hackers during U.S. presidential election were significantly different from older intelligence methods, which witnessed success of the Russian intelligence services.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover intelligence agencies have concluded that Vladimir Putin ordered a cyber hacking campaign to help Donald Trump win the US presidential election. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In response, Vladimir Putin has criticized the US Democratic party for trying to "blame" Russia for Donald Trump's election victory. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The CIA added, Moscow hackers influenced elections of more than 10 countries by the order of Kremlin authorities. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For instance, Russian hackers attacked voting system of parliamentary elections that were held in Ukraine and Estonia, supporting political groups that are of favour for Moscow. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moscow might be planning a similar effort to influence upcoming German and French elections, warned CIA.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>DOES MONGOLIA HAVE LEGAL ENVIRONMENT TO PROTECT FROM CYBER ATTACK? </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>External factors might affect Mongolian parliamentary and presidential elections, as there is no guarantee. Cyber attack from our neighboring countries and every corner of the world is knocking on our door each hour and day. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'></span>Mongolia adopted its National Security Concept and National Program to Provide Information Security in 2010. However implementation period of National Program to Provide Information Security ended in 2015. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover the country is facing lack of professional audit research company that allows us to find out the information security vulnerabilities. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If the number of audit research company increases and government supports them under policies, national security will be strengthened. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition, it is possible for Mongolia to respond to cyber attack as developing countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157498">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Indonesia's_President_University"></a>Indonesia's President University Hosts Embassy of Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>CIKARANG, Bekasi, February 22 -- President University hosted the Embassy of Mongolia in their second visit to the campus on Thursday (16/2) with the theme "Mongolia-Indonesia Relations: Public Diplomacy and Closer Cooperation in Millennium". Her Excellency Shagdar Battsetseg, Mongolia's Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Indonesia and ASEAN and her team attended the event that was being held in Charles Himawan Auditorium, President University, Kota Jababeka, Cikarang.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Opening the visit and Mongolia Open Day in President University, Her Excellency Shagdar Battsetseg delivered a speech about the general overview of Mongolia and Indonesia partnerships. She explained about the brief history of the two countries' bilateral relations in 60 years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Following her remarks, Protocol Officer G. Tumurkhuu outlined the Mongolian education system in his presentation. According to him, there was no systematized education until Mongolian's revolution in 1921. He also added that the first university in Mongolia was built in 1942 and ever since, Mongolian education system keeps developing up until now. Moving forward, Technicians O. Khulan continued the event by describing Mongolia's environment and foods with amazing photos and videos.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Furthermore, Her Excellency Shagdar Battsetseg continued to explain the cultural differences between Mongolians and Indonesians. In her opinion, Indonesians possess soft characters meanwhile Mongolians got an ambitious character.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Mongolians have the spirit and a way of living that was passed down from the Genghis Khan," she said. However, though with the cultural differences, Mongolia and Indonesia have sucessfully maintain a good relationship without any conflict.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>One of the good relationships amongst the two countries also takes place in President University, where one of the Mongolians, Zorigt Tugsjargal, is currently pursuing his higher education. He is the first Mongolian student who learns in President University.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> "As the first Mongolian student here in President University, I will be the bridge between Mongolia and Indonesia", said Zorigt in his speech.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Dr. Handa S. Abidin, Vice Rector for Partnerships in President University, also added that the partnership with the Embassy of Mongolia is one of the ways to welcome more students from Mongolia to study in President University.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"With this partnership, I believe we can strengthen international environment in President University", closed Handa. (NAP,AA)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://president.ac.id/pg/70-news/detail/62-president-university-hosts-embassy-of-mongolia">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Mercer_University_Welcomes"></a>Mercer University Welcomes Former U.S. Ambassador Dr. Jonathan Addleton as Visiting Professor<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>MACON, February 23 – Mercer University's Department of International and Global Studies (IGS) began hosting former U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia Dr. Jonathan Addleton as a visiting professor this spring.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Dr. Addleton is teaching a section of the department's "Introduction to International Relations" course, which is a requirement for students with political science and international affairs majors.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The International and Global Studies Department is both honored and excited to host someone with Ambassador Jonathan Addleton's varied and valuable experiences in the U.S. foreign service," said Dr. Eimad Houry, professor and chair of international and global studies. "Dr. Addleton has agreed to teach one or two courses a term and to share his expertise, contacts and insights with students who are pursuing career interests in the international arena. We look forward to the new possibilities that Dr. Addleton will bring to IGS programs, like international affairs and global development studies, and the College of Liberal Arts."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Born and raised in Pakistan, the son of Baptist missionaries from Macon, Dr. Addleton is a career foreign service officer with the rank of career minister. He retired in January following more than 30 years of service as U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia; senior civilian representative for Southern Afghanistan based in Kandahar; development counselor at the U.S. Mission to the European Union in Brussels; U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) mission director in India, Pakistan, Cambodia and the Central Asian Republics; and USAID program officer in Jordan, Yemen and South Africa.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Given my longtime family ties to Macon, it is an honor to have this unexpected opportunity to teach at Mercer University, and hopefully also to help further strengthen its international connections," said Dr. Addleton.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Prior to becoming a foreign service officer in 1984, he worked briefly at the World Bank, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and <i>The Telegraph </i>in Macon. He has also served on international school boards in Amman, Jordan; Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; and Phnom Penh, Cambodia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>His experiences in Afghanistan inspired his memoir, <i>The Dust of Kandahar: A Diplomat Among Warriors in Afghanistan, </i>which was published in 2016. He has written three other books, <i>Mongolia and the United States: A Diplomatic History</i>, <i>Some Far and Distant Place</i> and <i>Undermining the Center: The Gulf Migration and Pakistan</i>, and contributed articles to publications such as <i>al-Mushir, Ambassadors Review, Asian Affairs, Asian Survey, Fletcher Forum, Foreign Service Journal, Mongolica, International Migration, Muslim World </i>and <i>The Washington Post</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Dr. Addleton was recently <a href="https://www.pri.org/stories/2017-01-31/ex-ambassador-explains-dissent-channel-us-diplomats-are-using-protest-trumps">interviewed</a> by Public Radio International (PRI) on the topic of growing dissent in the U.S. State Department in response to President Donald Trump's executive order to ban refugees and immigrants from several majority Muslim countries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://news.mercer.edu/articles/2017/department-of-international-and-global-studies-welcomes-addleton-as-visiting-professor.cfm#.WK-tNTt97Dc">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s1600/image006-706986.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s320/image006-706986.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536849828796626" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HealthEdu></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Health & Education<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Protein_Sciences_and"></a>Protein Sciences and Partnership for Influenza Vaccine Introduction (PIVI) Team Up to Combat the Flu in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>MERIDEN, Conn., Feb. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- <a href="http://www.proteinsciences.com/" target="_blank">Protein Sciences Corporation</a>, a leading vaccine development company and maker of <a href="http://www.flublok.com/" target="_blank">Flublok® Influenza Vaccine</a>, announced today that they donated 45,000 doses of Flublok to The Partnership for Influenza Vaccine Introduction (PIVI) and the Mongolian Ministry of Health to help protect communities from the devastating impacts of the flu. The doses of Flublok have been distributed and used in all regions of Mongolia for health care workers, pregnant women, and those from the general public that come to participating clinics during the influenza vaccine campaign.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The government of Mongolia is committed to developing an expanded, sustainable seasonal influenza program. PIVI and Protein Sciences Corporation, through the Flublok donation, are providing key support to Mongolia to achieve this vision. Flublok is a breakthrough in how flu vaccines are manufactured: it is the only flu vaccine that is an exact match to circulating flu strains, and it has been shown to protect broadly against the flu. In addition, it is the only flu vaccine made without ingredients that have been found objectionable in traditional flu vaccines. PIVI agreed that Flublok was a good choice for this program because of the urgent need for flu vaccines in Mongolia and the quality of the Flublok product.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Flublok can save lives," said Manon Cox, President and CEO of Protein Sciences. "When PIVI approached us, we immediately thought it was a perfect opportunity to provide access to Flublok outside the U.S. It is our hope that this donation will not only help protect the people of Mongolia from the flu, but will also assist them in creating a lasting flu vaccination program." <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Given the value of a functional seasonal influenza program for pandemic preparedness, PIVI is pleased to partner with Protein Sciences and utilize Flublok in the current vaccination campaign in Mongolia," shared Dr. Mark McKinlay, Director of the Center for Vaccine Equity at the Task Force for Global Health. "Sustainable seasonal influenza vaccine programs are an important building block in the creation of health systems that can not only protect people from influenza now, but also help the country respond to a future pandemic. Flublok is an important new partner to PIVI because this vaccine is not made using eggs, and can be manufactured more quickly than others because it is not dependent on an egg supply." <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As part of the vaccination campaign, health care workers will be trained in administering the vaccine and will be provided all of the proper immunization information in their local language. Once the campaign is complete, the partners will work together to develop and conduct post-campaign evaluation protocols that will provide data to improve vaccination services in future years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>About The Partnership for Influenza Vaccine Introduction</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>About Protein Sciences </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>About Flublok®<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/protein-sciences-and-partnership-for-influenza-vaccine-introduction-pivi-team-up-to-combat-the-flu-in-mongolia-300411640.html">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Czech_"TSE"_company"></a>Czech "TSE" company donates incubator to children's hospital<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 23 (MONTSAME) On February 21, "TSE" Company of the Czech Republic handed over an incubator to the infants' department of the Central Nursing Center for Children of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Center provides specialized medical assistance for infants and children across the country. In particular, the center serves the health needs of twins aged 0-3 of families included in the vulnerable group, half and full orphans, undernourished children or children with iron deficiency underweight or premature baby and abandoned children for 24 hours.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The event to present the incubator was attended by D.Zumberelkham Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to Czech and Milan Klechka, President of the Czech-East Asian Chamber of Commerce and other officials. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8913">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Academy_of_Sciences"></a>Academy of Sciences appoints directors of institutes<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 22 (MONTSAME) On February 20, Mongolian Academy of Sciences conducted an election to choose the directors of its affiliated institutes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In particular, new directors were chosen to lead some of the institutes, and old directors were re-elected in some of the institutes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Institute of Philosophy will be led by Sc.D Sh.Ariunaa, Institute of Language and Literature by Dr G.Bilguudei, Institute of Geography and Geoecology by Dr D.Battogtokh and Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology by Dr L.Jargalsaikhan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Also, Sc.D J.Baysakh was re-elected to head Institute of International Relations, Sc.D Ya.Adiya Institute of General and Experimental Biology, Dr Kh.Tsogtbaatar Institute of Paleontology and Geology, Dr S.Chuluun Institute of History and Archaeology and Dr S.Demberel Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Following an election which took place in December, Dr P.Altantsog is currently working as a Director of Institute of Physics and Technology.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian Academy of Sciences was established in 1961, and 10 scientific institutes and 2 specialized academies are operating under the academy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/education/8873">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Australian_University_helps"></a>Australian University helps Mongolia's flourishing photojournalism community<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 24 (Sydney Morning Herald) A scholarship program at RMIT University in Melbourne is providing rare opportunities for Mongolian photojournalists to hone their craft in Australia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The independent journalism community in Mongolia is small – the Press Council of Mongolia, the country's first independent media council, was established only in January last year – but it is vibrant and growing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Pre-independence in 1990, Mongolia had three official government sanctioned media outlets. In 2017 there is thirst for news and media outlets and newspapers continue to provide a healthy rate of employment for photographers. This is in direct contrast to the western world, where employment through newspapers is in decline," Jerry Galea, photojournalist fellow at RMIT told Fairfax Media.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The scholarship winner for 2016, Mongolian photojournalist Davaanyam Delgerjargal, spoke to Fairfax Media.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"One of the issues that interests me is that though Mongolia is a beautiful country, I see Mongolians are moving from traditional culture, and the changes are coming very quick, technology brings a lot of changes ... that's what I want to catch in my photos. It's these challenging issues that I want to capture in my photos."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Davaanyam is a member of Mongolia's Batzorig Foundation of Documentary Photography and teaches photography at the Radio TV Institute, one of the few educational organisations where photography is taught in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Unfortunately there are only few professional documentary photographers [in Mongolia]. Media reportage is underdeveloped here, our media organisations broadcast everyday events. But it is limited and is is reporting the difficult issues ... the professional skills here are relatively low, we lack the practice of international journalistic standards," Delgerjargal said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Galea, who is researching a PhD on the role of documentary photography in Mongolian society, said the RMIT program buttressed the country's independent media voices.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Our program sees a gap in knowledge among Mongolian photojournalists and the scholarship is the first step to help visual understanding amongst Mongolia photojournalism community," Galea said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As part of the program Delgerjargal will spend four weeks of workshops based at RMIT and at Melbourne's Magnet Gallery, which is a partner and supporter of the program.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.smh.com.au/national/clique/australian-university-helps-mongolias-flourishing-photojournalism-community-20170220-guh8f7.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_From_Mongolia_to"></a>From Mongolia to the monsoon: Scholarships entice international students to Darwin<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 24 (ABC) As far as she knows, accounting student Alima is the only Mongolian in Darwin right now.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Just me," she smiled as she sat among the shelves in the bright and sunny Charles Darwin University library.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>That is, apart from Alima's husband, who has followed her from their home in northern China to the Northern Territory's Top End where she is embarking on her second masters degree.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Alima is here to hone her financial management skills, which she plans to use in the food distribution business — dried beef and dairy — that she helps run back in Inner Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"I want to go higher with my position, and maybe someday I want to build my own business."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>She is one of 36 young people from countries across Asia who have picked up a first-of-its-kind scholarship funded by the NT Government.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>They were officially welcomed at a reception at Parliament House this week, where a beaming Chief Minister Michael Gunner thanked them "for choosing the Territory".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>If all goes according to the Government's plan, there will be more and more international students doing just that over the next 10 years.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Education as economic strategy<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The new scholarships are part of a concerted effort, started under the previous CLP administration, to grow the Territory's international education sector and carve out a greater share of what has become the country's third largest export after iron ore and coal.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A 2014 brochure describing the 10-year international student sector strategy emphasised the benefits to students of living and learning in the Top End.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>But it also focused heavily on the benefits the students could bring to the local economy and industry in the form of partnerships and trade links with their home countries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"To the south there are around 23 million potential consumers of NT products; to the north (within the same distance) over 300 million, with a faster growing wealth base," the strategy reads.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Having an Asian capable workforce, able to do business in the region, is essential to the NT's future."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Student numbers growing – but is it enough?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Figures released this week by the federal education department show the Territory's international student numbers grew by 9.3 per cent last year to 2,026.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The growth rate is better than some places but dwarfed by others; there are more than 200,000 international students in New South Wales, almost as many in Victoria, 28,000 in South Australia and more than 5,000 in Tasmania.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The task for the Territory is to convince prospective students to look no further south than Darwin.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Alima said she researched Charles Darwin University based on a friend's recommendation and found the tuition fees to be slightly more affordable than those in the southern states.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As an enterprising young businesswoman marketing food products to Asia's growing middle class, she is likely find some new friends in the Territory's hungry agricultural export community.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>She said she was open to making business connections during her time studying in Darwin but was also here to grow as a person.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The difference and comparison is kind of exciting for me and makes me really want to look [at] other ways of thinking, ways of communicating and ways of maybe eating," she said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"It makes me want to see more about the world."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-24/scholarships-entice-international-students-to-darwin/8296474">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_University_of_Utah:"></a>University of Utah: Ancient Traces, Changing Spaces, Modern Faces in Mongolia <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>(Learning Abroad Outgoing Program)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>DESCRIPTION</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Participants will work and interact with professional groups who are re-envisioning how to use social work interactions to treat clients, while filming on-site experiences. Participants can expect to complete readings about social welfare service delivery in Mongolia and identify a specific project, completed both in Utah and Mongolia. While in Utah, students will conduct literature searches and provide a brief summary about the designated project.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://apply.learningabroad.utah.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Programs.ViewProgram&Program_ID=10101">Link to program</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s1600/image006-706986.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s320/image006-706986.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536849828796626" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Culture></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Culture & Society<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Events_to_be"></a>Events to be held during Tsagaan Sar 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 23 (gogo.mn) Can`t decide what to do during Tsagaan Sar? We at GoGo Mongolia, offering you events to be held during Tsagaan Sar in Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This year the first day of Tsagaan Sar occurs on Feb 27th and the first three days of Tsagaan Sar (Feb 27-Mar 1) is non-working public holiday nationwide. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>So don't just hide at home during Tsagaan Sar – come out and celebrate this beautiful age-old celebration and experience the Mongol culture, hospitality and traditions with following events.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>CELEBRATE TSAGAAN SAR WITH LOCALS</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian Secret History camp is organising an annual event during the Tsagaan Sar to give expats and visitors alike the opportunity to experience this beautiful celebration just like locals. The event will be held on February 26-27th. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more info on the event program and tax, please click <a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157278" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Or contact the organisers at: <b>Phone:</b> 976-11-70000450, 99043547, 99993200. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>THE FIRST SUNRISE TOUR OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Genco Tour Bureau tourism centre invites you to take part in their Lunar New Year First Sunrise tour on February 27th (the First day of Tsagaan Sar) and whisper your wish to make come true. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The tour will take place at the Chinggis Khan statue complex, Tsonjinboldog - about 1.5hr drive from Ulaanbaatar to the east. There will be a sunrise ceremony, breakfast, calligraphy and traditional music performance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more info, please click <a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157475" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>WATCH THE EAGLE HUNTRESS - A STORY OF 13-YEAR-OLD EAGLE HUNTER GIRL</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Adventure Temple offers you a cozy evening with a good film "The Eagle Huntress" directed by Otto Bell on Mar 3rd. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The documentary nominated for BAFTA Film award 2017, tells a story of 13-year-old Aisholpan who trains to become the first female in twelve generations of her Kazakh family. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more info, please click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/661013047434217/?active_tab=discussion" target="_blank">HERE</a> or contact at 7710 8002. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>NOMAD EVENT</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian Photographer`s Association is organizing Nomad event on March 4th at Ugtaaltsaidam soum, Tuv aimag which locates 140 km away from Ulaanbaatar city.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The event enables you to visit herder family, attend Nomad and Horseman competition, eat lunch outside near fire and take photos. Also horse riding is available for 20,000 MNT. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Event tax is 50,000 MNT (including transportation, lunch, dinner and other performances). <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more info, please click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/434287873569153/?active_tab=about" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>"BLUE PEARL" INTERNATIONAL ICE FESTIVAL 2017</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Blue Pearl International Ice Festival 2017 will take place at Khatgal village, the southern shore of lake Khuvsgul on Mar 3-4th or the fifth and sixth day of Tsagaan Sar, enabling you to experience Tsagaan Sar celebration visiting a nomad family. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The event offers traditional horse sled races, reindeer races, skating competitions, and shamanic rituals. Also, there will be an Ice Sculpture Competition – artists will create a winter fairyland on the 2-3m thick, crystal clear ice of the Lake Huvsgul, and various performances by the locals and artists of the local theatre.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more info, please click <a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157117" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>DUNJINGARAV 2017 – REGIONAL SPRING HORSE RACES</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Federation of Mongolian Horse Racing Sport and Trainers is organizing the annual regional spring horse races "Dunjingarav 2017" on Mar 5th. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The horse races will feature both Mongolian breed and mixed breed horses during the 2 day event at Argalant soum, Tuv aimag. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It's an event not to be missed as one can experience the Mongolian horse culture in depth and take a little break in the steppes (free of charge).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>EAGLE FESTIVAL AT CHINGGISIIN KHUREE 2017</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Just after the Tsagaan Sar celebration, the Eagle Festival is announced to be held on Mar 5th, 2017 at the Chinggisiin Khuree tourism camp, located in the Bogd Khan National Park. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Real eagle hunters with their mighty Eagles will come all the way from Bayan-Ulgii to compete including the famous Aisholpan – actress of "The Eagle Huntress" (2016) documentary directed by Otto Bell. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is the event for those who can't travel over 1300 km to the westernmost Mongolia to see the Eagle Festivals that take place in September (Altai Eagle Festival) and October (Golden Eagle Festival) in Bayan-Ulgii province. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more info, please click <a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157421" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>CAMEL FESTIVAL 2017</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The date of the Camel Festival 2017 is 6-7 March and the event will take place in Bulgan soum of Umnugobi aimag. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It's an entertaining 2-days of event that features various contests related to Mongolian camel culture and lots of local music and dances. Nomads from far and near wear their best deels, the traditional costume of Mongolia and ride their best camels to attend the festival as it's their pride and a big celebration for them. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more info, please click <a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157418" target="_blank">HERE</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>HAPPY TSAGAAN SAR!<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157497">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Photo_report_from"></a>Photo report from a herder family's wintering place <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 23 (gogo.mn) Our report team have visited wintering place of one of the State's Best Herder, D.Ganbat. D.Ganbat received his State's Best Herder certificate from the Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry P.Sergelen this week. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>His wintering place is located in Esunzuil soum, Uvurkhangai aimag.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157495">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_All_you_need"></a>All you need to know about TSAGAAN SAR<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 22 (gogo.mn) "Tsagaan Sar" celebration is the Lunar New Year for the Mongols according to their centuries old lunar astrology. The Mongols celebrate Tsagaan Sar since the Great Mongol Empire for passing the harsh winter in good health and is considered as the beginning of spring.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover the Tsagaan Sar is a big family celebration as everyone gather at their elders, grandparents or parents home to greet and wish well for the coming year. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The date of the celebration is determined according to lunar calendar. This year the first day of Tsagaan Sar occurs on Feb 27th and the first 3 days of Tsagaan Sar (Feb 27-Mar 1) is non-working public holiday nationwide. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the city the first 3 days of Tsagaan Sar is a holiday, though it extends as long as 15 days for nomads in the countryside, and after Day 15 the new year is no longer new, and everyone stops visits and festivities and goes back to the normal, ever busy lifestyle. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Families, especially women prepare for Tsagaan Sar celebration at least one month prior by cleaning houses, yards, gers to meet the New Year fresh as well as making hundreds to thousands of buuz, a type of Mongolian steamed dumpling filled with meat. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Although urbanization is taking place rapidly, Mongolians still manage to keep their traditions and customs within the city boundaries. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>BIG FEAST TABLE</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolians have tradition to greet the new year with big feast table symbolizing prosperity and success in the coming year. The table should be ready on Tsagaan Sar Eve (Bituun). In the evening of Bituun, families gather together and one needs "to eat to repletion" or to have enough food which symbolizes plenty of food and full belly in the coming New Year. It is believed that staying hungry on this day will prophet hunger for the whole state so that every one makes sure that one has eaten. It is the only festival that you can taste or try almost all of traditional cuisines at every family you visit. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Main foods on the Tsagaan sar table are uuts (lamb loin), cookie set plate and buuz while main drinks are milk tea, airag (mare`s milk), seabuckthorn juice and alcohol beverages. Also the feast table is usually accompanied with the appetizers, salad plates, candies and dairy products.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Every families first offer milk tea and dairy products to their visitor and then buuz. Also all guests must taste the uuts (lamb loin) and cookie set plate. In other words, the more you visit, the more you will eat. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If the total animal fat we should consume comprises 30% of our total supplement intake, while our one day of Tsagaan Sar food intake provides 60% of animal fat.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You might wonder that what to do with the foods on the table after the Tsagaan Sar. Elders share the lamb loin and cookie set plate with their children and relatives. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>GREETINGS</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the first morning of Tsagaan Sar people get up before sunrise, put on their new or clean deel, the traditional costume of Mongolia and walk in directions prescribed by the zodiac to start of the new year in right direction. This is thought to bring good luck for the coming year. Then men climb to the nearest mountain to watch the first sunrise of the New Year. Women make milk tea and offer it to earth and god for the best wishes. With the sunrise, the greeting ceremony starts in order of age: the eldest or hosts of the family sit at khoimor (opposite side of door, the most sacred areas of the home). <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>People greet each other in a unique way. The younger people vow to the elderly and cross their hands under the hands of the older people supporting their elbow and say: AMAR BAINA UU meaning how are you. Then the older family member kisses the other on the both cheeks. Sometimes they greet with an offer of "Hadag", a blue scarf as token of respect. Also it is common to greet the elders with money.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Thereafter, the guests have a seat and exchange snuff-bottles in greeting and say: have you got through the winter in plenty and seeing at spring well. With these traditional New Year greetings they encourage each other. Younger person starts the greeting with snuff-bottle by loosening the cap of the bottle by turning it to right three times and snuffing it first and offer it to elder person with right hand. In return elder person gets own snuff-bottle loosens the cap as well and exchange. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Then the family you visit give presents to you, thanking for your visit. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You must remember to avoid greeting elders and relatives or going to other household on seventh day of New Year, as this year is considered as black day.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>THINGS TO AVOID </b> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo13'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>To get water from springs or rivers. Water buckets should be filled beforehand.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo13'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>To sew old clothes. Only sewing of new garments are welcomed and seen as good wishing for New Year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo13'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>To borrow and lend.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo13'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>To cry and quarrel. It is believed that whole year will be bad with disputes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo13'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>5.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>To throw away ash from stove. Cleaning should be done on Bituun.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo13'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>6.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>To say bad words, to hunt, to kill animal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo13'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>7.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>To greet elders and relatives, to go to other household on seventh day of New Year, as this year is considered as black day.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo13'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>8.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>To greet one's husband or wife. Doing so might end in split and become enemies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo13'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>9.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>To overdrink and be disrespectful at the feast table.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo13'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>10.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>To carry knife. This means that someone came with bad intentions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'></span>Technically that is how we celebrate Tsagaan Sar in Mongolia. It is definitely the festival not to be missed if one wants to really get to know Mongolian culture. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tsagaan Sar is not only a festival, it is a cultural heritage of Mongolians, more than just greeting, meeting and eating together. Tsagaan Sar gives an opportunity to gather all the family members to strengthen their ties and relationship, which is not observed in many other countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157439">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_How_to_make"></a>How to make BUUZ?<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 23 (gogo.mn) <b>WHAT IS A BUUZ?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Buuz is a type of Mongolian steamed dumpling filled with meat. The dish is traditionally served on most public winter holidays including Tsagaan Sar and New Year Celebration. Buuz is prepared in weeks before and left outside to freeze for a while to make it easier to store. A household who has elder has to make more than one thousand buuz for their guests, while younger families make more than three hundred buuz during the Tsagaan Sar. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is also offered at all restaurants and small cafes in Ulaanbaatar. Ingredient of buuz is very simple it includes flour, meat, onion, salt, cumin and warm water. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Make the Dough </b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo10'>250 g Wheat Flour<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo10'>A pinch of Salt<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo10'>Lukewarm Water<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Mix together the flour, salt and water in a medium sized bowl. Left it to rest for 15 minutes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Make the Filling </b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo11'>300 g minced Beef or Mutton<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo11'>1 medium chopped onion <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo11'>Salt<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo11'>Pepper <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo11'>A pinch of cumin<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix until everything is well combined. Add some water, if required, to make the filling a little juicy. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>PS: The dough can be filled with anything from savory meats to vegetables, cheese, fruits or even seafood.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Here goes the most interesting yet difficult part of making buuz. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>1. Cut the dough into 2 cm (1 inch) thick slices and roll the slices into circles and lightly dust with flour to avoid them sticking to each other. Make the center slightly thicker than the edge.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>2. Place one tea spoon of meat filling in the center of the circle and seal or pinch the edges with your fingers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>3. Steam the buuz for 15 minutes. Open the lid and fan some air with the help of a light cutting board or newspaper, to give them a reddish glossy look.<span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are many styles for pinching or sealing the buuz and below is the video which will help you to find out the perfect pinch for you. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Finally, Mongolians say bon appetite as SAIHAN HOOLLOOROI.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/151198">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_milk_from"></a>Mongolian milk from herder's farm to your home<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 22 (MONTSAME) Mongolians use over seventy types of traditionally made dairy products generally named as "Tsagaan Idee" in Mongolia. Since the time immemorial, Mongolians have been making dairy products and history shows that two thousand years ago, the Huns enjoyed an extensive range of dairy products, such as airag and aaruul.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The first Mongolian dairy producing factory was established in 1958, which is today's Suu JSC. It has created the largest milk processing network by working collaboratively with over 2500 herders and farmers to meet the constantly increasing demand of the consumers. The company has consistently brought in the world-class modern technologies and formed a fully automated modern factory with ISO 9001:2008 quality management system.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Instead of its certain products, the name 'Suu' JSC (Suu means milk in Mongolian) itself became a brand in Mongolia. Their products are distinctive with their natural taste compared to the imported milks with 'mixtures' or other milk products that are manufactured in various technologies. Every country runs tests and experiments using various chemicals or use Tetra Pak packaging solutions to extend the shelf-life of milk products.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As for Suu JSC, the milks are packed in eco-friendly cardboards and spoils within three days. Under the slogan "From herder's farm to your home", the company has a daily capacity of processing 200 tons of milk and manufactures about 70 types of products as of now.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/video/society/mongolian-milk-herder%E2%80%99s-farm-your-home">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Applique_of_unique"></a>Applique of unique cultural heritage in Tuv aimag<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 23 (MONTSAME) Applique or silk art is a Mongolian unique art form of invaluable creativity made alive by meticulous handcraft and incredible conception. Only four of such astonishing painting exists in Mongolia and one of them is being preserved at a museum in Zuunmod soum of Tuv aimag.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This distinctive 130cm x 257cm sized appliqué has been stored for many years and is <a href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Applique%20of%20unique%20cultural%20heritage%20named%20%22Ganzai%22%20is%20being%20made%20public%20in%20Zuunmod,%20Tuv%20aimag">being made public as the name "Ganzai"</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>B.Sukhbaatar, the head of the museum said "The quilted craft that was found from the tomb of a Hun is considered the first artifact of appliqué. This remarkable form of art has been prospering for thousands of years and is proven to be a unique cultural heritage of Mongolia. Ornamental art of this elegant appliqué differs from a painting as it is made by weaving different colors of silk and ornamenting precious stones and mostly represents admiration and respect. On the other hand, the maker puts a lot of hard work and patience as the material choices and process takes a lot of time and requires meticulous effort".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The appliqués that are registered in the unique cultural heritages such as 12m x 2m sized "Dunshig's 35 gods" and 2m x 80cm sized "Duinkhor's khot mandal" are also being preserved at the 'Applique' hall of the museum in Tuv aimag.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/8907">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_'Collection_of_Darkhad"></a>'Collection of Darkhad songs" book demonstrates specific dialect of ethnic group<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 22 (MONTSAME) "Collection of Darkhad songs" book has been released by Office of National Council on Language policy to introduce different dialects of local regions and areas, to inherit culture to next generation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"- When I met with people, who lives on the shore of Khuvsgul lake in 2016 during the parliamentary election campaign, I realized that they are holding 700-800 years old cultural heritage, language and dialect of our ancestors and it motivated me to publish a book collecting Darkhad people's songs. It is pity that cultural immune of Mongolians and characteristics to be distinguished from others are weakening. Mother language and culture are chances to survive as Mongolians. Therefore to make contribution in adoring and inheriting mother language and culture, which is a guarantee of independence, we released this book" said P.Tsagaan, former chairman of the President's office.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Folk songs of Darkhad people, different versions of the same songs, origins of songs, Mongolian and foreign scholars' works, recordings, hand writings, reports of studies and researches were used with permission to prepare the book. The collection book contains 825 songs of Darkhad people with its varieties as well as special vocabulary description and names of local areas, rivers and lakes, which included in the songs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Further songs collection of other ethnic groups including buriad, uriankhai and khodgoid will be released.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/8878">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Books_on_Mongolian"></a>Books on Mongolian history before Chinggis Khaan published<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 22 (news.mn) 'Old Mongolian History', a comprehensive five-volume work about Mongolian history before Chinggis Khaan, has just been printed. The set of books has been published by the Presidential Office in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sports and the National Committee of Mongolian Studies. The 'Old Mongolian History' project was initiated by Ts.Elbegdorj, President of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The five-volume, includes Mongolian history from V-IV century BC right through to XIII century CE. The volumes are as follows:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo14'>The Xiongnu: written by P.Delgerjargal and Z.Batsaikhan<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo14'>The Xianbei: written by P.Delgerjargal<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo14'>The Rouran Khaganate: written by S.Ulziijargal and A.Enkhbat<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo14'>The Turkic and Uyghur Khaganates: written by B.Batsuren and Munkhtulga<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo14'>The Nomadic Nations of Central Asia (VI-XII) is written by B.Batsuren, B.Chinzorig and E.Jigmeddorj<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/325994">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Deprived_of_a"></a>Deprived of a home, Mongolian 'dinosaurs' to demonstrate <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 22 (news.mn) The Institute of Paleontology and Geology had been deprived of its home building. The loss of the facility is a result of Prosecutor Department Resolution 270, which was subsequently approved by the Mongolian Parliament. As a response, the now 'homeless' specialists, supported by colleagues from other fields of research have established a temporary committee under the Mongolian Academy of Science entitled: 'Let's Save Science!' On 16<sup>th</sup> of February, the committee submitted a demand to the Prime Minister to annul Resolution 270. So far, however, the Prime Minister has not responded.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The latest development is that 'Let's Save Science!' has a announced that the Union of Mongolian Science Organisations will demonstrate on 23<sup>rd</sup> of February in protest of the loss of the Institute's building. Fossils of dinosaurs will go on parade during the demonstration, said the organisers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/325984">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_SMALL_WORLD:_Knack"></a>SMALL WORLD: Knack for language led Mongolian to Lake Placid<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>LAKE PLACID, February 23 (Lake Placid News) - For Tsermaa Dalai, her advantage has always been language. It's been such a driving force in her life that the native Mongolian has lived a life inspired by a native phrase, "If you have language, you have lakes."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"It means you can go far," she said, sipping tea at her home in Lake Placid.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Dalai has had quite the journey from her childhood growing up part of a family of nomadic herders in Mongolia's Arkhangai province to working as a translator all over the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>For a woman born in 1973 in a Mongolia under the control of the Soviet Union, Dalai's coming-to-America story, one that started out as just another school girl in a rural Mongolian province on the northern slopes of the Khangai Mountains, is an inspiring one.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>And the key, the constant, she said, has always been language. An inquisitive young girl, Dalai remembers her youth as one where she was always striving to think independently, despite the systematic control instilled at every level in the Soviet satellite state.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In school, she remembers getting herself into trouble many times because she liked to ask questions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>But it was her inquisitiveness that would soon open up the world for her.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As part of routine Mongolian studies, every child had to learn Russian, a language much different than that the natives spoke. Dalai excelled, and as she grew older in the 1980s, she began to read the magazine "Sputnik," the Soviet equivalent to Reader's Digest.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"It was then that I really began to learn," Dalai said, "because a lot of people in my time thought we were the only humans on Earth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"I was very curious," she continued, "I can remember telling my friends that, and soon my Russian teacher, because I loved language, she gave me my first English alphabet. She wrote down my name, my mom, dad - very simple basics at first. And then one of my uncles who was a math teacher, one of very few educated people in the family, he brought me from a conference the cutest little dictionary, English-to-Russian."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Dalai realized she could learn the new language from the gifted dictionary. And it was around that time she remembered the English word "love" first came to Mongolia. But the natives would pronounce it incorrectly, with an added emphasis of an "eh" at the end of the word - "Lov-eh."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Thanks to her studies, Dalai corrected her friends on how to pronounce the word. And language opened up much more than communication and understanding. Around the age of 17, after the Soviet state collapsed, Dalai continued her language studies. Her growth and burgeoning knowledge soon dovetailed into her own styles, including clothing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>It also gave her confidence, as she would debate with the monks in Mongolian monasteries that were able to sprout right up after the Soviet state fell.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Dalai would eventually find herself in the nation's capital of Ulaanbaatar, where she studied at the European Language Institute. Her knowledge of communication still growing, it was around this time in the mid-1990s that Dalai and some friends met Americans for the first time in, of all places, Dalai's hometown of Arkhangai.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Because she was so well-versed in languages, Dalai's friends asked her to knock on the door of an elderly American couple. She did, and her frightened friends immediately hiding in the bushes. But the American couple was welcoming and handed Dalai a "Who Is Jesus?" booklet.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The moment changed Dalai's life.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"I read that pamphlet and wept," she said. "On my knees, I prayed. I found what I was looking for all my life. I found my answer in the Bible."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Afterward, the American couple approached Dalai's parents and asked them if they could pay for her college in Ulaanbaatar. The opportunity led to the well-versed Dalai working as an interpreter and customer relations professional at a Christian television station that broadcast through Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Then in 1997, a year after graduating college, Dalai gave birth to her daughter, Evella. As a skilled interpreter, Dalai was a rare commodity in a newly democratic Mongolia, and it was her professional skills that allowed for her and Evella to travel the world, living in Hungary and Denmark at different times.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Tsermaa and Evella travelled with one more member of their family, Esteer, a homeless girl Tsermaa adopted while still living in Mongolia. Evella and Esteer went to Hungarian schools while Tsermaa lived and worked in Budapest. Located in Europe, the family was afforded the opportunity to learn more via travels to Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark and Israel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Then, Tsermaa returned to Mongolia, where she was hired on the spot by an American journalist, to translate. From there on out, she always had calls coming in for freelance work.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Tsermaa moved to the United States in 2004 after she met and married a man from Keene, New York, who had visited Mongolia. Evella started first grade at Keene Central School, where she would eventually graduate.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Four years ago, Tsermaa and Evella decided to move on with their lives outside of Keene. Now Tsermaa works as a freelance health care provider and lives with Evella in Lake Placid.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>These days, Tsermaa's next dream on her journey is to open her own small business specializing in clothing styles. Named Heluna, it's in honor of her first daughter, who died at just one year old two decades ago. The Mongolian word means, "like a wild horse."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>For now, Tsermaa is happy in Lake Placid. When she first moved to the Adirondacks, she and Evella felt the trees were too claustrophobic, a stark contrast from the open elevated plateaus of their home in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Tsermaa loves her daily walks around Mirror Lake, enjoys snowshoeing up mountains such as Cascade, and enjoys the friends she's made here in this village, including some immigrants like herself.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>And when she and Evella need a reminder of Mongolia, it's not too far of a drive to Marcy Field in Keene, where they can run through the field like home.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"When we first came here, we would have the car stop, and I'd run barefoot in the grass," Evella said with laugh. "I still have to sometimes."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.lakeplacidnews.com/page/content.detail/id/526508/SMALL-WORLD--Knack-for-language-led-Mongolian-to-Lake-Placid.html?nav=5005">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s1600/image006-706986.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s320/image006-706986.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536849828796626" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Nature></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Nature & Environment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Children_bear_the"></a>Children bear the cost of extreme weather: New evidence from Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>By Valeria Groppo<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 21 (UNICEF Blog) Extreme weather events are becoming more intense and more frequent in many regions of the world. From increasing precipitation and cyclones in high latitudes and tropical regions, to intensifying droughts in southern Africa, this trend is <a href="https://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/special-reports/srex/SREX-Chap3_FINAL.pdf"><b>likely to continue</b></a> throughout the 21<sup>st</sup> century.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Weather shocks can have <a href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/43755227?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents"><b>long-lasting effects</b></a> on children's health and education. Hence, these shocks can reduce countries' levels of education and economic growth in the long term. Poor people in developing regions of the world often bear the highest costs of these events. This is mainly due to limited social protection and insurance against weather risks, combined with lack of economic opportunities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Extreme winters threaten herding households</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Most studies on the impact of extreme weather events focus on droughts or rainfall shocks in tropical or dry regions. However, cold shocks in the form of extremely harsh winters can also be damaging for children. While affecting all regions with continental climate and large seasonal variations in temperature, such as Russia, inland China or the Himalayas, these shocks are especially relevant in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Children who were of school age during the shock and lived in severely affected districts were significantly less likely to have completed mandatory education<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>Over the past two decades, Mongolia has been hit by two extremely severe winters, which caused mass livestock mortality. The phenomenon of harsh winters causing mass livestock mortality is referred to as <i>dzud</i> in Mongolian language. Extreme winters are characterized by exceptionally cold temperature, excessive snow, lack of precipitation during the previous summer and fluctuations in temperature that cause the snow to melt and then ice over, thus hindering animal grazing. The two recent <i>dzud</i> events can be seen in Figure 1, which shows livestock development in Mongolia over the period 1991-2011. The first event spanned three consecutive winters during the period 1999-2002, while the second occurred in the single winter of 2009/10.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Both shocks dramatically threatened livelihoods among the Mongolian population. Indeed, for about a third of Mongolians, animals represent the primary source of nutrition and income. Many herders lost a substantial portion of their herd during the <i>dzud</i> disasters, often falling into situations of food insecurity and poverty.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Children among the most affected by extreme winters</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Two recent papers studied the consequences of extreme winters on children's health and education, respectively. <a href="https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/why-climate-change-matters-for-children/"><b>As it is often the case when extreme weather hits</b></a>, the studies found that children were severely affected by the weather shocks. This calls for special attention from UNICEF, which can play a leading role in supporting government policies and programmes to protect children before other extreme weather events occur.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305750X15303120"><b>first paper</b></a> specifically studied the impact of the 2009/10 <i>dzud</i> on the health of children younger than 7 years old, as measured by the height-for-age indicator. Results show that children who were born or in utero during the 2009/10 catastrophic winter and lived in districts that were severely hit by the shock have significantly worse health, compared to same-age children living in less affected districts.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <a href="http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00148-016-0628-6"><b>second paper</b></a> examines the impact of extreme weather events on education. The study finds that individuals who were of school age during the shock and lived in severely affected districts were significantly less likely to have completed mandatory education, compared to peers in less affected districts. The effects are verified for both the 1999-2002 and the 2009/2010 winters. They are also large in magnitude and persist in the long term, up to about ten years after the shock. This is particularly striking in a middle-income country like Mongolia, where there are no tuition fees for basic education.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In both studies, the effects only hit children from households that were engaged in herding before the shock. Moreover, the data show a negative correlation between shock intensity and post-shock household income. Taken together, the results suggest that it is not winter conditions, <i>per se</i>, to which all children are exposed, which drive the results. Actually, it appears that weather shocks affected children mainly through losses in household assets and income.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>What can UNICEF do to protect children from extreme weather shocks?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The fact that children were not shielded from the negative consequences of the 2009/10 winter disaster shows that the country did not experience sufficient learning from previous weather shocks. Because extreme weather is likely to strike again in Mongolia and elsewhere, it is essential to apply policies which protect vulnerable children in case of future shocks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>More research is needed to better understand the long-term effects of weather events and the mechanisms behind them. However, the existing evidence already indicates a range of complementary policies that can mitigate the impact of weather shocks on children. <a href="https://blogs.unicef.org/blog/heres-need-know-el-nino/"><b>As UNICEF previously advocated</b></a>, such policies include post-disaster relief, such as the provision of nutritional supplements to infants or pregnant mothers or the delivery of fodder to protect weakened animals. The research presented here indeed finds a positive correlation between the amount of food and fodder aid distributed after the shock and children's health outcomes in a given district.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Preventive interventions are equally, if not more important, than post-shock support. In the context of health protection, these may include monitoring the health of pregnant mothers and infants – even in non-disaster years – especially in remote rural areas and in poorer households. Moreover, weather insurance can be effective in protecting household income and, in turn, children's health and education. Increasing the diversification of household economic activity can also improve household resilience in the face of weather extremes. As a form of income support, cash transfers also have great potential as a mitigation policy in the context of natural disasters. Finally, improving the dissemination of information on extreme weather events, for instance through early warning systems, may also prevent the negative consequences of extreme weather on children.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.unicef-irc.org/article/1532/"><b>Valeria Groppo</b></a> is Social and Economic Policy Consultant at the UNICEF Office of Research – Innocenti. Thanks to <a href="https://www.unicef-irc.org/article/1300/"><b>Michelle Mills</b></a> for her comments. The research presented in this blog was conducted within the project <a href="http://www.diw.de/en/diw_02.c.219223.en/research_advice/macroec_developments_and_the_world_economy/development_and_security/research_projects/research_projects.html?id=diw_01.c.395251.en"><b>"Economics of Climate Change: Coping with Shocks in Mongolia"</b></a>. The project was carried out by a team of researchers at the German Institute of Economic Research (<a href="http://www.diw.de/en"><b>DIW Berlin</b></a>), in cooperation with the <a href="http://www.en.nso.mn/index.php"><b>Mongolian National Statistical Office</b></a> (NSO). Funding for the project was provided by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Explore the <a href="https://www.unicef-irc.org/publications/"><b>UNICEF Innocenti research catalogue</b></a> for new publications. Follow UNICEF <a href="https://twitter.com/UNICEFInnocenti"><b>Innocenti on Twitter</b></a> and sign up for e-newsletters on any page of the UNICEF <a href="https://www.unicef-irc.org/"><b>Innocenti website</b></a>.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogs.unicef.org/evidence-for-action/children-bear-the-cost-of-extreme-weather-new-evidence-from-mongolia/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_People_in_Need"></a>People in Need prepares emergency response to dzud-affected Mongolian herders for the second winter in a row<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 23 (People in Need) Extreme winter weather, termed 'dzud', has hit Mongolian herders once again. The phenomenon which appears approximately once in decade has unusually appeared for the second consecutive winter in a row. <a href="http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/map-MDRMN006_EA.pdf">Seventeen out of twenty-one provinces</a> have officially declared being affected with dzud. The most vulnerable people are now the herders who did not have enough time to recover from the damages from last year. Around 157,000 herders are at risk of losing livestock and their livelihoods, with the <a href="http://reliefweb.int/report/mongolia/acaps-briefing-note-mongolia-extreme-winter-conditions-16-february-2017">lean season expected to last until May</a>. People in Need (PIN) prepares emergency response to those affected in the Dornod, Sukhbaatar and Khentii provinces of East Mongolia. The most vulnerable herders will receive feed for their animals and financial support to cover basic family needs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>"My 20 cows have already died. I am doing everything I can to save the rest of my livestock, but animals are still getting weaker and my feed reserve will run out in a few weeks. I don't know what I will do after that</i>," describes the critical situation 43-year-old Urjinsuren Mijiddorj, showing his cows that recently died from weakness and froze in his backyard in Kherlen soum. "<i>I hope the snow will melt soon," </i>he adds. This year's dzud caught even the usually prepared herders by surprise. An absence of cash and exhaustion of all reserves has forced the herders to look for a short-term solution. They are borrowing food and essential goods from shops, getting a bank loan if possible, or selling the animals for very low prices, consequently losing possible income from the cashmere, dairy, and meat. When a herder loses his livelihood, his whole family is threatened because they depend on him. This results in impoverishment of the rural population and undermines their resilience for the upcoming winter. People are not able to cope without help.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Feed packages for animals and cash support</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Steppe fires and dry summer followed by heavy rains in September and early snow in October has put the rural population in an extremely vulnerable position. By February 2017, 77.8% of the country was covered in snow. Thick layers of snow and ice in the mountainous regions, as thick as 50 cm, cover most of the pastures and causing animals' injuries and starvation. These harsh weather conditions and breakouts of deadly infectious diseases have already killed more than 45,000 heads of cattle, leaving more than 8,000 households in need of emergency assistance. <i>"Mongolia did not get over the last dzud yet. Local herders are used to rough winters and always try to carefully prepare themselves and have enough fodder reserves for their herds. But no one expected these bad conditions this year,"</i> says Jaroslav Petřík, the PIN coordinator for Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>People in Need, together with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Czech Republic, currently prepares support for more than 550 of the most vulnerable herder families in eleven dzud-affected soums of Dornod province. <i>"People here will receive feed kits for animals and unconditional cash grants to cover basic household needs. Our team in Mongolia is ready to provide assistance for 5,000 more people,"</i> adds Jaroslav Petřík.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Family of the herder Tserevjav Chuluunbaatar seems luckier as they have not lost any animals so far. But despite the fact that their livestock of 32 heads is still alive, it is far from enough for him and his family of five to survive on. That is why Mr. Chuluunbaatar at the age of sixty-one is not only taking care of his own animals, but is also working as an assistant to another herder. "<i>My fodder reserves are running out and we do not have any money to buy more. Your help will be just in time and we are very grateful"</i>, says Mr. Chuluunbaatar while showing his newborn sheep.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>People in Need in Mongolia</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>PIN has already helped those affected by dzud in Mongolia in 2010 and 2016. In cooperation with <a href="http://www.charita.cz/en/">Caritas Czech republic</a> herdsmen families were provided with financial and food assistance, allowing them to resume their agricultural trade and prepare for the next hard winter. Apart from the immediate humanitarian aid, PIN helps herders and local authorities identify long-term measures to better prepare for more frequent dzuds and minimize their consequences. Since 2011, PIN has a permanent country program in Mongolia (<a href="https://www.clovekvtisni.cz/en/humanitary-aid/country/mongolia">read more</a>).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>PIN provides current aid to dzud-affected Mongolian with the support of the <a href="http://www.mzv.cz/jnp/en/index.html">Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Czech Republic</a>, and the support of the Czech public who contributed through <a href="https://www.clovekvtisni.cz/cs/chci-pomoci/klub-pratel">Club of Friends of People in Need</a>. People in Need would like to thank all donors for their support.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><u>For more information please contact:</u></b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.clovekvtisni.cz/en/articles/people-in-need-prepares-emergency-response-to-dzud-affected-mongolian-herders-for-the-second-winter-in-a-row">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s1600/image006-706986.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s320/image006-706986.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536849828796626" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Sports></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Sports<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_Mongolia_sets_dates"></a>Mongolia sets dates of horse racing event for 2017<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 22 (news.mn) Horse racing is one of Mongolia's traditional 'three manly games' and a main feature of the Naadam festival in July. It is, however, not just limited to the summer. National and international children's rights organizations have expressed their strong opposition to illegal horse races in winter or early spring, involving small boys as child jockeys. There have been numerous cases of injuries and even fatalities. In response to this pressure, the Government of Mongolia has regulated the horse racing dates and locations. The following horse races will be held in the spring and summer of 2017, in compliance with the law on the National Naadam Festival.<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo12'>"Dunjingarav" spring horse racing of central region at Tsagaan hotol of Argalant soum, Tuv aimag on March 5<sup>th</sup>, 2017.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo12'>Regional spring horse racing in Khuvsgul and Gobi-Altai aimags on March 12<sup>th</sup>, 2017.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo12'>Summer horse racing for the Eastern Region in Sukhbaatar aimag on July 28<sup>th</sup>-30<sup>th</sup>, 2017<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo12'>Summer horse racing for the Central Region in Khui Doloon Khudag (near Ulaanbaatar) on July 28-30, 2017<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo12'>Summer horse racing for the Northern Region in Selenge aimag on July 28<sup>th</sup>-30<sup>th</sup>, 2017<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo12'>Summer horse racing for the Gobi Region in Dundgobi aimag on July 28<sup>th</sup>-30<sup>th</sup>, 2017<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo12'>Summer horse racing for the Khangai Region in Uvurkhangai aimag on July 28<sup>th</sup>-30<sup>th</sup>, 2017<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l5 level1 lfo12'>Summer horse racing for the Western Region in Uvs aimag on July 28<sup>th</sup>-30<sup>th</sup>, 2017<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/325996">Link to article</a><span class=MsoHyperlink><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8890">Government sets date and location of big horse racings</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, February 22<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Cabinet_approves_₮806"></a>Cabinet approves <span lang=MN>₮806 million budget for international sports competitions in 2017<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 22 (MONTSAME) - A total of MNT806 million will be spent from the state budget for international sports competitions and games to host in the country. These include championships of Asia and South Asia, international games and competitions of children, youth and adults in sports of chess, free wrestling, boxing, volleyball, badminton, soft tennis and aerobic.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8891">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Judokas_head_to"></a>Judokas head to Germany for Dusseldorf GP 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 23 (MONTSAME) Team of the best judokas of Mongolia left yesterday for Dusseldorf Grand Prix 2017 to commence on February 24 in Dusseldorf, Germany.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Grand Prix is hosted by the International Judo Federation (IJF) and challenging 380 wrestlers, 224 men and 156 women from 52 countries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Representing Mongolia, D.Tumurkhuleg and D.Altansukh (66kg), S.Bayartuvshin (73kg), G.Boldbaatar and D.Amartuvshin (60kg), B.Altansukh and B.Gaajadamba (81kg) and B.Bat-Erdene (90kg) are competing in men's division, and E.Gerelmaa (48kg), Ch.Azzaya (52kg), D.Sumiya and L.Enkhriilen (57kg) are being challenged in women's division.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/8898">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_B.Achbadrakh_wins_bronze"></a>B.Achbadrakh wins bronze medal at World Ski Championships<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 23 (MONTSAME) Mongolian athlete B.Achbadrakh won bronze medal in Cross-Country Men 10.0 km Individual Classic Qualification Race in the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Lahti, Finland on February 22 to March 05.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A total of 67 athletes from 28 countries competed in the 10 km race, which was held on February 22 and B.Achbadrakh finished the race with time of 27:27.0, while finishing time of the gold medal winner Crncovic Kresimir was 26:21.5 and the silver medalist Klicevicius Deividos's was 27:17.1, according to unofficial results. Mongolian athlete B.Amarsanaa took 19th place, also racing in this distance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Four athletes are participating in the world championships, headed by trainer of national selective team J.Khaliun. In women's 10.0 km Individual Classic Qualification Race athlete Ch.Otgontsetseg took 4th and A.Enkhtuul 9th place.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/8909">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Tenuun-Ogoo_and_Altain"></a>Tenuun-Ogoo and Altain Bars conquer Hasu Cup 2017 volleyball tourney<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 22 (UB Post) Hasu Cup 2017 volleyball tournament was organized by the Mongolian Volleyball Association and Hasu Megastars Club from February 14 to 19 at Eco Sports Complex.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tenuun-Ogoo team, led by E.Saikhanbaatar, claimed gold medal in the men's match. Tenuun-Ogoo won silver medal in last year's Hasu Cup. Megastars and Erchim teams won silver and bronze medals respectively.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Altain Bars team claimed the winner's cup in the women's tournament. They were followed by Enagura and Tenuun-Ogoo teams.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A total of 14 volleyball teams (nine men's and five women's) competed in the Hasu Cup 2017. This year's Hasu Cup took place at Eco Sports Complex in Khan-Uul District.<br>During the closing ceremony of the tournament, the best players of the tournament were announced.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tenuun-Ogoo's International Sports Master E.Saikhanbaatar was selected as the best male player and D.Unentuya of Altain Bars became the best female player.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/22/tenuun-ogoo-and-altain-bars-conquer-hasu-cup-2017/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_swipes_41"></a>Mongolia swipes 41 medals from Korea Open Memory Championship<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 22 (UB Post) A Mongolian memory team comprised of 19 athletes competed in the first Korea Open Memory Championship, which took place in Seoul from February 17 to 19, and won 41 medals.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian athletes won 14 gold, 15 silver and 12 bronze medals and renewed several world memory records.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>B.Khangal broke the world record in the junior age category of image, B.Ariunsanaa in the teenage age category of image, E.Lkhagvadulam in the random cards category, and<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>G.Enkhlen in the spoken numbers category.<br>International Sports Master E.Lkhagvadulam won gold medal and B.Ariunsanaa gained bronze medal in the teenage category overall. B.Khangal and O.Tuvshinzaya each received bronze medals in the junior category.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A total of 178 competitors from 12 countries challenged their memory skills in 10 categories: names and faces, binary numbers, five-min images, speed numbers, historic date, random cards, random words, random numbers, spoken numbers, speed cards.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/22/mongolia-swipes-41-medals-from-korea-open-memory-championship/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_BMW_GS_Trophy"></a>BMW GS Trophy 2018 Destination: Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Adventure dream-destination for BMW Motorrad GS Trophy 2018<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 23 (Driver Magazine) BMW announced the next GS Trophy destination. The 2018 edition takes place in Mongolia in early summer of 2018 and anyone can participate by signing up at the regional qualifiers set to take place this year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After North and South Africa, South and North America and Southeast Asia, the sixth BMW GS Trophy is set to take place in Mongolia - an adventure dream destination for any rider. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The competition is open to all non-professional BMW riders. GS Trophy tests riders on their riding, adventure, teamwork skills while and handling of the BMW GS motorcycle is at the core of the skill set.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The regional qualifiers held throughout 2017 typically replicate the challenges of the International GS Trophy and are often two or multi-day competitions with riders scoring points, leading to a final where the top scorers will compete for the three team positions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Those lucky – talented – three will then be fully equipped by BMW Motorrad for the adventure ahead, flown to Mongolia and each presented with a brand new personalised BMW GS motorcycle to ride for the duration of the event.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>International GS Trophy Female Team gets new selection process</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Following a successful introduction in 2016, women will again compete in Mongolia. GS riding women from all over the world will now qualify for the final through a new procedure.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They can qualify for their national team at the regional qualifiers, competing like-for-like with the men. Furthermore, the best two women in each regional qualifier (who have not reached the top three overall anyway) will move forward to an International GS Trophy Female Qualifier where, as before, the best of the best will be selected for the International GS Trophy Female Team.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more information and details of the Intl. GS Trophy 2018 please go to <a href="http://www.gstrophy.com/">www.gstrophy.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://riders.drivemag.com/ww/news/bmw-gs-trophy-2018-destination-mongolia">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/canada/article/detail/T0268095EN/destination-adventure-2018:-the-bmw-motorrad-international-gs-trophy-central-asia-takes-place-in-mongolia-registration-now-open-for-qualifying-events-in-2017?language=en">Link to BMW release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s1600/image006-706986.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s320/image006-706986.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536849828796626" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Art></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Art & Entertainment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Exhibition:_'Heavenly_Horses',"></a>Exhibition: 'Heavenly Horses', Best Art Gallery<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 21 (UB Post) From February 17 to March 5, The Best Art Gallery (BAG) of the Union of Mongolian Artists is hosting "Heavenly Horses", a group exhibition by young artists.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The exhibition of equestrian art includes over 30 fine arts and sculptures by 10 young artists. A bronze horse statue dating back to the Bronze Age, a curry comb, and a horse-head fiddle are also on display at the exhibition. Equestrian calendars and notes are also featured.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Director of BAG S.Chuluunbaatar shared that the central point of the exhibition is to present new fine arts by artists who paint horses to people who love horses on the occasion of the Mongolian Lunar New Year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Director S.Chuluunbaatar said that since the exhibition's opening, he has felt that Mongolians' love and pride for horses as the exhibition has been extremely popular.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He said that BAG will annually hold exhibitions and other activities related to equestrian art during Naadam and Lunar New Year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the exhibition's opening remarks, Member of the Federation of Mongolian Horse Racing Sport and Trainers G.Chinzorig said that the federation will support the artists in organizing more equestrian exhibitions and auctions during Naadam in Ulaanbaatar and provinces this summer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/21/heavenly-horses/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_woodcraft_exhibition"></a>Mongolian woodcraft exhibition taking place at Zanabazar Museum<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 22 (MONTSAME) An exhibition on Mongolian woodcrafting is taking place at 'The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum' between February 22 and March 22. During the opening ceremony held today, general issues on the preservation of museum objects and exhibits were discussed among the experts and public.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to Kh.Tserenbyamba, a researcher at 'The Fine Arts Zanabazar Museum', the museum holds over 3 thousand exhibits and only the selected hundred Mongolian wooden arts are being displayed on the exhibition. The exhibit consists of household instruments, <i>Khurgan</i> (lamb) <i>ger</i> and religious items of between 17th and 20th centuries and the highlights of the exhibition are the Chariot for the Maitreya Procession, gold-coated wooden saddle and <i>Khurgan ger</i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Chariot for the Maitreya Procession was originally destroyed in the 1940's and was reconstructed by the students of the Art Institute of Amsterdam in 2000. The chariot represents the arrival of Maitreya, the future buddha and is considered the beacon of hope in the buddhist tradition. As for the wooden saddle, the item was created in the 17th century and was used by High Saint Zanabazar himself. The saddle has golden plate dragons where the High Saint's herd seal is visible on top of the dragon.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Preservation of museum object is relatively poor in Mongolia. Especially, the wooden objects decay or even break in an ever-changing environments. Most objects respond to the moisture in the atmosphere, so the longevity of museum objects depend heavily on the temperature and moisture of the hall. Due to the extreme climate and facility structure, preservation of museum objects is becoming an issue. Therefore, the 'Mongolian Cultural Heritage of Woodcraft' discussion was held in order to help create the guidelines of temperature separation of the facility and other ways to preserve museum objects at affordable cost.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/art-culture/8889">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s1600/image006-706986.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s320/image006-706986.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390536849828796626" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Travel></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Travel<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_The_First_Sunrise"></a>The First Sunrise Tour of the Lunar New Year<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 22 (gogo.mn) Join the tour to watch the first sunrise of the Lunar New Year and whisper your wish to make come true.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Genco Tour Bureau tourism centre invites you to take part in their Lunar New Year First Sunrise tour on 27th February (First day of Tsagaan Sar). The tour will take place at the Chinggis Khan statue complex, Tsonjinboldog - about 1.5hr drive from Ulaanbaatar to the east. There will be a sunrise ceremony, breakfast, calligraphy and traditional music performance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Tour program:</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Tour price: </b>40,000 MNT (Included services: transportation, breakfast, cultural performance and guide)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Tour route:</b> Bayangol hotel, Ulaanbaatar - Chinggis Khaan Statue Complex - Bayangol hotel, Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>For more info please contact at:</b> 7012-0202, 9322-9323 or click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/986787604798268/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157475">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Winter_Wonderland_of"></a>Winter Wonderland of Blue Pearl festival to take place in March<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 23 (MONTSAME) "Khukh Suvd-2017", (Blue Pearl-2017) the XVIII annual international ice festival will take place in Dood Modon Bulan of Hatgal town, Khuvsgul aimag between March 2 and 5.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Khuvsgul Lake freezes around November with 1-1.5 meter layer of ice and the ice festival has became a tradition for the natives which is held in March every year. The festival has been taking place since 2000 with an aim to develop Mongolian winter tourism, to extend tourist season, to create income opportunities for the local community and to promote magnificent landscape of Khuvsgul Lake, one of the largest clean water source of Asia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The festival is being organized by the collaboration between the Community of Khuvsgul Tourism, Ministry of Environment and Green Development and the Governor's office of Khuvsgul aimag.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Ice Festival will open up with a parade of skaters, horse and dog sleds, as well as Russian figure skating performance. During the event, horse sled race, introductory bonfire party of shamanist ritual, ice archery, figure skating contest, sumo-wrestling on ice and other fun games will be hosted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The guests are able to visit ice huts, drink cold beverages from a frozen cup, ride horse sleds, skate on the crystallized ice of Khuvsgul Lake and enter the ice sculpturing contest. Also for your entertainment, the glittering ice town will welcome you upon your arrival where you can find reindeers and shaman huts. Inside the town, even the household instruments will be made out of ice and a trade fair of the native handcrafters will be open for business.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The number of incomers are increasing each year and about 1200 vehicles, 70 handcraft traders and 100-200 foreign tourists have came to the last year's festival, totaling 6 thousand people.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8915">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_'The_Nomadic_Winter"></a>'The Nomadic Winter 2017' Festival Series Begins<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 23 (news.mn) During March, the Ministry of Environment and Green Development will be organising an interesting series of events entitled 'The Nomadic Winter 2017'. The series will open with an 'Eagle Festival' at the Chinggis Khaani Khuree camp on 5<sup>th</sup> of March. The camp, is located not far from Ulaanbaatar. Every year, just as the winter hunting season is getting underway, ethnic Kazakh golden eagle hunters gather from all over Bayan-Ulgii province (western Mongolia) to celebrate their age-old tradition. Like traditional practices elsewhere in the world, hunting with eagles is on the verge of extinction, but in Mongolia the tradition is alive and well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Then 'Blue Pearl-2017' ice festival will be held on 2<sup>nd</sup>-5<sup>th</sup> of March in Khatgal soum of Khuvsgul province, located at the southern tip of the beautiful Lake Khuvsgul. The lake is truly beautiful and is an ecological gem. Containing 70% of all fresh water in Mongolia, it is 262 meters deep and surrounded by breathtaking scenery.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The series will end with a 'Camel Festival' on 6<sup>th</sup>-7<sup>th</sup> of March in the Bulgan soum of the South Gobi province. Tourists from 86 countries have registered to participate in the festival. The Thousand Camel Festival, held amidst the dazzling scenery of the Gobi Desert, is a celebration of the endangered Bactrian camel and the important role it plays in the lives of the Gobi's nomads. Camel races and polo competitions, as well as performances of traditional Mongolian music and dance, are among the highlights of this annual event.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/326127">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Camel_Festival_2017"></a>Camel Festival 2017 to be celebrated in Bulgan<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 22 (UB Post) The annual Camel Festival 2017 will be held on March 6 and 7 in Bulgan soum of Umnugovi Province.<br>During the two-day event, camel polo contests, an anklebone shooting competition, photo exhibition featuring photos of Mongolian camels, and traditional music and dance performances will be organized.<br>Camel herders from around the country will come to attend the festival with their camels. The Camel Festival has already become a popular event among tourists.<br>Ten thousand camels will gather and parade in the opening ceremony.<br>The first camel festival was celebrated in 1997 by Umnugovi residents to promote Mongolian camels to the world and protect the species and pass on the rich Mongolian camel breeding heritage to the next generation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Agenda of the Camel Festival 2017:</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>March 6</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>09:00 to 13:00 Camel Polo 2017 semi-final<br>13:00 to 14:00 Lunch Break<br>14:00 Opening ceremony Camel Parade, and Most Beautiful Couple on Camels competition<br>15:00 Anklebone shooting competition<br>17:00 Camel Polo 2017 final, and Gala concert by Bulgan soum students<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>March 7</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>09:00 Camels prepare for the race<br>12:00 One-year-old camel race<br>13:00 to 14:00 Lunch break<br>14:00 Competition among camel herders<br>17:00 Closing and award ceremonies<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/22/camel-festival-2017-to-be-celebrated-in-bulgan/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s1600/image006-706986.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj55aQ0RpcCSSrYIN9B_geICy2OmfCMD7aw-_JsdgFTrDTVfRHK0jJaS_UXtn7-A4oR36E8QM5SvnNDMMIOshE_0TiJfnR34M4nU3sUr2aSv2zXNwA1zzd9SXn2hR6bzaXpAF53xYnNu3g/s320/image006-706986.jpg" border="0" alt="" 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src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNdo7fY43aXZyoue3KiHhzkru2RnjTLzVNK0gKEdI4jHADYWMpnlYnYK9uzuSI54Jb3NGotieLDOaXN4j4G7o9-M-8B6GNuw8rgkpa-fW2XOkFBl4fo0yFY07IkBYwpo_G5OHmD2Bqxc/s320/image018-744651.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6390537015679420690" /></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Suite </span><span lang=MN style='color:#1F497D'>303</span><span style='color:#1F497D'>, Level 3, Elite Complex<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>14 Chinggis Avenue, Sukhbaatar District 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia<br></span><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Email</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: </span><a href="mailto:info@covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@covermongolia.com</span></a><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Website</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: <a href="http://www.covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>www.covermongolia.com</span></a></span><u><span style='color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Phone (Office)</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: +976 7711 6779</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:Webdings;color:#339966'>P</span><span style='color:#339966'> </span><span lang=EN-AU style='color:#007F00;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-44047663977076966932017-02-22T12:47:00.001+08:002017-04-14T13:34:11.670+08:00[Khuraldai bonds announced; TTL makes ₮54B profit; MNT gains for 3rd day; and 3-year bonds get no bids]<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawEUsB35DxECUFW3F4amqt89xQar31C0qSUJYPnJfoJqFiECF9qf9qvFLeZwD5QdwdLgK2YTVJbRZ1Mt4X5NT7D_61204HUIhjxwAoAIUSjWU6Nnpbb7Uc-akkV6YBz9JlIJXerELOf8/s1600/image001-755018.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiawEUsB35DxECUFW3F4amqt89xQar31C0qSUJYPnJfoJqFiECF9qf9qvFLeZwD5QdwdLgK2YTVJbRZ1Mt4X5NT7D_61204HUIhjxwAoAIUSjWU6Nnpbb7Uc-akkV6YBz9JlIJXerELOf8/s320/image001-755018.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789735096771106" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrADUMGN2bP9N-qN1nr5-RDf7epo3LfNUd-ptptblkCZwi44_z-XgxMUj_S4tmrALOFz0C2gT5Zmv1YlNMffyI3OnQS0QOEv7ogtUx9ay2xLYiRc4kDZzFJPlMIMsAUMyimJPAPFIxq4/s1600/image002-757184.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikrADUMGN2bP9N-qN1nr5-RDf7epo3LfNUd-ptptblkCZwi44_z-XgxMUj_S4tmrALOFz0C2gT5Zmv1YlNMffyI3OnQS0QOEv7ogtUx9ay2xLYiRc4kDZzFJPlMIMsAUMyimJPAPFIxq4/s320/image002-757184.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789743222328834" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Wednesday, February 22, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'>Cover Mongolia</span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span style='color:#4472C4'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></u>, <span style='color:#00B0F0'><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#00B0F0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#2F5597'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#2F5597'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span style='color:black'>, </span><span style='color:#C55A11'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><b><span style='color:#C55A11'>Instagram</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#C00000'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><b><span style='color:#C00000'>YouTube</span></b></a></span> and <span style='color:#FFC000'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><b><span style='color:#FFC000'>Blogspot</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><u>Jump to</u>: <a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> - <a href="#Local">Local Market</a> - <a href="#Economy">Economy</a> - <a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> - <a href="#Business">Business</a> - <a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> - <a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> - <a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> - <a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> - <a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> - <a href="#Sports">Sports</a> - <a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> - <a href="#Travel">Travel</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Headlines in <b><i>Italic</i></b> are ones modified by Cover Mongolia from original<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>HEADLINES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadIntl></a><u><a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_GoM_Offering_Certain">GoM Offering Certain Cash Consideration to Exchange DBM Notes with New Sovereign "Khuraldai" Notes</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Three_Reasons_Why">Three Reasons Why Investors Are Still Betting on Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYnOCCRv7DPWIfi2L-WJIOq5XSvjaj9xro3R4jdfRkx5pDSHt3I2ExIVyBzouM7bSOEwJtWFdo22jsamhu66mlfoPshlE53KBNLR8RGusYdkb-geIU1OOmcBG2NrKJfZWjdU9DeiBNtA/s1600/image003-759635.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyYnOCCRv7DPWIfi2L-WJIOq5XSvjaj9xro3R4jdfRkx5pDSHt3I2ExIVyBzouM7bSOEwJtWFdo22jsamhu66mlfoPshlE53KBNLR8RGusYdkb-geIU1OOmcBG2NrKJfZWjdU9DeiBNtA/s320/image003-759635.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789752710174610" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadLocal></a><u><a href="#Local">Local Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MSE_Trading_Report:">MSE Top 20 -0.1%, ALL -0.13%, Turnover ₮126.2 Million Shares, ₮390 Million T-Bills</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Tavantolgoi_JSC_makes">Tavantolgoi JSC makes ₮54 billion net profit last year</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAF58jEWwBluoLpjBg0FwiCsvSGd7GZ0l8EKwLinoItbT1EKX-UX1W3lQyH_In_0HAQP-TBwKLkKROlQv-pD5LnC-IxWL_Aq5UkFcOhujmLyYVUW00UgLaVSOdY1N7d_naWrO1lTjljwo/s1600/image004-761347.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAF58jEWwBluoLpjBg0FwiCsvSGd7GZ0l8EKwLinoItbT1EKX-UX1W3lQyH_In_0HAQP-TBwKLkKROlQv-pD5LnC-IxWL_Aq5UkFcOhujmLyYVUW00UgLaVSOdY1N7d_naWrO1lTjljwo/s320/image004-761347.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789759034211554" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadEconomy></a><u><a href="#Economy">Economy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_MNT_Rates:">MNT gains for 3rd day</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_buys_$16m">BoM buys $16m at ₮2,482, declines $20m USD swap offers</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_GoM_sells_₮50">GoM sells ₮50 billion 39-week t-bills at 17.57% discount with ₮65 billion bids</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_₮5_billion_3-year">₮5 billion 3-year GoM bond auction receives no bids</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Trade_turnover_with">Trade turnover with Japan increases by 17 per cent</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Economic_recovery_funding">Economic recovery funding could increase by US$1.5b and US$1b soft loans from Russia and China respectively</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXuifrJYKTtVfnAF1PaFCZCjCIIETVErOrpC1JcWZgV5mJYR236zyDG_3BiiLMxpQ_JB5OzOmQjv8u7QshmFVBqr1FWcDz0L2EDKzymu2ZhmBYH2Mcwm9PBUGrtYFj8Sa5Oh5sW19Zuo/s1600/image005-764387.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXuifrJYKTtVfnAF1PaFCZCjCIIETVErOrpC1JcWZgV5mJYR236zyDG_3BiiLMxpQ_JB5OzOmQjv8u7QshmFVBqr1FWcDz0L2EDKzymu2ZhmBYH2Mcwm9PBUGrtYFj8Sa5Oh5sW19Zuo/s320/image005-764387.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789772268942082" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadPolitics></a><u><a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Prime_Minister_presents">Prime Minister presents best agricultural worker awards</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Senior_citizens_begin">Senior citizens begin receiving cash handouts before Lunar New Year</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia's_New_Arbitration">Mongolia's New Arbitration Law Offers More Effective Enforcement</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire">AmCham Daily Newswire for February 21, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s1600/image006-766379.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s320/image006-766379.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789780131110306" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadBusiness></a><a name=HeadUlaanbaatar></a><u><a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Eagle_Festival_in">Eagle Festival in Ulaanbaatar, March 5</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_6:45_Lecture_and">6:45 Lecture and Meeting with Monk D.Nyamsambuu</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Celebrate_Margarita_Day">Celebrate Margarita Day at Cosy Club, February 22</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Movie_Night:_'Ouija:">Movie Night: 'Ouija: Origin of Evil', February 23</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s1600/image006-766379.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s320/image006-766379.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789780131110306" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadDiplomacy></a><u><a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_and_China">Mongolia and China agree on cooperation issues</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Foreign_Minister's_visit">Foreign Minister's visit to China continues</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_to_get">Mongolia to get help from China</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_should_enhance">Mongolia should enhance ties with China to push forward its economic reforms</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Kazakhstan_and_Mongolia">Kazakhstan and Mongolia plan nuclear cooperation</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Foreign_Ministers_of">Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Mongolia exchange messages</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Non-Resident_Ambassador_to">Non-Resident Ambassador to San Marino presents credentials</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_U.S._Army:_615th">U.S. Army: 615th CT supporting Mongolia's Gobi Wolf 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Cooperation_in_energy">Cooperation in energy and tourism with Irkutsk highlighted</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_China_bails_out">China bails out Mongolia while India does nothing to help...</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s1600/image006-766379.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s320/image006-766379.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789780131110306" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadHealthEdu></a><u><a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Report_on_Maternal">Report on Maternal Mortality Sets Course for Mongolia's Future</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_25.000_km_to">25.000 km to help build schools in Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s1600/image006-766379.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s320/image006-766379.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789780131110306" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadCulture></a><u><a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_New_priest_ordained">New priest ordained in Mongolia in the Jubilee year</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s1600/image006-766379.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s320/image006-766379.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789780131110306" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadNature></a><u><a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_App_for_emergency">App for emergency preparedness released</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_A_'Dzud'_Comes">A 'Dzud' Comes Every 12 Years. Except for This Time</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Wintering_aid_granted">Wintering aid granted in western provinces</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s1600/image006-766379.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s320/image006-766379.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789780131110306" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadSports></a><u><a href="#Sports">Sports</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_triumphs_over">Mongolia triumphs over Singapore in ice hockey</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s1600/image006-766379.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s320/image006-766379.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789780131110306" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadArt></a><a name=HeadTravel></a><u><a href="#Travel">Travel</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_makes_Lonely">Mongolia makes Lonely Planet's Top 10 destinations for travelers</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Why_You_Need">Why You Need to Visit Mongolia This Year</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_John_Feely_on">John Feely on capturing life in "remote" Mongolia and learning a new way of living</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Visit_Mongolia_Before">Visit Mongolia Before Everyone Else Does</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s1600/image006-766379.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s320/image006-766379.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789780131110306" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>ARTICLES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=International></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Int'l Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Mogi: name of PDF was named "Khuraldai". I'm assuming the new notes are being called as such. Lucid Issuer in an email said the Exchange Offer Memorandum is only available for noteholders.<o:p></o:p></i></p><h2><a name="_GoM_Offering_Certain"></a>GoM Offering Certain Cash Consideration to Exchange DBM Notes with New Sovereign "Khuraldai" Notes<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing>OFFER TO EXCHANGE GOVERNMENT OF MONGOLIA NOTES FOR UP TO US$580 MILLION OF DEVELOPMENT BANK OF MONGOLIA LLC's OUTSTANDING 5.75% GUARANTEED NOTES DUE 2017<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 20 (Government of Mongolia) -- <o:p></o:p></span></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:11.6pt'><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:11.6pt'><p class=MsoNormal> <b>ISIN </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:11.6pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Common </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Code </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:11.6pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Coupon </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:11.6pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Maturity </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:11.6pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Amount </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Outstanding </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:11.6pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>New Note Description </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:11.6pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Exchange Consideration per US$1,000 of Old Notes </b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:14.45pt'><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.45pt'><p class=MsoNormal>XS0755567301 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.45pt'><p class=MsoNormal>075556730 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.45pt'><p class=MsoNormal>5.75% <o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.45pt'><p class=MsoNormal>March 21, 2017 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.45pt'><p class=MsoNormal>US$580,000,000 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.45pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Notes due <o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.45pt'><p class=MsoNormal>US$1,000 of New Notes plus certain cash consideration (as described in the Exchange Offer Memorandum) <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal>Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the exchange offer memorandum dated February 20, 2017 (the "<b>Exchange Offer Memorandum</b>"), the Government of Mongolia (the "<b>Government</b>") is offering to exchange (the "<b>Exchange Offer</b>") up to US$580 million of Development Bank of Mongolia LLC's ("<b>DBM</b>") outstanding 5.75% Guaranteed Notes due 2017 (the "<b>Old Notes</b>") for the Government's new debt securities (the "<b>New Notes</b>"). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meaning as in the Exchange Offer Memorandum.<o:p></o:p></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL COMMENCE ON FEBRUARY 20, 2017 AND EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., CENTRAL EUROPEAN TIME, ON MARCH 1, 2017, (SUCH DATE AND TIME, AS THEY MAY BE EXTENDED OR EARLIER TERMINATED AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE GOVERNMENT, THE "EXCHANGE EXPIRATION DATE").<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal>Interest on the New Notes will accrue from the Settlement Date and will be payable semi-annually. Old Notes being tendered for exchange may only be submitted in a minimum size of US$200,000. The aggregate principal amount of New Notes to be issued to any holder in the exchange offer will be in a minimum size of US$200,000. As discussed in the Exchange Offer Memorandum, the total principal amount of Old Notes that will be accepted in this exchange offer is equal to US$580 million. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Valid tenders of Old Notes are irrevocable and may not be may not be withdrawn. Instructions in connection with the Exchange Offer are irrevocable. Once you tender Old Notes in the Exchange Offer, you may not withdraw from the Exchange Offer. The Exchange Offer may be amended, modified, terminated, withdrawn or extended. Notice will be provided of any amendments, modifications, withdrawals or extensions as and if required by applicable law. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You must make your own decision whether to tender your Old Notes for exchange in the Exchange Offer. Neither the Government, DBM, the Dealer Managers (as defined herein), the Information and Exchange Agent (as defined herein), nor any other person is making any recommendation as to whether or not you should tender your Old Notes for exchange in the Exchange Offer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In making your investment decision, you should rely only on the information contained in the Exchange Offer Memorandum. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Copies of the Exchange Offer Memorandum describing the Exchange Offer may be obtained from Lucid Issuer Services Limited (the "<b>Information and Exchange Agent</b>"), at the addresses, website and telephone numbers set forth below.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i>The Dealer Managers for the Exchange Offer are:</i><o:p></o:p></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:36.95pt'><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:36.95pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>Credit Suisse (Hong Kong) Limited</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Level 88, International Commerce Centre<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>1 Austin Road West<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Kowloon<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Hong Kong<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Telephone: +852 2101 6000<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Email: <a href="mailto:list.ibprojectkhuraldai@credit-suisse.com">list.ibprojectkhuraldai@credit-suisse.com</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:36.95pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>J.P. Morgan Securities plc</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>25 Bank Street<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Canary Wharf<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>London E14 5JP<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>United Kingdom<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Fax: +44 20 3493 1413<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i>The Information and Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer is:<o:p></o:p></i></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>Lucid Issuer Services Limited</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Tankerton Works<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>12 Argyle Walk<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>London WC1H 8HA<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>United Kingdom<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>For information by telephone: +44 20 7704 0880<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Attention: Thomas Choquet / Arlind Bytyqi<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Email: <a href="mailto:mongolia@lucid-is.com">mongolia@lucid-is.com</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://infopub.sgx.com/Apps?A=COW_CorpAnnouncement_Content&B=AnnouncementToday&F=QWXE9Q5SK9575AA0&H=edee522e13c0d8aa231bac133e9fe003a6752a2fff09559d87fa37efe545e35d&fileId=Khuraldai%20-%20Launch%20Announcement_FINAL.pdf">Link to offer</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Three_Reasons_Why"></a>Three Reasons Why Investors Are Still Betting on Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>by <a href="https://fronteranews.com/author/sjain/" title="Posts by Surbhi Jain">SURBHI JAIN</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>The light at the end of the tunnel<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 21 (Frontera News) Not all is well with Mongolia (<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/AZIA"><b>AZIA</b></a>). Growth in the economy has tumbled with commodity prices, which account for over 90% of its export earnings. The economy's GDP grew at just 1% in 2016 due to, a) commodity price decline, and b) slowdown in China demand for copper (JJC) (CPER) and coal (<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/KOL"><b>KOL</b></a>). Meanwhile, the nation's debt has been burgeoning, reaching $23 billion as of 4Q16.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At a time when <a href="https://fronteranews.com/investing/asia-investing/mongolias-banks-threaten-economic-crash/"><b>Mongolia's banks threaten an economic crash</b></a>, the Hong Kong-based Asia Frontier Capital is invested in the region. Thomas Hugger, chief executive officer, and founder of Asia Frontier Capital, a firm dedicated to investing in the Asian frontier markets (<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/FRN"><b>FRN</b></a>) (<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/"><b>FM</b></a>), has maintained portfolio exposure to Mongolia for many years. "We see the light at the end of the tunnel," Hugger recently told Frontera.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSgaGAVNax5tgr-F4zhdI1C_0ykf16kyFwWEzbWuXVHuSnZLJO66ucKCQBjfKJ8KJPoA9a0Fqf_3iyujrSN_As0NpDpalmLTa9_1hCcHzJYA0-zsoqg7AAa3Wi9SQYtrSPNnlHBlVT58/s1600/image020-769328.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSgaGAVNax5tgr-F4zhdI1C_0ykf16kyFwWEzbWuXVHuSnZLJO66ucKCQBjfKJ8KJPoA9a0Fqf_3iyujrSN_As0NpDpalmLTa9_1hCcHzJYA0-zsoqg7AAa3Wi9SQYtrSPNnlHBlVT58/s320/image020-769328.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789791638835874" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hugger spoke about three key reasons for his belief in this frontier market's long-term prospects.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>1. Copper price recovery<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Following a five-year slide (2011-2016), copper prices finally began to recover in early 2016. Over the past one year, the shiny metal's price has surged 28.7%, with mining giants such as Anglo American (<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/NGLOY"><b>NGLOY</b></a>), BHP Billiton (<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/BHP"><b>BHP</b></a>), Glencore (<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/GLNCY"><b>GLNCY</b></a>), and Rio Tinto (<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/RIO"><b>RIO</b></a>), expecting it to rise further as excess supply seems to have come off the market. Moreover, the government initiated stimulus programs in China; which consumes 40% of world copper; have also contributed to the metal's resurgence. Copper ore accounts for 42% of Mongolian exports.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia is ranked 12th in the world for copper reserves. The south Gobi Desert alone has an estimated of 35 million tons of copper. UK-based Central Asia Metals (<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/CAML.L"><b>CAML.L</b></a>) and Rio Tinto (<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/RIO"><b>RIO</b></a>), Canada-based Entrée Gold Inc. (<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/EGI"><b>EGI</b></a>), Turquoise Hill Resources Ltd. (<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/TRQ"><b>TRQ</b></a>), and Erdene Resource Development Corporation (<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/ERDCF"><b>ERDCF</b></a>) are among the foreign mining companies engaged in copper mining in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>2. Coal price recovery<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Coal, Mongolia's number 2 export (14% of exports), has followed a similar trajectory; a five-year slide followed by a quick recovery through 2016 and continuing. Australian thermal coal has recorded a whopping 68.8% price gain over the past 1 year alone. Foreign companies engaged in coal mining in Mongolia include Australia-based Aspire Mining Limited (<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/ASPXF"><b>ASPXF</b></a>) and Hong Kong-based Mongolia Energy Corporation Limited (<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/%3COAEF"><b>MOAEF</b></a>).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>3. Foreign exchange influx<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hugger also expects the spat over Rio Tinto's (<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/RIO"><b>RIO</b></a>) $5.3 billion Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine in Mongolia to resolve soon. Rio Tinto would then be investing a lot into the second phase of the Oyu Tolgoi mine, thereby opening up a huge additional source of foreign exchange for the nation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>$440 million support extended by the IMF<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>The economy has recently been able to secure a $440 million loan package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to ease the country's balance-of-payment pressures and support it's government's looming debt repayments. "The Asian Development Bank, the World Bank and bilateral partners including Japan and Korea are expected to provide up to another $3 billion in budget and project support, while the People's Bank of China is expected to extend its 15 yuan billion ($2.2 billion) swap line with the Bank of Mongolia for at least another three years," the IMF said in a statement on Sunday. The package is thus, a part of the $5.5 billion bailout envisaged for this frontier market.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to Citigroup, we may see Mongolia tapping the international markets pursuant to the IMF package.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://fronteranews.com/investing/three-reasons-investors-still-betting-mongolia/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm83pjnWQivVCCa1vW3VDaao25oxrZbxJBg05zwg-NeoVErQ71CejLE7MLpOeoRzQZhzyuHv5w8NJjaX7n8UFBHqi1M3dwAxzlk1p4eapAbmIH7hlmKf84JHXccu22aytRTbLY17NyM9k/s1600/image007-771249.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm83pjnWQivVCCa1vW3VDaao25oxrZbxJBg05zwg-NeoVErQ71CejLE7MLpOeoRzQZhzyuHv5w8NJjaX7n8UFBHqi1M3dwAxzlk1p4eapAbmIH7hlmKf84JHXccu22aytRTbLY17NyM9k/s320/image007-771249.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789802996262690" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Local></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Local Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_MSE_Trading_Report:"></a>MSE Trading Report: Top 20 -0.1%, ALL -0.13%, Turnover <span lang=MN>₮</span>126.2 Million Shares, <span lang=MN>₮</span>390 Million T-Bills <span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>September 21 (MSE) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyA-A7lq1KDFHu_RMy1cUE-0pivni8K1ix_U4qAuANuPg_OICRPVPzpd_ADQCxyW0VNd1n8T2Whh3c7coGk2Qomb5ENtSzIBLek3OYFDyTqlgeiw3j2vc5AGvzPsf0VsgWdlvMknONHnE/s1600/image008-773137.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyA-A7lq1KDFHu_RMy1cUE-0pivni8K1ix_U4qAuANuPg_OICRPVPzpd_ADQCxyW0VNd1n8T2Whh3c7coGk2Qomb5ENtSzIBLek3OYFDyTqlgeiw3j2vc5AGvzPsf0VsgWdlvMknONHnE/s320/image008-773137.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789809585727538" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/uploads/ariljaa/reports/report_en-17.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Tavantolgoi_JSC_makes"></a>Tavantolgoi JSC makes <span lang=MN>₮</span>54 billion <span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>net </span>profit last year<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 21 (MONTSAME) Tavantolgoi JSC, listed on the Mongolian Stock Exchange (MSE), has released its annual report for 2016. The company made revenue of MNT 176.5 billion, and net profit of MNT 54.04 billion in 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tavan Tolgoi Joint-Stock Company (TT JSC), also known by the nickname "Little Tavan Tolgoi" not to be confused with Erdenes Tavantolgoi LLC, is one of the largest coal mining companies in Mongolia. Its name means "five hills," in reference to the unique topographical features of area where the Tavantolgoi coking coal deposit is located.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>TT JSC was established in 1966, when it received an order to "export 3000 tons of coal." Currently, the Mongolian government owns 51% of the company, and approximately 4% of the shares are floated on the Mongolian Stock Exchange.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/8849">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1PzsYN5mTg5inuloUUF87ZDSQycw-jn75TtF8mVNtpaOWc38dBhVI0FInFpmbCx4bvnh4awgNAE3bDgfxDyoKz9v0kDSINTiOL4s2uAjrgCrjcf0WUGf5Y66fMeHiLj-CddMkr6UH5I/s1600/image009-774900.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1PzsYN5mTg5inuloUUF87ZDSQycw-jn75TtF8mVNtpaOWc38dBhVI0FInFpmbCx4bvnh4awgNAE3bDgfxDyoKz9v0kDSINTiOL4s2uAjrgCrjcf0WUGf5Y66fMeHiLj-CddMkr6UH5I/s320/image009-774900.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789818680144514" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Economy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Economy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>Reds</span> are when MNT fell, <span style='color:#00B050'>greens</span> when it rose.<b> <span style='color:red'>Bold reds</span></b><span style='color:red'> </span>are rates that set a new historic high at the time. </i><o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_BoM_MNT_Rates:"></a><span lang=MN>BoM MNT Rates: </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>Tuesday</span><span lang=MN>, </span>February 21 <span lang=MN>Close </span><o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=974 style='width:730.45pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>0</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>7</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>6</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>5</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>4</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>10</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>9</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>8</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>High</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>Date</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1041" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/b27dbc49-e16d-41ae-8557-f99cdb40c367.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e147de94-098c-41fc-a613-e68b961bc287.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>USD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,479.84<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,482.29</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,483.11</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,483.39</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,482.58</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,485.38</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,485.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,483.59</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,481.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,479.41</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,498.75</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1042" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/bebede1f-9fde-45e8-9abf-07cee5d98010.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/7fff4ee5-d12c-4bd2-8a56-d47fa1ab5b0d.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>EUR</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,623.05<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,635.45</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,645.75</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,635.37</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,625.20</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,636.99</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,644.96</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,643.41</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,653.03</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,639.58</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,681.43</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/10/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1043" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/280be717-5c83-46be-b0c7-d0b2cf9575f2.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/73256f8e-4c86-438d-9d39-350646eb7f40.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>JPY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.84<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.94</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.89</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.79</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.68</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>21.89<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.89</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.84</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>22.08</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>22.07</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>23.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/9/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1044" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0e866dbf-0eff-45bc-aa83-c145b2345900.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/170ec7e9-2636-4b7d-a624-7ae9fef54841.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>GBP</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,082.44<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,085.98</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,100.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,100.51</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,092.30</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,112.19</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,109.06</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,100.51</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,116.48</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,095.42</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>3,183.26</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>8/13/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1045" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/33370dc8-8964-434b-8694-6462f39746fb.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a481156f-5e01-436d-b063-c22ecd3ed0dd.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>RUB</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.85<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.75</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>43.06</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>43.35</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>43.78</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>43.06</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.82</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.14</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.05</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.64</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>54.32</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>6/27/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1046" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/c37f3eb9-e9ba-4c1d-bc0f-2669bc4c1412.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/56dc9518-41a5-4bb4-9d57-167f6de07f2e.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CNY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>360.12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.01</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.45</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>361.91</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.47</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>361.72</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>361.24</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.08</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>361.52</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>360.20</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>363.02</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/5/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1047" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e5792094-f0b8-4c3a-a82b-97ddd5401a38.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ab781b89-2767-4b9c-b3cb-b3c6cc603016.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>KRW</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.16<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.17</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.18<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.16<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.17</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.16<o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/6/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1048" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/75233918-55b6-4977-a5ef-f682c93bbdb0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/9a4a44a5-6be7-4141-8159-5aa30a12bb45.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>SGD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,745.63<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,751.17</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,752.25</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,749.54</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,746.21</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,751.62</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,748.82</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,747.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,752.72</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,746.68</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,757.02</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/18/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1049" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a8311ed8-a900-4237-bf18-4ebf7b10bbf0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/53fdb4a8-f38e-4f01-b01a-c2dee4a6895d.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CAD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,886.74<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,896.62</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,899.42</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,902.40</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,899.45</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,904.00</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,899.46</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,889.31</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,888.13</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,880.69</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,908.84</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/18/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1050" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/5d744e37-53d2-4c10-aa04-7bc77a3c3abc.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/6ec5578f-dca9-4257-b326-e755e3b2400b.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>AUD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,900.55<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,907.02</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,911.00</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,904.64</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,907.16</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,906.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,898.70</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,893.14</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,890.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/16/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1051" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6f012c2-8c16-455d-b0b0-8427d7512a2b.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6b9f8ce-b8d2-4ce7-bdce-b85ce1812325.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>HKD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.52<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.84</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.94</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>319.99</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.89</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>320.31<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>320.31</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>320.14</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>319.87</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>319.56</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>322.21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1052" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0588bbef-101c-4211-8d37-8045475e110d.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ae638f8b-a29a-4d70-90b3-52ad2a79d482.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CHF</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,464.93<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,475.24</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,486.34</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,473.00</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,464.96</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,471.79</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,478.22</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,476.78</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,492.39</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,480.03</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,497.77</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/09/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:red'>Bank USD rates at time of sending</span></b>: <a href="https://www.khanbank.com/en/home/rates">Khan</a> (Buy ₮2,470 Sell ₮2,483), <a href="http://tdbm.mn/en/exchange">TDB</a> (Buy ₮2,473 Sell ₮2,483), <a href="https://en.golomtbank.com/home/citizen">Golomt</a> (Buy ₮2,470 Sell ₮2,482), <a href="http://xacbank.mn/en/calculator/rates">XacBank</a> (Buy ₮2,472 Sell ₮2,482), <a href="https://www.statebank.mn/w/en/m1">State Bank</a> (Buy ₮2,470 Sell ₮2,482)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/graphic_dailyrate.aspx">USD (blue), CNY (red) vs MNT</a> in last 1 year:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3l0e9AMtvebKNUYMkzxzrhzUGhEgRwskqCq94dKQSp9YUvSiEgME7_zngRFb-kj6NofMO-ikr7EknBV9oUxz1V2Owz5X-ESGxvUGhctseAFWXCA32UU8Nix2_Tk7wjIWCG2cQLZEC9uc/s1600/image010-776640.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3l0e9AMtvebKNUYMkzxzrhzUGhEgRwskqCq94dKQSp9YUvSiEgME7_zngRFb-kj6NofMO-ikr7EknBV9oUxz1V2Owz5X-ESGxvUGhctseAFWXCA32UU8Nix2_Tk7wjIWCG2cQLZEC9uc/s320/image010-776640.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789830163704754" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistofficialdailyrate.aspx">Link to rates</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_buys_$16m"></a>BoM buys $16m at <span lang=MN>₮</span>2,482, declines $20m USD swap offers<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 21 (Bank of Mongolia) Spot trade: <b>Commercial banks bid weighted average rate of MNT2476.91 for USD2.2 million</b> and <b>asked weighted average rate of MNT2481.97 for USD26.5 million</b> and <b>bid weighted average rate of MNT354.15 for CNY27.0 million</b> also <b>asked weighted average rate of MNT361.7 for CNY12.0 million</b> respectively. The BoM bought USD16.0 million with a closing rate of MNT2482.0.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Swap and forward trade: The <b>BoM received selling bid offers of USD20.0 million of USD swap agreements</b> from commercial banks and the BoM did not receive any bid offers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=182">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_GoM_sells_₮50"></a>GoM sells <span lang=MN>₮</span>50 billion 39-week t-bills at 17.57% discount with <span lang=MN>₮</span>65 billion bids <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 21 (Bank of Mongolia) Auction for 39 weeks maturity Government Treasury bill was announced at face value of 50.0 billion MNT. Face value of 50.0 billion /out of 65.0 billion bid/ Government Treasury bill was sold at discounted price and with weighted average yield of 17.570 %.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/documents/bond/2017/20170221_39_zguts_eng.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_₮5_billion_3-year"></a><span lang=MN>₮</span>5 billion 3-year GoM bond auction receives no bids<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 21 (Bank of Mongolia) Auction for 3 years maturity Government Treasury note was announced at face value of 5.0 billion MNT. Government Treasury bill was not sold due to absence of both competitive and non-competitive bids.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/documents/bond/2017/20170221_156_zguts_eng.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Trade_turnover_with"></a>Trade turnover with Japan increases by 17 per cent<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 21 (MONTSAME) Economic Partnership Agreement between Mongolia and Japan entered into force in June, 2016 and as a first result of the agreement trade turnover has been growing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"- Annual trade with Japan reaches USD300 million and the trade turnover of 2016 reached to USD344 million, grew up by 17 per cent compared to the previous year. Due to the Economic Partnership Agreement, Japanese businessmen's interest to study Mongolian business environment and investment Mongolia has been intensifying" said Director of the Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation Department of the Foreign Affairs Ministry V.Enkhbold.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last year, several meetings were organized to introduce and discuss about what possibilities businessmen have in the framework of the agreement. For instance, business representatives of Hokkaido and Shizuoka prefectures of Japan came to Mongolia to hold business meetings.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mr. V.Enkhbold also highlighted an official visit of PM J.Erdenebat to Japan and an economic forum held during the visit. "- A contract was established between companies during the forum and dried milk processing factories will be established in every aimag. The Economic partnership agreement has started yielding positive results".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/8851">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Economic_recovery_funding"></a>Economic recovery funding could increase by US$1.5b and US$1b soft loans from Russia and China respectively<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>by Dale Choi<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 22 (Mongolia Metals & Mining) News report by news portal Ikon.mn, published 1 hour 9 mins ago on briefing by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ts. Munkh-Orgil on his official visit to Russian Federation and People's Republic of China<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo5'>We have discussed soft loan of RUB100b or US$1.5b. Russian side said it will resolve, only two sides need to agree on projects. Russian side also said it is watching IMF negotiations carefully. We are interested in implementing by these fund UB railroad, power projects. Also DBM is discussing US$200m loan from Russian bank.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo5'>We have agreed that People's Republic of China will provide soft loan of US$1b and grant of CNY1b as initial stage. Our side will use these funds to develop residential apartments in ger districts and improve infrastructure on Mongolian side of bilateral border<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo5'>People's Republic of China also praised agreement in progress with IMF, noted it has significance for stable planning of cooperation. PRC will provide assistance through World Bank, Asian Development Bank and IMF.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><b>Reference:</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.ikon.mn/n/y3f">Ikon.mn news report</a>: "Ц.Мөнх-Оргил: ОХУ-аас 1.5 тэрбум ам.долларын ХӨНГӨЛӨЛТТЭЙ ЗЭЭЛ хүссэн" <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MongoliaMetalsMining/">Link to FB page</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAF58jEWwBluoLpjBg0FwiCsvSGd7GZ0l8EKwLinoItbT1EKX-UX1W3lQyH_In_0HAQP-TBwKLkKROlQv-pD5LnC-IxWL_Aq5UkFcOhujmLyYVUW00UgLaVSOdY1N7d_naWrO1lTjljwo/s1600/image004-761347.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAF58jEWwBluoLpjBg0FwiCsvSGd7GZ0l8EKwLinoItbT1EKX-UX1W3lQyH_In_0HAQP-TBwKLkKROlQv-pD5LnC-IxWL_Aq5UkFcOhujmLyYVUW00UgLaVSOdY1N7d_naWrO1lTjljwo/s320/image004-761347.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789759034211554" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Politics></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Politics & Legal<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Prime_Minister_presents"></a>Prime Minister presents best agricultural worker awards<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 21 (MONTSAME) During its regular meeting on February 8, the Cabinet resolved to award the 'State Leading Herder' title to 103 herdsmen, 'State Best Herder' to 5 herdsmen, 'State Leading Dairymaid' to 5 dairymaids, 'State Leading Farmer' to 5 farmers, 'State Foremost Agrarian Group' to 12 agricultural entities and 'State Foremost Agrarian' to 21 people. These days, Members of Parliament and Cabinet are presenting the awards.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On February 19, Sunday, Prime Minister J.Erdenebat worked in Selenge and Darkhan-Uul aimags to bestow the 'State Leading Herder', 'State Leading Farmer' and 'State Foremost Agrarian Group' titles to the recipients.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On this day, the Prime Minister visited the homes of G.Ansai from Mandal soum, Ts.Bulgan from Bayangol soum and Kh.Baldandorj from Yuruu soum of Selenge aimag who were selected for the 'State Leading Herder' title.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover, 'Uglugchiin Kherem' LLC and agrarian B.Jargalsaikhan of Khongor soum of Darkhan-Uul aimag and 'Ikh Shinestei' LLC of Yuruu soum of Selenge aimag received their awards from the Prime Minister which include a medal, certificate and Mongolian <i>Ger</i>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On February 20, Monday, the Prime Minister worked in Tsagaannuur soum of Selenge aimag to present the prestigious awards.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/agriculture/8847">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Senior_citizens_begin"></a>Senior citizens begin receiving cash handouts before Lunar New Year<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 21 (MONTSAME) Today, February 21, longevity grant of MNT50-250 thousand starts being distributed to seniors aged 65 and more. The grant is legalized to be given twice a year on national holidays Tsagaan Sar and Naadam Festival.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Seniors aged 65-69 are entitled to get MNT50, 70-79 will receive MNT 80 thousand and 80-89 will receive MNT 150 thousand and elders above 90 will receive MNT 250 thousand.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Law of Mongolia on Elders' Social Protection also states that the benefit will be issued to a legal person of elders living abroad after accreditation by a diplomatic mission in the country<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Minister of Labor and Social Protection calculated that a total of 121 thousand seniors will receive the grant and MNT20.5 billion has been allocated in the state budget for it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8855">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia's_New_Arbitration"></a>Mongolia's New Arbitration Law Offers More Effective Enforcement<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 21 (LehmanLaw) The Previous Mongolia Arbitration Law consisted of 43 clauses while the newly revised Arbitration law consists of 52 clauses. The new Mongolia Arbitration Law is drafted to be mostly based on the previous Arbitration Law with a few key changes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Under the new Mongolia Arbitration Law the following "Temporary Actions" may be taken to secure the implementation of an Arbitration decision:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'>Force the continuance or restoration of the status quo until dispute is resolved;<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'>Parties may be compelled to not take actions which may affect arbitration proceedings and may take preventive actions to prevent further damages;<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'>Take actions to protect property aa may be necessary for ensuring the enforcement of a final arbitration award;<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l3 level1 lfo3'>Take action to preserve evidence which is significant for the resolution of the dispute or otherwise related to the dispute.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>The following conditions must be met in order to take such protective measures<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>The request for the temporary action should be clear and enforceable;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>if no actions are taken, it will be impossible to compensate, in full, the damage enforceable under the principle award;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>The amount of the potential damage should be greater than amount of potential damage which may incur as a results of the temporary actions if taken;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>there is a reasonable possibility that the dispute may be resolved positively for the Party requesting the temporary action.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If the arbitration panel considers that informing one party of the request for Temporary Action submitted by the other party, the panel may do so. The party so notified will have the opportunity to provide arguments relating to the request for Temporary Action.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The arbitration panel may request the Party requested the temporary actions, to provide appropriate financial guarantee in relation to the said actions.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This is a positive change to the Arbitration Law which will give Arbitration more "teeth" and better ways to be effective at both resolving disputes and securing an appropriate compensation for a grieved party seeking redress. Our experienced Mongolia lawyers are excited at the new options provided by this change the Arbitration Law and we are looking forward to see these Temporary Actions take effect in our own cases.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://lehmanlaw.mn/blog/mongolias-new-arbitration-law-offers-more-effective-enforcement/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for February 21, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Foreign Affairs Minister conducts an official visit to China<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Minister of Foreign Affairs Ts. Munkh-Orgil is currently visiting China on an official visit at the invitation of Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, to discuss cooperation between the two countries and to regional and international affairs. The two sides agreed to organize the first Chinese-Mongolian forum on minerals, energy, and infrastructure, the scheduling of PM J. Erdenebat's visit to China, and agreed upon the mechanisms of the second parliamentary meeting of the two countries being held in the near future. The two sides also agreed to cooperate on increasing the amount of agricultural imports from Mongolia, and to take action to increase economic partnership. The Chinese side reported that Mongolia has ratified the agreement to use Chinese territories to transport goods by ocean, and that China will assist Mongolia. It was also announced that China is ready to sign a currency swap agreement.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> bilateral relations, China, currency exchange</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The National Post /page 1/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Law of Mongolia on Pledges over Moveable and Intangible Property<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The Law of Mongolia on Pledges over Moveable and Intangible Property is set to take effect on March 1. In order to fully implement this law, the Ministry of Justice and Internal Affairs, International Finance Corporation, the Intellectual Property Rights and State Registration Office, Bank of Mongolia, and other organizations have cooperated to establish an online database for the registry of movable property and information regarding collateral for intangible assets. During the launch ceremony for the database, Vice Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs B. Enkhbayar noted that the database will benefit citizens greatly and that by implementing this law, a new lifeline for the economy will be added and new opportunities will arise in the business sector. Information in the database will be available to the public, and registered information will become official records of assets and collateral.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> legislation, assets, Ministry of Justice</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>Today /page A2/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ECONOMY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Nearly 700 billion MNT will be invested in Ulaanbaatar's urban development<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The Ulaanbaatar Chamber of Commerce and the Ulaanbaatar Governor's Office organized the Ulaanbaatar Investment 2017 forum. Ulaanbaatar Mayor S. Batbold stated, "The main goal of this forum is to develop the economy, private-public partnerships, and to give the private sector room for growth." S. Batbold noted that 677.5 billion MNT will be invested in the city's development this year, and the majority of the capital (353 billion MNT) will go toward infrastructure upgrades. Foreign loans and grants will make up 359.8 billion MNT and the city budget, concession agreements, and funds from Development Bank of Mongolia will make up 319.3 billion MNT of the required capital. The governor introduced his plans to further develop the city's infrastructure and plans to develop ger districts. S. Batbold noted that bureaucracy in public offices will be limited and that efforts will be made to improve transparency to create a favorable environment for the private sector.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> investment, Ulaanbaatar</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The National Post /page 4/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ONLINE STORIES<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Tavan Tolgoi operated with a profit of 54 billion MNT in 2016<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Mongolian Stock Exchange listed Tavan Tolgoi has published their 2016 financial report. In 2016, Tavan Tolgoi had sales revenue of 176.5 billion MNT, a seven-fold increase compared to 2015. The increase in commodity prices positively affected the company's bottom line, and Tavan Tolgoi earned 4.2 billion MNT in profits due to currency exchange rates. In total, the company had 54 billion MNT in profit. Increased commodity prices positively affected many mining companies in Mongolia. Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi exported 7.65 million tons of coal and plans to export 11.5 million tons of coal in 2017. Three hundred thousand tons of coal is set to sell for 71.5 USD per ton at the Baruun Tsankhii mine. Mongolia Mining Corporation successfully restructured its debt and is selling coal for around 120 USD per ton. MAK exported 5.4 million tons of coal in 2016 and is selling their coal for 340 CNY per ton. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Tavan Tolgoi, mining</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i><a href="http://bloombergtv.mn/%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%B2%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B3%D0%BE%D0%B9-%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BF%D0%B0%D0%BD%D0%B8-54-%D1%82%D1%8D%D1%80%D0%B1%D1%83%D0%BC-%D1%82%D3%A9%D0%B3%D1%80%D3%A9%D0%B3%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D0%B0%D1%88%D0%B8%D0%B3%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%B9-%D0%B0%D0%B6%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%BB%D0%B0%D0%B6%D1%8D%D1%8D/?cid=1" target="_blank">www.bloombergtv.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>MSE operated with a loss of 1.6 billion MNT in losses in 2016<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The Mongolian Stock Exchange (MSE) earned revenue of 1.17 billion MNT in 2016, a decrease of 26% compared to last year. The MSE lowered its operating expenditures but still operated with a loss of 1.64 billion MNT in 2016. The MSE announced that losses before taxes had decreased by 27% compared to 2015, and that taxes paid decreased nine-fold in one year, with 1,38 million MNT in taxes paid. After taxes, the MSE operated with a loss of 1.64 billion MNT.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Mongolian Stock Exchange, economy, trade</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i><a href="http://bloombergtv.mn/%D0%BC%D1%85%D0%B1-2016-%D0%BE%D0%BD%D0%B4-%D0%BD%D1%8D%D0%B3-%D1%82%D1%8D%D1%80%D0%B1%D1%83%D0%BC-638-2-%D1%81%D0%B0%D1%8F-%D1%82%D3%A9%D0%B3%D1%80%D3%A9%D0%B3%D0%B8%D0%B9%D0%BD-%D0%B0%D0%BB%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%B3%D0%B4%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%82%D0%B0%D0%B9-%D0%B0%D0%B6%D0%B8%D0%BB%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%81%D0%B0%D0%BD/?cid=7" target="_blank">www.bloombergtv.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-february-21-2017/">Link to newswire</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXuifrJYKTtVfnAF1PaFCZCjCIIETVErOrpC1JcWZgV5mJYR236zyDG_3BiiLMxpQ_JB5OzOmQjv8u7QshmFVBqr1FWcDz0L2EDKzymu2ZhmBYH2Mcwm9PBUGrtYFj8Sa5Oh5sW19Zuo/s1600/image005-764387.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXuifrJYKTtVfnAF1PaFCZCjCIIETVErOrpC1JcWZgV5mJYR236zyDG_3BiiLMxpQ_JB5OzOmQjv8u7QshmFVBqr1FWcDz0L2EDKzymu2ZhmBYH2Mcwm9PBUGrtYFj8Sa5Oh5sW19Zuo/s320/image005-764387.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789772268942082" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Business></a><a name=Ulaanbaatar></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Eagle_Festival_in"></a>Eagle Festival <span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>in Ulaanbaatar, March 5</span><span lang=MN style='mso-fareast-language:JA'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 21 (gogo.mn) Just after the Tsagaan Sar celebration, the Eagle Festival is announced to be held on 05 March, 2017 at the Chinggisiin Khuree tourism camp, located in the Bogd Khan National Park. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Real eagle hunters with their mighty Eagles will come all the way from Bayan-Ulgii to compete including the famous Aisholpan – actress of "The Eagle Huntress" (2016) documentary directed by Otto Bell. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is the event for those who can't travel over 1300 km to the westernmost Mongolia to see the Eagle Festivals at take place in September (Altai Eagle Festival) and October (Golden Eagle Festival) in Bayan-Ulgii province. This amazing festival attracts many including those who made it big in Hollywood such as Michelle Rodriguez.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>FESTIVAL PROGRAM</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>11.00 - 11.30 Opening ceremony and the parade of eagle hunters <br>11.30 - 12.30 Performance of falconry on horseback, Demonstrating trained Eagles' skills, Hunting with trained Eagles<br>12.30 - 13.30 Lunch break<br>13.30 - 14.00 The entrants compete for the awards of the best trained eagles<br>14.00 - 14.30 Kazakh traditional game "kokpar" on horseback<br>14.30 - 15.00 Grabbing bags with money from the ground while on horseback<br>15.00 - 16.00 The entrants compete for the awards the King Eagle<br>16.00 - 17.00 Closing and awarding ceremony<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tickets for the event is 10,000 MNT per person, includes transportation. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more information and reservation please contact the organisers at 976-99101727, 95951727, 99151656.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157421">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_6:45_Lecture_and"></a>6:45 Lecture and Meeting with Monk D.Nyamsambuu<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 20 (UB Post) NOUS Events Company will hold its first 6:45 series lecture and meeting of 2017 on February 22 at Chinggis Khaan Hotel.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>D.Nyamsambuu, head of Javzandamba Khutagt Center, a Mongolian humanitarian organization dedicated to improving the spiritual and mental wellbeing of the society, will present a lecture titled "Morality in Buddhism" at the event.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Details<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Where</b>: Best Western Premier Tuushin Hotel<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>When</b>: February 22, 6:45 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Ticket Price</b>: 20,000 MNT<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>More Information</b>: 99117704<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/20/645-lecture-and-meeting-with-d-nyamsambuu/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Celebrate_Margarita_Day"></a>Celebrate Margarita Day at Cosy Club, February 22<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 20 (UB Post) Margarita Day is celebrated every year on February 22. Cosy Club will celebrate Margarita Day with customers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A margarita is a cocktail which consists of tequila, liqueur and lime or lemon juice, served with salt.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Details<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Where: Cosy Club, NCP Building<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When: February 22, 8:30 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Admission: Free<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>More Information: 11-331109<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/20/celebrate-margarita-day/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Movie_Night:_'Ouija:"></a>Movie Night: 'Ouija: Origin of Evil', February 23<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 20 (UB Post) Nogoon Tagt Restaurant will hold its next Movie Night on February 23. 2016's American supernatural horror film "Ouija: Origin of Evil" will be screened this time.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The film focuses on a widow and her family adding an Ouija board to their scamming business where they invite a spirit that possesses the youngest daughter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Details<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Where</b>: Nogoon Tagt Restaurant<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>When</b>: February 23, 8:00 p.m.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Admission</b>: Free<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>More Information</b>: 77110003<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/20/movie-night-ouija-origin-of-evil/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s1600/image006-766379.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s320/image006-766379.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789780131110306" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Diplomacy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Diplomacy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_and_China"></a>Mongolia and China agree on cooperation issues<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 21 (news.mn) Mongolian Foreign Minister Ts.Munkh-Orgil is visiting Beijing at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Mr Wang Yi.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On 20<sup>th</sup> of February, Ts.Munkh-Orgil concluded an agreement with Foreign Minister Wang Yi. During the meeting, the two sides agreed to organise a visit of the Prime Minister of Mongolia to Beijing, a second Mongolia-Chinese parliamentary meeting and a first cooperation meeting on Energy, Mineral and Infrastructure.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>China has also extended he swap agreement with the Mongolian Central Bank and signed an agreement on transit transportation for sea freight.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/325792">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Foreign_Minister's_visit"></a>Foreign Minister's visit to China continues<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 21 (MONTSAME) Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia Ts.Munkh-Orgil is on an official visit to the People's Republic of China at the invitation of his counterpart Wang Yi. On February 20, Monday, the Foreign Minister met with three officials - Li Yuanchao, Vice President, Fu Ying, Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People's Congress and Gao Hucheng, Minister of Commerce.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Vice President Li Yuanchao expressed his confidence that the visit by Mongolia's Foreign Minister will contribute to strengthening mutual political trust and progressing bilateral ties. In return, the Foreign Minister noted that developing friendly relations with China is a main direction in Mongolia's foreign policy, and that Mongolia attaches a great significance to bilateral strategic partnership. He invited the Vice President to pay a visit to Mongolia at his convenience.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the meeting with Chairperson Fu Ying, sides agreed that the establishment of a regular parliamentary exchange mechanism between Mongolia and China was crucial to cooperation between the law-making bodies of the two countries, and a joint meeting of the mechanism should be held in the near future.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Foreign Minister Ts.Munkh-Orgil and Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng exchanged views, and agreed on enforcing Mongolia-China trade and economic cooperation, carrying through agreements reached on high level, organizing a meeting of the working group of Mongolia-China intergovernmental commission, intensifying the task to establish a joint border region, accelerating the implementation of projects funded by non-refundable aids and soft loans, and organizing trainings and seminars under Silk Road Fund and Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank. The Chinese side expressed its readiness to work towards expanding bilateral financial ties at this time of economic difficulty in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8858">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_to_get"></a>Mongolia to get help from China<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Beijing will expand economic aid as ties 'ready for another start'<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 21 (China Daily) China extended its support to Mongolia on Monday for overcoming economic difficulties, as Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced a number of measures to help the debt-ridden neighbor.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Observers said that since the bilateral ties are emerging from a time of political frustration, Beijing's latest help is a sincere move to assist the landlocked neighbor to diversify its economy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The measures include providing assistance and favorable loan terms to Mongolia and extending a bilateral currency swap deal that is vital to Mongolia's foreign trade and currency stability, according to a joint news conference after Wang's talks with his visiting Mongolian counterpart Tsend Munkh-Orgil on Monday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The International Monetary Fund said on Sunday that the country has agreed to implement an economic rescue package proposed by the IMF and refinance bond loans, easing concerns that Mongolia might default on a loan in March.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>China supports the aid by international financial institutions to Mongolia, and it will also consider Mongolia's hope to expand exports of mineral, agriculture and husbandry products to China, Wang said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Since Mongolia is trying to avoid missing a $580 million sovereign-guaranteed debt repayment due in March, the IMF said in its statement on Sunday that the Asian Development Bank, World Bank and bilateral partners, including Japan and South Korea, will provide up to $3 billion in aid.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>People's Bank of China, the central Bank of China, will extend a currency swap line to Mongolia worth 15 billion yuan ($2.18 billion), while the IMF said it will offer three-year loans worth about $440 million, Agence France-Presse reported.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia angered China in November by allowing a visit by the 14th Dalai Lama, who has pushed for separating Tibet from China.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In January, during a phone call between Wang and his Mongolian counterpart, Mongolia said it had reflected deeply on the visit and promised to not allow the Dalai Lama to visit again.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On Monday, Wang said the bilateral relationship "is ready for another start".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Munkh-Orgil, the Mongolian foreign minister, said his country remains true to the one-China policy and Tibet is part of China. Additionally, Mongolia appreciates China's help in addressing economic problems, he said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He added that Mongolia's prime minister expects to visit China in May to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Xing Guangcheng, a senior researcher on Russian and Central Asian studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the helping hand was offered at a time when Mongolia has fixed the trouble brought by allowing the Dalai Lama's entry, which "pushed on China's bottom line".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Zhang Jingquan, a professor on Northeast Asian studies at Jilin University in Changchun, said the measures announced by Wang on Monday "are meeting the desperate need" of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The country could take the improvement in bilateral ties as an opportunity to diversify its conomy and change its inefficient development pattern, Zhang noted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2017-02/21/content_28276535.htm">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_should_enhance"></a>Mongolia should enhance ties with China to push forward its economic reforms<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 21 (Global Times) Forecasts by some observers that emergency aid from the IMF is likely to help Mongolia pull through its economic crisis might appear to be overly optimistic. The country's current crisis is the combined result of both external factors and an unbalanced economic structure, which is an incentive for Mongolia to speed up its domestic reforms. China will most likely be willing to provide more assistance to help the neighboring country push its economic reform forward, but it remains uncertain whether Mongolia will accept.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The IMF package may be accompanied by additional support from China as the country's central bank is expected to extend a currency swap line to Mongolia worth 15 billion yuan ($2.18 billion), easing concerns that Mongolia might default on sovereign-guaranteed debt in March. The IMF package would buy time for the debt-ridden nation to take a breath, but an international bailout cannot solve the fundamental problems that have caused Mongolia's current economic crisis.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The nation is expected to slash its budget deficit and adopt a set of fiscal reforms after receiving the IMF package, but such efforts might not be enough to restore debt sustainability. Mongolia's heavy dependence on the export of mineral resources makes the nation sensitive to commodity price fluctuations and at risk economically. In light of these problems, Mongolia has to carry out reforms to optimize its industrial structure, of which a key step will be improving economic efficiency.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>China is willing to share its experience on how to promote economic diversification and investment efficiency it has had in resource-rich areas such as North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Hopefully Mongolia will follow China's advice. It may even be worth considering setting up a mechanism to invite Mongolian grassroots officials to visit China in a bid to learn from the country.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia would benefit if its economy were more closely tied to China's rise. Lying between China and Russia, Mongolia has strived to remain politically and economically independent. It is understandable that Mongolia may have some concerns of getting too close to China, but the overall development of Sino-Russian relations creates a sound atmosphere for enhancing China-Mongolia cooperation and the crisis-hit nation should seize this opportunity.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>China's aid to Mongolia is unlikely to be limited to emergency financial assistance but would include deep economic cooperation based on mutual political trust. Mongolia needs to show its sincerity for enhancing bilateral ties and pushing forward reforms.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1034207.shtml">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Kazakhstan_and_Mongolia"></a>Kazakhstan and Mongolia plan nuclear cooperation<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ASTANA, February 21 (TCA) — Kazakhstan and Mongolia have pointed out some areas for cooperation in geological exploration, uranium mining and processing, and expressed interest in implementation of joint projects in the nuclear sector, Kazakhstan's national atomic company Kazatomprom said on February 21.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>During a visit to Mongolia, the Chief Executive Officer of Kazatomprom Askar Zhumagaliyev met with the Chairman of the State Great Khural (Parliament) of Mongolia Mr. M. Enkhbold, the Minister of Mining Industry of Mongolia Mr. T. Dashdorj, General Secretary of the Nuclear Energy Commission of Mongolia G. Manlaijav, and the executive director of the state-owned company MON-ATOM D. Dalaijargal. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The parties discussed prospects for nuclear cooperation of the two countries.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Today Kazakhstan ranks second in the world as to uranium reserves. 21 percent of the world's uranium production accounts for Kazatomprom, and Kazatomprom is the leading supplier of natural uranium to the world market, covering about 20 percent of global requirements in natural uranium," said Zhumagaliyev.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>On January 10 Kazatomprom announced that due to the prolonged recovery in the uranium market, planned 2017 production from Kazakhstan will be reduced by approximately 10 percent (3 percent of total global uranium production).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The decision was based on a strategic review of the current oversupplied uranium market, the company then said, adding that even with these reductions, Kazatomprom will continue to lead global uranium production and support the growth of nuclear energy around the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.timesca.com/index.php/news/17707-kazakhstan-and-mongolia-plan-nuclear-cooperation">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.kazatomprom.kz/en/news/kazakhstan-and-mongolia-intend-cooperate-nuclear-field">Link to Kazatomprom release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Foreign_Ministers_of"></a>Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Mongolia exchange messages<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian and Foreign Minister of Mongolia Tsend Munkh-Orgil on February 21 exchanged messages on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, press service of the Armenian MFA told "Armenpress".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Armenian FM said in his message that the mutual partnership between the two countries serves as a firm base to further expand and strengthen the friendly relations through joint efforts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Foreign Minister of Mongolia in his message expressed confidence that the traditional friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries will further develop and deepen in sectors of mutual interest for the benefit of the two peoples.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://armenpress.am/eng/news/879632/foreign-ministers-of-armenia-and-mongolia-exchange-messages.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Non-Resident_Ambassador_to"></a>Non-Resident Ambassador to San Marino presents credentials <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 21 (MONTSAME) On February 16, Ts.Jambaldorj, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to Italy presented his diplomatic credentials to Marino Riccardi and Fabio Berardi, Captains Regent of the Republic of San Marino. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ahead of the ceremony to present credentials, the non-resident Ambassador to San Marino Ts.Jambaldorj and Simone Celli, Minister of Finance and acting Foreign Minister of San Marino and Ambassador Ts.Jambaldorj made remarks on the bilateral relations and cooperation between Mongolia and San Marino respectively. Following the ceremony, Captains Regent Marino Riccardi and Fabio Berardi received Ambassador Ts.Jambaldorj.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the beginning of the meeting, the Mongolian Ambassador conveyed a greeting from Ts.Elbegdorj, President of Mongolia to the Captains Regent of San Marino. Ts.Jambaldorj pointed out the 10th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and San Marino being marked this year. Mentioning that the two countries have possibilities to intensify bilateral relations and collaboration in the fields of trade, economy, culture and education, the Ambassador expressed his readiness to work towards the development of bilateral ties in all spheres in the future.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8852">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_U.S._Army:_615th"></a>U.S. Army: 615th CT supporting Mongolia's Gobi Wolf 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- (Feb. 21, 2017) Contract support by the Mission and Installation Contracting Command's 615th Contracting Team at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, is serving to enhance Mongolian disaster preparedness and response by multinational civil and military authorities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Gobi Wolf is a reoccurring disaster response exercise and exchange mission in Mongolia to enhance operational emergency response plans, regional partnerships and support for response to natural disasters in the region. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The exercise focuses on refining the readiness to respond to various hazard situations common to Mongolia through field exercises, problem-solving sessions and presentations followed by a detailed after-action review. This year, Gobi Wolf will center on significant secondary effects of fires, mining accidents and disease outbreaks as a result of an earthquake.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>U.S. Defense Department participants include the I Corps in conjunction with the U.S. Army Pacific and Alaska National Guard. Aligned to support I Corps in this effort is the 902nd Contracting Battalion's 615th CT. Capt. Jerry Andes, the team lead, began coordination of contract support of certain services and supplies in support of the exercise last month with I Corps civil affairs engagement officials.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Master Sgt. Troy Orio-Dettling is a civil-military operations planner for I Corps who is serving as the exercise NCO in charge. He said Gobi Wolf is one of many disaster relief exercise and exchange missions in the Pacific area of responsibility to help forge partnerships and capacity building.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Without contract support for the next DREE, support to the host nation, multinational organizations and agencies, and ourselves will hindered," Orio-Dettling said. "In-short, no contracting support will have a negative cultural impact."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Andes added that the contracted services and supplies by the 615th CT will support approximately 20 U.S. personnel participating in the exercise. Coordination is underway to determine the extent of contract support for additional exercise participants.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Several items such as vehicles, interpreters, food service, bottled water and printing are the types of support being requested," Andes said. "At this point, all of the other typical exercise support requirements are being provided by the Mongolian government."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In addition to DOD involvement, U.S. participants also taking part include the U.S. Agency for International Development, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Army Corps of Engineers and Forest Service. Together with the Mongolian National Emergency Management Agency, Mongolian armed forces and industry leaders, stakeholders aim to foster enhanced interagency communication and coordination, and civil-military interoperability. Multinational participants include China, Columbia, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Bangladesh, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom and New Zealand. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The end state for this exercise is to continue to develop a theater setting solution that enables U.S. forces and our partner nations to rapidly respond to contingency and crisis events in Mongolia and the Pacific Command area," said Lt. Col. Toney Stephenson, commander of the 902nd CBN and deputy director of the MICC-JBLM contracting office.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Planning will continue for exercise over the next three months. An initial site survey was conducted at the end of January in preparation for a contract requirements review. Andes will take part in the final site survey March 13-17 as well as travel to Mongolia at the end of April in support of Gobi Wolf that takes place May 1-5 in its capital of Ulaanbaatar and Umnogovi Province.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The MICC is made up of about 1,500 military and civilian members who are responsible for contracting good and services in support of Soldiers. In fiscal 2016, the command executed more than 32,000 contract actions valued at more than $4.6 billion across the Army, including $2.1 billion to American small businesses. The command also managed more than 585,000 Government Purchase Card Program transactions in fiscal 2016 valued at an additional $741 million.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.army.mil/article/182875/615th_ct_supporting_mongolias_gobi_wolf_2017">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Cooperation_in_energy"></a>Cooperation in energy and tourism with Irkutsk highlighted<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 21 (MONTSAME) Parliament Speaker M.Enkhbold received Sergey Levchenko, Governor of Irkutsk region of the Russian Federation on February 17, Friday during his visit to Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the beginning of the meeting, Speaker M.Enkhbold wished success to his visit, and said, "Mongolia-Russia ties have been intensifying in every sector with Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Mongolia and signing of a medium-term Strategic Partnership agreement in Ulaanbaatar". While mentioning about Mongolia-Russia Cooperation-2016 forum and his visit to the Russian Federation last December, the Speaker noted the importance of developing closer trade and economic ties and co-realizing large-scale projects and programs, emphasizing on the role to be played by Irkutsk oblast, being in geographical proximity and having a rich history of good relations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For his part, Governor Levchenko invited Speaker M.Enkhbold to Irkutsk in connection with the upcoming 80th anniversary of the Irkutsk region. He also informed that Irkutsk has opened its Investment Agency under the recently established Trade Representative Office of the Russian Federation in Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Irkutsk delegation led by the governor included authorities of about 25 enterprises from the province who held talks with their Mongolian partners. The Governor also mentioned about his meeting with Prime Minister J.Erdenebat, and a Mongolian-made products expo which will be held in April in Irkutsk.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Furthermore, Governor Levchenko highlighted two areas of utmost importance during their meeting. The first issue was cooperation in energy sector; "We are aware that Mongolia seeks to realize large-scale energy projects and we are ready to partake and assist in these activities", he said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Secondly, the Governor identified tourism as a main area of cooperation between the two countries. "We have agreed to establish a travel route between Baikal and Khuvsgul Lakes. But due to lack of adequate road connecting the lakes, the project isn't showing progress. Therefore, we see that Russia-Mongolia Intergovernmental Commission should focus on the road issue", he said. The Governor also said that he will make efforts directed at organizing the intergovernmental commission's 2017 meeting in Irkutsk, requesting the Mongolian Speaker's assistance on this issue.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the meeting, Governor Sergey Levchenko presented an Investment Passport of Irkutsk region to Speaker M.Enkhbold, saying, "The passport encompasses a list of major projects and programs to be realized by Irkutsk in the next few years. I am sure that Mongolian projects will be included too. I am confident that organizing investment and economic forums will help expand bilateral cooperation in trade and economy. With closer relationship between Irkutsk and Mongolia, the bilateral ties between our countries will be advanced".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Speaker M.Enkhbold then expressed his readiness to support joint industries, investment projects and other activities between Mongolia and Irkutsk oblast.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8848">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_China_bails_out"></a>China bails out Mongolia while India does nothing to help...<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 21 (Pakistan Defence) Where is that $1 billion Modi promised to Mongolia? China has just bailed out Mongolia, with the IMF contributing more. Other Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea are also standing by to help. Where is India in all this? I thought Modi called Mongolia a "friend". Is this how Modi and India treat a friend? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Or is this yet another example of Indians making big promises they can't fulfill? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://gbtimes.com/world/china-imf-bail-out-mongolia" target="_blank"><b>http://gbtimes.com/world/china-imf-bail-out-mongolia</b></a> (China, IMF to bail out Mongolia)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>China's central bank has agreed on a currency swap agreement with Mongolia worth US$2.2 billion, according to a joint statement released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Mongolia on Sunday.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The deal - part of a $5.5 billion bailout - will last for three years, and can be extended upon agreement on both sides.</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Based on the agreement, Mongolia can trade in its own currency with China at a pre-determined exchange rate, a move it is believed could help the East Asian nation increase its foreign exchange reserves and strengthen the Tugrik.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Economic growth in Mongolia slowed to around one percent last year due to a fall in commodity prices and a slowing economy in China, though the IMF has estimated that the bailout should see economic growth hit eight percent by 2019, <a href="http://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/2072145/imf-loan-mongolia-us440-million-part-bailout-package" target="_blank"><b>SCMP</b></a> reports.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>It marks the sixth time since 1990 that the IMF has bailed out the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In addition to China's financial support, the IMF will provide a loan of $440 million, while Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, Japan and South Korea are also planning a "rescue package" of $3 billion.</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/NewsDetail/index/1/9527/China-Beats-Mongolia-into-Submission-Friend-India-Watches" target="_blank"><b>http://www.thecitizen.in/index.php/...Mongolia-into-Submission-Friend-India-Watches</b></a> (China Beats Mongolia into Submission, 'Friend' India Watches)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>SHASTRI RAMACHANDARAN<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>NEW DELHI:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the first-ever Indian Prime Minister to visit Mongolia. He may also be the last, as Mongolia now wishes that he had never come. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Thereby hangs a sordid tale of how the cookie crumbled in the steppes; how the itinerant dream merchant fed false hopes to a credulous but friendly and trusting people; and, how Mongolia -- when squeezed by China to apologise for the Dalai Lama's visit and promise to never again invite him -- learned the hard way that India would neither come to its aid nor deliver on its promises. Beijing made Ulaanbaatar kowtow, and that was a resounding slap on New Delhi's face. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Our story begins in May 2015. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>PM Modi travelled to Ulaanbaatar from China, told people in the land of Genghis Khan of Buddhism in India, and of Buddhism, among other civilisational links, being common to India and Mongolia. <b>He also announced a credit line of $1 billion and assured the Mongolian leaders that India would extend support in diverse fields and increase exports to Mongolia. </b>This was the text. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Pictures showed PM Modi patting a Mongol horse and trying his hand at archery – the symbolism of posing with a bow and arrow aimed unmistakably at Beijing. That underscored the subtext. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>PM Modi's billion-dollar pledge came as a big boost to Mongolia, which is locked between China and Russia, and overwhelmingly dependent on the former. Time was when Mongolia was in a clover, with the Russians and Chinese competing to win them over; and, Mongolia could leverage its ties with one power for bargaining with the other. If Moscow failed to respond to a felt need, Ulaanbaatar could always seek Beijing's help; and vice versa. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Lately, that has changed. Russia and China have become allies and Russia too is more dependent on China as the greater power especially in the aftermath of the US-led sanctions triggered by the retaking of Crimea. As a result, Ulaanbaatar can no longer call on the Kremlin to help when Beijing is uncooperative. A poor country, with a GDP of about $ 35 billion, Mongolia now feels "trapped" between Russia and China, particularly with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as the only show in the region. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This brings us to the subtext of PM Modi's visit: For New Delhi, it was a successful foray into "China's backyard". It was also a message to Beijing that should it seeks to step up its 'presence' in Sri Lanka -- which is India's "zone of influence" – then it should be prepared to face India in its own backyard. In fact, the $1 billion pledged by Modi was India's answer to the few billion dollars China was pouring into Sri Lanka. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Mongolian leadership saw PM Modi's visit as the arrival of a "new power" that would be a counter to China. It was led to believe that it would enjoy India's support in standing up to China. Indian support, Ulaanbaatar felt, could be critical in the event of Chinese pressure becoming unbearable at a time when Russia can no longer come to its rescue. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Prime Minister's visit gave rise to new expectations of economic as well as geopolitical gains. Mongolia naively saw India as a strategic friend that could help Ulaanbaatar stand up to Beijing. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>This sense of strength and support which the Monglians (mistakenly) perceived they were drawing from India was palpable when I visited Ulaanbaatar in July. To be Indian was special. After all, Mongolia was expecting a billion dollars from India. "When will this credit line start flowing," was a question that men, and women, who matter kept popping at me. I had not the heart to disabuse them of their hopes and expectations, when they saw me as the one who had come down from the elephant which is out to slay the dragon. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The crisis erupted in November 2016. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Dalai Lama, perhaps encouraged by New Delhi, went on a four-day visit to Mongolia. This was his ninth trip to a place where he is revered, and his photo is kept in many monasteries. China resented this provocation, objected to the Dalai's visit and warned Ulaanbaatar against hosting him. Ulaanbaatar, confident of India's support, defied Beijing to receive the Dalai Lama. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>China struck swiftly with an unprecedented economic blockade. The sanctions paralysed Mongolia's economy and trade. China slapped a levy on Mongolian goods and trucks entering China. As Russia is too tied to China, <b>Mongolia turned to India, and asked for the promised one billion dollars. </b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ambassador Gonchig Ganbold, who met Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) officials, told a leading English daily: <b>"It's important that India raises its voice against the unilateral measures China is taking against us which is hurting our people especially when severe winter is upon us." Silence, he said, could be construed as giving China a "pass" for its behaviour."</b> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The MEA spokesman's response was: As a close friend of Mongolia, which India regards as its 'third neighbour' and 'spiritual neighbour', we are ready to work with the Mongolian people in this time of their difficulty. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>However, Modi Sarkar was in a funk. There was no trace of the muscle the Prime Minister had displayed to much applause in Ulaanbaatar in May 2015. Any action to ease Mongolia's difficulties would have meant inviting China's wrath. </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Predictably, the political leadership turned a deaf ear to Mongolia's desperate plea for help. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As a result, on December 21, Ulaanbaatar apologised abjectly to Beijing. Mongolian Foreign Minister Tsend Munkh-Orgil promised that the Dalai Lama will no longer be allowed to enter his country. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ulaanbaatar fell in line and Beijing resumed the stalled talks for a loan of $4.2 billion. Without China's financial assistance, the Mongolian economy would collapse. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>It is game, set and match to Beijing. This was an entirely avoidable fiasco arising from sheer misjudgment on the part of Mongolia, the Dalai Lama and the Government of India.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://defence.pk/threads/china-bails-out-mongolia-while-india-does-nothing-to-help.479302/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s1600/image006-766379.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s320/image006-766379.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789780131110306" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HealthEdu></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Health & Education<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Report_on_Maternal"></a>Report on Maternal Mortality Sets Course for Mongolia's Future<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>The launch of UNFPA-supported report "Why Mothers Died", focuses on recommendations to address maternal mortality in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 21 (UNFPA Mongolia) On February 16, 2017, the national dissemination meeting of the Maternal Mortality Review was held at the National Center for Maternal and Child Health (NCMCH). UNFPA Country Representative Naomi Kitahara gave the opening speech, which precluded the launch of the official report entitled "Why Mothers Died". This is the fourth review of the case series and covers the period from 2012-2015.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In her speech, Ms. Kitahara reiterated UNFPA's global mandate to reduce maternal mortality, especially the critical importance of gathering quality data. Specifically, quality data gleaned from the "Confidential Enquiry for Maternal Deaths," an internationally-recognized methodology for assessing maternal mortality.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The Confidential Enquiry is, by design, an approach aiming at improving the health system and the quality of health care by collecting data, identifying shortfalls in health service provision, and suggesting recommendations," she said. "It forms a basis for key policy and technical-level decisions needed to avert maternal deaths."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Findings of the review highlighted a decrease in maternal mortality cases from 151 to 118. The direct and indirect causes were registered as 52.5 % and 46.3% respectively in the current study, which showed no significant difference from the past review (54.3 &amp; 44.4%). The main, direct causes of maternal mortality were identified as Septic condition (24.2%), Hemorrhage (17.7%) and Preeclampsia (17.7%).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>On this basis, the report provided the following key recommendations: 1) the need for urgent in-depth review of sepsis cases as well as changing the prevailing antibiotics administration regimen to strengthen the current obstetric infection management protocols to meet the international guidelines and standards; 2) improving the skills of the health care service providers and the quality of antenatal care, with particular attention to critical elements of antenatal care such as quality rapid testing, a functional referral system, and outreach programs with health education and counseling services. It was emphasized that these should all be made available at no cost to poorer segments of the population.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As Mongolia now looks towards the global targets set by the Sustainable Development Goals in 2030, specifically in achieving good health and wellbeing for all, these recommendations have become even more crucial if it hopes to replicate its past successes. "It was a proud achievement for Mongolia to be one of only 9 countries in the world in 2015 which met the maternal mortality reduction target of the Millennium Development Goals," says Ms. Kitahara, "However, the recent increase of the maternal mortality ratio by almost two-fold indicates the fragility of Mongolia's health system and its vulnerability to external shocks, including economic difficulties which the country faces today. In addition, the effect of violence against women and girls, and especially violence by intimate partner, should not be forgotten, as it is contributing to maternal deaths, and this has to be explored more deeply in the future studies."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Further, the review provides solid data, which could serve as the basis for policy and programme development and implementation. "Globally, we know strong family planning programmes, strengthened emergency obstetric and newborn care (EMONC), and enhanced skilled birth attendance are key to reduce maternal mortality. Mongolia has done well in ensuring skilled birth attendance, but needs to continuously improve the quality of emergency obstetric and newborn care and recalibrate its approach to family planning," Ms. Kitahara says.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>She goes on to emphasize the rationale behind policy and programme environment with a strong family planning agenda at its core goes far beyond ensuring the health of individuals, but addresses a universal principle. "Family planning is a human right, and modern contraceptives must be available for women in need to avoid any unwanted pregnancies. Health care providers should have good counselling skills in family planning, and strong political will is essential to secure sufficient state funding for contraceptives."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>She concluded her speech with continued confidence in the Mongolian government's ability to overcome the present challenges in the realm of maternal mortality." It is my firm belief that through the leadership of the Ministry of Health and NCMCH, backed by a deliberate, concerted allocation of the right levels of financial and human resources, a replication of past success in the reduction of maternal mortality is more than achievable in Mongolia."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>With UNFPA's commitment to be a partner to the Government of Mongolia in this endeavour, assurances were given to fulfill UNFPA's mandate: to deliver a world every pregnancy is wanted, and every child birth is safe. "Mothers do not need to die, giving birth," declared Ms. Kitahara.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>And the more when there is known about maternal mortality in Mongolia through such undertakings as this report, taken seriously by government through supportive policies and programmes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://countryoffice.unfpa.org/mongolia/2017/02/21/14347/report_on_maternal_mortality_sets_course_for_mongolia_rsquo_s_future/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_25.000_km_to"></a>25.000 km to help build schools in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Name:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Louis-Marie Bonhure & François Gillet<br><b>Organization:</b> Le Mongolfrench<br><b>Background:</b> Engineer students (France)<br><b>Currently:</b> Drive 25.0000km to build schools in Mongolia<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 21 (Subtech Sports) On 15th of April the two engineer students Louis-Marie and Francois will be packing their car with school material to drive 25.000 km thru Europe and the middle east to help support building schools in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Their goal is to raise funds for the association EDUCATE in order to build one new school and thereby contribute to help build up the society by educating the young children of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>We are proud to support Le Mongolfrech to protect their gear on their long journey to Mongolia and wish them the best of luck on their preparations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>For more information and to support their project visit their website <a href="https://www.oulanbatour.com/">Link</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.subtechsports.com/2017/02/21/25-000-km-help-build-schools-mongolia/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s1600/image006-766379.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s320/image006-766379.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789780131110306" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Culture></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Culture & Society<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_New_priest_ordained"></a>New priest ordained in Mongolia in the Jubilee year<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ulaan Baatar, February 21 (news.va) - While the Catholic Church in Mongolia in 2017 celebrates its silver Jubilee, the community is celebrating the ordination of Bernard Kambala, a member of the Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary , ordained a priest on February 19 in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Ulaanbaatar. The community of the baptized in the land of Genghis Khan had celebrated the priestly ordination of the first Mongolian priest, Father Joseph Enkh in August 2016. "They are gifts that ensure the future of the Church in Mongolia", says to Fides Bishop Wenceslao Padilla, CICM, Apostolic Prefect of Ulaanbaatar. The Bishop in his message for the New Year wrote: "2017 is for us a promise of great joy: the Silver Jubilee of the Catholic Church in Mongolia and two Priesthood ordinations: deacon Bernard Kambala Muana, CICM, and deacon Antonius Werun, Salesian". These priests and missionaries will give "new impetus to our community". "The Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, which also celebrates the 25 years in Mongolia, is pleased that the Lord still sends out laborers for his vineyard and shows us his benevolent face", notes Padilla.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Bernard Kambala, a native of the Democratic Republic of Congo, joined the CICM congregation in 2005. After three years of philosophy studies and one year of novitiate in Kinshasa , he studied theology at Ecole théologique Saint Cyprien de Ngoya in Ngoya, in Cameroon until 2013. Once he arrived in Mongolia in August 2014, he studied the Mongolian language and dedicated himself to the knowledge of the local culture. He carried out his pastoral service in the church of St. Peter and Paul in Ulaanbaatar. Since January this year Fr. Bernard has begun publishing a daily meditation on the Word of God, writing in Mongolian, a fact much appreciated by the faithful,As the motto of his ordination, Fr. Bernard chose the words of St. Paul to the Romans: "God proves his love for us: while we were still sinners Christ died for us" .<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>There are more than 50 missionaries and religious from 14 countries in the world, in Mongolia. The Catholic community has over one thousand Mongolians baptized and hundreds of catechumens present in 6 parishes and three mission stations are expected to be erected to the rank of parishes on the occasion of the Jubilee celebration.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.news.va/en/news/asiamongolia-new-priest-ordained-in-mongolia-in-th">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s1600/image006-766379.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s320/image006-766379.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789780131110306" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Nature></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Nature & Environment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_App_for_emergency"></a>App for emergency preparedness released<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 21 (MONTSAME) 'Anhaar', an application to educate the public with entertainment lessons of disaster-risk management was released. The application includes guidelines and emergency service numbers to be used in a disaster or accident.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>By informing an important knowledge such as first-aid instructions through an entertaining method, the app provides invaluable knowledge to reduce disaster risk. The application was developed by the collaboration between the National Emergency Management Agency, United Nations Development Programme in Mongolia and Batu Digital co.,ltd.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The application is available on <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.anhaar.batudigital.anhaar" target="_blank">Google Play Store</a> and <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/mn/app/anhaar/id1070742953?mt=8" target="_blank">Apple Store</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Source: <a href="https://nema.gov.mn/?p=12768" target="_blank">National Emergency Management Agency</a></i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/education/8859">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_A_'Dzud'_Comes"></a>A 'Dzud' Comes Every 12 Years. Except for This Time<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>40K livestock are already dead in Mongolia; 1M died last year<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>February 21 (NEWSER) </b>– It may rhyme with "dud," but it packs a deadly wallop: A dzud (pronounced 'ZUHD) is an extreme weather phenomenon unique to Mongolia that's characterized by a summer drought and then a prolonged winter of heavy snow and temperatures of minus 40 to minus 59 degrees Fahrenheit. A dzud typically happens once every 12 years, but it has struck for the second consecutive year this winter, and it's putting the livelihoods of more than 150,000 nomadic herders and family members at risk. The dzud last year killed more than 1 million livestock, which are the only source of food, transport, and outside income for almost half of Mongolia's population of 3 million, the Red Cross said last week, as it launched an emergency appeal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>More than 40,000 cows and other livestock have already died this time, a figure that's expected to jump in the freezing months ahead and into spring when animals are still weak. Many herder families will lose their livestock and livelihoods "and will have no choice but to migrate to the slum areas on the outskirts of [the capital, Ulaanbaatar] and other urban centers where they will face great social and economic hardship," said the head of the Beijing office of the International Federation of Red Cross. The Red Cross said 70% of the country is covered by snow, and 157,000 people belonging to herder households in 17 of Mongolia's 21 provinces are at risk. The agency appealed for $650,000 to help 2,740 of the most at-risk families, reports the <a href="http://www.newser.com/article/988e2d6c7c0d47328561f828bc7cd93c/harsh-mongolian-winter-risks-livelihoods-of-herder-families.html">AP</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.newser.com/story/238681/a-dzud-comes-every-12-years-except-for-this-time.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Wintering_aid_granted"></a>Wintering aid granted in western provinces<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 21 (MONTSAME) A team headed by the Deputy Prime Minister, Mr U.Khurelsukh has been working these days in Bayan-Ulgii and Uvs provinces. The team is visiting Bulgan and Sagsai soums, where the wintering conditions have worsened.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Over two million livestocks are being overwintered in winter camps of 6,200 families in Bayan-Ulgii province. The team handed the reserved hay and animal fodder to the herdsmen of Bulgan and Sagsai soums.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The government has granted 138 litres of livestock medicine and bio-supplies, 40 tons of hay free of charge and 40 tons of animal fodder with 50 percent discount, to relieve wintering difficulties in the above mentioned soums.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As for Uvs, 2.7 million livestocks are being overwintered, and 13 soums have harsh wintering conditions. Extended meetings of emergency officials were held during the team visit to Turgen, Ulaangom and Naranbulag soums. The Deputy PM handed the government and international aid to the local administrations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The government has shown assistance of MNT 100 million and 138 litres of bio-supplies, 360 tons of hay to Uvs province. A total of 240 tons of fodder were provided with 50 percent discount. Including emergency trucks granted to five soums, the amount of aid for wintering has reached MNT 570 million.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8857">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s1600/image006-766379.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s320/image006-766379.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789780131110306" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Sports></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Sports<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_triumphs_over"></a>Mongolia triumphs over Singapore in ice hockey<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 21 (MONTSAME) The VIII edition of '2017 Asian Winter Games' is taking place in Sapporo and Obihiro, Japan from February 19 to 26.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the men's Ice hockey game, Mongolian team has won a match against Thailand with 5:4 points which led to their next glorious victory of 8:0 points over Singapore.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>From the 32 countries that are participating in the competition, Mongolian team is scheduled to play against Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates and Singapore in Group 'B'. Mongolian team's next match against United Arab Emirates is at 6:00PM on February 21.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mongolian team consists of 42 athletes and is scheduled to compete in seven categories such as Alpine skiing, Biathlon, Cross-country skiing, Freestyle skiing, Ice hockey, Short track speed skating and Speed skating in this event.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/8867">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s1600/image006-766379.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s320/image006-766379.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789780131110306" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Art></a><a name=Travel></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Travel<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolia_makes_Lonely"></a>Mongolia makes Lonely Planet's Top 10 destinations for travelers<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 21 (MONTSAME) The world's most popular travel guide book Lonely Planet has included Mongolia in the List of Best Travel Countries for 2017 in its latest issue. Mongolia was described in the seventh place in the article with a headline "Ten destinations you cannot afford to miss".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It said: "In 2017 Mongolia will raise the curtain on a brand-new capital-city airport, a state-of- the-art facility that symbolises the country's rapid modernisation. Ulaanbaatar has been the biggest beneficiary of the economic boom, its transformed skyline bristling with glass and steel towers. At the centre of this development is a US$500-million Shangri-La complex, which will be completed by 2017, featuring a 290-room hotel, an IMAX cinema and a Hard Rock Café. Beyond the capital lies Mongolia's stunning countryside, highlighted by Lake Khuvsgul, the Blue Pearl of Asia. In 2015 the lake was connected to Ulaanbaatar by paved road, cutting driving time by 10 hours".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8863">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Why_You_Need"></a>Why You Need to Visit Mongolia This Year<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>The head monk of Mongolia's oldest monastery, who will be joining a trip with Nomadic Expeditions this summer, offers a history lesson—and a few pearls of wisdom.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 21 (AFAR) <b>T</b>he untouched landscapes and glimpses of nomadic life are reason enough to want to visit <a href="http://www.afar.com/travel-guides/mongolia/guide" target="_blank">Mongolia</a>. But there's a unique itinerary from <a href="http://www.nomadicexpeditions.com/" target="_blank">Nomadic Expeditions</a> this summer that could inspire you to put the country at the top of your travel checklist.<b> <a href="http://www.nomadicexpeditions.com/trip-finder/mongolia-spiritual-and-cultural-awakening-with-tibet-house-and-robert-thurman/" target="_blank">Mongolia: Spiritual and Cultural Awakening</a></b> is a rare look at the country's Buddhist roots, thanks to an illustrious pair of hosts: <a href="https://tibethouse.us/" target="_blank">Tibet House</a> founder and renowned scholar Robert Thurman, the first Westerner to be ordained as a monk by the Dalai Lama, and Mongolia-born Baasan Lama, the head abbot of Erdene Zuu, Mongolia's oldest monastery. On a two-week itinerary that will include central Mongolia and the Gobi Desert, the group will also stop at Erdene Zuu to meet Baasan Lama; they'll also take part in guided meditations with him at his own hilltop retreat. We asked Baasan Lama to give us a backgrounder on his country's complex relationship with Buddhism and to share his thoughts on the importance of compassion during even the most tumultuous times.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>This interview was translated in part by Jalsa Urubshurow, founder of Nomadic Expeditions.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>What makes Mongolia such a unique place to visit?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia is beautiful and untouched. I've traveled the world and haven't found a place that feels more wild and spiritual. A lot of other countries are cutting down trees and killing animals and insects. That isn't happening as fast in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>What should we know about Buddhism in Mongolia?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia has been a democratic country since 1990, so everyone can practice religion freely now. But during our 70-year socialist period, many monks were imprisoned or killed, and others hid or fled the country. A lot of people buried their Buddha statues, often in places like outhouses where nobody would go looking for them. Before communism, there were 100,000 monks and 2,000 monasteries. Today, there are around 3,000 monks and 250 monasteries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Wow—what was it like before 1990? Did you have any family members who were monks?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>I was born and raised near Erdene Zuu monastery, which was a museum because Buddhism was forbidden back then. My grandfather was a monk, and I remember when I was a child he had a secret room underground where he kept Buddhist sutras and <i>thangkas</i>. At midnight he'd go down there to pray and meditate.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>When did you decide to become a monk?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>It was when I visited Erdene Zuu for the first time, when I was 10 years old. I felt I was in a place that was really familiar. I felt at home there. I eventually became a monk in 1991, one year after the fall of communism. At that time, many of the older monks who lived under communist rule had already passed away. These days, you still see mostly younger monks. I became the head abbot of Erdene Zuu 10 years ago when I turned 30.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>What's your average day like?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>You have to memorize a lot of text. When I first became a monk, it was a 40-minute walk between my home and the monastery, and on the way I'd memorize 12 rows of Sanskrit. We spend most of the day chanting, praying for the good of humanity, and there aren't really any days off. When I'm not at the monastery, I do volunteer work, and I also have a small school for young monks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Do you live at the monastery?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>None of us live at Erdene Zuu because it's still a museum and because most of it was destroyed. About 80 percent of the monks there are married—many of them were already married when they became monks after communism fell.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>It sounds like a tough transition. How do young Mongolians view Buddhism today?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>The next generation of Mongolians sees Buddhism as an old religion that their grandparents believed in. The rituals seem superstitious, and young people don't understand the meaning behind them. Because of this, Buddhism is on the decline in Mongolia. That's why I'm traveling and giving lectures. I focus on teaching about compassion and love, which is more universal, rather than the "ism" of Buddhism. I spoke to 20,000 people in Mongolia in the last year, and I also traveled to the U.S. and Europe to speak to Mongolians living abroad.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Tell us about your monastery, which Nomadic Expeditions guests will be visiting.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Erdene Zuu was built in the 16th century. It was the first monastery in Mongolia, and it's also the largest. It's just over 200 miles southwest of the capital, Ulan Bator, near Karakorum, the ancient capital city founded by Genghis Khan in the 13th century. Most of it was destroyed during communist rule, and only three of the 62 temple buildings survive.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>What do you want to teach the travelers you meet?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>If I can help people find love and compassion from within themselves, of course I'll be very happy. All of our suffering is dependent on our thoughts and emotions and anger, as well as our ego and self-centeredness. Meditation is what teaches you how to master these thoughts. If you don't have love or compassion inside yourself first, then you have nothing to give others. Society is made of families, and a family is made of individuals, so if you change yourself, your family will be changed, and then society will change, too. It's like getting on an airplane: You need to put your oxygen mask on first before helping the person next to you. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="It%20sounds%20like%20a%20tough%20transition.%20How%20do%20young%20Mongolians%20view%20Buddhism%20today?">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_John_Feely_on"></a>John Feely on capturing life in "remote" Mongolia and learning a new way of living<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 21 (It's Nice That) In the past year, photographer John Feely has won a long list of awards from the likes of <i>LensCulture</i> and <i>Capture</i> magazine, many of them for his series <i>The Outsider</i>. Based on his experiences in Mongolia, where the Australian photographer now partly lives, the series is a lingering look at life in the vast, sparsely-populated nation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i>The Outsider</i> is set in Mongolia, where you are now based. What drew you to the country?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>I went to Mongolia because I wanted to experience what was beyond my own plans, with the belief that perhaps there was a wisdom out there beyond my own need to control, expect and need certain things and outcomes. I chose Mongolia because I knew it was spacious and had traditional values. I literally chose a spot off a map because it looked the most remote and flew there. I did this because living in this way in Australia was not working out for me. It was my way of dealing with something more than a planned trip.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The point of the trip was to put myself in a location so far from my realm of experience with no plan or expectation, so in a way everything that could happen was unexpected and beyond my own control. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Who is <i>The Outsider</i>?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>The title <i>The Outsider</i> refers to the people I stayed with, myself and my reasons for going to Mongolia. I try to document my own internal and external experience, my own journey and what draws me to a place as well.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Internally I guess I discovered how transformative it is to not fill up the space with what we know and want, and instead embrace what is actually around us. Specifically how this opens up the world around us, gives us a new way to see. In some ways I learned a whole new way of living. I tried to express experiences and relationships rather than documenting the literal exclusively.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>How did you find your way around the notoriously under-populated country?<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Initially, I flew into a town in Western Mongolia with no plan thereafter. After a few days I met someone who spoke English and they organised for me to go 200km out of town and stay with a family. I had plans of travelling on horseback from there down the valley but after three days my horse got injured so I returned back to the family I was staying with. As was often the case, what seemed like a setback became something beyond what I had planned. The next day I ended up migrating across the country with the family's grandfather, his grandson and all of their animals, while the rest of the family moved their possessions. We ended up in their summer resting place and set up there for the summer. With this as a base I would sometimes travel around the region, often with Agali, the father of the family and now a very dear friend.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Tell us about daily life in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>In 2014 and 2015, I was living with a family in the Altai Mountains in western Mongolia so I spent my time partaking in daily life there. This involved everything from sharing meals to rounding up wild horses in the mountains, migrating from place to place and climbing into eagles nests halfway down cliff faces.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The people I stayed with did not speak the same language as me, so our communication was non-verbal. This has a notable effect on how I communicate with people and spend my time. Very strong relationships can be formed from this approach: it requires a lot of trust and can also lead to a lot of laughter. In some ways I guess the details disappear and you are left with a very pure form of experience.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last year, I spent six months working on a personal project in Mongolia. Since <i>The Outsider</i> I have become interested in what Mongolia is beyond my own notions of traditional living. Finding the physical spaces where the world I live in at home in Australia and my experiences from <i>The Outsider</i> intersect. I guess I am interested in how the ideas and practices from traditions can contribute to a new way of living in the future. I think sometimes we forget that tradition can also be part of progress.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://johnfeely.net/">www.johnfeely.net</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/john-feely-210217">Link to article</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Visit_Mongolia_Before"></a>Visit Mongolia Before Everyone Else Does<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>THE UNTOUCHED LANDSCAPE AND TRADITIONAL WAY OF LIFE MAKES MONGOLIA AN INCREDIBLE COUNTRY YOU MUST VISIT<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 21 (Out of Office) It might not be the first country you think of for a holiday, but there is no reason why it shouldn't be. This Southern Asian country has more to offer than you think and we advise visiting sooner rather than later. With the newly built second international airport due to open this year, along with two swanky luxury hotels built in Ulaan Baatar, it is more accessible and appealing to those who want to travel in style. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Its land mass is twice the size of France yet its population is less than a 20th of the UK's, this country is overcome with dramatic boundless landscape and natural beauty. From the vast flat plains, the labyrinth of rivers and snow covered mountain tops, wherever you look you are greeted with breathtaking scenery. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Start in the capital city Ulaan Baatar and treat yourself to a few nights in one of the new lavish hotels. The rest of your trip will offer a very different experience. Immerse yourself in Mongolian culture in every way possible and stay in a ger, which is the traditional form of housing used by nearly 50% of the population still. These circular huts made out of felt and waterproof coverings are equipped with beautiful authentic furniture and house everything a Mongolian family need with the heart being centred around a warm cosy fire stove. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Take a trip to Kharkhorin, which is known as the historic centre of the country. Here was where Genghis Khan built his empire which at its largest stretched from the Sea of Japan to Central Europe. He is to this day, a significant figure for Mongolians. Visit Orkhon Valley Cultural Landscape which has been named a Unesco World Heritage Site.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One thing you will notice in Mongolia is the abundance of bird life that fills the clear blue skies. From eagles, hawks and falcons, you will see a vast variety of birds. Take a camel ride along the Yolyn Am gorge, a deep and narrow gorge in the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains in southern Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is the untouched beauty which makes it so attractive. The extensive remoteness is a huge contrast to the hectic, busy lives we lead, and escaping to this place where you can look around and find no sign of human civilisation but incredible mountains, vast plains, stunning river beds and barren deserts is majestic. With new hotels and airports being built, now is the time to visit if you want to experience the true Mongolian way of life. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.outofoffice.com/blog-posts/visit-mongolia-before-everyone-else-does">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVCDJruD6LqQSkcGoXb62BfqoO91RXhSORGvmZ_YXl-eN-JDP0u-fzpkvYGKPrMrOGrxZVsdN_OBoNRY7rOLiyNJSOPJoZtVv41rHykupxc5-IiH90MMIbi8HcG1yyEHfT2N8neoBdKBk/s1600/image006-766379.jpg"><img 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/></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'> </span><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:#365F91;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtx3zuzgf4yEG046Zaep8v161ro8Jtws21R9JThj9q-L6dfr4FT9ZMOwtX-_CxOcJ-7CYNf6OCqKz8EHW3suC2P1Sp3_gPcQMcTdsVGcD8BVZhlGmx70ZB6FJUXK23F8-YBZoQTUjnJI/s1600/image017-790065.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZtx3zuzgf4yEG046Zaep8v161ro8Jtws21R9JThj9q-L6dfr4FT9ZMOwtX-_CxOcJ-7CYNf6OCqKz8EHW3suC2P1Sp3_gPcQMcTdsVGcD8BVZhlGmx70ZB6FJUXK23F8-YBZoQTUjnJI/s320/image017-790065.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389789884095943042" /></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Suite </span><span lang=MN style='color:#1F497D'>303</span><span style='color:#1F497D'>, Level 3, Elite Complex<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>14 Chinggis Avenue, Sukhbaatar District 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia<br></span><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Email</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: </span><a href="mailto:info@covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@covermongolia.com</span></a><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Website</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: <a href="http://www.covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>www.covermongolia.com</span></a></span><u><span style='color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Phone (Office)</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: +976 7711 6779</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:Webdings;color:#339966'>P</span><span style='color:#339966'> </span><span lang=EN-AU style='color:#007F00;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-44100021511164816402017-02-21T17:39:00.000+08:002017-02-21T17:41:46.014+08:00[BREAKING: GoM Offering Certain Cash Consideration to Exchange DBM Notes]<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQAhU110lxT6u7dohYqt84Eu5jVSiP9BjAkuePHyxFA6QoH32G-4cYBSLskeKKXbXtucdV-4n3EE9fAE2l4KpBR1KOgnxk6ZQkWazH2spBIxFccVk6AdgaT5RETmSFenfIPDQB3UIICY/s1600/image001-700299.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQAhU110lxT6u7dohYqt84Eu5jVSiP9BjAkuePHyxFA6QoH32G-4cYBSLskeKKXbXtucdV-4n3EE9fAE2l4KpBR1KOgnxk6ZQkWazH2spBIxFccVk6AdgaT5RETmSFenfIPDQB3UIICY/s320/image001-700299.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389494003286044994" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHbXtz71kTAaKVqbQ2rS6jTJz0RCO7TZXfZ3QpCmdhViNXsnjJdUHnDkWolOqudqKzo3eLLZqxkBOtn6Q0qol2_QNRGB_U-_UxOJjSBFousypPLh7E5YDXvzP5t_NDvi9nc4cE-zJv48/s1600/image002-702856.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOHbXtz71kTAaKVqbQ2rS6jTJz0RCO7TZXfZ3QpCmdhViNXsnjJdUHnDkWolOqudqKzo3eLLZqxkBOtn6Q0qol2_QNRGB_U-_UxOJjSBFousypPLh7E5YDXvzP5t_NDvi9nc4cE-zJv48/s320/image002-702856.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389494016674901602" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>- <span style='color:red'>BREAKING NEWS </span>-<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Tuesday, February 21, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'>Cover Mongolia</span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span style='color:#4472C4'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></u>, <span style='color:#00B0F0'><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#00B0F0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#2F5597'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#2F5597'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span style='color:black'>, </span><span style='color:#C55A11'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><b><span style='color:#C55A11'>Instagram</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#C00000'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><b><span style='color:#C00000'>YouTube</span></b></a></span> and <span style='color:#FFC000'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><b><span style='color:#FFC000'>Blogspot</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Mogi: name of PDF was named “Khuraldai”. I’m assuming the new notes are being called as such. Lucid Issuer in an email said the Exchange Offer Memorandum is only available for noteholders.<o:p></o:p></i></p><h2>GoM Offering Certain Cash Consideration to Exchange DBM Notes with New Sovereign “Khuraldai” Notes<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing>OFFER TO EXCHANGE GOVERNMENT OF MONGOLIA NOTES FOR UP TO US$580 MILLION OF DEVELOPMENT BANK OF MONGOLIA LLC’s OUTSTANDING 5.75% GUARANTEED NOTES DUE 2017<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 20 (Government of Mongolia) -- <o:p></o:p></span></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr style='height:11.6pt'><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:11.6pt'><p class=MsoNormal> <b>ISIN </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:11.6pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Common </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Code </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:11.6pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Coupon </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:11.6pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Maturity </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:11.6pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Amount </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Outstanding </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:11.6pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>New Note Description </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:11.6pt'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Exchange Consideration per US$1,000 of Old Notes </b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:14.45pt'><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.45pt'><p class=MsoNormal>XS0755567301 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.45pt'><p class=MsoNormal>075556730 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.45pt'><p class=MsoNormal>5.75% <o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.45pt'><p class=MsoNormal>March 21, 2017 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.45pt'><p class=MsoNormal>US$580,000,000 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.45pt'><p class=MsoNormal>Notes due <o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:14.45pt'><p class=MsoNormal>US$1,000 of New Notes plus certain cash consideration (as described in the Exchange Offer Memorandum) <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal>Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the exchange offer memorandum dated February 20, 2017 (the “<b>Exchange Offer Memorandum</b>”), the Government of Mongolia (the “<b>Government</b>”) is offering to exchange (the “<b>Exchange Offer</b>”) up to US$580 million of Development Bank of Mongolia LLC’s (“<b>DBM</b>”) outstanding 5.75% Guaranteed Notes due 2017 (the “<b>Old Notes</b>”) for the Government’s new debt securities (the “<b>New Notes</b>”). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meaning as in the Exchange Offer Memorandum.<o:p></o:p></p><div align=center><table class=MsoTableGrid border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL COMMENCE ON FEBRUARY 20, 2017 AND EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., CENTRAL EUROPEAN TIME, ON MARCH 1, 2017, (SUCH DATE AND TIME, AS THEY MAY BE EXTENDED OR EARLIER TERMINATED AT THE SOLE DISCRETION OF THE GOVERNMENT, THE “EXCHANGE EXPIRATION DATE”).<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal>Interest on the New Notes will accrue from the Settlement Date and will be payable semi-annually. Old Notes being tendered for exchange may only be submitted in a minimum size of US$200,000. The aggregate principal amount of New Notes to be issued to any holder in the exchange offer will be in a minimum size of US$200,000. As discussed in the Exchange Offer Memorandum, the total principal amount of Old Notes that will be accepted in this exchange offer is equal to US$580 million. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Valid tenders of Old Notes are irrevocable and may not be may not be withdrawn. Instructions in connection with the Exchange Offer are irrevocable. Once you tender Old Notes in the Exchange Offer, you may not withdraw from the Exchange Offer. The Exchange Offer may be amended, modified, terminated, withdrawn or extended. Notice will be provided of any amendments, modifications, withdrawals or extensions as and if required by applicable law. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You must make your own decision whether to tender your Old Notes for exchange in the Exchange Offer. Neither the Government, DBM, the Dealer Managers (as defined herein), the Information and Exchange Agent (as defined herein), nor any other person is making any recommendation as to whether or not you should tender your Old Notes for exchange in the Exchange Offer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In making your investment decision, you should rely only on the information contained in the Exchange Offer Memorandum. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Copies of the Exchange Offer Memorandum describing the Exchange Offer may be obtained from Lucid Issuer Services Limited (the “<b>Information and Exchange Agent</b>”), at the addresses, website and telephone numbers set forth below.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i>The Dealer Managers for the Exchange Offer are:</i><o:p></o:p></p><div align=center><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr style='height:36.95pt'><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:36.95pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>Credit Suisse (Hong Kong) Limited</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Level 88, International Commerce Centre<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>1 Austin Road West<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Kowloon<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Hong Kong<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Telephone: +852 2101 6000<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Email: <a href="mailto:list.ibprojectkhuraldai@credit-suisse.com">list.ibprojectkhuraldai@credit-suisse.com</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:36.95pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>J.P. Morgan Securities plc</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>25 Bank Street<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Canary Wharf<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>London E14 5JP<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>United Kingdom<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Fax: +44 20 3493 1413<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i>The Information and Exchange Agent for the Exchange Offer is:<o:p></o:p></i></p><div align=center><table class=MsoTableGrid border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>Lucid Issuer Services Limited</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Tankerton Works<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>12 Argyle Walk<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>London WC1H 8HA<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>United Kingdom<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>For information by telephone: +44 20 7704 0880<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Attention: Thomas Choquet / Arlind Bytyqi<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Email: <a href="mailto:mongolia@lucid-is.com">mongolia@lucid-is.com</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table></div><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://infopub.sgx.com/Apps?A=COW_CorpAnnouncement_Content&B=AnnouncementToday&F=QWXE9Q5SK9575AA0&H=edee522e13c0d8aa231bac133e9fe003a6752a2fff09559d87fa37efe545e35d&fileId=Khuraldai%20-%20Launch%20Announcement_FINAL.pdf">Link to offer</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#365F91'>---<br></span><b><span style='color:#44546A'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-eqCXR6suCq5CM3nLX69eaYPYJXMzkz57GvlpmF2AEFtE2SHZcdKxuk5gV8V3cm7BGnrBYk77YLEUaBjPClBkjAmG_nffozDkbH24ckSRfPH37319OHzZQ6zO7aaqFAGdZ9o4QEb5eI/s1600/image003-705532.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir-eqCXR6suCq5CM3nLX69eaYPYJXMzkz57GvlpmF2AEFtE2SHZcdKxuk5gV8V3cm7BGnrBYk77YLEUaBjPClBkjAmG_nffozDkbH24ckSRfPH37319OHzZQ6zO7aaqFAGdZ9o4QEb5eI/s320/image003-705532.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389494030175774930" 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/></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><span style='color:#365F91;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KZ7jHlrPQZlsrFzX0oktjN4FDyFTr_X1nc0toBo1gvb5hBGTOPBjIe14Qz4kwaBG0ruiBw4I9ejh0SiBrKwOgfJG00EIpzmdOBvj59eRZExwKBcIUKI6oTAp9L-qngEqV1t2WuP-TdA/s1600/image008-715634.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KZ7jHlrPQZlsrFzX0oktjN4FDyFTr_X1nc0toBo1gvb5hBGTOPBjIe14Qz4kwaBG0ruiBw4I9ejh0SiBrKwOgfJG00EIpzmdOBvj59eRZExwKBcIUKI6oTAp9L-qngEqV1t2WuP-TdA/s320/image008-715634.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389494068991383170" /></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'> </span><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:#365F91;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKDNlDd4Y626TpMiRw-QKOiaDpSN5EgC4vkid2Iz7sEAQgrj_wetmTp5m0LYLwRp6yCSgVRU6nwrzIW1G9Yvs0yX6j7uhi9AF6gAuIFKGi1CFsahv-AsRcn5h-0rzW28f4EhNNyUdni0/s1600/image009-717528.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKDNlDd4Y626TpMiRw-QKOiaDpSN5EgC4vkid2Iz7sEAQgrj_wetmTp5m0LYLwRp6yCSgVRU6nwrzIW1G9Yvs0yX6j7uhi9AF6gAuIFKGi1CFsahv-AsRcn5h-0rzW28f4EhNNyUdni0/s320/image009-717528.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389494076731958546" /></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Suite </span><span lang=MN style='color:#1F497D'>303</span><span style='color:#1F497D'>, Level 3, Elite Complex<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>14</span><span style='color:#1F497D'> </span><span style='color:#1F497D'>Chinggis Avenue, Sukhbaatar District 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia<br></span><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Email</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: </span><a href="mailto:info@covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@covermongolia.com</span></a><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Website</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: <a href="http://www.covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>www.covermongolia.com</span></a></span><u><span style='color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Phone (Office)</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: +976 7711 6779</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:Webdings;color:#339966'>P</span><span style='color:#339966'> </span><span lang=EN-AU style='color:#007F00;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-50084034502297507242017-02-21T11:14:00.001+08:002017-04-13T12:20:42.233+08:00[Mongol bonds rally; MNT gains for 2 day; China confirms currency swap; negative $4B FDI in 2016; and China bans DPRK coal]<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qppGzAR8pV8aLSIFzlXazmtEpFhJVILMaE2pGFo0Bby6FM3rxK_oxSc9xObBp7gKpmoMDkwo3vvU4xKbDV0pLE71OdZBtKoGAScWA2aNGxQ9JSF4pQAHBWOo-wEfaEAwVMy-vBtz-BI/s1600/image001-798083.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qppGzAR8pV8aLSIFzlXazmtEpFhJVILMaE2pGFo0Bby6FM3rxK_oxSc9xObBp7gKpmoMDkwo3vvU4xKbDV0pLE71OdZBtKoGAScWA2aNGxQ9JSF4pQAHBWOo-wEfaEAwVMy-vBtz-BI/s320/image001-798083.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394785039269138" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhc3f0fh-ZQt7d3pBj-msTCGR4tBwl4d3NVXJ5Z3J42mdDq6latuFkXkDDbA66CrnB8xRIy3IoX1xArLThcnxghuZQRhjplLiBeK7d2RSi84sj6xAO492XD9E-UtPFnyYC-_Pp7mmhtjM/s1600/image002-701125.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhc3f0fh-ZQt7d3pBj-msTCGR4tBwl4d3NVXJ5Z3J42mdDq6latuFkXkDDbA66CrnB8xRIy3IoX1xArLThcnxghuZQRhjplLiBeK7d2RSi84sj6xAO492XD9E-UtPFnyYC-_Pp7mmhtjM/s320/image002-701125.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394795994830146" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Tuesday, February 21, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'>Cover Mongolia</span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span style='color:#4472C4'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></u>, <span style='color:#00B0F0'><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#00B0F0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#2F5597'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#2F5597'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span style='color:black'>, </span><span style='color:#C55A11'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><b><span style='color:#C55A11'>Instagram</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#C00000'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><b><span style='color:#C00000'>YouTube</span></b></a></span> and <span style='color:#FFC000'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><b><span style='color:#FFC000'>Blogspot</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><u>Jump to</u>: <a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> - <a href="#Local">Local Market</a> - <a href="#Economy">Economy</a> - <a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> - <a href="#Business">Business</a> - <a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> - <a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> - <a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> - <a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> - <a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> - <a href="#Sports">Sports</a> - <a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> - <a href="#Travel">Travel</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Headlines in <b><i>Italic</i></b> are ones modified by Cover Mongolia from original<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>HEADLINES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadIntl></a><u><a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_UPDATE_2-Mongolia_bonds">Mongolia bonds rally as $5.5 bln bailout rewards tenacious investors</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_IMF-led_bailout_to">IMF-led bailout to support downgrade-threatened Mongolia-Moody's</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_Benchmark-Size_U.S.">Mongolia Benchmark-Size U.S. Dollar-Denominated Notes Rated 'B-'</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Aspire_Mining_signs">Aspire Mining signs agreement to advance coal railway</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mHYsohDBBlh7iLrd-jEuJ5kk5kiEtPAJxg7qfDhKQh3DKrar5S03APOkQNNBlPXmJhO9iJEeBInLYcnmo5134iUZRL-ZibEXONcs_eTOGPm9-vz-I5jUYFLZfz6QrH6_rq2GAtQez_4/s1600/image003-704100.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1mHYsohDBBlh7iLrd-jEuJ5kk5kiEtPAJxg7qfDhKQh3DKrar5S03APOkQNNBlPXmJhO9iJEeBInLYcnmo5134iUZRL-ZibEXONcs_eTOGPm9-vz-I5jUYFLZfz6QrH6_rq2GAtQez_4/s320/image003-704100.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394805926183778" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadLocal></a><u><a href="#Local">Local Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MSE_Trading_Report:">MSE Trading Report: Top 20 +0.13%, ALL +0.29%, Turnover ₮77.6 Million Shares, ₮723.4 Million T-Bills</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Delgerkhangai_Securities_Leads">Delgerkhangai Securities Leads in Stock Trading Last Week, Golomt Capital and Novel in T-Bill Primary and Secondary</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_88_MSE_Stocks">88 MSE Stocks File 4Q Financial Reports, 59 After Feb 10 Deadline</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtb5lf97p2oVfW0idcLdRi3H8VyWjgOb4YP34rmhE17mAC56LB9wtNg0nvtFoKlOjGAUjXj5s-HWuLinxEXxf7uCvAZwtfHVG3kjnCT9Xt6iINw1KrEB0SvChBxxVVo9bqdego6zaLlP8/s1600/image004-706583.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtb5lf97p2oVfW0idcLdRi3H8VyWjgOb4YP34rmhE17mAC56LB9wtNg0nvtFoKlOjGAUjXj5s-HWuLinxEXxf7uCvAZwtfHVG3kjnCT9Xt6iINw1KrEB0SvChBxxVVo9bqdego6zaLlP8/s320/image004-706583.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394821292615634" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadEconomy></a><u><a href="#Economy">Economy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_MNT_Rates:">MNT gains for 2nd day</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_issues_₮214.5">BoM issues ₮214.5 billion 1-week bills, total outstanding +25% to ₮535.5 billion</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_sees_$404.5">Mongolia sees $404.5 million current account deficit in 2016, $4.1 billion negative FDI</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Fitch_Affirms_Mongolia">Fitch Affirms Mongolia at 'B-', Stable Outlook</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_China,_Mongolia_to">China, Mongolia to extend currency swap agreement</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_IMF_to_give">IMF to give loan with floating interest rate of 2 per cent</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Government_to_take">Government to take charge of mortgage loan implementation</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_external_debt">Mongolian external debt reaches 87 percent of GDP</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Tax_rates_on">Tax rates on vehicle, alcoholic products and tobacco to increase</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Taxes_to_be">Taxes to be raised in the scope of IMF's program</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_METALS-Supply_concerns_push">Supply concerns push London copper above $6,000 per tonne</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_North_Korea_lights">North Korea lights fire under coking coal price</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Iron_ore_shoots">Iron ore shoots past $US90 a tonne to fresh 2.5-year high</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Gold_isn't_behaving">Gold isn't behaving in practice the way it should in theory</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Oil_rises_in">Oil rises in thin trade, but swelling U.S. output caps rally</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlldkEM8XVXPlg7g5QlyJcNDqCrB_-LhUPUe4Shv6krrNTHyMnwhPhb9CrUc8CCASZ_AUVTU5fpx5kIcG-AMnP-mardNpOIFhysO_NcLQH2zjDZnuJka0kb4GI5hNBFMgTcaCsUnqLzd8/s1600/image005-709338.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlldkEM8XVXPlg7g5QlyJcNDqCrB_-LhUPUe4Shv6krrNTHyMnwhPhb9CrUc8CCASZ_AUVTU5fpx5kIcG-AMnP-mardNpOIFhysO_NcLQH2zjDZnuJka0kb4GI5hNBFMgTcaCsUnqLzd8/s320/image005-709338.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394834086632642" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadPolitics></a><u><a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Defacto_Review:_February">Defacto Review: IMF Deal, 1% Growth; 2017 Election; Horsemeat Scandal</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Trade_Unions:_Government">Trade Unions: Government has breached Collective bargaining agreement</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_IFC,_Justice_Ministry">IFC, Justice Ministry Launch Web-Based Movable Collateral Registry to Boost SME Financing</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Visit_of_UNDP">Visit of UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific to Mongolia, February 21-25</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire">AmCham Daily Newswire for February 20, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s1600/image006-712428.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s320/image006-712428.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394843744040482" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadBusiness></a><a name=HeadUlaanbaatar></a><u><a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Ulaanbaatar_Investment_2017">Ulaanbaatar Investment 2017 meeting held</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Firefighters_save_21">Firefighters save 21 people from fire</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s1600/image006-712428.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s320/image006-712428.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394843744040482" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadDiplomacy></a><u><a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Wang:_China_offers">Wang: China offers support and help to Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_reaffirms_commitment">Mongolia reaffirms commitment to one-China policy</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_India_should_not">India should not ignore Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Ch.Sosormaa_presents_credentials">Ch.Sosormaa presents credentials to Colombian President</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_UNESCO_and_Mongolia">UNESCO and Mongolia Reinforce Cooperation</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s1600/image006-712428.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s320/image006-712428.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394843744040482" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadHealthEdu></a><u><a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_scientists_develop">Mongolian scientists develop infant incubator</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s1600/image006-712428.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s320/image006-712428.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394843744040482" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadCulture></a><u><a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Archaeological_Institute_of">Archaeological Institute of America: Northern Mongolia Archaeology Project</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Save_the_Children:">Save the Children: Horse racing puts child jockeys in danger</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s1600/image006-712428.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s320/image006-712428.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394843744040482" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadNature></a><u><a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Warner_Bros'_Children">Warner Bros' Children of Genghis to Premiere on February 23</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s1600/image006-712428.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s320/image006-712428.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394843744040482" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadSports></a><u><a href="#Sports">Sports</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Memory_athletes_gain">Memory athletes gain 41 medals from Korea Open Memory championship</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s1600/image006-712428.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s320/image006-712428.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394843744040482" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadArt></a><u><a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> <b><o:p></o:p></b></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Watch_The_Eagle">Watch The Eagle Huntress at UB's Adventure Temple</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s1600/image006-712428.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s320/image006-712428.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394843744040482" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadTravel></a><u><a href="#Travel">Travel</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Program_for_Ten">Program for Ten Thousand Camel Festival 2017, March 6-7</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_'Winter_Horse_Festival'">'Winter Horse Festival' attracts tourists from 10 countries</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l7 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Visit_the_world's">Visit the world's least crowded country - before everyone else does</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s1600/image006-712428.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s320/image006-712428.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394843744040482" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>ARTICLES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=International></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Int'l Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_UPDATE_2-Mongolia_bonds"></a>UPDATE 2-Mongolia bonds rally as $5.5 bln bailout rewards tenacious investors<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Feb 20 (Reuters) Mongolian bonds rallied on Monday after a $5.5 billion loan package agreed on the weekend staved off default and rewarded investors who had hung on despite signs of mounting stress.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Investors had been particularly concerned about a $580 million repayment due March 21 on a bond issued by state-run Development Bank of Mongolia (DBM). The country's lawmakers had appealed for donations from local businesses and citizens to help the cash-strapped government pay creditors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>That bond, which the government hopes to soon swap for a new one, rallied as much as 2 cents in price on Monday . Issues maturing 2018, 2021 and 2022 rose 1.1 cent, 3.9 cents and 4.2 cents respectively, ,, according to Tradeweb data.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I have been long Mongolia for a long time - this is very good," said Shahzad Hasan, a portfolio manager for emerging markets fixed income at Allianz Global Investors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"This will invite foreign investment in the country, especially in the mining sector, and it will improve confidence of foreign investors in Mongolia, so it is all very positive and very constructive."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia will meet this week with foreign investors to see if it can swap the DBM bond for another state-guaranteed issue.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Depending on exchange offer terms, such as swap could be classed as a default, Moody's warned on Monday, just days after putting Mongolia on review for a ratings downgrade because of the possibility of a DBM default. However, the bailout could help Mongolia's credit profile, it added.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The loan agreement for the mineral-rich country includes $440 million from the International Monetary Fund, $3 billion from the World Bank and others, as well as a 15 billion-yuan swap line extension from China.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>RECOVERY</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia was seen by many as a classic case of the "resource curse". It enjoyed double-digit annual growth over 2011-2013, but its boom went into reverse amid government over-spending and falling commodity prices.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However, investors largely kept faith with its bonds, betting either the IMF or China, the biggest buyer of Mongolian coal and metals, would come to the rescue.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The country's mineral wealth was also a lure for longer-term investors, especially as the Rio Tinto-led Oyu Tolgoi project is expected to produce 560,000 tonnes of copper annually from 2025.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The IMF program, along with the broader bailout package ... should go a long way towards restoring investor confidence in the sovereign," analysts at Nomura told clients.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The IMF expects Mongolia's economic growth to accelerate to around 8 percent by 2019, Nomura noted, compared with last year's 1 percent, which was a seven-year low. Hard currency reserves should almost quadruple from current levels to $3.8 billion, back to the boom days of 2012.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Eight percent growth is quite strong - but it can happen if the mining comes online and copper prices have rebounded," Hasan said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Economic stabilisation after the bailout should also pave the way for further investments into Mongolia's mining sector.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"It brings clarity, which investors have been waiting for. It is the bottom-out everyone has been waiting for," said Dale Choi, an analyst with the Mongolia Metals and Mining, a research firm in Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/emerging-mongolia-bonds-idUSL8N1G518U">Link to article</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Similar:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-20/mongolian-bond-prices-jump-following-440-million-imf-bailout">Mongolian Bond Prices Jump Following $440 Million IMF Bailout</a></b> – <i>Bloomberg</i>, February 20<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_IMF-led_bailout_to"></a>IMF-led bailout to support downgrade-threatened Mongolia-Moody's<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Feb 20 (Reuters) Less than a week after putting Mongolia on a downgrade warning, rating agency Moody's said the prospect of an International Monetary Fund bailout proposed over the weekend could help the country's credit profile recover.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moody's said in a statement on Monday that <b>Mongolia's plan to exchange the debt of the country's development bank could constitute a default in technical terms</b>, but that the prospect of IMF support should help the longer-term outlook.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <b>country is holding investor meetings this week</b> to swap the bonds maturing next month for a new issue.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"<b>Depending on its terms, we may assess the bond exchange to be 'distressed' and to constitute a default by both (The Mongolian Development Bank) DBM and, as its guarantor, the government</b>," Moody's said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"<b>If that is the case, the loss we expect investors to incur in the exchange relative to the original promise will inform whether Mongolia's rating should remain Caa1 or be moved lower</b>."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However, <b>effective implementation of fiscal consolidation and institutional reforms under an IMF programme would help stabilise and then ease the government's debt strai</b>ns and shore up its dwindling foreign exchange reserves.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"<b>Tangible evidence that this was the most likely prospects for Mongolia's credit metrics would support the sovereign's credit quality and indicate a recovery path for the rating</b>," Moody's said. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/mongolia-bonds-moodys-idUSL8N1G52XL">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_Benchmark-Size_U.S."></a>Mongolia Benchmark-Size U.S. Dollar-Denominated Notes Rated 'B-'<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>SINGAPORE (S&P Global Ratings) Feb. 20, 2017</b>--S&P Global Ratings today assigned its 'B-' long-term issue rating to Mongolia's benchmark-size U.S. dollar-denominated notes. The notes will constitute the direct, unconditional, unsubordinated, and unsecured obligations of Mongolia (B-/Stable/B). <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Our sovereign credit ratings on Mongolia reflect our assessment of the country's low-income economy and the government's sizable fiscal deficits. The deficits are the result of shortfalls in revenues and the budget's inclusion of spending on the country's price stabilization and public private partnership programs and by the Development Bank of Mongolia. We expect the elevated deficits to continue to push Mongolia's borrowings markedly higher over 2017-2020. Additional weaknesses reflect the country's lower growth prospects and developing institutional effectiveness, which together hamper policy responses. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The rating outlook on Mongolia is stable. A higher rating is unlikely over our two-year rating horizon. Upward pressure could build on the rating if the development of the Oyu Tolgoi and Tavan Tolgoi mines accelerates economic growth and improves fiscal and external performances more than we currently expect. Downward pressure could emerge on the ratings if Mongolia's external liquidity weakens markedly. This outlook also assumes that official creditor support is imminent to contain balance-of-payment and fiscal pressures.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.standardandpoors.com/en_AU/web/guest/article/-/view/type/HTML/id/1803039">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=ASX:AKM">AKM</a> closed +3.45% Monday on the announcement <o:p></o:p></i></p><h1><a name="_Aspire_Mining_signs"></a>Aspire Mining signs agreement to advance coal railway<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Ovoot is the second largest coking coal project by reserves in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 20 (Proactive Investors) Aspire Mining (ASX:AKM) has signed a memorandum of understanding with a Mongolian and Russian government joint venture to progress the commercialisation of the Erdenet to Ovoot Railway.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Aspire owns the Ovoot Coking Coal Project and its development is dependent on the construction of the Erdenet to Ovoot railway, which is being progressed by Aspire's subsidiary Northern Railways LLC.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The 547 kilometre railway segment has been included in a new Northern Rail Economic Corridor connecting China and Russia through Mongolia as part of China's One Belt One Road Policy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mongolian and Russian government joint venture, Ulaanbaartar Railways JSC (UBTZ) manages all railway operations in Mongolia and owns the Trans Mongolian Railway.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>David Paull, managing director, commented: "A close working relationship between Northern Railways and UBTZ will be essential for the successful development of the Northern Rail Corridor which will add significant long term demand for UBTZ's rail services".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Memorandum of understanding details<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>The memorandum of understanding (MOU) that has been signed between UBTZ and Northern Railways aims to cooperate and negotiate with relation to:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Access to the UBTZ rail network from Erdenet;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Technical specifications of rolling stock required on the UBTZ Rail Network;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Management of transport operations along the Erdenet to Ovoot Railway and integration into Trans Mongolian Rail traffic;<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Maintenance of the Erdenet to Ovoot Railway post commissioning; and<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>-<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Cooperation on the rehabilitation of the Erdenet to Salkhit spur line that connects onto the Trans Mongolian Railway.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The signing occurred during a conference in Ulaanbaater sponsored by UBTZ focusing on developments that will see substantial freight volume growth through to 2030.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Background</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Aspire is the largest coal tenement holder in Mongolia's Northern provinces and is focused on identifying, exploring and developing quality coking coal assets.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Aspire is the 100% owner of the world class Ovoot Coking Coal Project, which is the second largest coking coal project by reserves in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Ovoot project development is dependent on the construction of the Erdenet to Ovoot Railway which is being progressed by Aspire's subsidiary Northern Railways LLC.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Production from the Ovoot Project can coincide with the commissioning of the Erdenet to Ovoot Railway.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Aspire also has a 45% interest in the Nuurstei Coking Coal Project which has a 12.85 million tonne JORC resource.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While tonnages at Nuurstei are modest, the project presents as a commercial scale pilot project for logistics and market development.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Analysis</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The MOU will help progress a number of key commercial agreements required to support construction funding of the Erdenet to Ovoot Railway.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>These include the commercial terms upon which the Erdenet to Ovoot Railway users can access the UBTZ line to move freight through to end markets in Mongolia, south to China or north to Russia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The signing of the MOU continues the recent strong momentum gained from the positive first stage feasibility study results, received in January.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The study reduces the risk for investors to invest in the project now to fund the second and final stage of the feasibility study and other predevelopment works and permitting.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Importantly, it will also now enable China Development Bank and other Chinese policy banks to conduct commercial due diligence on investment for the construction contract.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Aspire shares have increased over 4x in the past 12 months and are currently trading at $0.029.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.proactiveinvestors.com.au/companies/news/173363">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAUi7c4ODlrFec2P0yMJAYmfu4Vm4NjgLRN6vdJz6KdAyjFvYqbKZAWQaZnLsjqAMzS8tuBbiOq9Ph3FJc6sxZsShzGvq10i2x2YMjshfF3SgZzWVvRvrID4XEPsF94_uqxf60FTvXHc/s1600/image007-715515.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAUi7c4ODlrFec2P0yMJAYmfu4Vm4NjgLRN6vdJz6KdAyjFvYqbKZAWQaZnLsjqAMzS8tuBbiOq9Ph3FJc6sxZsShzGvq10i2x2YMjshfF3SgZzWVvRvrID4XEPsF94_uqxf60FTvXHc/s320/image007-715515.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394857200664370" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Local></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Local Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_MSE_Trading_Report:"></a>MSE Trading Report: Top 20 +0.13%, ALL +0.29%, Turnover <span lang=MN>₮</span>77.6 Million Shares, <span lang=MN>₮</span>723.4 Million T-Bills <span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 20 (MSE) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAKXgMFSjFEzRBXxD9XluaLcyi3JctIhWUMktR33XfXjy8PbIOH5bLZHKKwwWkU4xfULrbFirK1hEt2U3kPlcqjx8ROJHAcSO6lP77gJ7-bYolJDOpNE4g6xNr8WnoV0u6RkHC0MXHUA/s1600/image009-718184.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAKXgMFSjFEzRBXxD9XluaLcyi3JctIhWUMktR33XfXjy8PbIOH5bLZHKKwwWkU4xfULrbFirK1hEt2U3kPlcqjx8ROJHAcSO6lP77gJ7-bYolJDOpNE4g6xNr8WnoV0u6RkHC0MXHUA/s320/image009-718184.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394872669090994" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/uploads/ariljaa/reports/report_en-17.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Delgerkhangai_Securities_Leads"></a>Delgerkhangai Securities Leads in Stock Trading Last Week, Golomt Capital and Novel in T-Bill Primary and Secondary<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 20 (MSE) Mongolian Stock Exchange organized 5 securities trading sessions and made transaction of MNT2.6 billion , with daily average of MNT13,301,503,868.00 in period between 06 February 2017 and 10 February 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Share trading</b>:<br>228,266.00 shares of 40 joint stock companies worth of MNT311,008,559.00 were traded.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Most actively traded securities</b><o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>№ </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b> Securities Name </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Value /MNT/</b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>1</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>TTL<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Tavan tolgoi <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>205,239,105<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>2</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>GOV<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Govi<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 17,954,280<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>3</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>TCK<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Talkh chikher<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 17,176,350<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>4</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>EER<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Arig gal<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 9,200,000<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>5<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>TMZ<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Tumriin zavod<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 9,024,330<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b>Most active brokerage companies</b> <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>№ </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b> Company Name </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Value /MNT/</b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>1</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>DELG<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Delgerkhangai securities<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 308,942,524 <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>2</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>BDSC<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>BDSec<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 140,859,509<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>3</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>MIBG<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>MIBG<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 30,054,894<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>4</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>ZRGD<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Zerged<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 22,251,612<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>5</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>TDB<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>TiDiBi capital<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 17,954,002<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b>Government retail bonds trading:<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>106,374 Government retail bonds worth of MNT10,068,327,608.00 traded through one trading session. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Most active brokerage companies for Government securities trading</b><o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>№ </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b> Company Name </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Value /MNT/</b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>1</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>GLMT<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Golomt capital<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>4,016,000,000<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>2</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>BDSC<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>BDSec<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>1,637,223,004<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>3</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>NOVL<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Novel investment <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>1,319,325,336<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>4</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>NSEC<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>National securities<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 932,046,588<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>5</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>TNGR<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Tenger capital<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 517,438,044<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal>29,633 government retail bonds traded on secondary market of Government securities trading and total of 2,922,167,700.00 transaction has been made. <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border-collapse:collapse'><tr><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>№ </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b> Company Name </b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#0099FF;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>Value /MNT/</b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b>1</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>NOVL<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Novel investment <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>4,322,641,820<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>2<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>BDSC<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>BDSec<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>1,094,801,000<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>3<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>BZIN<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal>Mire Esset Securities Mongolia <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal> 426,892,580<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal>As of 17 February 2017, market capitalization was MNT1,423,607,617,675.20 which indicated decreases of 0.34% and MSE ALL index reached 825.39 units which indicated decreases of 0.37% from the previous week.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/news/4036">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_88_MSE_Stocks"></a>88 MSE Stocks File 4Q Financial Reports, 59 After Feb 10 Deadline<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 20 (MSE) --<o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoTable15Grid4Accent5 border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr><td style='border:solid #4472C4 1.0pt;border-right:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b><span style='color:white'>№<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #4472C4 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #4472C4 1.0pt;border-right:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b><span style='color:white'>Company name<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #4472C4 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #4472C4 1.0pt;border-right:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b><span style='color:white'>Symbol<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #4472C4 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #4472C4 1.0pt;border-right:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b><span style='color:white'>Description<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='border-top:solid #4472C4 1.0pt;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #4472C4 1.0pt;border-right:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b><span style='color:white'>Publish date<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td colspan=2 style='border:solid #4472C4 1.0pt;border-left:none;background:#4472C4;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b><span style='color:white'>Download<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>1<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Sor<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>SOR<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/9720164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/9720164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>2<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Nalaikhyn dulaany stants<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>NDS<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/50020164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/50020164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>3<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Darkhany dulaany suljee<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>DDS<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/49820164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/49820164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>4<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Binse<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>BHR<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/31520164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/31520164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>5<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Khorin Khoyordugaar Baaz<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>AHH<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/14320164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/31520164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>6<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Ingettolgoi<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>INT<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/32920164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/14320164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>7<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Selenge Ar Khuvch<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>ARH<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/11020164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/32920164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>8<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Tushig Uul<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>TUS<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/38620164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/38620164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>9<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Standart Noos<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>ALI<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/42020164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/42020164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>10<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Khot development<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>SDT<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/49020164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/53120164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>11<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Naco tulsh<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>NKT<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/53120164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/53120164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>12<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Berkh Uul<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>BEU<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/49220164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/49220164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>13<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Ulaanbaatar tsakhilgaan tugeekh suljee<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>UTS<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/51520164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/51520164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>14<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Selenge sureg<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>SES<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/41420164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/41420164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>15<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>HBOil<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>HBO<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/52520164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/52520164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>16<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Gan Kherlen<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>HZB<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/35320164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/35320164report.xls">XLS</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>17<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Kharkhorin<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>HHN<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/17920164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/17920164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>18<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Mongol nekhmel<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>MNH<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/920164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/920164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>19<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Makhimpex<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>MMX<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/20820164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/20820164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>20<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Tavantolgoi<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>TTL<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/45820164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/45820164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>21<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Darkhan Nekhii<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>NEH<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/7120164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/7120164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>22<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Moninjbar<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>MIB<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/7120164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/2520164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>23<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Mandalgobi impex<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>MNG<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/8020164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/37820164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>24<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Khasu Mandal<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>HSR<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/37820164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/37820164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>25<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Khungun beton<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>HBT<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/45420164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/37920164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>26<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Materialimpex<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>MIE<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/37920164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/37920164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>27<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Mongeo<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>MOG<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/33220164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/33220164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>28<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Mongoliin khugjil undesnii negdel<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>HAM<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/12020164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/12020164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>29<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Jinst-Uvs<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>JIV<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/32620164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/32620164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>30<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Mongolyn hurungiin birj<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>HBJ<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/51020164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/51020164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>31<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Nekheesgui Edlel<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>NXE<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/6720164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/6720164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>32<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Aduunchuluun<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>ADL<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-17<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/46120164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/46120164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>33<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>APU<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>APU<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-16<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/9020164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/9020164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>34<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Zavkhan Bayalag<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>BLG<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-16<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/20420164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/20420164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>35<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Standard property group<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>BBD<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-16<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/26920164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/26920164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>36<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Lux Zanadu gruop<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>BAZ<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-15<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/13620164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/13620164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>37<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>E-Monie<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>HCH<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-15<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/40820164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/40820164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>38<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Gobi Financial Group<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>GFG<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-15<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/14820164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/14820164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>39<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Khunnu menegment<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>HBZ<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-15<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/6520164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/6520164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>40<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Goviin Undur<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>JGL<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-15<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/8620164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/8620164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>41<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Talkh-Chikher<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>TCK<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-15<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/2220164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/2220164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>42<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>B D Sec<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>BDS<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-15<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/52220164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/52220164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>43<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Talyn Gal<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>TAL<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-15<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/46420164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/46420164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>44<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Shinest<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>NRS<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-15<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/35920164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/35920164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>45<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Mogoin gol<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>BDL<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-15<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/44420164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/44420164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>46<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Nogoon hugjil undesnii negdel<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>JLT<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-15<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/20120164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/20120164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>47<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Khusug Trade<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>HSG<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-15<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/5620164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/5620164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>48<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Dornod autozam<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>DAZ<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-15<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/52320164report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/52320164report.xls">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-top:none;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><b>49<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>Telecom Mongolia<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>MCH<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2016 year 4 Quarterly reports<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'>2017-02-15<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:4.0pt;text-align:center'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/20920174report.pdf">PDF</a><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;border-right:solid #8EAADB 1.0pt;background:#D9E2F3;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><a href="http://mse.mn/uploads/finance/20920174report.pdf">XLS</a><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/company_finance_report/120">Link to list</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoigkV7pcRIex2cvyrXFsOe3wSh0J4RoRaYIkBmgp6EdiPN-AtJusDZduteTRV34a5dXaq-6CqicmpDpSIJcPhIcvIKmdjgZlxI5CN9355r-ErrQNEMr4FlzvhZ4VGTp-mbp8g22qn1k/s1600/image008-720945.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoigkV7pcRIex2cvyrXFsOe3wSh0J4RoRaYIkBmgp6EdiPN-AtJusDZduteTRV34a5dXaq-6CqicmpDpSIJcPhIcvIKmdjgZlxI5CN9355r-ErrQNEMr4FlzvhZ4VGTp-mbp8g22qn1k/s320/image008-720945.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394878152267426" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Economy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Economy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>Reds</span> are when MNT fell, <span style='color:#00B050'>greens</span> when it rose.<b> <span style='color:red'>Bold reds</span></b><span style='color:red'> </span>are rates that set a new historic high at the time. </i><o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_BoM_MNT_Rates:"></a><span lang=MN>BoM MNT Rates: </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>Monday</span><span lang=MN>, </span>February 20 <span lang=MN>Close </span><o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoTable15Plain5 border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=975 style='width:731.2pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>2</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>0</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>7</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>6</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>5</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>4</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>10</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>9</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>8</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/7</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>High</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>Date</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1058" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/b27dbc49-e16d-41ae-8557-f99cdb40c367.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e147de94-098c-41fc-a613-e68b961bc287.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>USD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,482.29<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,483.11<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,483.39<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,482.58<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,485.38</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,485.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,483.59</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,481.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,479.41</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,477.86</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,498.75</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1059" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/bebede1f-9fde-45e8-9abf-07cee5d98010.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/7fff4ee5-d12c-4bd2-8a56-d47fa1ab5b0d.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>EUR</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,635.45<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,645.75<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,635.37<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,625.20<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,636.99</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,644.96</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,643.41</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,653.03</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,639.58</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,646.85</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,681.43</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/10/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1060" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/280be717-5c83-46be-b0c7-d0b2cf9575f2.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/73256f8e-4c86-438d-9d39-350646eb7f40.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>JPY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.94<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.89<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.79<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.68<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>21.89<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.89</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.84</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>22.08</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>22.07</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>22.10</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>23.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/9/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1061" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0e866dbf-0eff-45bc-aa83-c145b2345900.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/170ec7e9-2636-4b7d-a624-7ae9fef54841.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>GBP</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,085.98<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,100.91<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,100.51<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,092.30<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,112.19</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,109.06</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,100.51</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,116.48</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,095.42</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,080.23</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>3,183.26</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>8/13/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1062" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/33370dc8-8964-434b-8694-6462f39746fb.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a481156f-5e01-436d-b063-c22ecd3ed0dd.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>RUB</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>42.75<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>43.06<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>43.35<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>43.78<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>43.06</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.82</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.14</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.05</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.64</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.85</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>54.32</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>6/27/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1063" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/c37f3eb9-e9ba-4c1d-bc0f-2669bc4c1412.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/56dc9518-41a5-4bb4-9d57-167f6de07f2e.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CNY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.01<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.45<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>361.91<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.47<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>361.72</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>361.24</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.08</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>361.52</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>360.20</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>360.36</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>363.02</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/5/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1064" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e5792094-f0b8-4c3a-a82b-97ddd5401a38.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ab781b89-2767-4b9c-b3cb-b3c6cc603016.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>KRW</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.16<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.18<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.16<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.17</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.16<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/6/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1065" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/75233918-55b6-4977-a5ef-f682c93bbdb0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/9a4a44a5-6be7-4141-8159-5aa30a12bb45.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>SGD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,751.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,752.25<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,749.54<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,746.21<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,751.62</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,748.82</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,747.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,752.72</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,746.68</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,748.97</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,757.02</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/18/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1066" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a8311ed8-a900-4237-bf18-4ebf7b10bbf0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/53fdb4a8-f38e-4f01-b01a-c2dee4a6895d.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CAD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,896.62<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,899.42<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,902.40<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,899.45<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,904.00</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,899.46</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,889.31</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,888.13</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,880.69</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,884.45</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,908.84</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/18/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1067" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/5d744e37-53d2-4c10-aa04-7bc77a3c3abc.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/6ec5578f-dca9-4257-b326-e755e3b2400b.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>AUD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,907.02<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,911.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,904.64<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,907.16</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,906.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,898.70</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,893.14</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,890.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,892.59</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/16/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1068" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6f012c2-8c16-455d-b0b0-8427d7512a2b.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6b9f8ce-b8d2-4ce7-bdce-b85ce1812325.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>HKD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.84<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.94<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>319.99<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.89<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>320.31<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>320.31</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>320.14</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>319.87</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>319.56</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>319.42</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>322.21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><i><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1069" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0588bbef-101c-4211-8d37-8045475e110d.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ae638f8b-a29a-4d70-90b3-52ad2a79d482.png"></span></i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CHF</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,475.24<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,486.34<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,473.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,464.96<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,471.79</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,478.22</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,476.78</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,492.39</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,480.03</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,486.44</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,497.77</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/09/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:red'>Bank USD rates at time of sending</span></b>: <a href="https://www.khanbank.com/en/home/rates">Khan</a> (Buy ₮2,475 Sell ₮2,485), <a href="http://tdbm.mn/en/exchange">TDB</a> (Buy ₮2,475 Sell ₮2,485), <a href="https://en.golomtbank.com/home/citizen">Golomt</a> (Buy ₮2,474 Sell ₮2,484), <a href="http://xacbank.mn/en/calculator/rates">XacBank</a> (Buy ₮2,474 Sell ₮2,484), <a href="https://www.statebank.mn/w/en/m1">State Bank</a> (Buy ₮2,472 Sell ₮2,484)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/graphic_dailyrate.aspx">USD (blue), CNY (red) vs MNT</a> in last 1 year:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrYFNF9fGPdObfTZw6OmHuPwQjZbvbw5kjpOgAF7osp1tfZ7VExmuiQfuCKaCx0VOeWjwRTp4oqPtwign2JdQhbuf_13Aflme0TyfwvyW1LyVFVE1VMRQjs9-OvyvKKD9STVFAvxezqQ/s1600/image021-723231.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWrYFNF9fGPdObfTZw6OmHuPwQjZbvbw5kjpOgAF7osp1tfZ7VExmuiQfuCKaCx0VOeWjwRTp4oqPtwign2JdQhbuf_13Aflme0TyfwvyW1LyVFVE1VMRQjs9-OvyvKKD9STVFAvxezqQ/s320/image021-723231.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394893680837202" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistofficialdailyrate.aspx">Link to rates</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_issues_₮214.5"></a>BoM issues <span lang=MN>₮</span>214.5 billion 1-week bills, total outstanding +25% to <span lang=MN>₮535</span>.<span lang=MN>5</span> billion <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 20 (Bank of Mongolia) BoM issues 1 week bills worth MNT 214.5 billion at a weighted interest rate of 14.0 percent per annum /<a href="http://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistcbb.aspx">For previous auctions click here/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=173">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_Mongolia_sees_$404.5"></a>Mongolia sees <span lang=MN>$404.5 million </span>current account <span lang=MN>deficit in 2016, $4.1 billion negative FDI<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span lang=MN>Balance of Payments for first 4 Quarters of 2016 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 20 (Bank of Mongolia) <span lang=MN>Compared with the preliminary estimates of Balance of Payments (BOP) which w</span>ere<span lang=MN>released on the </span>January 23<span lang=MN>, 201</span>7<span lang=MN>, the </span>final<span lang=MN> estimates show </span>that<span lang=MN> current </span>and capital<span lang=MN>account </span>deficit<span lang=MN> has </span>increased<span lang=MN> by US$ </span>131.2 <span lang=MN>million</span> reached US$ 356.7, whereas <span lang=MN>financial account </span>surplus<span lang=MN> ha</span>s increased<span lang=MN> by US$ </span>113.5<span lang=MN> million</span> reached surplus of <span lang=MN>US$ </span>615.0 million. <span lang=MN>As a result, errors and omission have </span>de<span lang=MN>creased by US$ </span>17.7<span lang=MN> million.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>These changes are subject to quarterly survey received from enterprises. Particularly, the decrease is caused by the enterprises' trade credits as well as foreign bank accounts changes.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Main indicators </b> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>Current and capital account deficit stands at US$ 356.7 million, decrease of US$ 476.2million or 57 percent compared to the same period of the previous year. The change is attributable to improvement in trade and services accounts by 223 percent with or US$340.7 million as well as income account deficit decreased by 14 percent or US$ 137.4.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span lang=MN>Financial account had a surplus of $615.0 million which is declined by $173.0 million or 22% compared to the same period of the last year. According to the interpretation of 6th edition of Balance of Payments manual, Mongolia has a net borrowing during this period.</span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As of the first 1<span lang=MN>2</span> months of 2016, overall balance of payment deficit was $18.2 million, net error and omissions was -$276.5 million.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DpgrHJJ4dgGMrgZG4p3gcH2rdYAvCV3n0KtB4P51MTvMcNAVhLkvgGYArNWXKmihQBs0UGsvCeyR2WXTEyCVdFmsK54qJynvWrsrGnRpxX1zqTM2rKUYGaCGigMdDYgf7zgqKRcG1AI/s1600/image024-725953.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DpgrHJJ4dgGMrgZG4p3gcH2rdYAvCV3n0KtB4P51MTvMcNAVhLkvgGYArNWXKmihQBs0UGsvCeyR2WXTEyCVdFmsK54qJynvWrsrGnRpxX1zqTM2rKUYGaCGigMdDYgf7zgqKRcG1AI/s320/image024-725953.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394901854242498" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Detailed information</b><o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'><b><a href="http://www.mongolbank.mn/documents/statistic/externalsector/2016/BOP_Dec_2016_Eng.xlsx"><i>Balance of Payments for Q4, 2016</i></a></b><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l2 level1 lfo4'><b><a href="http://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/liststatistic.aspx?id=4"><i>External sector statistics</i></a></b><o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/news.aspx?id=1417">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Fitch_Affirms_Mongolia"></a>Fitch Affirms Mongolia at 'B-', Stable Outlook <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>Fitch Ratings-Hong Kong-19 February 2017</b>: Fitch Ratings has affirmed Mongolia's Long-Term Foreign- and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) at 'B-' with a Stable Outlook. The <b>Country Ceiling is affirmed at 'B-'</b>. The <b>Short-Term Foreign- and Local Currency IDRs have been affirmed at 'B'</b> and the <b>senior unsecured rating has been affirmed at 'B-'.<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Fitch has assigned a 'B-(EXP)' rating to the government's proposed US dollar-denominated senior unsecured notes</b> that will be issued in part to fund an exchange offer for up to USD580m of government-guaranteed bonds issued by The Development Bank of Mongolia (DBM) that are maturing on 21 March 2017. The assignment of the final ratings is contingent on the receipt of final documents materially conforming to information already reviewed. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>KEY RATING DRIVERS <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The affirmation of the IDRs with a Stable Outlook and the assignment of the expected rating reflect the following key rating drivers:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>An IMF staff-level agreement and our estimate of Mongolia's existing liquidity resources provide Fitch sufficient confidence that the sovereign can meet its immediate external debt obligations, including the forthcoming DBM maturity. Fitch believes the proposed IMF programme will improve Mongolia's market access and could also allow existing liquidity resources to be deployed without compromising the sovereign's ability to service other maturing debt obligations, as initial disbursements under the IMF facility are likely to be insufficient to meet the upcoming DBM bond maturity.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The exchange offer allows DBM note holders until 1 March 2017 to tender their notes. Under Fitch's Sovereign Rating Criteria, the exchange offer does not constitute a Distressed Debt Exchange (DDE). Although there is potentially a material reduction in terms compared with the original contractual terms, primarily because of a maturity extension, the agency does not consider the exchange to be necessary to avoid a traditional payment default on the guaranteed DBM bond. Both factors would need to apply in order for the debt exchange to be classified as a DDE under our criteria. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia's credit profile remains under pressure since our downgrade of the sovereign IDR to 'B-'/Stable in November 2016, but Fitch believes that the sovereign has the capacity and the willingness to service its immediate debt liabilities, including the guaranteed DBM liabilities. This assessment reflects Mongolia's official foreign reserve holdings of USD1.3bn as of end-2016 combined with our estimate of approximately USD400m of remaining headroom under the Bank of Mongolia's bilateral swap facility with the People's Bank of China (PBOC), though the latter figure remains unconfirmed by the authorities. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The sovereign's ability to remain current on its external debt obligations is further supported by a recently proposed IMF-supported programme. On 19 February 2017, the IMF announced staff-level agreement on an Extended Fund Facility (EFF). The total programme size is expected to be about USD5.5bn, including USD440m under the IMF EFF, up to USD3bn in multilateral and bilateral support, and an extension of the CNY15bn (USD2.2bn) PBOC swap facility. Disbursements under the programme are dependent on the completion of prior actions and board level approval, which is likely to occur in late March. Fitch believes that there is a high likelihood of IMF board level approval, which would provide Mongolia additional flexibility to meet other forthcoming debt maturities over the rating horizon. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>SOVEREIGN RATING MODEL (SRM) and QUALITATIVE OVERLAY (QO)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.fitchratings.com/site/pr/1019249">Link to full release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_China,_Mongolia_to"></a>China, Mongolia to extend currency swap agreement<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Deal confirmed by foreign ministers<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>BEIJING, February 21 (Nikkei Asian Review) -- The foreign ministers of China and Mongolia confirmed at a meeting here Monday that the two countries will extend a currency swap agreement that had been set to expire in August.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Following the meeting with Mongolian Foreign Affairs Minister Tsendiyn Munkh-Orgil, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told reporters China seeks to extend the agreement "so Mongolia can overcome its difficulties." The extension applies to a 2014 swap line agreement worth 15 billion yuan ($2.18 billion). Because Mongolia can use the yuan in settlements with China -- its largest trading partner -- it can conserve foreign currency reserves.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The International Monetary Fund announced Sunday $5.5 billion in international support for Mongolia, which is facing an economic crisis. The package included a reference to China's willingness to extend the currency swap agreement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://asia.nikkei.com/Markets/Currencies/China-Mongolia-to-extend-currency-swap-agreement">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_IMF_to_give"></a>IMF to give loan with floating interest rate of 2 per cent<span style='font-size:18.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;color:#282828;letter-spacing:-.75pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 20 (MONTSAME) Soft loan to be given to Mongolia from the International Monetary Fund will have less than 2 per cent interest and the interest will be calculated with a floating interest rate. The Government of Mongolia and Bank of Mongolia have reached a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund on three-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program for USD 440 million and the parties called a press conference on February 19.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>IMF staff-team leader Koshy Mathai provided the above mentioned fact when answering journalists' questions. Loan term will be 10 years as loan repayment term of the Extended Fund Facility program is much longer than 'Standby' program. USD440 million will be allotted over three years as well as repayment will be made in scheduled time, not at once.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The authorities intend directly to boost economic activity and prospects by attracting new investment to major mines, and by implementing an array of structural reforms to promote economic diversification and improve competitiveness, especially in the agriculture and tourism fields.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The broad range of reforms envisaged under the program have been developed in close collaboration with the World Bank and ADB. The authorities' adjustment and structural reform program, supported by the large package of external financing, is expected to stabilize the economy and lay the basis for sustainable, inclusive and long-term growth" he stated.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/8843">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Government_to_take"></a>Government to take charge of mortgage loan implementation<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 20 (MONTSAME) Implementation of the Apartment mortgage program will be shifted to the Government from Bank of Mongolia starting 2018. Within the Extended Fund Facility program, the International Monetary Fund recommended to transfer the program implementation to the Government as the program is related to budget issues.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Bank of Mongolia will focus on monetary policy. The central bank has used to implement many budgetary projects. The bank has made additional financing of MNT8 trillion, which has not been reflected in the budget at all and it was resolved by the Bank of Mongolia. The central bank will not implement such budgetary projects and programs anymore" said Governor of Bank of Mongolia N.Bayartsaikhan. The World Bank supports to improve the Apartment mortgage program to ensure successful implementation, he added.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A staff team of the International Monetary Fund led by Koshy Mathai visited Ulaanbaatar during February 1-19 and the sides reached staff-level agreement on the Extended Fund Facility program.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Strengthening the banking system is a crucial part of the program, to ensure that the banks can support sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The authorities' first priority is to undertake a comprehensive diagnosis of the banking system to assess institutions' financial soundness and resilience. With the results of this diagnostic in hand, the BOM will engage banks to ensure appropriate restructuring and recapitalization, as necessary. The BOM will complement these actions by strengthening the regulatory and supervisory framework, and government is committed to improving the deposit insurance system. The authorities are also committed to strengthening the regime for Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism" said head of staff IMF staff team Koshy Mathai.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/8839">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_external_debt"></a>Mongolian external debt reaches 87 percent of GDP<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 20 (gogo.mn) International Monetary Fund (IMF) has agreed to loan US$ 440 million to the Government of Mongolia, as part of a $5.5 billion external financing package to support the authorities' "Economic Stabilization Program," which intends to restore economic stability and debt sustainability as well as to create the conditions for strong, sustainable, and inclusive growth, while protecting the most vulnerable citizens.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Other international partners also plan to support the government's program: the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, and bilateral partners including Japan and Korea are together expected to provide up to $3 billion in budget and project support; and the People's Bank of China is expected to extend its RMB 15 billion swap line with the Bank of Mongolia for at least another three years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>IMF estimated that the external debt to GDP ratio will be doubled than the international average. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>External debt of Mongolia will reach; <o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo7'>86.3 percent of GDP by 2017, <o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo7'>88.3 percent of GDP by 2018,<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo7'>85 percent of GDP by 2019,<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo7'>83 percent of GDP by 2020,<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l4 level1 lfo7'>79.4 percent of GDP by 2021. <o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Currently, external debt of the country is totaled US$ 23 billion.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157415">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Tax_rates_on"></a>Tax rates on vehicle, alcoholic products and tobacco to increase<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 20 (gogo.mn) Excise taxes on vehicle, alcoholic products and tobacco as well as social insurance premium and personal income tax will be increased starting 1st of April, 2017 in accordance with the Staff-Level Agreement between Mongolia and International Monetary Fund on Three-Year Extended Fund Facility. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Vehicle excise duty will be increased by 3-15 percent depending on the engine capacity and aging.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Excise taxes rates on alcoholic products and tobacco will be added by 10 percent by 2018, 5 percent by 2019 and 5 percent by 2020. Customs tax on imported tobacco is now at 5 percent. Minister of Finance noted that the custom tax on tobacco is lower than limits set by the World Trade Organization and it shall be increased up to 30 percent. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Interest income on personal savings accounts will be taxed from 1st of April, 2017. However it is unclear that whether the taxes will be imposed on all taxpayers or owners of savings more than MNT 100 million. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition, social insurance premium rate will be risen by 2 percent by 2018, 1 percent by 2019 and 2 percent by 2020. Currently employee pay 10 percent and employer pay an average of 11 percent monthly for social insurance premium. Thus the rate will be increased to 12 percent next year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover IMF demanded to increase personal income tax rate by 10, 15, 20 percent depending on the amount of salary. Currently individuals pay 10 percent of PIT in Mongolia. However its effective date is unclear. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the negotiations with the IMF, authorities discussed whether to increase value added tax (VAT) rate. However it has decided not to add the VAT.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157417">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Taxes_to_be"></a>Taxes to be raised in the scope of IMF's program<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 20 (MONTSAME) The Government of Mongolia and Bank of Mongolia have reached a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund on three-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program for USD 440 million. Among several arrangements to be made in the scope of the program, 7 types of taxes will be raised to increase budget revenue, according to Finance Minister B.Choijilsuren. Those include:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l10 level1 lfo10'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Excise tax on fuel has been lowered. The tax will be raised back in two stages in July and October, 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l10 level1 lfo10'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Individual Income tax will have tax brackets and rate will be 10, 15 and 20 per cent depending on income.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l10 level1 lfo10'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Social insurance contributions of 10 per cent paid by employer and 10 per cent by insured person will be raised by 1 per cent respectively starting 2018.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l10 level1 lfo10'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Excise tax on passenger car will be up by 3-15 per cent, depending on its date of manufacturing. Moreover, tax on car with cylindrical capacitor of more than 4500 cubic centimeters will be raised by 40-250 per cent.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l10 level1 lfo10'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>5.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Excise tax on cigarettes, tobacco, vodka and alcoholic beverages and similar items will be gone up by 10 per cent in 2018, by 5 per cent in 2019 and 2020 each.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l10 level1 lfo10'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>6.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Tax will be levied on savings interest starting April 1, 2017, bringing the planned date of January 1, 2018 closer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l10 level1 lfo10'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>7.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Five per cent customs duties on imported cigarettes, tobacco and similar items will be raised to 30 per cent.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Management of tax income is also required to be improved. Further to reduce budget expenditure, some strict measures as following will be taken.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo12'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Procurement of medicine and medical materials will be made through unified bid and spending for purchase will be lowered by 10 per cent.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo12'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Retirement age will be raised in stages and retirement age of 65 will be observed by men from 2026, and by women from 2036.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo12'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Salary will not be increased in 2017 and 2018.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo12'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Child allowance will be distributed only to targeted group and the number of recipients will be decreased to 40 percent, while currently, about 60 percent of all children under 18 years old, is provided with the monthly allowance. The saved money from the reduction will be distributed in form of food vouchers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo12'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>5.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Duplicated welfare of social welfare will be eliminated<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l9 level1 lfo12'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>6.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Law on ensuring legal status of Military personnel will be invalidated as MNT50 billion is needed for providing military persons with apartment or renting apartment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>The parliament should discuss budget adjustment and other relevant laws. Mongolian side agreed that budget expenditure should not be increased when parliament discuss budget. In case of expenditure is to be raised for one subject, expenditure for another subject should be lowered to balance it.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>The authorities will adopt a set of important fiscal reforms to ensure that budget discipline is maintained, building on the existing framework for fiscal responsibility. These include the creation of a Fiscal Council to provide independent budget forecasts and costing of new policy proposals, and provisions to give the government sole authority to determine the total amount of spending in the budget, as well as to require the Ministry of Finance approval of any proposals to cabinet with a budgetary cost. External audit will be conducted on active concession agreements and compensations will be paid next year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/8837">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_METALS-Supply_concerns_push"></a>METALS-Supply concerns push London copper above $6,000 per tonne<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>* Giant Indonesia copper mine declares force majeure<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>* Officials at Chile mine put conditions on meeting with union<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>* Coming up: euro zone consumer confidence at 1500 GMT (Adds detail; updates prices)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>MELBOURNE, Feb 20 (Reuters) <b>London copper climbed above the key level of $6,000 per tonne on Monday</b>, buoyed by supply worries after the world's second-biggest copper mine in Indonesia said it could not deliver promised shipments due to export permit issues.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Freeport-McMoRan Inc's Indonesian unit said on Monday it hoped to resolve a dispute with the government over its mining contract</b>, but warned it could start arbitration against the government and seek damages.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It said late last week that it could not meet contractual obligations for copper concentrate shipments from the mine following a five-week export stoppage.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>That came as a strike at the world's top mine, Escondida in Chile, caused a second week of disruption</b>. Escondida also declared force majeure last week.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"<b>We expect the copper market to move into deficit in 2017 for the first time in six years, due to a combination of tightening supply and recovering developed world demand countering a more moderate rate of Chinese copper demand growth</b>," Citi said in a report.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"<b>We believe market tightness, and associated positive investor flows, will prompt copper prices to sustain a push above $6,000/T (in the second-half of 2017), with peaks of close to $7,000/T expected before year-end</b>."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange had risen 0.9 percent to $6013.50 a tonne by 0700 GMT</b>, paring losses from the previous session.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Prices hit $6,204 a week ago after Escondida declared force majeure</b>, but industry sources said that smelters and fabricators were still amply supplied with metal.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Escondida said on Sunday that company representatives would attend government-sponsored talks with striking workers</b> on Monday as long as the union did not interfere with a shift change for non-unionized employees.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Turnover was light with U.S. markets closed for a public holiday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Shanghai Futures Exchange copper was up 0.4 percent at 48,770 yuan ($7,096) a tonne</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Adding to supply concerns, Anglo American PLC said it would temporarily suspend operations at its El Soldado copper mine in Chile</b> after failing to receive regulatory approval for a redesign that would have helped keep output flowing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Meanwhile, <b>Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he would review a minister's order to close more than half the country's mines for environmental violations</b>, following an outcry from affected producers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Elsewhere, <b>President Donald Trump's pledge to bring massive investments in U.S. infrastructure projects showed new signs of life on Friday</b>, as leading Republican lawmakers said proposals from the administration could be in the offing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/global-metals-idUSL4N1G51I6">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_North_Korea_lights"></a>North Korea lights fire under coking coal price<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 21 (MINING.com) On Monday, the market for coking coal enjoyed its best day in months with the steelmaking raw material jumping 2.4% to $153.60, the lowest since early September.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Met coal has been sold down relentlessly following multi-year high of $308.80 per tonne (Australia free-on-board premium hard coking coal tracked by the Steel Index) hit in November, but news that China will stop importing all coal from North Korea may be what finally supplies a floor.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On Saturday the totalitarian dictatorship's largest trading partner, China, reacted to the Feb. 12 test of a long-range ballistic missile by announcing a ban on coal from the rogue nation till the end of 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The decision by the China's Ministry of Commerce, issued jointly with the country's customs agency, was made to comply with a UN Security Council resolution that China helped draft and pass in November.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Along with restricting the export of coal, the resolution also targets non-ferrous metals, statues and other luxury items like tapestries.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>China's import ban on North Korean coal was <a href="http://www.mining.com/china-bans-north-korean-coal-till-january/" target="_blank">supposed to be lifted in January</a> but the missile test has meant that Beijing's coal ban will continue.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>China forges more steel than the rest of the world combined and the country last year imported a total 59.2 million tonnes of coking coal, an increase of nearly 24% over 2015.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Last year China imported 22.4 million tonnes of coal (mainly coking coal, despite being officially classified as anthracite by Beijing) from North Korea, a nearly 15% rise from 2015.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>That means North Korea isn't far behind Australia, number one supplier to China, which exported 26.8 million tonnes last year, a 4.8% increase year on year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia accounted for 23.6 million tonnes of total imports; a 85% jump which is creating a <a href="http://creating%20a%20logistical%20nightmare%20for%20the%20landlocked%20country%29./">logistical nightmare for the landlocked</a> country.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As a captive supplier (and due to a deal struck by Ulaanbaatar to use coal exports to pay down debts owed to Aluminum Corporation of China, or Chalco) land-locked Mongolia sells its coal for much less than the seaborne price.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In December, China paid $63 a tonne for Mongolian coking coal when the seaborne price was averaging above $230 a tonne.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Imports from Canada and Russia declined by 9.3% and 19.4% respectively while the US exported no coking coal to China.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mining.com/north-korea-lights-fire-under-coking-coal-price/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://uk.reuters.com/article/column-russell-coal-china-idUKL4N1G51U2">COLUMN-China's North Korea import ban the latest gyrating coal policy: Russell</a></b> – Reuters, February 20<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://seekingalpha.com/article/4047636-coal-prices-stabilize-china-reintroduces-restrictions-local-coal-producers-north-korea">Coal Prices To Stabilize If China Reintroduces Restrictions For Local Coal Producers, But What About North Korea?</a> – </b><i>Seeking Alpha</i>, February 20<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Iron_ore_shoots"></a>Iron ore shoots past $US90 a tonne to fresh 2.5-year high<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 21 (The Australian) The price of iron ore has reached a fresh 2.5-year high on strong Chinese demand and speculative trading.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to The Steel Index, the <b>commodity's value bounded 2.7 per cent to $US92.70 a tonne</b>, up from $US90.30 the session prior.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is the highest level reached since August 2014.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <b>key Australian export is now up around 15 per cent this year alone</b> and has more than doubled from a 10-year low of around $US38 in February last year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Several analysts have recently belatedly upgraded their 2017 forecasts for the commodity</b>, with a swelling consensus that there is little catalyst for a sharp fall in the near-term.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"<b>Even with record high (Chinese port) stocks, most other signals remain supportive in the short term and seasonally strong demand in the second quarter beckons</b>," UBS analyst Lachlan Shaw said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Few expect prices to remain above $US70 next year, however</b>, as output increases from the giants of the sector kick in.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The pricing development is a positive for several big local names, including BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto and Fortescue, with the latter tipped by Macquarie to surprise with a healthy payout to investors at its earnings release tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Fortescue Metals has been stepping up its dividend payout ratio in recent periods and we believe the interim dividend could be a positive surprise given gearing is now down to 30 per cent," the investment bank said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"After paying solid dividends in fiscal 2013, Fortescue materially reduced its cash return to shareholders in the subsequent 18 months but begun to step up the dividend in the second half of fiscal 2016."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>All eyes will turn to BHP first, however, as it reports half-year earnings after the market close today.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/markets/iron-ore-shoots-past-us90-a-tonne-to-fresh-25year-high/news-story/299f7cc281663c333f1d4af8d042b09d">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Gold_isn't_behaving"></a>Gold isn't behaving in practice the way it should in theory<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 21 (The Sydney Morning Herald) The last three US interest-rate increases that should, all other things being equal, be bad for the metal have seen prices jump in the months that followed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Gold is up about 7 per cent since the US Federal Reserve raised rates on December 14. It jumped 13 per cent in the two months following the last increase in December 2015 and 6 per cent the previous time way back in June 2006.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Partly, it's rational expectations, and other things getting in the way. This time one of those things is Donald Trump's presidency. Uncertainties surrounding his administration have dominated markets since the November 8 election.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Precious metals initially plunged as investors noted Trump's vow to supercharge the economy with infrastructure spending. That would raise returns on assets such as shares and curb interest in havens like gold.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yet, with Trump's time in office so far focused on other matters, the trend was quickly halted and reversed. The Fed's rate increase in December once again became a low-water mark for gold, and expectations for further increases by the bank have failed to halt further price gains.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The market worries more ahead of the event than after," Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank, said by email. "Once the hike was out of the way, a more balanced picture emerged and that together with a reality check of the potential Trump impact did the rest."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.smh.com.au/business/markets/gold-isnt-behaving-in-practice-the-way-it-should-in-theory-20170220-guhcbh.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Oil_rises_in"></a>Oil rises in thin trade, but swelling U.S. output caps rally<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>NEW YORK, November 20 (Reuters) Oil prices inched higher on Monday, as investor optimism over the effectiveness of producer cuts encouraged record bets on a sustained rally, although growing U.S. output and stubbornly high stockpiles kept price gains in check.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Top OPEC exporter <b>Saudi Arabia's crude oil shipments fell in December to 8.014 million barrels per day (bpd)</b> from 8.258 million bpd in November, official data showed on Monday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Brent futures LCOc1 ended the session up 0.7 percent at $56.18 a barrel.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>U.S. futures <b>West Texas Intermediate crude CLc1 gained about 29 cents or 0.5 percent to $53.69 prior</b> to the close of trade at 1 p.m. EST, an hour and a half early due to the Presidents Day holiday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Trading volume in Brent averaged about 181,000 lots of 1,000 barrels each, below the average of about 205,000</b>. Volumes in U.S. crude also dipped, with just over a couple of thousand lots traded, a day ahead of the expiration of WTI futures for delivery in March. On average, more than 300,000 U.S. crude lots trade in a typical trading session.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Prices received a lift from a weaker dollar .DXY as well. A strong greenback typically makes oil more expensive for holders of other currencies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and other producers, including Russia, agreed last year to cut output by almost 1.8 million bpd during the first half of 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Estimates indicate compliance with the cuts is around 90 percent. Reuters reported last week that OPEC could extend the pact or apply deeper cuts from July if global crude inventories fail to drop enough.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Investors have certainly taken OPEC members at their word on their commitment to cut production and now hold more crude futures and options than at any time on record. [CFTC/] [O/ICE]<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However, the December Saudi figures may not reflect the full picture, analysts said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"<b>Ahead of the agreed production cuts, Saudi Arabia had chosen not to reduce its output as it normally would have in the winter half year, so as to be able at a later date to make this appear part of the agreed reduction in production</b>," Commerzbank said in a note.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Presumably the decrease in production and exports in December should be seen against this backdrop, and could already have been undertaken to pre-empt the production cuts due to take force from January."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Signs of rising output in the United States have tempered money managers' appetite to push prices higher. Since the start of the month oil prices have gained around $2.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"<b>There is still a general consensus that the OPEC/non-OPEC agreement helps supply to get in line with demand</b>. This bullish stance is countered by the ever-increasing inventories in the U.S. and rising rig counts," PVM Oil Associates strategist Tamas Varga said in a note.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>U.S. energy companies added oil rigs for a fifth consecutive week, Baker Hughes said on Friday, extending a nine-month recovery with producers encouraged by higher prices, which have largely traded above $50 a barrel since late November. [RIG/U]<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Assuming the U.S. oil rig count stays at the current level, we estimate U.S. oil production would increase by 405,000 (barrels per day) between fourth-quarter 2017 and fourth-quarter 2016 across the Permian, Eagle Ford, Bakken and Niobrara shale plays," Goldman Sachs said in a research note.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Annual average U.S. production would increase by 130,000 bpd year over year on average in 2017."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-global-oil-idUSKBN15Z032">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtb5lf97p2oVfW0idcLdRi3H8VyWjgOb4YP34rmhE17mAC56LB9wtNg0nvtFoKlOjGAUjXj5s-HWuLinxEXxf7uCvAZwtfHVG3kjnCT9Xt6iINw1KrEB0SvChBxxVVo9bqdego6zaLlP8/s1600/image004-706583.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtb5lf97p2oVfW0idcLdRi3H8VyWjgOb4YP34rmhE17mAC56LB9wtNg0nvtFoKlOjGAUjXj5s-HWuLinxEXxf7uCvAZwtfHVG3kjnCT9Xt6iINw1KrEB0SvChBxxVVo9bqdego6zaLlP8/s320/image004-706583.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394821292615634" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Politics></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Politics & Legal<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Defacto_Review:_February"></a>Defacto Review: February 19<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 20 (Jargal Defacto via VTV) Reviewed topics:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>1. IMF DEAL ANNOUNCED<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>2. MONGOLIA GROWS 1%<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>3. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES WHO COULD RUN IN 2017<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>4. HORSEMEAT SCANDAL - DALLAS AIRPORT<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpaiSKg9mao">Link to video</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Trade_Unions:_Government"></a>Trade Unions: Government has breached Collective bargaining agreement<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 20 (MONTSAME) Confederation of Mongolian Trade Unions called a press conference to make a statement that the Government breaches Collective bargaining agreement on labor and social welfare when reaching the staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund to implement Extended Fund Facility program.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>'- Increase of tax rates or creating new tax and social issues related to salary and pension should be discussed with other parties of the Collective bargaining agreement. The parties also agreed that any financial programs relating to overcoming economic difficulties would be implemented ensuring not to worsen livelihood and keeping employment rate and increasing jobs. All these articles of the Collective bargaining agreement would be breached in the agreement on the Extended Fund Facility program. Therefore, we will start "Collective dispute" said the President of the Confederation Kh.Amgalanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"If collective dispute is not solved, final measures will be strike and trade unions. Hope that it won't go further to that step".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8842">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_IFC,_Justice_Ministry"></a>IFC, Justice Ministry Launch Web-Based Movable Collateral Registry to Boost SME Financing<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 20 (Mongolian Economy) Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, February 20, 2017- IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, the Mongolian Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs, and other stakeholders today launched a web-based pledge-notice registry. The registry, part of a joint initiative to reform Mongolian secured transactions, will improve access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by facilitating lending against movable assets as collateral. Other stakeholders involved in the project are Bank of Mongolia and Mongolian Bankers' Association, and Implementing agency of the government of Mongolia, General authority for intellectual property and state registration.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The registry is a major milestone in IFC's efforts to encourage financing against movable assets in the country. Access to finance is a challenge faced by many Mongolian SMEs, which struggle to obtain bank loans as they do not own land or buildings that banks generally seek as collateral.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The IFC-supported Law on Tangible and Intangible Movable Property Pledge, which governs the registry's functioning, will go into effect on March 1, 2017. The new law along with the registry, will allow SMEs to offer moveable assets such as accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, and warehouse receipts as collateral to banks. The new system will reduce the need for paper documents and will notify creation of pledge-rights to existing and prospective lenders. To date, over 1,000 people have attended knowledge-sharing events and trainings on movables lending organized by IFC.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Supporting SMEs and entrepreneurs is one of the government's top priorities," said Mr. Enkhbayar B, Deputy Minister of Justice and Home Affairs. "With IFC's help, we will build a modern secured-transactions system, which is critical financial infrastructure to help small businesses expand and create jobs. Anyone with internet access can use the collateral registry from anywhere to register a pledge-notice or make a search. With this, citizens and legal entities can access state services without any bureaucracy and difficulties. A key objective in 2017 of the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs is to bring government services closer to Mongolian citizens. This web-based pledge-notice registry system is in line with this objective."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We are pleased to see this system go live today," said Tuyen D. Nguyen, IFC Resident Representative in Mongolia. "IFC will continue efforts to strengthen Mongolia's financial infrastructure to facilitate lending secured by movable assets and access to finance by SMEs."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Previously, IFC has helped develop modern secured-financing systems in more than 20 emerging markets, including China, Ghana, and Vietnam. In China, more than $3 trillion in loans backed by movable assets as security have been granted since 2007; many beneficiaries are small businesses.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolianeconomy.mn/en/i/9631">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Visit_of_UNDP"></a>Visit of UNDP Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific to Mongolia, February 21-25<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 16 (UNDP) The United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, United Nations Development Programme Assistant Administrator and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, <b>Mr. Haoliang Xu, will visit Mongolia on February 21-25, 2017</b>, his second official visit to the country.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The <b>objective of his visit is to discuss on-going and new areas of cooperation between UNDP and the Government of Mongolia</b> in the context of the new cooperation framework 2017-2021 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – to end poverty, reduce inequality and protect the planet by 2030.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>During his visit, <b>Mr. Xu will meet with members of the Mongolian government</b>, including Mongolian Prime Minister, Mr. Jargantulgyn Erdenebat, Foreign Minister and Mr. Tsend Munkh-Orgil, among others. He <b>will also give a lecture at the University of Humanities Mongolia on Feb 22<sup>nd</sup></b>, on the role of young people in meeting the SDGs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>He will then pay a 2-day visit to Khentii Aimag</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>, where he will meet with Khentii Aimag Governor Mr. Navaansamdan Ganbyamba and the Chair of the local Citizens' Representative Khural, which UNDP is working with to strengthen local governance and outreach to constituencies.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>He will also see UNDP projects that aim to improve the resilience of rural communities to climate change</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>. These include initiatives that promote management models for locally protected areas in addition to ecosystem based-adaptation measures for the protection of water sources, forests and pasture grounds, along with disaster risk management as well as the UN's emergency response to Mongolia's dzud winter. He will also meet with several herder families affected by the ongoing dzud in the region.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The visit provides an opportunity to discuss key challenges now facing Mongolia, including how to ensure further advances in human development amidst the recent economic slowdown, and how future growth can benefit all people in Mongolia, while protecting the environment for future generations. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.mn.undp.org/content/mongolia/en/home/presscenter/pressreleases/2017/02/16/visit-of-mr-haoliang-xu-undp-regional-director-for-asia-and-the-pacific-to-mongolia/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for February 20, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia and the IMF reach staff-level agreement <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Representatives from the IMF, the Ministry of Finance, and the Bank of Mongolia held a press conference to announce the results of the negotiation. It was announced that a staff-level agreement on a 3-year extended fund facility (EFF) program for 440 million USD was reached, and that with the implementation of this program, additional financing from multilateral and bilateral institutions could add up to 5.5 billion USD. Minister of Finance B. Choijilsuren highlighted that the EFF aims to stabilize the economy and bring economic growth to 8.1% and inflation to 6.1%-7%. The Ministry of Finance announced that gradual increases for 7 existing taxes and state fees would be introduced to address fiscal challenges. The Governor of the Bank of Mongolia, N. Bayartsaikhan, noted that the repayment of Development Bank's bond debt is set to be delayed by offering note holders the chance to exchange the note for new a sovereign bond directly issued by the government with a later payment. The EFF deal will undergo a review by the IMF board, and the government will begin working on 2017 budget amendments and pursuing immediate specific policy actions. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> IMF, Ministry of Finance, state budget</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Century News /page 1, 2/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Minister of Foreign Affairs to visit China <o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Minister of Foreign Affairs Ts. Munkh-Orgil will visit the People's Republic of China, at the invitation of Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, from February 20-21. During his visit, Ts. Munkh-Orgil is set to meet with representatives of China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as Minister Wang. The two sides will discuss strengthening their strategic partnership, developing cooperation, and ways to turn agreements into reality. Minister Ts. Munkh-Orgil's visit to China follows a visit to Russia from February 13-14 at the invitation of Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> bilateral relations, China, Ministry of Foreign Affairs </span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>| <i>Today /page A2/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ECONOMY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Ulaanbaatar Railway requires up to 4.4 billion USD for upgrades<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Ulaanbaatar Railway, a Mongolian and Russian joint venture, discussed plans for upgrades and development through 2030. According to preliminary calculations, capital of 1.5-4.4 billion USD is needed to implement a 3-staged plan for improvements, and the company will only be able to finance half of the amount required for the changes outlined. Ulaanbaatar Railway transports around 20 million tons of goods annually and plans to transport 53.6 million tons by 2030, with even longer term plans for transporting 100 million tons of goods. By 2030, the number of trains passing through the provinces are expected to increase exponentially, the speed of the train will be 1.4 times faster, and the target number of passengers traveling on the train each year will be 3.5 million. Construction of a dual rail line, establishing a line along the south side of Bogd Khan Mountain, and maintenance for 670 km of existing rail lines are also included in the plans for the company's future development.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Ulaanbaatar Railway, transportation, infrastructure</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Official Gazette /page 11/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ONLINE STORY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>168.4 million USD in raw coal exported in January<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The National Statistics Office (NSO) reported that 168.4 million USD in raw coal was exported in January, almost five times the amount of raw coal exported in the same period last year. In terms of volume, 2.59 million tons of raw coal was exported, 2.2 times more than what was exported in January 2016. Since April of last year, prices for coal have increased, leading to an increase in the amount of exports. Analysts have claimed that there will be no significant change to prices this year. Last month, 137 million USD in copper concentrate was exported, a decrease of almost 22% compared to last year. In terms of volume, 133,700 tons of copper concentrate was exported, a decrease of only 5,000 tons compared to January 2016. The NSO reported that 18.1 million USD in gold was exported and that all of it went to Great Britain.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> export, coal, NSO</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i><a href="http://bloombergtv.mn/%D2%AF%D1%81%D1%85-i-%D1%81%D0%B0%D1%80%D0%B4-168-4-%D1%81%D0%B0%D1%8F-%D0%B0%D0%BC-%D0%B4%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%BB%D0%B0%D1%80%D1%8B%D0%BD-%D1%87%D1%83%D0%BB%D1%83%D1%83%D0%BD-%D0%BD%D2%AF%D2%AF%D1%80%D1%81-%D1%8D%D0%BA%D1%81%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BB%D0%B6%D1%8D%D1%8D/?cid=7" target="_blank">www.bloombergtv.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-february-20-2017/">Link to newswire</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlldkEM8XVXPlg7g5QlyJcNDqCrB_-LhUPUe4Shv6krrNTHyMnwhPhb9CrUc8CCASZ_AUVTU5fpx5kIcG-AMnP-mardNpOIFhysO_NcLQH2zjDZnuJka0kb4GI5hNBFMgTcaCsUnqLzd8/s1600/image005-709338.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlldkEM8XVXPlg7g5QlyJcNDqCrB_-LhUPUe4Shv6krrNTHyMnwhPhb9CrUc8CCASZ_AUVTU5fpx5kIcG-AMnP-mardNpOIFhysO_NcLQH2zjDZnuJka0kb4GI5hNBFMgTcaCsUnqLzd8/s320/image005-709338.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394834086632642" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Business></a><a name=Ulaanbaatar></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Ulaanbaatar_Investment_2017"></a>Ulaanbaatar Investment 2017 meeting held<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 20 (MONTSAME) The Ulaanbaatar City Administration, in cooperation with the UB Chamber of Commerce (UBCC), organized today, February 20, the Ulaanbaatar Investment 2017 business meeting, attracting about 800 representatives of public and private sectors at the Shangri-La Hotel of Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The UBCC has been co-organizing this annual event with the municipality for the last three years, since its inception.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The opening remarks were given by the Mayor of Ulaanbaatar S.Batbold, the Chairman of UB Citizens' Representatives Khural Ts.Sandui and the UBCC President J.Oyungerel.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Key presentations covered the plan of development and investment works to be realized in Ulaanbaatar and open biddings for 2017, and other presentations were themed 'Improving private sector's involvement in the Ulaanbaatar development projects', 'New concepts of <i>Ger </i>area development', 'Innovation and creations of industrial parks based on modern technologies', 'Developments in Bayankhoshuu and Selbe sub-centers', 'Transparency in municipal procurements', 'Assessment of municipal road projects' and 'Principal's assessment of projects'.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>J.Oyungerel, UBCC President, noted the meeting's main purpose is to ensure that everyone gets equal opportunities to take part in the development works in Ulaanbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The representatives of national companies were quite satisfied with the outcomes of this annual meeting, as the meeting provides necessary information about city-run projects as well as the opportunity to meet with the project initiators and investors in person.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Ulaanbaatar Investment 2017 was much appreciated by its international attendees, who were also expressing their satisfaction and relief with the completion of agreement between the Government of Mongolia and the International Monetary Fund on three-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/economics/8840">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Firefighters_save_21"></a>Firefighters save 21 people from fire<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 20 (MONTSAME) On February 14, firefighters led by First Lieutenant E.Enkhbayar of the 26th firefighting division and rescue team of the Emergency Management Department saved 21 people, including children from fire.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On this day, the firefighters responded to a report of fire and arrived at the apartment building located in the Songinokhairkhan district of Ulaanbaatar city. They urgently rescued 21 people trapped in the apartment, who were in danger of suffocating and smoke inhalation that broke out in the basement room.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8841">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s1600/image006-712428.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s320/image006-712428.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394843744040482" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Diplomacy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Diplomacy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Wang:_China_offers"></a>Wang: China offers support and help to Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 20 (China Daily) Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing will help Mongolia overcome its economic difficulties, and he announced a slew of measures to aid the debt-ridden neighbor.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The measures include gearing up the implementation of non-reimbursable assistance to Mongolia and considering extending the bilateral currency swap deal, Wang told a media conference in Beijing on Monday after meeting with his Mongolian counterpart Tsend Munkh-Orgil.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>On Sunday, Mongolia agreed to implement an economic rescue package proposed by the International Monetary Fund and refinance bond loans, easing concerns that it might default in March, Xinhua reported.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>China supports aid given by international financial institutions to Mongolia, and it <b>will also consider Mongolia's wishes to expand its exports of minerals, agriculture and husbandry products to China</b>, Wang said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The pledges were offered as the relationship emerges from a tense period.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In November, Mongolia angered China by allowing the visit of the secessionist 14th Dalai Lama, who has worked on separating Tibet from China.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In January, the two senior diplomats had a phone call, and <b>Wang said Mongolia reflected deeply upon the Dalai's trip and promised no such further occurrences</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Wang said on Monday <b>the relationship "has already got things packed and is ready for another start"</b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2017-02/20/content_28274181.htm">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_reaffirms_commitment"></a>Mongolia reaffirms commitment to one-China policy<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China policy on Monday during the visit by the country's foreign minister, after bilateral relations were disrupted by the Dalai Lama's visit to the landlocked country in November.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>A long-standing, stable, mutually beneficial and equal relationship with China is Mongolia's primary foreign policy goal, Mongolian Foreign Minister Tsend Munkh-Orgil said in Beijing.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Speaking at a joint press conference with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi after their two-hour-long talks, Munkh-Orgil said Tibet is an inseparable part of China and Tibet-related issues are China's internal affairs.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia made efforts to repair ties with China and promised it would never allow future visits by the Dalai Lama, a political exile with ambitions to split Tibet from China under the guise of religion.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Hailing the Mongolian foreign minister's statement, Wang said it was important for the two countries to boost ties from a new beginning.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The two countries should outline high-level communication, synergize China's Belt and Road Initiative with Mongolia's Prairie Road program and promote cooperation in various fields, Wang said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Munkh-Orgil said the Belt and Road Initiative would bring great opportunities for Mongolia's development, adding that Mongolian Prime Minister Jargaltulga Erdenebat will visit China and attend the Belt and Road forum for international cooperation in May.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>He also thanked China for its support during Mongolia's financial difficulties.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Vice President Li Yuanchao also met with Munkh-Orgil on Monday, during which both sides agreed to protect the political foundation for bilateral relations.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-02/20/c_136071311.htm">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Related:<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://english.cctv.com/2017/02/21/VIDEVdMhGJSf00sooO8CJ5Eh170221.shtml">Mongolian FM reaffirms commitment to 'One China' policy</a> – </span></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>CCTV</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>, February 21<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_India_should_not"></a>India should not ignore Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Mongolia's population is around that of the city of Kanpur, but its land mass equals half of India's in area.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 21 (The Asian Age) It is hard to see how bilateral relations with Mongolia can be strengthened with the budgetary support for aid for Mongolia for 2017-18 earmarked at a mere Rs 5 crores. This is an amount just about sufficient to buy two or three high-end cars. New Delhi thus risks making a mockery of itself in the eyes of Mongolia, sandwiched between its giant neighbours China and Russia, that has gone out of its way to accord India the privileged "third neighbour" status at the cost of incurring Beijing's displeasure.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>While Mongolia isn't in the day-to-day consciousness of most Indians, the country's significant geostrategic dimension can hardly be overlooked. It was to bolster this that Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ulan Bator in May 2015, becoming the first Indian PM to do so. There is much respect for India in Mongolia as New Delhi was the first country outside the socialist bloc to recognise Mongolia and had supported its entry into the UN.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia's population is around that of the city of Kanpur, but its land mass equals half of India's in area. Besides, the country is super-rich in minerals, including strategic minerals. This is the reason American companies have shown a not inconsiderable interest in Ulan Bator.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>While we have a line of credit of $1 billion, that amounts to a pledge to spend if Ulan Bator indicates projects. That money is returnable, of course. Indian aid, specially on soft terms, would have had a different ring. The situation needs to be urgently remedied.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.asianage.com/opinion/edit/210217/dont-ignore-mongolia.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Ch.Sosormaa_presents_credentials"></a>Ch.Sosormaa presents credentials to Colombian President<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 20 (MONTSAME) Ch.Sosormaa, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia, accredited to the Republic of Columbia, presented her Letters of Credence to Juan Manuel Santos, the President of the Republic of Colombia on February 16.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the ceremony, Ambassador Ch. Sosormaa conveyed the warm greetings of Ts.Elbegdorj, President of Mongolia and congratulated President Santos on his accomplishment in bringing peace to Colombia as well as receiving the Nobel Peace Prize.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While conveying his warm greetings to President Ts.Elbegdorj, President Santos highlighted the opportunities for promoting cooperation between the two nations, despite the geographical distances. The President expressed to render all possible support towards strengthening the friendly relations between Mongolia and Colombia; and wished the Ambassador every success.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8831">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_UNESCO_and_Mongolia"></a>UNESCO and Mongolia Reinforce Cooperation<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 20 (UNESCO) <b>UNESCO and the Government of Mongolia signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, during a ceremony with Director-General Irina Bokova and the Ambassador of Mongolia to UNESCO, Mr Mundagbaatar Batsaikhan, on 20 February 2017.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Spanning the 2016-2020 period, the Memorandum of Understanding covers all UNESCO's areas of competence, specifying cooperation to:<o:p></o:p></span></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>promote SDG4-Education2030 through technical assistance, policy advice, capacity building, standard setting and the promotion of best practices<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>strengthen science, technology and innovation systems<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>support inclusive social development and intercultural dialogue<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>promote culture-based sustainable development, including in the framework of the implementation of the UNESCO Culture Conventions ratified by Mongolia<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l6 level1 lfo5'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>enhance mechanisms for access to knowledge and information, strengthening media development and promoting freedom of expression<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Recalling her visit to Mongolia in 2011, when she signed the previous agreement, the Director-General welcomed the focus on the SDG Agenda and referred to the country's rich cultural diversity and its leadership role in the Community of Democracies. The Ambassador expressed his country's longstanding and strong relations with UNESCO, welcoming the new agreement that will further reinforce cooperation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.unesco.org/new/en/media-services/single-view/news/unesco_and_mongolia_reinforce_cooperation/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s1600/image006-712428.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s320/image006-712428.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394843744040482" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HealthEdu></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Health & Education<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_scientists_develop"></a>Mongolian scientists develop infant incubator<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 20 (MONTSAME) Scientists of the Institute of Physics and Technology of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences have developed a neonatal incubator and blood pressure monitor or sphygmomanometer and are ready to put them into production for the use of clinics. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The infant incubator and blood pressure device were created by a team of Mongolian scientists headed by Dr. O.Bukhtsooj, Chief of Laboratory of Physics and Electronics of the abovementioned institute and including scientists B.Zandan, B.Naranbat, S.Ugtakhbayar and N.Narantsatseg.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Team leader O.Bukhtsooj said "Both pieces of equipment have already gone under laboratory tests. Now, we are about to introduce them to clinics and hospitals and put them into large-scale production. We have developed a number of medical equipment devices besides the baby incubator such as the development and experiments in blood pressure monitors, a electric meter and electrical meter we created has already been completed and available for manufacturing. Our team is planning to submit the complex medical devices we developed to the Ministry of Health as a project proposal". <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In terms of development of the incubator, the team used the main body of old incubators that are no longer in use in hospitals and most importantly, we made the electronic components and pieces ourselves. In short, they have created dry and water heaters and air humidity regulators for themselves. The incubator is equivalent to imported incubators in terms of its functions. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>One of the advantages of the incubator is that a system is installed in it to give a warning signal automatically when the health of infant inside the devise gets worse. If the infant's state deteriorates, the system will relay the signal to the medical staff and nurses. "An incubator is bought from foreign countries for approximately Tgs 13 million; however, we have provided the opportunity to get this Mongolian-made device for a price much cheaper than those from abroad.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>The blood pressure monitoring device determines maximum and minimum blood pressure using the heart rate. The advantage of the device lies in its feature to be freely connected to a PC, cellphone or laptop. The person using the device will be able to save the record of their own heart rate and top and bottom levels of blood pressure. They can even print them for use at their next doctor's appointment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Another creation of the team is an electric meter, which is manufactured to calculate daytime and nighttime tariffs separately. It is the most effective equipment as the nighttime tariff has recently been zero-rated as a step to reduce air pollution in Ulaanbaatar. The electricity meter is turned on and off with a remote control.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>O.Bukhtsooj said to itoim.mn website that "As Mongolia brings all of its electricity meters from abroad, we have made this device as an import substitution". The team is planning to put the device into the manufacturing process after the electricity meter is approved by the Mongolian Agency for Standardization and Metrology.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Mongolian science industry competently resolved the issue of electronics, the critical part of the development process. The next important stage is the manufacturing. The main reason the Mongolian science industry lags behind is there is not adequate production environment and industrial infrastructure. Even though the new products are developed yet to be introduced on the market, other issues, for instance the manufacturing of its packages, are still needed to be solved. Therefore, the government needs to pay attention to this issue by developing policy on promoting its domestic production.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Dr. O.Bukhtsooj has been working as a chief of the Laboratory of Physics and Electronics of the Institute since 2001, when he came back to Mongolia after studying at the Moscow Power Engineering Institute for an engineer of physics and electronics for 9 years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>The article is featured in the Mongol Messenger's issue No.5 for February 3.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/content/mongolian-scientists-develop-infant-incubator">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s1600/image006-712428.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s320/image006-712428.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394843744040482" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Culture></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Culture & Society<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Archaeological_Institute_of"></a><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>Archaeological Institute of America: </span>Northern Mongolia Archaeology Project<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Location:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Soyo, Hovsgol, Mongolia<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Season: </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>July 1, 2017 to July 22, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Session dates: </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>July 1st-22nd 2017<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Application Deadline: </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Friday, March 17, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Deadline Type: </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Contact for details<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Website: </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://nmapmongolia.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><b>https://nmapmongolia.wordpress.com/</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Flyer:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> <a href="https://www.archaeological.org/sites/default/files/northern_mongolia_archaeology_project_2017.pdf"><b>northern_mongolia_archaeology_project_2017.pdf</b></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Program Type</span>: </b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Field school, Volunteer, no<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Affiliation:</span></b><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>National Museum of Mongolia<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Project Director:</span></b><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Dr. Julia Clark and J. Bayarsaikhan<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Project Description</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Need a little adventure in your life? Interested in traveling to Mongolia? Interested in trying your hand at archaeological fieldwork? The Northern Mongolia Archaeology Project (<a href="https://nmapmongolia.wordpress.com/"><b>https://nmapmongolia.wordpress.com/</b></a>), in collaboration with Bioregions International (<a href="http://bioregions.org/"><b>http://bioregions.org/</b></a>) and the National Museum of Mongolia is now assembling an international, interdisciplinary team to conduct archaeological fieldwork in northern Mongolia from July 1<sup>st</sup> – 22<sup>nd</sup>. The archaeological site of Soyo, in the Darkhad Depression of northern Mongolia, has the potential to contribute significantly to understanding questions about the interaction of hunting and herding adaptations in this region. Located at the intersection of the dense forest taiga and the grass steppe-land of the basin, Soyo is uniquely positioned to facilitate interaction between hunting and herding practices. Previous research on prehistoric domestic sites in Mongolia has been frustrated by the prevalence of thin, jumbled deposits of artifacts with few preserved features. However, preliminary research at the Soyo site has revealed a unique depositional history where wind-blown sand has stratified thick artifact deposits creating a one of a kind, 7,000 year continuous record of human activity. No other similar domestic sites that have such a long, well preserved occupational sequence are known from Mongolia. Despite being such an important part of Mongolian heritage, this site is threatened by the development of a tourist camp. It is critical that an archaeological team conduct this research at the site in the summer of 2017 as the site is actively being threatened by this development. Activities in 2017 include surface survey, geophysics survey, test excavation, drone photography and mapping, and ethnoarchaeology. The field crew will have the opportunity to participate and learn all aspects of the archaeological fieldwork. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Period(s) of Occupation:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Neolithic-Bronze Age<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Project size: </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>1-24 participants<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> 3 weeks<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Minimum age: </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>18<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Experience required: </span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>None<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Room and Board Arrangements</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Camping - participants responsible for tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad. Three meals a day provided by project. Hired cook prepares all meals.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Cost</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>: $2,250 USD To apply: https://www.cognitoforms.com/NorthernMongoliaArchaeologyProject/_2017Application<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Academic Credit</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Number of credits offered None. Will work with your home institution for independent study credits if desired.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.archaeological.org/fieldwork/afob/18624">Link to project</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Save_the_Children:"></a>Save the Children: Horse racing puts child jockeys in danger<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>Save the Children Japan, Mongolia Office</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 20 (MONTSAME) The "Dunjingarav" horse race has been organized by the government in early Spring since 2008. However, on February 8, 2016 the Labor Minister's order banned all types of horse racing using child jockeys between 1st November and 1st May each year. The order also banned the involvement of children in any tasks related to training or breeding horses outside that period.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In spite of this order, the "Dunjingarav" horse race went ahead last Spring on March 2 by a governmental decree. And there are now reports that the competition has been approved for early March again this year, two months before the Winter/Spring ban is lifted.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>National and international child rights organizations have collectively expressed their strong opposition to illegal horse race in early Spring, involving children as child jockeys. They include the National Network to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor, National Network for Child Protection, Institute of Training and Research for Child Rights, National Civil Society Coalition, ECPAT Mongolia Network as well as Save the Children, World Vision and NLM. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They are concerned that racing in early Spring means that child jockeys are training in extreme winter temperatures, greatly increasing their risk of accidents and injuries, and exposures to dangers, jeopardizing the children's well-being and raising education-related issues.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They stress that child jockeys are at greatest risk of being hurt when horses race in the wild, in the extremely cold and at their highest speed as in the planned "Dunjingarav" race. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In the last five years, over 1500 child jockeys were injured during training and racing, leaving many children disabled for the rest of their lives. More than ten children died.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Horse racing is part of the cultural heritage of Mongolians, but horse racing in winter and spring has never been part of traditional Mongolian culture. A review of 381 files on Naadam events (between 1803 and 1920) held by the National Central Archive found evidence that Danshig Naadam (the State Naadam) was celebrated only between the months of May and August each year.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The use of minors as jockeys in Winter and Spring must be seen as hazardous child labor and possible exploitation. It has negative effects on children's education. It puts their lives and health in danger and it is a serious breach of their rights as children" said a spokesperson for the collective.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Therefore, we appeal to the Government of Mongolia and to city and provincial Governors to continue to ban Spring horse racing involving child jockeys and enforce "the list of jobs prohibited for underage children" that was renewed by Resolution A/36 by the Minister of Labor on 8th February 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We also appeal to journalists and media institutions to be the voice of these children and speak out for their safety and well-being."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8835">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s1600/image006-712428.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s320/image006-712428.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394843744040482" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Nature></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Nature & Environment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_Warner_Bros'_Children"></a>Warner Bros' Children of Genghis to Premiere on February 23<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 20 (news.mn) 'Children of Genghis', a movie about horse racing, one of the Mongolian three traditional cultural games, is to be released by "Warner bros" on 23<sup>rd</sup> of February. The movie is produced by D.Angarag, Mongolian 'Hollywood' producer and directed by D.Zolbayar from 'Mongol film' company. The movie was filmed in Arkhangai province in the summer and involves three small boys and the drama and rivalries of a horse race.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Brittany Belt, American actress, known for Mother's Day (2016) played a supporting role in the movie.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/325766">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s1600/image006-712428.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s320/image006-712428.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394843744040482" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Sports></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Sports<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Memory_athletes_gain"></a>Memory athletes gain 41 medals from Korea Open Memory championship<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 20 (MONTSAME) 19 memory athletes of the Mongolian Intellectual Academy secured 14 gold, 15 silver and 12 bronze medals from the Korea Open Memory Championship held on February 18-19 in Seoul, South Korea and set four new world records during the championship.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The world new records were broken by B.Khangal in the "Image" junior age category, B.Ariunsanaa in the "Image" category of teenage age, E.Lkhagvadulam in the "Card" 10-minute category and G.Enkhlen in the "Spoken numbers" category respectively.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover, International Sports Master E.Lkhagvadulam, won the gold medal by a total score of 10 categories in the teenage category and B.Ariunsanaa gained a bronze medal in the same category. B.Khangal and O.Tuvshinzaya each received bronze medals in the junior category.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The championship with KRW 30 million prize fund was participated by 178 memory athletes from 15 countries, such as South Korea, Mongolia, Germany, the USA, the Philippines and Japan competing for 90 set of medals of 10 categories in different age classifications (junior, teenage and adult).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/sports/8838">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s1600/image006-712428.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s320/image006-712428.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394843744040482" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Art></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Art & Entertainment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Watch_The_Eagle"></a>Watch The Eagle Huntress at UB's Adventure Temple <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 20 (gogo.mn) Adventure Temple offers you a cozy evening with a good film "The Eagle Huntress" directed by Otto Bell on Thursday (23rd Feb). <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The documentary nominated for BAFTA Film award 2017, tells a story of 13-year-old Aisholpan who trains to become the first female in twelve generations of her Kazakh family. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Entrance fee is 8,500 MNT includes free beer/wine/coffee of your choice. The film is narrated in English and also has English subtitle. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Adventure Temple locates on the opposite of Rokmon building, West four intersection (Baruun durvun zam). <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For more info, please click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/661013047434217/?active_tab=discussion" target="_blank">HERE</a> or contact at 7710 8002.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157419">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s1600/image006-712428.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s320/image006-712428.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394843744040482" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Travel></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Travel<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Program_for_Ten"></a>Program for Ten Thousand Camel Festival 2017, March 6-7<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 20 (gogo.mn) Ten Thousand Camel Festival, held in the Gobi Desert of Mongolia is already one of the most famous winter festivals in the world. This thrilling festival was first initiated in 1997 by the locals of Umnugovi (South Gobi) to celebrate Mongolian camels and protect the species and pass the rich Mongolian camel breeding heritage to the next generation. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It's an entertaining 2-days of event that features various contests related to Mongolian camel culture and lots of local music and dances. Nomads from far and near wear their best deels and ride their best camels to attend the festival as it's their pride and a big celebration for them. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The date of the Camel Festival 2017 is 6-7 March and the event will take place in Bulgan soum of Umnugobi aimag. On these days, day temperature will reach -5C to -10C and night temperature will be -13C to -18C according to the multi-year average.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The confirmed program the Camel Festival 2017 is below:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>March 6, 2017</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>09:00 - 13:00 "Camel Polo 2017" semi-final competition<br>13:00 – 14:00 Lunch Break<br>14:00 Opening ceremony of Camel Festival 2017. The festival to open with camel parade. Tourists and visitors are open to take part in the parade.<br>14:00 Competitions begin for the "Most Beautiful Couple on Camels"<br>15:00 Knuckle-bone shooting competition<br>17:00 "Camel Polo 2017" final competition. Camel market opens for camel products including clothes and diary goods. Gala concert by Bulgan soum students. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>March 7, 2017 </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>09:00 Camels for the competition leaves to the starts line<br>12:00 Race of one-year-old camels<br>13:00 – 14:00 Lunch break<br>14:00 Competition among camel herders<br>17:00 The closing and award ceremony for the various winners<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>How to attend the festival, how to get there:</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Event tax is US$ 50 for foreign tourists and MNT 20,000 for domestic tourists. We'd suggest travellers to contact travel companies in Ulaanbaatar to join existing tour groups or get your own private tour. Here's contact of 2 of them:<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo13'>Great Chinggis Empire - Mongolia Travel Expert. Tel: 976-9919 9025. Mail: <a href="mailto:info@genghis-empire.com">info@genghis-empire.com</a><o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo13'>Altai Nomadic Adventure Tours. Tel: 976-9665 0538. Mail: <a href="mailto:info@budgettoursmongolia.com">info@budgettoursmongolia.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>Bulgan soum locates 100 km away from aimag center Dalanzadgad and it takes an easy 7-8hr drive from Ulaanbaatar to the south (all paved road). Also there's daily bus service available from Narantuul market and Bayanzurkh tovchoo for MNT 23,000 -25,000. Currently, event organizers are negotiating with airlines are to conduct flights from UB-Dalazadgad. However, it has not finalized yet. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Where to stay:</b> Once you get to Bulgan soum there are several Ger accommodation available and contact at 976-89441212.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>For more info about the festival, please contact the organisers (Amazing Gobi tourism association) at:</b> Phone: 976-9514-4470, 976-99074355 or email at <a href="mailto:tumen106@yahoo.com">tumen106@yahoo.com</a>, <a href="mailto:n.ariunsanaa@yahoo.com">n.ariunsanaa@yahoo.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157418">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_'Winter_Horse_Festival'"></a>'Winter Horse Festival' attracts tourists from 10 countries<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 20 (news.mn) The 'Thousands of Horses of the Steppe', winter festival took place in Altanbulag soum, 50km from Ulaanbaatar on 18-19th of February. The winter horse festival has been organised by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in cooperation with the Tuv provincial administration since 2015.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the event, horse-breeders from across the country gathered together in one place with over 6000 horses. Among them was a jaw-dropping performance of men snatching a lasso pole (uurga) from the ground on a galloping horse; this left the foriegners in the audience stunned. Excited by these performances, tourists from over 10 countries were charmed by Mongolian tradition and culture of horses.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tuv aimag (province), which is located 52 km from the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, has the largest concentration of horses in the country with over 27 thousand horses and 291,983 livestock (2017 figures).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/325770">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Visit_the_world's"></a>Visit the world's least crowded country - before everyone else does<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 20 (The Telegraph) "Big Sky Country" is a fitting nickname for ruggedly beautiful Montana, the fourth largest US state. If the same sobriquet were applied to Mongolia, however, it would simply be inadequate. For this enormous landlocked country of green steppe, vast flat plains, intricately braided rivers, electric-blue highland lakes, snow-licked mountains, dense pine forests and shifting desert is presided over by a skyscape of such bold blue immensity it beggars description. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It's not just vast; Mongolia is empty, too. Three times bigger than France, its population is less than a 20th of the UK's – and one in three people live in the nation's sole city, the capital Ulaan Baatar. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is also, even a quarter of a century after freeing itself from the shackles of Moscow, very little visited – something that is beginning to change, following the opening of two new luxury hotels in Ulaan Baatar and the scheduled opening this year of a new international airport.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Mapped: The world's most (and least) crowded countries<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I decided to get in ahead of the crowds by taking a journey by 4x4 through this incredible land, so sparse in terms of people but, with more than three million horses, 28<span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'> </span>million sheep, as many goats, nearly four million cattle and 200,000 Bactrian camels, so rich in terms of livestock. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Hardly surprisingly, animal husbandry forms the backbone of the economy. <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/mongolia/articles/Kate-Humble-Living-with-Nomads-Mongolia/" target="_blank">I was invited into my first ger</a> (the conical felt tents that still house almost 50 per cent of Mongolia's inhabitants) a couple of days into my trip, heading south on dirt roads from the tiny settlement of Murun, in the north. Sitting on low couches, my guide Duggi, driver Tziggi and myself slurped on the bowls of warm, salted butter tea <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/mongolia/articles/just-back-snuff-songs-sumo-wrestling-at-a-mongolian-wedding-party/" target="_blank">proffered by our host</a>. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Top 10 | The least crowded destinations on Earth<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo6'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Greenland - 0.14 people per square kilometre<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo6'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Falkland Islands - 0.3<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo6'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Mongolia - 1.9<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo6'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Western Sahara - 2.3<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo6'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>5.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Namibia - 2.9<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo6'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>6.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>French Guiana - 2.9<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo6'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>7.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Australia - 3.1<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo6'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>8.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Iceland - 3.3<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo6'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>9.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Suriname - 3.3<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l11 level1 lfo6'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>10.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Botswana - 3.5<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I gazed around the ger with interest. Like all the best homes, the focal point was the fireplace, in this case a smoke-blackened iron stove. Above the wood-burner hung a line of ragged strips of beef being air-cured for jerky, while slices of curd dangled from strings above the door. Large aluminium trays contained yogurt and cheese, another yellow cream so thick our host sliced it with a knife before handing us a portion to try (it was delicious!). Meat and dairy produce form the average Mongolian's staple diet; fruit and vegetables are a rarity. With the nearest shop a day and half's journey away, these nomadic families rely on what they can produce themselves. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Under flawlessly blue late-August skies, the temperatures a beatific 20C or so, and our host's young daughter doing cartwheels, it was hard not to be enraptured. Especially as the valley below the ger was threaded by a tumbling brook and pine-carpeted peaks swept up all around. But it's a harsh life, and that wood-burner would be needed, as the first snows usually fall in September, and midwinter temperatures drop to -40C.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/asia/mongolia/articles/could-mongolia-become-the-next-big-travel-destination/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s1600/image006-712428.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXI7kLta4SRLT9SVctq8AXwhdXFcZiG9obmXLHAOOIRNj5kf-eoS4uKP2qvJA17hHU_n-cKAQ31akqWdTOgIYdrSiTY-5fF7mOVQHBbx7pcRmZfyf98lhzCE83BqJnxHPE3A7VH_LKBXo/s320/image006-712428.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394843744040482" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#365F91'>---<br></span><b><span style='color:#44546A'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQc1pCPZPZvE4nHYeObRLkL831KiLOxxnq9PFzsQ5wfFNUa2hzJTuyc6Cchl4_-beesZL85bnicM1nzkihNzl2R97uU5RCQDX9UTpbsibduBuwoRbMznIzo7EINxqHCRbxAmgA1ZadsRI/s1600/image010-728459.png"><img 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/></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'> </span><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:#365F91;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62eLor9YI25gT5tnci00GiWKii3i8_ywrVRETSmGUo2sOm92LAR469cWIPrA4F2BTvZ27JfLG-niDoyXZNcgvpkym8NjOsJvcdX5vP1qb6fBemgroVFZPgMesF8MDWwE1vfBAiT8tKpI/s1600/image016-744268.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62eLor9YI25gT5tnci00GiWKii3i8_ywrVRETSmGUo2sOm92LAR469cWIPrA4F2BTvZ27JfLG-niDoyXZNcgvpkym8NjOsJvcdX5vP1qb6fBemgroVFZPgMesF8MDWwE1vfBAiT8tKpI/s320/image016-744268.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389394979757697394" /></a></span></a><span style='color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Suite </span><span lang=MN style='color:#1F497D'>303</span><span style='color:#1F497D'>, Level 3, Elite Complex<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>14 Chinggis Avenue, Sukhbaatar District 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia<br></span><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Email</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: </span><a href="mailto:info@covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@covermongolia.com</span></a><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Website</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: <a href="http://www.covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>www.covermongolia.com</span></a></span><u><span style='color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Phone (Office)</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: +976 7711 6779</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:Webdings;color:#339966'>P</span><span style='color:#339966'> </span><span lang=EN-AU style='color:#007F00;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-21699690128542175692017-02-20T12:28:00.000+08:002017-04-11T10:50:19.490+08:00[IMF deal signed; DBM holders offered new notes; AKM signs UBTZ deal; MNT holds steady last week; and experts demand ETT reform]<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmctC3en-MJE5f1TluSUvMNnNCqwb-Ax4fh559I9BvN4r-qLJaGpXAuheejYMTQ-kkbWnm483z8XxzZMHEi9adQOu0tf6W_8pRKUx5QLjM_VqnqV2Jc68ytr84uQ09yvvTQb3QA4dpzOA/s1600/image001-752356.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmctC3en-MJE5f1TluSUvMNnNCqwb-Ax4fh559I9BvN4r-qLJaGpXAuheejYMTQ-kkbWnm483z8XxzZMHEi9adQOu0tf6W_8pRKUx5QLjM_VqnqV2Jc68ytr84uQ09yvvTQb3QA4dpzOA/s320/image001-752356.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042828985701506" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6eRwLobyTtCWK3EDFAXxs4KhGtFJ2NrKNFlz0UUJ5L0ideA8QYgs7oNpSWVDCMIzefLiDy0-S7KMTnfxTU22Dy8SOcCiyxxvXBguV_JVXHoSp7qIS0ttZ3W7ttpWmGh3YuJzSY8dg10/s1600/image002-755836.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH6eRwLobyTtCWK3EDFAXxs4KhGtFJ2NrKNFlz0UUJ5L0ideA8QYgs7oNpSWVDCMIzefLiDy0-S7KMTnfxTU22Dy8SOcCiyxxvXBguV_JVXHoSp7qIS0ttZ3W7ttpWmGh3YuJzSY8dg10/s320/image002-755836.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042842051986354" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Monday, February 20, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'>Cover Mongolia</span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span style='color:#4472C4'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></u>, <span style='color:#00B0F0'><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#00B0F0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#2F5597'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#2F5597'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span style='color:black'>, </span><span style='color:#C55A11'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><b><span style='color:#C55A11'>Instagram</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#C00000'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><b><span style='color:#C00000'>YouTube</span></b></a></span> and <span style='color:#FFC000'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><b><span style='color:#FFC000'>Blogspot</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><u>Jump to</u>: <a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> - <a href="#Local">Local Market</a> - <a href="#Economy">Economy</a> - <a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> - <a href="#Business">Business</a> - <a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> - <a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> - <a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> - <a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> - <a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> - <a href="#Sports">Sports</a> - <a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> - <a href="#Travel">Travel</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Headlines in <b><i>Italic</i></b> are ones modified by Cover Mongolia from original<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>HEADLINES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadIntl></a><u><a href="#International">Int'l Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Government_of_Mongolia">Government of Mongolia Offers to Exchange New Notes for Guaranteed DBM Notes</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MMC_Plans_to">MMC Plans to Seek Hearings about Cayman Scheme & HK Scheme</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Northern_Railways_and">Northern Railways and Ulaanbaatar Railways JSC sign Cooperation Agreement</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Will_Kincora_Copper">Will Kincora Copper be the next 10 bagger copper explorer?</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Kincora_Copper_boss">Kincora Copper boss keen to get drills turning in Mongolia within six months</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Eumeralla:_Interim_Financial">Eumeralla: Interim Financial Report, December 2016</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTW6QJ1j5iijzS61JsiUxsfFP40jYW4kzuiCvdd4TyKHZ1_a5fmz6t59yXvKOqkBy0IQCLHli9Anqug7bLc1P9Kq2_MfBgRrceY0edI7hMdygQvgchUeiz0J-5xidppL957RvKiDTt3I/s1600/image003-759366.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHTW6QJ1j5iijzS61JsiUxsfFP40jYW4kzuiCvdd4TyKHZ1_a5fmz6t59yXvKOqkBy0IQCLHli9Anqug7bLc1P9Kq2_MfBgRrceY0edI7hMdygQvgchUeiz0J-5xidppL957RvKiDTt3I/s320/image003-759366.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042861509084050" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadLocal></a><u><a href="#Local">Local Market</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MSE_Weekly_Report:">MSE Weekly Report: Top 20 -0.02%, ALL -0.38%, Turnover ₮311M Shares, ₮10.1B T-Bill Primary, ₮2.9B Secondary</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_MoF_moves_up">MoF moves up February 28 government securities trading on MSE to February 23</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfNz4b2tAfL-BHELOR4TwjYYGg1vStQQsAqIYSwGj8qJth5gt4YKBMxvX9uofcUV1qbDg3rVWwMrD9brAtOY008aPu51O3CLVKae-bHDlepBpWCWELqKzHPxfEyUxu435BUt4sXmrBuU/s1600/image004-762563.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfNz4b2tAfL-BHELOR4TwjYYGg1vStQQsAqIYSwGj8qJth5gt4YKBMxvX9uofcUV1qbDg3rVWwMrD9brAtOY008aPu51O3CLVKae-bHDlepBpWCWELqKzHPxfEyUxu435BUt4sXmrBuU/s320/image004-762563.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042871075282770" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadEconomy></a><u><a href="#Economy">Economy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_MNT_Rates:">MNT holds steady last week, up 0.02% vs USD</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM_issues_₮195">BoM issues ₮195 billion 1-week bills, total outstanding +29.9% to ₮428.4 billion</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM:_NPLs_+0.4%">BoM: NPLs +0.4% in January, +18% YoY to ₮1.05 Trillion, 8.6% of Total Loans</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_BoM:_Money_Supply">BoM: Money Supply Falls 1.6% in January to ₮11.9 Trillion, Up 20.6% from 2016</a> <o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_dodges_bond">Mongolia dodges bond default, agrees to bailout with IMF</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Video:_Mongolia_Reaches">Video: Mongolia Reaches Agreement With IMF</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxuosFOm4bVCV85_nIzbEwqbAa1IAqR2oFgLG7ZOcQap5FpXRVKn50wKelY_YjML4ISYfLNpIZSWK8UanhfWTNW_YLTKDCAmYPg0ILqlFuP2h3vfU6E4NzAu62-TUG9wMLTFKtHBzWtg/s1600/image005-766076.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxuosFOm4bVCV85_nIzbEwqbAa1IAqR2oFgLG7ZOcQap5FpXRVKn50wKelY_YjML4ISYfLNpIZSWK8UanhfWTNW_YLTKDCAmYPg0ILqlFuP2h3vfU6E4NzAu62-TUG9wMLTFKtHBzWtg/s320/image005-766076.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042892495425410" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadPolitics></a><u><a href="#Politics">Politics & Legal</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Guest_Post:_Label">Label of Erdenet 'Nationalization' Misleading</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Experts_call_on">Experts call on the government to protect Erdenes TT shareholders' interests</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_P.Tsagaan_confronts_DP">P.Tsagaan confronts DP related rumors, why he withdrew from chairmanship race</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_AmCham_Daily_Newswire">AmCham Daily Newswire for February 17, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Jargal_Defacto:_Free">Jargal Defacto: Free up prices and dismantle monopolies</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s1600/image006-769319.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s320/image006-769319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042901566083090" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadBusiness></a><u><a href="#Business">Business</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Technology_&_Investment">Technology & Investment to Mongolia 2017 Conference, April 20-21</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Huntsman_and_Tengri">Huntsman and Tengri launch limited edition 'Noble' yak fabrics</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Wool_products_handmade">Wool products handmade by herder women popular in France</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Shipping_rate_request">Shipping rate request from Canada to Mongolia by Air</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_IFC_to_start">IFC to start development of 'Green Buildings'</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s1600/image006-769319.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s320/image006-769319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042901566083090" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadUlaanbaatar></a><u><a href="#Ulaanbaatar">Ulaanbaatar</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Parents_planning_to">Parents planning to hold third protest against air pollution</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Ulaanbaatar_to_host">Ulaanbaatar to host JCI Asia Pacific Conference</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s1600/image006-769319.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s320/image006-769319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042901566083090" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadDiplomacy></a><u><a href="#Diplomacy">Diplomacy</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_FM_to">Mongolian FM to visit China this Sunday</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_Foreign_Minister:">Mongolia Foreign Minister: We Prioritize Ties with Russia and China</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_EU_Parliament_Approves">EU Parliament Approves Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation with Mongolia</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Factsheet_on_the">Factsheet on the EU-Mongolia Framework Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Rs_50_million">Rs 50 million Mongolia aid: Setback to India foreign policy?</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Canada_Fund_financed">Canada Fund financed 447 projects in 240 soums in last 20 years</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Prime_Minister_and">Prime Minister and Governor of Irkutsk meet to develop economic cooperation</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Speaker_discusses_energy">Speaker discusses energy megaproject cooperation with Irkutsk governor</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Selenge_Province_to">Selenge Province to celebrate Russian Maslenitsa butter on Sunday</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s1600/image006-769319.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s320/image006-769319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042901566083090" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadHealthEdu></a><u><a href="#HealthEdu">Health & Education</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Public_health_services">Public health services and accessibility to be improved</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_NUM_students_continues">NUM students continues to protest 'unfair' tuition surcharge</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s1600/image006-769319.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s320/image006-769319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042901566083090" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadCulture></a><u><a href="#Culture">Culture & Society</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_National_Council_on">National Council on Mongolian Studies meets</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Dutch_exhibition_provides">Dutch exhibition provides new insight into Genghis Khan</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolians_made_first">Mongolians made first banknotes in history</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_UMC_students_tell">UMC students tell their grandparent's stories - Memories of my Mongolian grandfather</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Spending_time_with">Spending time with Mongolia's 'disappearing' people</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s1600/image006-769319.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s320/image006-769319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042901566083090" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadNature></a><u><a href="#Nature">Nature & Environment</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_One_of_the">One of the world's rarest grizzlies lives in the Gobi Desert — and it needs help</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_European_Union_and">European Union and Red Cross bring relief to Mongolian herders</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s1600/image006-769319.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s320/image006-769319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042901566083090" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadSports></a><u><a href="#Sports">Sports</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolia_NOC_organises">Mongolia NOC organises Olympic-related activities in the Umnugovi and Uvurkhangai districts</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_North_Korean_players">North Korean players at Mongolian National League</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Gemnet_to_sponsor">Gemnet to sponsor CS:GO champions "The MongolZ"</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s1600/image006-769319.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s320/image006-769319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042901566083090" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadArt></a><u><a href="#Art">Art & Entertainment</a> <b><o:p></o:p></b></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_artists_to">Mongolian artists to participate in documenta 14 exhibition in Germany</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_A_15-Year-Old_Girl">A 15-Year-Old Girl Becomes The First "Eagle Huntress" Of Her Tribe</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s1600/image006-769319.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s320/image006-769319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042901566083090" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HeadTravel></a><u><a href="#Travel">Travel</a> <o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Experience_Mongolian_Lunar">Experience Mongolian Lunar New Year with Mongolian Secret History Camp</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_authorities_issue">Mongolian authorities issue "Selfie Warnings" after hiker found dead</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Mongolian_Transport_or">Mongolian Transport or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Ride</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Photographer_Catherine_Hyland">Photographer Catherine Hyland Turns China and Mongolia Into Otherworldly Landscapes</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><a href="#_Must_see_places">Must see places of Arkhangai aimag</a><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s1600/image006-769319.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s320/image006-769319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042901566083090" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div style='mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'><p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><o:p> </o:p></p></div><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>ARTICLES<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=International></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Int'l Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Government_of_Mongolia"></a>Government of Mongolia Offers to Exchange New Notes for Guaranteed DBM Notes<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, February 19, 2017 (Ministry of Finance) </b>The Government of Mongolia (the "Government") is pleased to announce an exchange offer for the US$580,000,000 5.750% Senior Notes due 2017 issued by Development Bank of Mongolia LLC, which mature on March 21, 2017 (the "DBM Notes"). The exchange offer, which we expect to launch on February 20, 2017, provides existing holders of the DBM Notes the opportunity to exchange such notes for new sovereign bonds directly issued by the Government. We are confident that there will be strong participation in the exchange offer on the back of positive developments for Mongolia and against an improving outlook for commodities prices.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition, the Government continues to make progress with discussions involving the IMF and expects an official announcement soon with respect to an IMF-supported economic and financial aid program. We intend to engage the holders of Mongolian government and government-guaranteed debt with a view to improving medium-term financial stability.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mof.gov.mn/2017/02/government-of-mongolia-offers-to-exchange-new-notes/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing><a href="http://www.aastocks.com/en/ltp/RTQuote.aspx?S=Y&Symbol=00975">975</a> trading -0.8% mid-Monday at HK$0.248<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_MMC_Plans_to"></a>MMC Plans to Seek Hearings about Cayman Scheme & HK Scheme<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 20 (AAStocks) MONGOL MINING (00975.HK) announced that it has filed applications with the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands (in respect of the Cayman Scheme) and with the High Court of Hong Kong (in respect of the Hong Kong Scheme) seeking orders and hearings granting permission for the company to convene meetings of noteholders for the purpose of considering, and if thought fit, approving the Cayman Scheme and the Hong Kong Scheme.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The company has been informed that the convening hearing in respect of the Cayman Scheme will be heard before the Cayman Court at 9:30 a.m. (Cayman Islands time) on 13 March 2017 and that the Convening Hearing in respect of the Hong Kong Scheme will be heard before the Hong Kong Court at 10:00 a.m. (Hong Kong time) on 14 March 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2017/0220/LTN20170220025.pdf">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2017/0220/LTN20170220025.pdf">Link to MMC release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=ASX:AKM">AKM</a> trading +3.45% mid-Monday at A$0.03<o:p></o:p></i></p><h1><a name="_Northern_Railways_and"></a>Northern Railways and Ulaanbaatar Railways JSC sign Cooperation Agreement<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Ulaanbaartar Railways JSC ("UBTZ") is a Mongolian and Russian Government Joint Venture which manages all railway operations in Mongolia and owns the Trans Mongolian Railway. </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:.25in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>UBTZ and Northern Railways have signed an MOU to cooperate and negotiate on: </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level2 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Access to the UBTZ rail network from Erdenet; </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level2 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Technical specifications of rolling stock required on the UBTZ Rail Network; </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level2 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Management of transport operations along the Erdenet to Ovoot Railway and integration into Trans Mongolian Rail traffic; </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level2 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Maintenance of the Erdenet to Ovoot Railway post commissioning; and </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l4 level2 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-family:"Courier New"'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>o<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b>Cooperation on the rehabilitation of the Erdenet to Salkhit spur line that connects onto the Trans Mongolian Railway. </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 20 -- Mongolian metallurgical coal explorer and infrastructure company, Aspire Mining Limited (ASX: AKM, the <b>Company </b>or <b>Aspire</b>), has, through its rail subsidiary, Northern Railways LLC ("<b>Northern Railways</b>"), signed a Memorandum of Understanding ("<b>MOU</b>") with Ulaanbaatar Railways JSC ("<b>UBTZ"</b>) to cooperate on a number of matters to progress the commercialisation of the Erdenet to Ovoot Railway.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>…<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170220/pdf/43g3jcf6t37p1h.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=CVE:KCC">KCC</a> closed +3.33% Friday at C$0.465, +2,225% in 1 year<o:p></o:p></i></p><h1><a name="_Will_Kincora_Copper"></a>Will Kincora Copper be the next 10 bagger copper explorer?<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Kincora Copper has a commanding position in one of the world's most promising emerging copper areas<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 15 (Proactive Investors) With a new vibrancy towards the resource sector obvious at the VRIC and Indaba conferences so far this year and copper firmly in a bull market it appears the worst of the previous 5-year down cycle is behind us. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are even signs of improving investor sentiment towards exploration with those who have lived through previously cycles remembering that the exploration sector provides highest outperformance in a new cycle.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Indeed, when you look at some of the new copper exploration plays that were busy during the downturn setting the foundation for the cycle to turn you can see why investors are looking for the next up and comer, potential 10 bagger plus.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>SolGol, just 20 holes into drilling its greenfield Cascabel copper-gold porphyry project in Ecuador, has returned over 20 times to shareholders in the last year. It now has a £600 mln market cap, having raised US$54 mln in September last year with approaches from industry players such as Newcrest and BHP.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.proactiveinvestors.com/CVE:CDB/Cordoba-Minerals/">Cordoba Minerals</a>' share price has increased over 14 times since Robert Friedland's High Powered Exploration's (HPX) strategic investment in the post discovery San Matias project, and this is despite HPX now owning 65% at the asset level.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It is with this background in mind that we recently spoke to CEO of <a href="http://www.proactiveinvestors.com/CVE:KCC/Kincora-Copper/">Kincora Copper</a> (<a href="http://www.proactiveinvestors.com/CVE:KCC/Kincora-Copper/">CVE:KCC</a>), Sam Spring, for an update to see where he is at with Kincora's exploration plans, given the drill season is coming around again soon after the harsh Mongolian winter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Kincora too has been busy of late setting the foundations for an upswing in the cycle. Only in the last quarter its has announced an exceptional Tier 1 copper porphyry team, consolidated the dominant land position in the emerging gold-rich Southern Gobi copper belt and undertaken an opportunistic capital raising with a leading natural resource institution.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The region boasts <a href="http://www.proactiveinvestors.com/LON:RIO/Rio-Tinto/">Rio Tinto</a>'s (<a href="http://www.proactiveinvestors.com/LON:RIO/Rio-Tinto/">LON:RIO</a>) largest global expansion project, the Oyu Tolgoi mine, as a neighbour and is one of the most prospective remaining frontiers for copper exploration.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With its transaction with IBEX, a Friedland-controlled private entity, Kincora overtakes Rio Tinto controlled entities being the largest accumulator of new exploration ground in this belt during the downturn. .<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We're pretty sure we'll be drilling two targets this field season," says Spring, "and these are two analogous to the nearby large scale copper mines in the belt, Oyu Tolgoi and Tsagaan Suvarga."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Kincora's wholly owned targets are Bayan Tal and East Tsagaan Suvarga, the latter otherwise known as East TS.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bayan Tal is a large scale target with confirmed Oyu Tolgoi ("OT") style stratigraphy, the first target in the belt since OT with such attributes, and known mineralization on the margin of the interpreted system, including 18 metres at 0.66% copper equivalent (IBEX hole 6) and 0.75% copper equivalent (trench).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>East TS is a brownfield open pit target being only 13km from the existing Tsagaan Suvarga open pit which has over 300 million tonnes atgreater than 0.5% copper, situated within the same intrusive system.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The geologists have just recommenced initial field works, looking to expand the target zone at East TS. Following this Spring is hoping to present work programs and "use of funds" proposals to the board in March.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>That board is now slightly beefier and punchier than it was at the start of the year, following the appointment of two new directors: Luke Leslie as chairman, and John Holliday as non-executive technical director. The changes reflect Kincora's two-pronged strategy of exploration and further expansion.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Leslie's a specialist financier and deal maker, while Holliday is expert at the discovery and evaluation of concealed copper porphyries, particularly large ones like Cadia or Wafi-Golpu, the kind Kincora is targeting and of the kind that made Oyu Tolgoi famous.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The company has just completed on a C$500,000 private placing it announced at the end of last year, so the funds are at least now in place for Spring to take his plans to the board.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal> "Exploration creates a huge amount of wealth if you get it right," says Spring. "We have been busy in a relatively short period creating the foundations for a big 2017, systematically advancing our new district scale multi-target, multi-stage pipeline up the value curve with two targets now to the point of drilling. These two targets have a lot of similar attributes to the two large-scale mines in our immediate belt. Encouragement for our geological models this field season would likely being a major value add milestone, particularly in light of the share price performance of some other recent copper exploration plays..<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However, unlike other recent copper success stories, like SolGold and Cordoba, Kincora has consolidated the dominant position in the belt, and now looking to make a discovery, or two given the scale of our portfolio. These other groups have made the discovery and are now looking at the next one and consolidating their respective districts." <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>."The objective for this year is to find some copper, and support our analogies," says Spring. "It's time to get on with that."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While the copper price is already up over 30% in recent months many are expecting further gains as the global market swings to a deficit for the first time since 2011, driven by sustained demand from China, the unknown Trump factor, new copper supply from the last cycle having peaked, continued supply disruption at the world's two biggest copper mines and potentially flowon effects to other existing operations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>M&A through the downturn of the cycle and overweight exploration budgets reflect the industry's bullish view of incentive and future pricing for copper.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It appears those few copper juniors with new real exploration plays are well positioned as investors refocus on the favourable structural outlook for copper.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With this in mind, Kincora is one to keep on the watch list as it looks to drill two targets that are analogies to the existing two large-scale mines in the world-class Southern Gobi copper belt. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Exploration success could support it quickly moving into the leagues of SolGold or Cordoba. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/173194/will-kincora-copper-be-the-next-10-bagger-copper-explorer-173194.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Kincora_Copper_boss"></a>Kincora Copper boss keen to get drills turning in Mongolia within six months<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 17 (Proactive Investors) Sam Spring, president and chief executive of explorer <a href="http://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/CVE:KCC/Kincora-Copper/">Kincora Copper</a> Ltd (<a href="http://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/CVE:KCC/Kincora-Copper/">CVE:KCC</a>) tells Proactive they've resumed field activities as it looks to expand the near surface target area at its Mongolian prospects.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The company has completed analysis of two high priority drill targets: Bayan Tal, an Oyu Tolgoi-style (OT) target; and East Tsagaan Suvarga (East TS), a brownfield Tsagaan Suvarga-style (TS) target.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.proactiveinvestors.co.uk/companies/stocktube/6934/kincora-copper-boss-keen-to-get-drills-turning-in-mongolia-within-six-months-6934.html">Link to interview</a> <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><a href="https://www.google.com/finance?q=ASX:EUM">EUM</a> last traded A$0.075 on Friday, +212.5% in one year<o:p></o:p></i></p><h1><a name="_Eumeralla:_Interim_Financial"></a>Eumeralla: Interim Financial Report, December 2016<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 17, Eumeralla Resources Ltd. (ASX:EUM) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170217/pdf/43g2x0dpd7z3zs.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.asx.com.au/asxpdf/20170217/pdf/43g2pbhmg4t2lp.pdf">Notice of General Meeting, 22 March, 2017</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadIntl">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.rose.mn/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_xYDpKm4ux3U9jAMZVle_gyJ-lqK34krfIkH6GC3bUNnGdbZV3KMmgi3QjbbCi9Jqp6ivcTnBmLRFl0loQPtD7X-piWwQDXHtQ-8jeFvTfq4iaIasxUOSvDrYynmmCPku1u7I8Tqvo4/s1600/image007-772629.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_xYDpKm4ux3U9jAMZVle_gyJ-lqK34krfIkH6GC3bUNnGdbZV3KMmgi3QjbbCi9Jqp6ivcTnBmLRFl0loQPtD7X-piWwQDXHtQ-8jeFvTfq4iaIasxUOSvDrYynmmCPku1u7I8Tqvo4/s320/image007-772629.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042914424028498" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Local></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Local Market<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_MSE_Weekly_Report:"></a>MSE Weekly Report: Top 20 -0.02%, ALL -0.38%, Turnover <span lang=MN>₮</span>311M Shares, <span lang=MN>₮</span>10.1B T-Bill Primary, <span lang=MN>₮</span>2.9B Secondary <span style='font-size:9.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 17 (MSE) -- <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvwCdYjIaxbhcWhEgq0j9NGLZr1jETyjrRIhv6He7OdAaNfJZK-J2U-QzC0XD5wOsZkRSlUP8frRFBS1WHwaSil6MEt_YGAgnJURKJcg52YnHNV907Oz6Glu7hwJ1CBv7Pz8Wih3ZWqc/s1600/image019-775586.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvwCdYjIaxbhcWhEgq0j9NGLZr1jETyjrRIhv6He7OdAaNfJZK-J2U-QzC0XD5wOsZkRSlUP8frRFBS1WHwaSil6MEt_YGAgnJURKJcg52YnHNV907Oz6Glu7hwJ1CBv7Pz8Wih3ZWqc/s320/image019-775586.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042927836954402" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/uploads/ariljaa/reports/report_en-15.pdf">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_MoF_moves_up"></a>MoF moves up February 28 government securities trading on MSE to February 23<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 17 (MSE) Due to previously scheduled Government securities trading date /28 February 2017/ coinciding with Mongolian "Lunar Moon" national holiday, the Mongolian Ministry of Finance officially rescheduled the Government securities trading day to 23 February 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mse.mn/en/news/4029">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadLocal">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6VZ4m5p9jbLA9gzPjnWo4fdJ8j0tpKhj2791jPgSiFjMwvDZ4wpTJw_gOoOpXn21APBFDUYbhZljmS78OvaaCs3Wle_bhPyY56m04HcqFJOct2hHgRB0SfiNmXYR4boIh7yDtzwUahA/s1600/image008-778352.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju6VZ4m5p9jbLA9gzPjnWo4fdJ8j0tpKhj2791jPgSiFjMwvDZ4wpTJw_gOoOpXn21APBFDUYbhZljmS78OvaaCs3Wle_bhPyY56m04HcqFJOct2hHgRB0SfiNmXYR4boIh7yDtzwUahA/s320/image008-778352.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042951860061842" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Economy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Economy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='color:red'>Reds</span> are when MNT fell, <span style='color:#00B050'>greens</span> when it rose.<b> <span style='color:red'>Bold reds</span></b><span style='color:red'> </span>are rates that set a new historic high at the time. </i><o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_BoM_MNT_Rates:"></a><span lang=MN>BoM MNT Rates: </span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>Friday</span><span lang=MN>, </span>February 17 <span lang=MN>Close </span><o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoTable15Plain5 border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 width=976 style='width:732.35pt;border-collapse:collapse'><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'> </span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>7</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>6</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>5</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>4</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>1</span></b><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>3</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>10</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>9</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/</span></b><b><span lang=MN style='text-transform:uppercase'>8</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/7</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>2/6</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>High</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;border-bottom:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'>Date</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1058" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/b27dbc49-e16d-41ae-8557-f99cdb40c367.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e147de94-098c-41fc-a613-e68b961bc287.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>USD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,483.11<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,483.39<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,482.58<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,485.38</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,485.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,483.59</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,481.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,479.41</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,477.86</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,476.13</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,498.75</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1057" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/bebede1f-9fde-45e8-9abf-07cee5d98010.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/7fff4ee5-d12c-4bd2-8a56-d47fa1ab5b0d.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>EUR</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,645.75<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,635.37<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,625.20<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,636.99</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,644.96</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,643.41</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,653.03</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,639.58</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,646.85</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,662.33</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,681.43</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/10/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1056" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/280be717-5c83-46be-b0c7-d0b2cf9575f2.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/73256f8e-4c86-438d-9d39-350646eb7f40.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>JPY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.89<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.79<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.68<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>21.89<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.89</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>21.84</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>22.08</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>22.07</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>22.10</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>21.96</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>23.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/9/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1055" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0e866dbf-0eff-45bc-aa83-c145b2345900.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/170ec7e9-2636-4b7d-a624-7ae9fef54841.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>GBP</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,100.91<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,100.51<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,092.30<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,112.19</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,109.06</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,100.51</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,116.48</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>3,095.42</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,080.23</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>3,088.72</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>3,183.26</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>8/13/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1054" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/33370dc8-8964-434b-8694-6462f39746fb.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a481156f-5e01-436d-b063-c22ecd3ed0dd.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>RUB</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>43.06<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>43.35<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>43.78<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>43.06</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.82</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.14</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.05</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.64</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>41.85</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>42.21</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span lang=MN style='color:red'>54.32</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>6/27/2014</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1053" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/c37f3eb9-e9ba-4c1d-bc0f-2669bc4c1412.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/56dc9518-41a5-4bb4-9d57-167f6de07f2e.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CNY</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.45<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>361.91<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.47<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>361.72</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>361.24</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>361.08</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>361.52</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>360.20</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>360.36</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>360.78</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>363.02</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/5/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1052" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/e5792094-f0b8-4c3a-a82b-97ddd5401a38.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ab781b89-2767-4b9c-b3cb-b3c6cc603016.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>KRW</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.17<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.18<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.16<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2.17</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2.16<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2.18</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/6/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1051" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/75233918-55b6-4977-a5ef-f682c93bbdb0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/9a4a44a5-6be7-4141-8159-5aa30a12bb45.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>SGD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,752.25<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,749.54<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,746.21<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,751.62</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,748.82</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,747.16</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,752.72</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,746.68</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,748.97</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,756.68</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,757.02</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/18/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1050" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/a8311ed8-a900-4237-bf18-4ebf7b10bbf0.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/53fdb4a8-f38e-4f01-b01a-c2dee4a6895d.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CAD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,899.42<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,902.40<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,899.45<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,904.00</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,899.46</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,889.31</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,888.13</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,880.69</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,884.45</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,900.69</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,908.84</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/18/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=8 id="_x0000_i1049" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/5d744e37-53d2-4c10-aa04-7bc77a3c3abc.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/6ec5578f-dca9-4257-b326-e755e3b2400b.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>AUD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,911.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,904.64<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,907.16</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,906.49</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,898.70</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>1,893.14</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,890.67</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>1,892.59</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,895.11</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>1,913.20<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>2/16/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1048" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6f012c2-8c16-455d-b0b0-8427d7512a2b.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/d6b9f8ce-b8d2-4ce7-bdce-b85ce1812325.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>HKD</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.94<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>319.99<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>319.89<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>320.31<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>320.31</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>320.14</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>319.87</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>319.56</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>319.42</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>319.20</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>322.21</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='background:#F2F2F2;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1/10/2017</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.0pt'><td valign=top style='border:none;border-right:solid #7F7F7F 1.0pt;background:white;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='text-transform:uppercase'><img border=0 width=16 height=11 id="_x0000_i1047" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/0588bbef-101c-4211-8d37-8045475e110d.png" alt="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/ae638f8b-a29a-4d70-90b3-52ad2a79d482.png"></span></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><b>CHF</b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,486.34<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,473.00<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,464.96<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,471.79</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,478.22</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,476.78</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,492.39</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,480.03</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:#00B050'>2,486.44</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border:none;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:red'>2,490.32</span><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='border:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><b><span style='color:red'>2,497.77</span></b><o:p></o:p></p></td><td nowrap style='padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.0pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>11/09/2016</i><o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='color:red'>Bank USD rates at time of sending</span></b>: <a href="https://www.khanbank.com/en/home/rates">Khan</a> (Buy ₮2,478 Sell ₮2,488), <a href="http://tdbm.mn/en/exchange">TDB</a> (Buy ₮2,480 Sell ₮2,488), <a href="https://en.golomtbank.com/home/citizen">Golomt</a> (Buy ₮2,477 Sell ₮2,487), <a href="http://xacbank.mn/en/calculator/rates">XacBank</a> (Buy ₮2,478 Sell ₮2,486), <a href="https://www.statebank.mn/w/en/m1">State Bank</a> (Buy ₮2,472 Sell ₮2,486)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/graphic_dailyrate.aspx">USD (blue), CNY (red) vs MNT</a> in last 1 year:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTet1Tr51mRq7DZ6F91HKp3XdB4RCCXM5iFSvN751mHFx2d2w0pdGi5OgPomu6uSK0yJyjfbNMUJwxWIubhKT0qGBPNfs8nT9u0jYM8uGsKYqqicvJcTRYJWbQvUGFXZdC1HLWW7yhg4/s1600/image020-783929.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTet1Tr51mRq7DZ6F91HKp3XdB4RCCXM5iFSvN751mHFx2d2w0pdGi5OgPomu6uSK0yJyjfbNMUJwxWIubhKT0qGBPNfs8nT9u0jYM8uGsKYqqicvJcTRYJWbQvUGFXZdC1HLWW7yhg4/s320/image020-783929.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042965491437202" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistofficialdailyrate.aspx">Link to rates</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM_issues_₮195"></a>BoM issues <span lang=MN>₮</span>195 billion 1-week bills, total outstanding +29.9% to <span lang=MN>₮428</span>.<span lang=MN>4</span> billion <o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 17 (Bank of Mongolia) BoM issues 1 week bills worth MNT 195 billion at a weighted interest rate of 14.0 percent per annum /<a href="http://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistcbb.aspx">For previous auctions click here/</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dblistcbb.aspx">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM:_NPLs_+0.4%"></a>BoM: NPLs +0.4% in January, +18% YoY to <span lang=MN>₮</span><span style='mso-fareast-language:JA'>1.05 Trillion, 8.6% of Total Loans<o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing><span style='font-style:normal'>Key indicators of Mongolian banking system consolidated balance sheet, Jan 2017<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 17 (Bank of Mongolia) -- <o:p></o:p></p><table class=MsoTableGrid border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td rowspan=3 style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>End-of-period<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td colspan=10 style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>ASSETS<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td rowspan=3 style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>Number of banks<o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr style='height:7.9pt'><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.9pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>Bank reservers<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.9pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>Central bank bills<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.9pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>Foreign assets<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.9pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>Government securities<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.9pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>Other securities<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.9pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>Loans<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td colspan=3 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.9pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><i>Of which<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.9pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b>Total Assets<o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr style='height:7.85pt'><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.85pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><i>In domestic currency<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.85pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><i>In foreign currency<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:7.85pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><i>Non-performing loans<o:p></o:p></i></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>2008 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>304,507.10<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>119,723.30<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>294,472.10<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,300.00<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>17,001.90<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,635,551.60<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,785,545.80<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>850,005.80<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>188,667.20<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>3,650,001.80<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>16<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>2009 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>628,426.00<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>392,215.00<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>405,127.70<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>7,592.40<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>26,149.10<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,655,000.40<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,661,441.30<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>993,559.10<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>462,001.50<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>4,421,769.20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>17<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>2010 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>770,995.40<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,102,858.30<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>655,876.30<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>74,000.00<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>98,698.60<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>3,228,171.10<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,175,905.10<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,052,266.10<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>370,508.80<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>6,245,632.80<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>16<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>2011 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,145,260.60<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>879,793.80<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>711,145.10<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>269,408.80<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>197,935.90<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>5,597,743.60<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>3,802,591.50<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,795,152.10<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>326,925.60<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>9,371,628.30<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>16<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>2012 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,564,331.40<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>747,114.60<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>758,114.40<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>653,416.10<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>236,667.70<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>6,941,135.20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>4,699,019.20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,242,116.00<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>293,437.50<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>11,992,228.10<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>16<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>2013 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,769,813.10<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,626,606.30<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>812,646.80<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,778,007.70<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>471,105.70<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>10,715,632.70<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>7,785,230.70<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,930,402.00<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>564,260.40<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>20,883,711.10<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>16<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>2014 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>3,012,085.10<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>852,983.50<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>675,079.70<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,088,072.20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>343,384.60<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>12,440,925.90<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>9,564,409.00<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,876,516.90<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>623,937.90<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>22,582,376.80<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>17<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>2015 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,064,802.20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,024,770.80<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>977,926.20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,543,100.80<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>762,088.60<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>11,633,582.60<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>8,857,639.70<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,775,942.90<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>867,288.70<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>21,521,242.50<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>16<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:black'>2016 01<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:black'>1,884,265.20<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:black'>502,263.40<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:black'>972,026.30<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:black'>2,550,042.80<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:black'>742,017.80<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:black'>11,716,306.10<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:black'>8,991,168.30<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:black'>2,725,137.80<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i><span style='color:black'>891,398.20<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:black'>20,858,066.60<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><span style='color:black'>16<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>2016 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,924,780.20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>576,994.40<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,067,068.90<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>3,495,162.80<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>982,026.30<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>12,337,508.60<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>9,991,763.80<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,345,744.90<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1,047,453.70<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>25,338,363.60<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>16<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:15.75pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'>2017 01<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,583,355.80<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>422,030.20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,159,803.80<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>3,498,585.50<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>1,011,008.50<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>12,294,767.90<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>10,023,789.70<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>2,270,978.20<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'><i>1,051,923.60<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>24,927,057.80<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:15.75pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right'>16<o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='margin-left:-5.4pt;border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td rowspan=3 style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>End-of-period<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td colspan=11 style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>LIABILITIES<o:p></o:p></b></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>Current Accounts<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td colspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i>Of which:<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>Deposits<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td colspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i>Of which:<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>Foreign liabilities<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>Government deposits<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>Total Liabilities<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td rowspan=2 style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b>Capital<o:p></o:p></b></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i>Of which:<o:p></o:p></i></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i>In domestic currency<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i>In foreign currency<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i>In domestic currency<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i>In foreign currency<o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i>Profit/loss of current year<o:p></o:p></i></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2008 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>602,973.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>318,611.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>284,362.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,336,305.8 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>899,989.8 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>436,316.0 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>433,714.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>393,196.7 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><i>3,309,435.5 </i><o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>340,566.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>(66,967.7) <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2009 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>738,616.7 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>366,253.2 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>372,363.5 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,855,819.2 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,241,587.2 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>614,231.9 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>435,730.9 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>460,925.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><i>4,191,557.1 <o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>230,212.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>(143,394.3) <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2010 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,535,538.7 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>769,391.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>766,147.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,730,186.8 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,975,643.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>754,543.5 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>467,981.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>422,243.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><i>5,863,147.7 <o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>382,485.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>65,769.2 <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2011 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,004,405.9 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,223,556.9 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>780,849.0 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>3,857,399.2 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,879,993.5 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>977,405.8 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>714,689.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>931,493.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><i>8,694,733.2 <o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>676,895.2 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>184,263.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2012 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,090,560.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,231,451.5 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>859,108.6 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>4,884,653.2 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>3,451,181.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,433,471.9 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,354,348.9 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>933,480.8 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><i>11,006,508.6 <o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>985,719.5 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>198,356.6 <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2013 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,485,412.5 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,511,163.6 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>974,248.9 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>6,353,378.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>4,879,505.7 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,473,872.6 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,885,719.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,186,170.0 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><i>19,502,496.4 <o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,381,214.7 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>229,741.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2014 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,756,515.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,317,460.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,439,055.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>7,334,018.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>5,366,102.5 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,967,916.0 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,810,565.6 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,464,509.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><i>20,448,108.6 <o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,134,268.2 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>325,892.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2015 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,208,520.6 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,226,775.5 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>981,745.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>7,338,513.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>5,391,443.0 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,947,070.2 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>3,858,321.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,453,863.8 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><i>19,094,433.4 <o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,426,809.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>218,253.8 <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td valign=top style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2016 01<o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,066,760.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,121,331.5 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>945,428.8 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>7,252,708.7 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>5,269,932.9 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,982,775.8 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>3,865,334.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,495,838.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><i>18,531,266.0 </i><o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,326,800.6 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td valign=top style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>(64,686.1) <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2016 12<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,965,229.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,527,248.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,437,981.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>8,500,517.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>5,719,164.2 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,781,353.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>5,386,860.5 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,373,893.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><i>22,402,320.5 <o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,936,043.1 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>176,483.8 <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.15pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>2017 01<o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,939,268.3 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,451,325.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,487,942.9 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>8,392,444.7 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>5,846,916.0 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>2,545,528.7 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>5,199,529.7 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>1,443,415.2 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'><i>21,900,087.4 <o:p></o:p></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>3,026,970.4 <o:p></o:p></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.15pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='text-align:right'>35,058 <o:p></o:p></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/documents/statistic/balancesheet/2017/01e.pdf">Link to report</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_BoM:_Money_Supply"></a>BoM: Money Supply Falls 1.6% in January to <span lang=MN>₮</span>11.9 Trillion, Up 20.6% from 2016 <span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></h2><p class=MsoNoSpacing>BoM Monthly Statistical Bulletin, January 2017<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 19 (Bank of Mongolia) --<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>in millions of togrogs<o:p></o:p></i></p><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='margin-left:-5.4pt;border-collapse:collapse;border:none'><tr style='height:3.1pt'><td rowspan=2 style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>End-of-period<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td colspan=2 style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Currency issued in circulation<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td colspan=2 style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Money (M1)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td colspan=2 style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Other deposits<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td><td colspan=2 style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-left:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Money (M2)<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr style='height:31.5pt'><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:31.5pt'><p class=Default align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Amount<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:31.5pt'><p class=Default align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Monthly change, %<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:31.5pt'><p class=Default align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Amount<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:31.5pt'><p class=Default align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Monthly change, %<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:31.5pt'><p class=Default align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Amount<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:31.5pt'><p class=Default align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Monthly change, %<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:31.5pt'><p class=Default align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Amount<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:31.5pt'><p class=Default align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>Monthly change, %<o:p></o:p></span></i></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.1pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>2000 12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>107,394.4<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>7.8<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>130,775.0<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>8.9<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>128,067.7<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>2.1<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>258,842.6<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>5.4 <o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.1pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>2001 12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>119,205.8<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>5.7<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>156,155.3<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>6.9<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>174,908.9<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>3.0<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>331,064.3<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>4.8<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.1pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>2002 12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>134,642.8<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>0.5<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>187,727.8<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>6.9<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>282,570.9<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>3.8<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>470,298.7<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>5.0<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.1pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>2003 12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>152,826.6<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>1.1<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>212,833.4<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>4.4<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>490,499.0<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>15.8<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>703,332.4<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>12.1<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.1pt'><td width=66 style='width:49.8pt;border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>2004 12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=132 style='width:99.25pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>168,521.1<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=66 style='width:49.55pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>1.7<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=90 style='width:67.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>221,327.6<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=64 style='width:48.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'><o:p> </o:p></span></p></td><td width=90 style='width:67.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>625,704.9<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=64 style='width:48.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>-0.2<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=98 style='width:73.8pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>847,032.4<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td width=64 style='width:48.3pt;border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>0.9<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.1pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>2005 12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>191,688.3<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>3.1<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>269,124.4<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>6.3<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>871,014.4<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>1.6<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>1140138.8*<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>2.7<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.1pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>2006 12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>245,098.9<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>5.1<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>331,903.4<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>2.1<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>1,204,590.0<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>-4.5<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>1,536,493.3<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>-3.1<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.1pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>2007 12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>364,074.4<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>12.5<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>590,471.6<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>13.6<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>1,810,778.1<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>5.6<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>2,401,249.7<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>7.4<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.1pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>2008 12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>407,210.5<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>23.0<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>647,335.3<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>18.1<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>1,620,080.0<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>-4.2<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>2,267,415.3<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>1.3<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.1pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>2009 12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>371,831.9<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>2.2<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>651,247.0<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>8.4<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>2,228,182.7<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>5.4<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>2,879,429.7<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>6.1<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.1pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>2010 12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>519,692.4<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>9.9<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>1,157,617.9<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>16.3<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>3,522,286.8<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>19.7<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>4,679,904.7<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>18.8<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.1pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>2011 12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>713,351.1<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>5.1<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>1,741,075.7<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>12.1<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>4,670,687.0<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>2.4<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>6,411,762.7<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>4.9<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.1pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>2012 12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>828,450.3<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>14.7<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>1,834,894.1<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>17.8<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>5,777,521.7<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>5.5<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>7,612,415.7<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>8.3<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.1pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>2013 12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>841,129.3<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>4.6<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>2,093,197.7<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>14.6<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>7,360,109.4<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>1.2<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>9,453,307.1<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>3.9<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.1pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>2014 12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>809,657.1<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>5.3<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>1,816,717.7<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>7.5<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>8,817,943.6<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>7.0<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>10,634,661.4<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>7.1<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.1pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>2015 12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>706,656.4<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>-0.5<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>1,685,442.8<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>7.8<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>8,363,578.9<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>1.4<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>10,049,021.8<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>2.5<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.1pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>2016 01<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>713,755.4<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>1.0<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>1,608,105.5<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>-4.6<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>8,241,458.1<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>-1.5<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>9,849,563.5<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>-2.0<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.1pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>2016 12<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>823,629.3<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>7.1<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>2,090,124.1<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>8.4<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>9,986,377.6<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>1.9<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>12,076,501.7<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>3.0<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr><tr style='height:3.1pt'><td style='border:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-top:none;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>2017 01<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>736,068.2<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>-10.6<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>1,952,395.1<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=Default align=right style='text-align:right'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana",sans-serif'>-6.6<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>9,928,266.8<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>-0.6<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>11,880,661.8<o:p></o:p></span></p></td><td style='border-top:none;border-left:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;border-right:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;height:3.1pt'><p class=MsoNormal align=right style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:right;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>-1.6<o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/documents/statistic/2017/01.pdf">Link to report</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_dodges_bond"></a>Mongolia dodges bond default, agrees to bailout with IMF<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Mineral-rich country accepts outside supervision of reforms<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>By KHALIUN BAYARTSOGT, Contributing writer<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>ULAANBAATAR, February 20 (Nikkei Asian Review) -- The International Monetary Fund and the Mongolian government announced Saturday an agreement on a three-year bailout program that averts a default on a semi-sovereign bond maturing March 21.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The government has agreed to fiscal and structural reforms in exchange for the new IMF-brokered funding. Under its <b>Extended Fund Facility</b> programs, which usually last three years, the IMF monitors progress on a quarterly basis before the next loan tranche is given.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The foundering $580 million bond with a 5.75% coupon was issued in 2012 by Development Bank of Mongolia, a state-run project-finance bank. The country's worsening balance of payments and depleted foreign exchange reserves meant the government could not repay or roll over the bond without fresh foreign credit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As soon as the IMF agreement was announced on Saturday, <b>the government said the old bond could be exchanged for a new government bond</b>, but it did not go into details.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>In addition to the $440 million from the IMF itself</b>, the program will see some <b>$3 billion in loans to the government or public projects from the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank as well as from Japan, South Korea and other countries</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>China will contribute to the program by extending the duration of a 15 billion-yuan ($2.2 billion) currency swap with the Bank of Mongolia</b>, the central bank. This brings the likely total value of the bailout package to over $5 billion.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <b>agreement requires the government to cut its budget deficit and implement various reforms</b>. <b>Welfare spending will become more "targeted,"</b> the IMF said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Finance Minister Choijilsuren Battogtokh said <b>cash allowances for children will be limited to low-income households</b>, and <b>the pensionable retirement age raised</b>. <b>Progressive personal income tax will be introduced</b>, and <b>interest earned on savings taxed</b>. <b>Taxes on fuel, imported cars, alcohol and tobacco will all be increased</b>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <b>government has promised legislation to reform the roles of the central bank and the development bank</b>. <b>Kashi Mathai </b><i>(Mogi: Koshy Mathai)</i>, who heads the IMF's Mongolia program, said in the future "<b>the central bank will solely focus on monetary policy and price stability, and will stop functioning as a fiscal branch</b>."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The <b>previous administration used the central bank as an extra-budgetary channel to subsidize mortgage loans</b> extended by commercial banks, worsening the budget deficit. <b>Politicians used the development bank to fund their own businesses</b>. Parliament is already drafting legislation to shield both banks from direct political interference.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia achieved 17% economic growth in 2011 on the back of rising commodity prices, but fell into crisis when those prices went down. <b>Public external debt mushroomed from about $2.5 billion</b>, or 31% of gross domestic product, at the end of 2010 to $8.5 billion in 2016 -- about 85% of estimated GDP. The <b>fiscal deficit is expected to have ballooned to 15% of GDP last year</b>, and foreign exchange reserves are barely sufficient to cover minimum commitments.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Batsuuri Haltar</b>, an economist at Shinjeech (Analyst) magazine, told the Nikkei Asian Review that <b>the bailout will help if it leads to fairer taxation of the rich and moderated public spending</b>. "<b>However, Mongolians need to check whether there are any requirements hidden from the public</b>," he said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Haltar noted the IMF has consistently recommended privatization of state enterprises such as power plants</b>. This has attracted foreign investment interest but without the wider national benefit being entirely clear.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/Economy/Mongolia-dodges-bond-default-agrees-to-bailout-with-IMF">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://globalriskinsights.com/2017/02/radar-mongolia-banks-threaten-economic-crash/">Link to IMF statement</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Similar:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-02-19/china-s-message-to-trump-with-north-korea-coal-ban-let-s-deal">IMF to Loan Mongolia $440 Million as Part of $5.5 Billion Bailout Package</a></b> – <i>Bloomberg</i>, February 19<span style='font-size:14.0pt'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mongolia-imf-idUSKBN15Y02S?il=0">Mongolia agrees $5.5 billion economic bailout plan with IMF, others</a></b> – <i>Reuters</i>, February 19<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="https://www.ft.com/content/3363741c-f66d-11e6-9516-2d969e0d3b65">Mongolia reaches $5.5bn IMF deal as debt repayments loom</a></b> – <i>Financial Times</i>, February 19<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://bigstory.ap.org/article/8b1cae6e625245719ab428b75616a0bd/imf-agrees-terms-5-billion-loan-debt-ridden-mongolia">Mongolia agrees $5.5 billion economic bailout plan with IMF, others</a> – </b><i>AP</i>, February 19<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2017/02/19/imf-440-million-loan-5-billion-package-bails-mongolia-out-of-commodity-slump-troubles/#59e68d4112c0">IMF $440 Million Loan, $5 Billion Package, Bails Mongolia Out Of Commodity Slump Troubles</a></b> – <i>Forbes</i>, February 19<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://news.google.com/news/story?ncl=http://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2017/02/19/imf-440-million-loan-5-billion-package-bails-mongolia-out-of-commodity-slump-troubles/&hl=en&geo=US">Link to list of other articles</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Video:_Mongolia_Reaches"></a>Video: Mongolia Reaches Agreement With IMF <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 20 (Bloomberg TV) Mongolia reached an initial agreement with the International Monetary Fund for a three-year program that includes a $440 million loan package as part of a $5.5 billion bailout to help the north Asian country with looming debt repayments. IMF Mission Chief to Mongolia Koshy Mathai explains the agreement on "Bloomberg Daybreak: Asia."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2017-02-20/mongolia-reaches-agreement-with-imf">Link to video</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadEconomy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.mibg.mn/mineral_law_covermongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfNz4b2tAfL-BHELOR4TwjYYGg1vStQQsAqIYSwGj8qJth5gt4YKBMxvX9uofcUV1qbDg3rVWwMrD9brAtOY008aPu51O3CLVKae-bHDlepBpWCWELqKzHPxfEyUxu435BUt4sXmrBuU/s1600/image004-762563.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyfNz4b2tAfL-BHELOR4TwjYYGg1vStQQsAqIYSwGj8qJth5gt4YKBMxvX9uofcUV1qbDg3rVWwMrD9brAtOY008aPu51O3CLVKae-bHDlepBpWCWELqKzHPxfEyUxu435BUt4sXmrBuU/s320/image004-762563.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042871075282770" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Politics></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Politics & Legal<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Mogi: agree. <o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Guest_Post:_Label"></a>Guest Post: Label of Erdenet 'Nationalization' Misleading<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>By <a href="http://marissajsmith.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Marissa Smith</a></span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Many Fear Mongolian Government Decision Heralds Another Privatization, Securing of the Status Quo Possible<o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 18 (Mongolia Focus) Last week during an extra session after the final day of its fall session, Mongolia's Parliament voted that the state acquire the share of the Erdenet Mining Corporation held by the Mongolian Copper Corporation. The share, 49% of the Erdenet Mining Corporation, had been sold by Russian State Corporation Rostec at the end of June. Investigations by the Parliament's <a href="http://www.parliament.mn/n/topo" target="_blank">Standing Committee on Law</a> as well as international journalists and scholars (<a href="http://%28http/thediplomat.com/2016/07/the-mysterious-sale-of-mongolias-erdenet-mine/">The Diplomat</a>, <a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/2016/guest-post-questions-about-purchase-of-erdenet-mining/">Mongolia Focus</a>, <a href="http://jargaldefacto.com/article/erdenet-s-49-percent-stake-is-private-ownership">Jargal DeFacto</a>) allege that the Mongolian Copper Corporation is a shell company, its purchase of the 49% financed almost exclusively through the Trade and Development Bank, Mongolia's oldest and one of its largest, most internationally-held private banks, as well as the state Bank of Mongolia, partly with Chinggis Bond revenues earmarked for development projects.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-02-10/mongolia-parliament-votes-to-nationalize-erdenet-copper-mine-iz0bd7q8">Bloomberg</a> and the <a href="http://bigstory.ap.org/article/08287d6d6f6e4eefab81df27d845be34/mongolia-nationalizes-mine-prompts-warning-investors">Associated Press</a> have run headlines over stories about the action prominently featuring the label "nationalization". However, while the Mongolian People's Party, which took power after the sale and whose members are leading the charge to revoke it, may be often taken by foreign observers to be devotedly following the example of the Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party that governed Mongolia during over six decades of state socialism, their members have long demonstrated their willingness to participate in privatization. A major reaction by the Mongolian public to the latest moves has been that the 49% has been taken away from the Mongolian Copper Corporation by the government in order that it be given to other businessmen and corporate actors, ones with ties to politicians (of both major parties) currently in power. That is, the government's taking of the 49% from the Mongolian Copper Corporation is widely viewed as the opening move in another example of the kind of corruption they accused the June sale of (see <a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/2016/nationalization-erdenet-soe-challenges/">Mendee J.'s comments</a>), made while the sale was being contested in Parliament earlier on, and summary of Lhkagva E.'s interpretation and comments by <a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/2016/privatization-politicization-erdenet/">Julian Dierkes about Mongolians' suspicion of collusion</a> across party lines. On Tuesday the Mongolian People's Party said at a <a href="http://eagle.mn/r/24560">press conference</a> that it is discussing forming an openly traded company though it is unclear as to whether this would include the 51% owned by the Mongolian state as well as the 49% ordered to be taken from the Mongolian Copper Corporation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>As <a href="http://www.president.mn/content/12375">President Elbegdorj noted in his address to Parliament</a> (in which he urged the assembly to not approve the measure to take the 49% from Mongolian Copper Corporation, warning that such a move would deter foreign investment), the Erdenet Mining Corporation involves and directly benefits tens of thousands of Mongolians. As President Elbegdorj suggested, the loss of Mongolia's "Milk Cow," arguably the nation's commodity most easily converted to cash, if the 49% were mismanaged would likely result in a political backlash. Erdenet has been the nation's largest taxpayer and produces at least around half its copper concentrates. Elbegdorj noted plans for further development of Erdenet, including a long-proposed copper refining plant. The last serious such proposals at a national level have been to build the refinery at Sainshand, on the Trans-Mongolian Railroad, located between Erdenet and Oyu Tolgoi, a <a href="http://ubpost.mongolnews.mn/?p=12354">project now dormant</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The grades of copper sulphide ores in Erdenet's forty-year-old open pit have sharply decreased as the mine has aged, though its oxide ores could be exploited with new processing plants.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia and Russia<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The political situation is precarious. Mongolians are watching on-going Romanian anti-corruption protests much as they did in 1989 (media outlet Mongolia Live posted posted a statement of solidarity with Romanian protestors on February 1, saying that "corruption is extremely high in both countries").<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The matter of the Erdenet 49% remains mired in an ongoing crisis, in which the failure of public benefits to be realized by other operations, here the Oyu Tolgoi and Tavan Tolgoi mines in particular, has forced Erdenet, as the lone major functioning enterprise, into the spotlight, as also happened in the late 1980s and early 1990s.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Currently, Mongolians are waiting for response from Rostec and the Russian government. As Foreign Minister Munkh-Orgil visited Russia on a working visit February 13-14, Mongolian journalists and social media users were quick to note that the <a href="http://www.news.mn/r/325199">Erdenet matter was not discussed in press conferences, and the Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded to inquiries that a meeting between Munkh-Orgil and Rostec CEO Sergei Chemezov had not been requested</a>. The text of a letter reportedly sent to Prime Minister J. Erdenebat from Chemezov and circulated among members of Parliament was printed by major news outlets <a href="http://www.news.mn/r/325070">news.mn</a> and <a href="http://medee.mn/main.php?eid=89038">medee.mn</a>, stating that reversing the sale would damage Mongolia and Russia's reputations in the eyes of investors, and suggested that the matter be taken to an arbitration court in Singapore. If true, this text could be understood as a move to keep Russian-Mongolian relations in a holding pattern, as public discussions between Lavrov and Munkh-Orgil did, continuing to gesture towards the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Eurasian Economic Union, and One Belt One Road's China-Russia-Mongolia Economic Corridor as wellsprings of cooperative economic development. These have so far been unsuccessfully tapped, however, and Lavrov restated firm Russian opposition to a Chinese-backed dam project that has gotten the furthest of any of the OBOR projects in Mongolia. Munkh-Orgil will visit China February 19 to 20.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>What can be expected to happen now with the 49%? And with Mongolia's international and regional relationships? As <a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/category/erdenet/">emphasized on this blog</a> and <a href="http://thediplomat.com/2016/07/the-mysterious-sale-of-mongolias-erdenet-mine/">elsewhere</a> Rostec demonstrated substantial desire to "cash in" the 49%. A possible scenario is that the Erdenet 49% be reprivatized to entities that will maintain the status quo (as also <i>before</i> Rostec acquired the 49% in 2007) in which Erdenet maintains Mongolian ties to Russian enterprises and involves social groups beyond the Ulaanbaatar-based elite (members of which have included many of the most adamant proponents of Erdenet's privatization over the course of the last three decades), groups that are in comparison marginalized in Mongolian politics and business. The activity of these networks has long been demonstrated to have benefits for the nation as a whole.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>There is some speculation that the sale and its illegalization are moves to force Russia's hand to lend more aid to a Mongolia in deep crisis. (As a piece from Bloomberg's editorial board stated three days ago, "<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-02-12/how-the-world-s-fastest-growing-economy-went-bust">the [Mongolian] government, along with a state-backed development bank, is on the hook for more than $1 billion in maturing bonds over the next year, starting with a $580 million payment due in March</a>." Currently, Erdenet constitutes a, if not the, major nexus of Russian-Mongolian relations in the form of important trading relationships between firms; for instance on February 2<sup>nd</sup> director of Russian manufacturer Uralmashzavod's mining division named Erdenet as a major purchaser in an <a href="http://www.kommersant.ru/doc/3177705">interview</a> with leading Russian business journal Kommersant. In 2007, Erdenet joined other privatized Soviet enterprises when the 49% was taken into Russian state corporation Rostec, and thus was rearticulated with other such enterprises as well as the Russian state. It can easily be imagined that Russians as well as Mongolians are worried about the loss of tax revenue, business activity, and employment (not to mention the risks to the city built around the Erdenet mine, one of Mongolia's only two second cities and a major infrastructure hub) were the Erdenet Mining Corporation to collapse. Furthermore, Cold War-era Mongolia expert Robert Rupen (in <i>How Mongolia is Really Ruled: A Political History of the Mongolian People's Republic, 1900-1978</i>, Stanford:Hoover Institution Press: 1979, pg. 92) remarked as Erdenet was under construction that the gigantic mining operation (at the time, Asia's largest open pit mine), city, and the road and railways connecting it to Ulaanbaatar and Irkutsk constitute a "defensive shield" for the section of the Trans-Siberian Railway that had to be built close to the Mongolian border in order to pass south of Lake Baikal.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>About Marissa Smith<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://marissajsmith.wordpress.com/">Marissa Smith</a> obtained her PhD from Princeton University's department of anthropology in 2015, after defending a <a href="http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/dsp01z603r0748">dissertation</a> about Erdenet and its position in local, national, regional, and international contexts. She currently teaches at De Anza College in Cupertino, California.<b> </b><o:p></o:p></span></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://blogs.ubc.ca/mongolia/2017/guest-post-erdenet-nationalization-privatization/">Link to post</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Experts_call_on"></a>Experts call on the government to protect Erdenes TT shareholders' interests<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 16 (UB Post) Prominent experts in mining, finance, and law have called on the government to protect the interests of Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi JSC (Erdenes TT) shareholders, specifically, the Mongolian citizens who collectively own a 20 percent stake in the company.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On February 13, economist and CEO of Ard Financial Group Ch.Gankhuyag, mining expert L.Naranbaatar, and attorney B.Bayar demanded that the government take measures to protect the rights and interests of the state-owned mining company's shareholders.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Erdenes TT was established in 2010 by decree of Parliament and Cabinet. The company's main focus is to manage and operate the nation's strategically important coal mines, such as the Tavan Tolgoi mine.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>When the company was established, each Mongolian citizen was given 1,072 shares of the company. Even though each citizen owns a stake in the company, analysts claim that the Mongolian people have not enjoyed the rights that a shareholder is normally allowed. These include receiving quarterly updates, voting on key decisions, and freely dictating the use of their shares. The financial reports and balance sheets of Erdenes TT have not been publicly released on a consistent basis. Ch.Gankhuyag, L.Naranbaatar, and B.Bayar have noted that it is not clear how many Mongolian citizens have sold their shares and how many still own them. The three critics, all prominent in their fields, have called upon the government to take action to erase past shortcomings and to ensure that certain rights are afforded to all of the company's shareholders.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"For every 100 million MNT in income, Erdenes TT requires 136 million MNT in expenditure. Since 2011, a total of 24.2 million tons of high quality coking coal has been extracted and exported. Yet, the accumulated net loss of the company stands at 453 billion MNT. Outstanding debt has reached 822 billion MNT. If Erdenes TT carries on along the path they are on right now, in eight years time, it will likely be bankrupt," said L.Naranbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>L.Naranbaatar stressed that shareholders need to put pressure on the administration of Erdenes TT to implement proper management. He said that the Mongolian people have been shareholders in name only, and that poor management has led to a loss of revenue and greater accumulated debt. Referencing research he has conducted, he pointed out that the administration of Erdenes TT has used loans from Development Bank of Mongolia (DBM) to compensate for the company's losses.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Of the accumulated debt, 71 percent of it is owed to DBM; money which was financed by the Chinggis Bond. Yet, the debt that gets talked about most, the outstanding debt owed to Aluminum Corporation of China Limited (Chalco), accounts for only one-eighth of the company's overall debt," said L.Naranbaatar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ch.Gankhuyag highlighted how the burden of the company's debt has been put on the shoulders of the Mongolian people as minority shareholders and taxpayers. He stressed how this practice and mismanagement need to be stopped.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Companies and citizens who own shares of Erdenes TT have been urged by the experts to register at Ard.mn to join the movement to protect their interests and rights.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/16/experts-call-on-the-government-to-protect-erdenes-tt-shareholders-interests/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_P.Tsagaan_confronts_DP"></a>P.Tsagaan confronts DP related rumors, why he withdrew from chairmanship race<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>By B. Dulguun<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 17 (UB Post) <i>Former Chief of Staff of the President and Member of the Democratic Party (DP) P.Tsagaan explains why he forfeited the chairmanship election and commented on rumors related to the DP in the following interview.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Some people speculate that new DP chairman S.Erdene will not be able to make significant changes. What do you think of this? How much do you expect from S.Erdene?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I believe I made all the initiatives, rules, principles and calculation method for electing party members. For the first time in history, DP members elected their chairman democratically using the rules I developed. It's my duty to support our new leader, who was elected based on that rule.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As for expectations for S.Erdene, it's not like an angel has come down to help us out. We can't borrow a foreigner either, so we have to do whatever we can with everything we have. Expecting everything to be resolved just because a new chairman has been elected is like waiting for god to answer all your prayers. Obviously, the person that will lead a reform is important. However, no one is capable of doing and knowing everything. We must form a good team, develop correct policies, and strive towards achieving it to meet society's expectations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If we learn from the past, calculate potential trials and develop a good policy based on it, S.Erdene can reform DP and lead the second wave of democracy, which can bring historic changes that can end changes of transition. I'm sure S.Erdene realizes his new responsibilities. I've known him for over 30 years. He has experienced both the good and bad, and knows how important party unity is.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I'd like to remind our members to be "master in one's own home" and encourage them to prioritize party unity. I'm sure the five candidates felt this while campaigning across 21 provinces. However, this doesn't mean to turn a blind eye on conspiracy or avoid criticism. There needs to be healthy criticism and competition.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>You chose to resign from your position as the Chief of Staff of the President's Office to run for the DP chairman position. Why did you forfeit the election?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I'm actually really satisfied right now. The DP showed that we can resolve chairmanship related issues through votes, instead of having less than 10 people negotiate it behind closed doors. For this, I gave up my work and traveled 7,000 km across 16 provinces, met 1,300 party members, and listened to their opinions, complaints and hopes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Before I started speaking, they didn't have a reason to elect a party member as chairman. I told them that we should change the rotten system where a group of people conspire and determine the chairman. Then, I traveled throughout the country to confide in members, who also agreed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Those who were conspiring broke up when other members started to support this idea. Ultimately, we adopted a new rule to have the party chairman elected, which helped members realize their value to the party. This is the beginning of a very important work. A lot of what I initiated for the party has been added to the party rule, but there is more I'd like to add.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>How will you do that?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The future of Mongolia depends on how the DP is reformed. I will always support DP's reforms. I will criticize wrongdoings, conspiracy and things hindering our reform. If I'm told to do something, I will do it. I have enough experience and knowledge for it.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>The general-secretary and deputy chairman's positions are currently vacant. There have been rumors that you gave up the position of chairman because of an agreement that you'd become the DP's general-secretary. Can you comment on this?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I can handle any job, but I don't go around requesting for certain positions. For the first time in my life, I said I want to become the chairman during the recent election. In the past, people used to offer and assign me to specific positions. It doesn't matter if I'm working for the party or government – all I try to do is repay people's trust with effort.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I'm ready to accept any job entrusted to me. There's not a single job I can't manage. I can say this with confidence. For sure, teamwork is very important for executing tasks. We can't make progress if people continue to oppose each other's ideas and work. But I don't think we'll have a hard time communicating since we all united under the same principle. Even if we fight, we're able to resolve it. Moreover, we're no longer boys – we're men now.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Party rule revision is the most important matter for the next DP meeting (the meeting took place on Sunday). Have you seen the rules submitted by other members? What did you think of them?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Honestly, I'm not fully satisfied with the proposed amendments to the party rule. I noticed a lot of things that could be changed, fixed, improved and even changed completely in our current rule. We should approve some necessary changes in the upcoming election and the new chairman should assign a team to develop rules for the long run. It could be viewed that the meeting is the start of a reform, not the end.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>We need to make the DP a party that has internal democracy, maintains stable operation, constantly reforms, initiates development policies, trains new personnel, keeps finances and operations transparent, and reports finances. We will not be able to get long-term rules if the proposals developed by the working group don't meet standards.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>A DP member remarked that only unemployed or people who do the bidding of others do politics. What do you think of this statement?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It's true. It's very easy to change this – give back the right to become a candidate to ordinary people. All we have to do is endorse the law we had when the first democratic election was held in 1990. The state needs intelligent people. Right now, the ones running for office are people who have nothing better to do, follow someone's orders, directors who want to promote their company, or a guy with a luxury bag. They can't become real state officials. Politicians are increasing and state officials are becoming fewer. There's not many people who put state interests above their own. Political parties must train good state officials through policy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The current rule allows only party members to become legislators. Why can't great scientists, teachers, doctors and generals become a Member of Parliament? This is partly why businesses aren't developing. People who became politicians after overcoming a small hurdle are doing business with state work, causing burden to businesses and getting involved in crimes by stealing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Political parties are organizations that aren't bound to any law. Their finances aren't transparent and aren't audited. Bribers just lie and say they are donating money to the party, not to a specific person. Is it right to put people behind bars if they give money to someone, but looked over if they donate it to a party? Businesses with income of several million MNT are pressured to have their financial reports audited or face penalty. Yet financial reports of parties circulating several billions of MNT are excused from audit inspections.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Previous parliaments failed to pass the bill on political parties. Do political parties have the intention to pass this bill?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I can't blame them. It's better for them to not have their actions restricted by a law.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In general, Parliament doesn't have to function the way it is. MPs don't need to meet all the time. Now, we should establish representative offices for Parliament in every soum, get more members and not hold big meetings so frequently. In other words, Parliament members only need to meet once or twice a year for really important decision-making.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Every legislation we need has been passed in the past 30 years so MPs aren't required to approve more. There's no work for Parliament. MPs decide to repeal laws, which have already been discussed for four years by former parliaments, within four minutes and draft it from scratch. You can see that MPs are messing with the government, not allowing them to work. In addition, they initiate all sorts of things and approve laws that are far from reality.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Because of your close relationship with President Ts.Elbegdorj, a rumor sparked about you preparing a place for him to return to when his presidency ends. Is this true?</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>That kind of rumor started when I announced to run for the chairmanship of the DP. These rumors probably died out when I forfeited from the chairmanship election. I guess it's not surprising that such rumors broke out. A person my age wouldn't act that way because of someone's order. The president was very surprised when I told him that I was going to resign from my position as his Chief of Staff because I needed to reform the DP. But he respected my decision.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/17/p-tsagaan-confronts-dp-related-rumors/">Link to interview</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_AmCham_Daily_Newswire"></a>AmCham Daily Newswire for February 17, 2017<o:p></o:p></h1><table class=MsoNormalTable border=1 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 style='background:white;border:solid #CCCCCC 1.0pt'><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>GOVERNMENT<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Prime Minister receives the Governor of Irkutsk Region<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Prime Minister of Mongolia J. Erdenebat met with the Governor of Russia's Irkutsk Region, Sergei Levchenko, and his accompanying delegation. The PM noted that in order to further develop the relationship between Mongolia and Russia, cooperation in the border regions is critical. The PM stated, "The government is paying special attention to development in the agricultural sector, and establishing joint ventures to process wood and develop greenhouse farming would be beneficial for both sides." Governor Levchenko supported the PM's proposal and noted that 25 business representatives were part of his delegation, and were there for the opening of the Irkutsk Region Investment Development Agency office in Ulaanbaatar. The Governor said he will work to increase the number of Mongolian students studying in the region, and to establish stronger ties with Mongolian businesses.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> bilateral relations, PM, Russia</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The Century News /page 2/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Legal Standing Committee reports on its engagements<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The Legal Standing Committee reported on the legislation it discussed during Parliament's fall session. The Legal Standing Committee discussed and approved 13 parliamentary resolutions, 8 bills, and 72 amendments. The Head of the Legal Standing Committee, Sh. Radnaased, stated that a working group made up of representatives from the Ministry of Finance and Government Agency for Policy Coordination on State Property are working to investigate Erdenet Mining Corporation, and that the standing committee is paying close attention to the group's findings.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Legal Standing Committee, Erdenet Mining Corporation</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The National Post /page 2/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ECONOMY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>IFC and Ministry of Construction and Urban Development to cooperate<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> The Ministry of Construction and Urban Development and the World Bank's IFC have signed an MOU on increasing the energy and economic efficiency of construction in Mongolia and developing greener construction by researching and updating building codes and the legal environment for the industry. The Vice Minister of the Ministry of Construction and Urban Development, Sh. Lkhamsuren, and Simon Andrew, the IFC's Country Manager for Mongolia, South Korea, and China, signed the agreement. Andrew stated, "We will cooperate with key decision makers to develop energy efficient buildings in Mongolia."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> IFC, construction</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i>The National Post /page 6/</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><div style='margin-bottom:4.0pt'><div class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><hr size=2 width="100%" align=center></span></div></div></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>ONLINE STORY<o:p></o:p></span></b></p></td></tr><tr><td style='border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in'><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>International organizations have started sending aid to Mongolia's herders<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Summary:</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> Deputy Prime Minister U. Khurelsukh chaired a meeting of representatives from international aid organizations and the government to discuss how to help Mongolia's herders overcome this year's harsh winter conditions. The Government of Mongolia requested aid from several international aid organizations operating in Mongolia, and 13 international organizations will be granting a total of 3.8 million USD (9 billion MNT) in financial assistance grants, equipment, and relief goods. The Deputy Prime Minister spoke about the harsh conditions herders face and the government's efforts to help herders. U. Khurelshukh thanked the UNFPA, United States Agency for International Development, World Vision, Save the Children, and the other organizations who contributed to the relief effort. UN Resident Coordinator Beate Trankmann expressed her gratitude for the information provided by the government and said she hopes the aid reaches the people who need it most.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Keywords:</span></i></b><i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> international aid organizations, United Nations, herders</span></i><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> | <i><a href="http://www.montsame.mn/dotood-medee/46099" target="_blank">www.montsame.mn</a></i><o:p></o:p></span></p></td></tr></table><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://amcham.mn/dnw/amcham-daily-newswire-for-february-17-2017/">Link to newswire</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Jargal_Defacto:_Free"></a>Jargal Defacto: Free up prices and dismantle monopolies<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 19 (UB Post) Setting prices using laws and rules, instead of letting the market regulate itself, is only beneficial to decision makers. It hurts consumers and causes even more serious consequences for the market in the long term. In a free market economy, prices for goods and services are set at the most optimal levels depending on market demand and supply, which allows for an abundance of products.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>An underlying reason for the collapse of socialism was the government's setting of prices. Although all goods were cheap, it used to be difficult to find them. You had to either have a connection who could help you purchase goods, or spend hours in a long queue where you could only rely on luck to get the product you wanted. Children born before the 1990s spent countless hours of their adolescence standing in long lines to buy meat, milk, water, and bread, instead of using that time to learn and do their homework.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Despite the transition to democracy and a free market economy almost 20 years ago, the Mongolian government is still regulating and restricting prices for staple food products, fuel, and electricity. This control on prices is the second biggest reason – behind corruption – for our economic decline.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>COSTLY TALES OF PRICE STABILIZATION</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Every time the government is newly assembled, the party in power immediately comes up with ideas for subsidies or softer regulations in the name of caring for and supporting the people, and they start controlling, "stabilizing", and freezing prices. Our previous government loudly rolled out programs on mortgages and regulated prices for construction materials and fuel. In the end, the government ended up in massive debt and the central bank ran out of foreign currency reserves.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Apartment prices immediately doubled as soon as low interest mortgage loans became available. Meeting high demand from the market, construction companies kept building more expensive apartments intended for high-income families, rather than affordable apartments for low-income households. Currently, Ulaanbaatar has 40,000 empty apartments that have long locked up approximately 8 trillion MNT. Commercial banks today have no choice but to seize the apartments used as collateral for bad loans and try to sell them as foreclosed properties.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fuel importers received 400 billion MNT in loans from the central bank. They seem to have forgotten to reduce their prices when fuel prices were at their lowest globally. However, as soon as there was a slight increase in prices in the international market, these companies started increasing their prices right away. Every government organizes a farming campaign, which sets a trend of the government providing soft loans during the harvest season and forcing flour producers to buy domestic wheat at higher prices.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The government has been controlling the prices of 25 items that are included in the consumer price index basket. The government regulates prices for bus tickets, public and private university tuition, Altan Taria 1 flour, and Atar bread, as well as household electricity, heating, and water rates. The government has tried every year to control prices for meat as well as coal for electric power.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>These government programs have been disrupting market equilibrium and giving businesspeople inaccurate information. They lead to false expectations, bigger state budgets, larger government agencies, and more inefficient expenditure. The government officials who initiate these programs get wealthier, and the businesses connected to the policies are growing and becoming more profitable.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>SUPPORTING MARKET COMPETITION IS ESSENTIAL</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Market demand and supply can be favorable for consumers in the long term only when prices are freed up and monopolies do not exist. Natural monopolies can exist as long as they do not bar other competitors from entering the market.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Natural monopolies are acknowledged by all because they account for the total supply of particular goods and services at the lowest social cost. The Law on Fair Competition states that a company's position in the market is considered dominant when it accounts for over one-third of the manufacturing, sales, and purchase of a certain kind of product in the market.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Under such circumstances, government organizations need to oversee whether monopolies and dominant companies are increasing their prices, taking advantage of their position in the market. This type of government organization in Mongolia is the Authority for Fair Competition and Consumer Protection (AFCCP). However, this organization was stripped off its rights to monitor the pricing activities of dominant businesses and natural monopolies on June 19, 2015, when Parliament made amendments to consumer protection laws. These changes prevented the operations of the AFCCP from being involved in the activities of any organization with a special permit, regulatory rights, or tariff subsidies. This means that when natural monopolies increase prices for electricity, heating, water, and railway transportation today, there is no one who provides oversight on the behalf of consumers. There is an inevitable need to distinguish between what a natural monopoly is and where more competition can occur. Also, government involvement needs to be reduced at all levels, and privatization has to take place.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Natural monopolies exist in the following activities of different industries: the transmission of power, telecommunications networks, the distribution and transmission of fresh water and wastewater, railroads, flight routes and airports, and radio and television broadcasting networks. Every operator in the telecommunications industry has built their own countrywide network, which has led to an abnormal system and has dramatically decreased room for mobile phone service charges to be reduced. If these monopolies are properly and efficiently managed, we could reduce living costs and improve the quality of life for most Mongolians.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>If prices are set by the market and monopolies are properly managed, the private sector will receive accurate market information and be able to enhance their competitiveness. If these changes are coupled with a reduction in government corruption, Mongolian businesses could enter international markets. Mongolia will achieve flourishing development only when our goods and services are delivered globally. Many countries, such as New Zealand, Finland, and Estonia, have had such experiences. Our authorities are always traveling to these countries, but where are the benefits of these visits?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>What is stopping us from just carrying out these changes and reviving our economy?<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/19/free-up-prices-and-dismantle-monopolies/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadPolitics">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/country/Mongolia"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxuosFOm4bVCV85_nIzbEwqbAa1IAqR2oFgLG7ZOcQap5FpXRVKn50wKelY_YjML4ISYfLNpIZSWK8UanhfWTNW_YLTKDCAmYPg0ILqlFuP2h3vfU6E4NzAu62-TUG9wMLTFKtHBzWtg/s1600/image005-766076.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxuosFOm4bVCV85_nIzbEwqbAa1IAqR2oFgLG7ZOcQap5FpXRVKn50wKelY_YjML4ISYfLNpIZSWK8UanhfWTNW_YLTKDCAmYPg0ILqlFuP2h3vfU6E4NzAu62-TUG9wMLTFKtHBzWtg/s320/image005-766076.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042892495425410" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Business></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Business<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Technology_&_Investment"></a>Technology & Investment to Mongolia 2017 Conference, April 20-21, Shangri-La Hotel Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>What is "Technology & Investment to Mongolia"<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Technology & Investment to Mongolia 2017" is an annual international technology conference and exhibition. The exhibition's <b>unique mission</b> is to introduce the cutting edge technology to Mongolian priority 10 sectors such as Mongolian infrastructure, construction industry, mining industry, city and rural planning, environmental technology, renewable energy, agriculture, industry sector, energy sector and as well as financial sector. One of the main issue for Mongolian development is financing so this exhibition would like to <b>focus on</b> the investment.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Government Hour<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Technology and Investment to Mongolia 2017" is offering its participants a direct access to the Government of Mongolia through its Government Hour event. The Organizing Committee will be accepting questions and comments from various participants. All questions will be directed to the respective government body in advance of the event hence giving ample time for appropriate officials to prepare to address the issue in a constructive way during the Government Hour.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>THE REASON WHY YOU SHOULD BE INTERESTED IN MONGOLIA:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>- Rich in coal, copper, ore and gold minerals<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>- 270-300 sunny days annually and 10% of total land area can be classified for utility scale applications, means we can potentially supply wind and solar energy<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>- 56 million livestock by end of 2015 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>- About 59% of the total population is under age 30 and this young growing population has placed strains on Mongolia`s economy<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>- New Government announced, will be consistent, mining friendly and protectively for foreign investors<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>- Rio Tinto has announced a new phase of development and to invest $5.3 billion underground expansion in Oyu Tolgoi<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Organizer</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>: BM Mongolian Partners<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Co-organizer</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>: DeltaBlue Ltd., Switzerland<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://technologyandinvestmenttomongolia.com/">Link to website</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Huntsman_and_Tengri"></a>Huntsman and Tengri launch limited edition 'Noble' yak fabrics<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 17 (Innovation in Textiles) Savile Row's Huntsman and London-based noble yarn specialist Tengrihave collaborated to create a bespoke new cloth woven with the noble fibres of the Mongolian Khangai yak. This limited-edition cloth is woven from Tengri's rare Khangai <i>Noble Yarns</i> – Mongolian yak fibres that are said to be as soft as cashmere, warmer than merino wool, breathable and hypoallergenic.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Launching in Tengri's signature palettes, the exclusive fabrics will include unique natural colours only found in rare yaks of the Khangai Mountains. Unlike species found in China, Tibet and Nepal, the Khangai yaks produce rare natural tones, and the most precious of the new fabrics will introduce a rare <i>silver</i> cloth. Additional colours will include natural tan and an exclusive brightened navy blue, processed by environmentally friendly dyes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Each bespoke coat, made from 2.5 metres of Tengri cloth, will take the hand-combing of 50 Khangai yaks, and with only 100g of fibres available from each yak just once a year, the new cloth is extremely limited in availability. Only 60 metres will be produced for Huntsman bespoke appointments, with each garment taking between 60-80 hours to craft by establishment's cutters and tailors.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Unique fabric<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"At Huntsman, we have offered the ultimate in luxury tailoring for 167 years. We are dedicated to sourcing limited-edition luxury cloths, the very best available in the world at any time. To be working with Tengri and to discover this very unique fabric is truly special," said Pierre Lagrange, owner of Huntsman.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The fibres of the Khangai yak, indigenous to this very specific region of Mongolia, transcend yak yarns and cloths currently available in the luxury market. With Tengri we are able to offer some very precious rare colours, and key for Huntsman, finding exquisite fabrics that stand up to the stresses and tests of time. A Huntsman garment should be able to endure for generations."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Sourcing<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>An ancient animal dating back 10,000 years, Khangai yak have hair with unique textures and colourings found only in species native to this region. The indigenous species not only graze on mineral-rich grasslands but exist in a distinctive ecosystem with micro-fluctuations in temperatures, causing the animal to produce fibres softer than those of any other yaks in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The journey of this exquisite fabric starts in the remote Khangai Mountains of western Mongolia, where its fibres are hand combed from the underbelly of indigenous yak just once a year by nomadic herders. The fibres are spun and woven in heritage mills of Yorkshire, where textile-manufacturing dates back to 1777, before arriving at Huntsman's Savile Row premises in London. This bastion of tailoring has suited a long list of inspired patrons, from Clark Gable to Winston Churchill, Katharine Hepburn to Alexander McQueen.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Luxury and sustainability<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>With award-winning environmental credentials, Tengri champions the sustainable manufacturing of prestige noble yak fibres and remains the first and only technology specialist to refine noble Mongolian yarns in the UK. "We are honoured to be working with one of the finest and long-standing tailors on Savile Row, an establishment which also happens to be the most innovative," commented Nancy Johnston, Founder of Tengri.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"It's innovation that drives Tengri to push the boundaries of sustainable fashion and luxury goods, and our collaboration with Huntsman further realizes that luxury and sustainability do not have to be mutually exclusive. Huntsman patrons can feel confident in the knowledge that their bespoke garment made from Tengri fabrics takes a positive step to support the protection of wildlife, landscape, and a nomadic way of life that is currently threatened. The exclusive new cloth also celebrates our shared dedication to rich heritage, integrity, craftsmanship and style."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.tengri.co.uk/" target="_blank">www.tengri.co.uk</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.innovationintextiles.com/huntsman-and-tengri-launch-limited-edition-noble-yak-fabrics/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Wool_products_handmade"></a>Wool products handmade by herder women popular in France<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 17 (MONTSAME) Herder women of the "Friendly women" NGO in Zavkhan aimag started selling more than 30 types of handmade wool products in France in October 2016.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The women wash and comb camel and sheep wool to make a variety of clothing and accessories, such as gloves, shirt, bag and slippers. Their products are quite popular on the French market and in the last two years since the NGO was established in 2015, they have exported products worth MNT 6 million in total to France with the support from the "Takhi" project.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8814">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Shipping_rate_request"></a>Shipping rate request from Canada to Mongolia by Air<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>(FreightNet) The enquirer requires a shipping rate for clothes + toys to be despatched by Air and arrive no later than 09/03/2017. The consignment is departing from Canada and arriving at Mongolia. Full details of this shipping rate request can be found below.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Only Premium members with an office in Canada or Mongolia can respond to this rate request.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>…<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.freightnet.com/rate-request/112248.htm">Link to request</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_IFC_to_start"></a>IFC to start development of 'Green Buildings'<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 17 (MONTSAME) The Ministry of Construction and Urban Development and the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank has established a memorandum of cooperation to improve economic efficiency of the construction sector and its energy supply. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Deputy Minister of Construction and Urban development Sh.Lhamsuren and IFC Country Manager for Mongolia, Korea and China Simon Andrews signed the document. The sides will cooperate in the improvement of construction quality and safety issues, saving cost and compliance of new buildings with the requirement of 'Green building'. 'Green building' will be an energy efficient structure without heat loss through an introducing advanced technology and with green environment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>'Our organization has experience in the 'Green building' construction. And based on our experience, we will start the development of energy efficient building in Mongolia' said Mr Simon Andrews. 'Green building' is significant to lower operational cost of apartments and reduce greenhouse gas, noted the deputy minister.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8825">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadBusiness">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s1600/image006-769319.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s320/image006-769319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042901566083090" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Ulaanbaatar></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Ulaanbaatar<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Parents_planning_to"></a>Parents planning to hold third protest against air pollution<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 17 (gogo.mn) Parents against air pollution NGO planning to hold the third protest if officials do not respond to their application before Feb 25th. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At the first demonstration that was held on Dec 26th, 2016, over 4000 Mongolian parents gathered at the Sukhbaatar Square to raise their voices against air pollution and collected more than 2700 applications. Irate parents submitted their applications to the Head of Application Standind Committee D.Sarangerel. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Later on Jan 28th, 2017, about 10,00 demonstrators gathered at Sukhbaatar square to protest against air pollution and collected signatures for the application.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Following the Parents against air pollution NGO submitted demand again to President of Mongolia and City Mayor, promising to demonstrate again if the Government of Mongolia and City Governor`s Office won't respond to their application. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However Parents against air pollution NGO have not received respond from the Government of Mongolia. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>To the President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj:</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Be active and innovative on the improvements of legal framework committed to air pollution. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Attend the session of State Great Khural and discuss the issue immediately. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l2 level1 lfo8'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Reduce the number of vehicles used for official use of the Office of President by 40 percent prior to presidential election.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>To the City Mayor, Su.Batbold: </b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo9'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Lead the campaign to install air purifier in all state-owned kindergartens, schools, and hospitals of Ulaanbaatar city. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo9'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Install 15 new air quality stations in Ulaanbaatar city. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo9'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Reduce the number of vehicles used for official use of the Capital City Governor's Office, the district governors and other state authorities and service entities by 15 percent within this year. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo9'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Regularly report the implementing works on reducing air pollution to the public every two weeks via the media.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157376">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Ulaanbaatar_to_host"></a>Ulaanbaatar to host JCI Asia Pacific Conference<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 17 (gogo.mn) Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia to host the JCI Regional Congress for Asia and Pacific 2017 on June 8-11. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Every year, JCI Area B or Asia Pacific Region Members unite in their regions for JCI Asia Pacific Conference (ASPAC) to exchange ideas, learn how to maximize their local impact and collaborate with other National Organizations in Asia Pacific Area.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The ASPAC give members a chance to take advantage of JCI's international network while enhancing their National Organizations. At this conference, JCI gives its members the opportunity to address Asia pacific region and international issues and show their commitment to becoming socially responsible leaders.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>These regional forum enables members to focus on solutions for their region and how they can grow, improve, share and create positive change across communities. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Details will be delivered soon.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157300">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadUlaanbaatar">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s1600/image006-769319.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s320/image006-769319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042901566083090" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Diplomacy></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Diplomacy<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_FM_to"></a>Mongolian FM to visit China this Sunday<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 17 (China Radio) It's been announced that Mongolian Foreign Minister Tsend Munkh-Orgil is to pay an official visit to China from this Sunday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said that the Mongolian minister will hold talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on cementing mutual trust, deepening cooperation and expanding people-to-people exchanges.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Geng Shuang said Munkh-Orgil would also meet Chinese leaders during his three-day visit.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Relations between the two sides became strained following a visit by the Dalai Lama in November.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Beijing has urged the Mongolian side to learn lessons after the latter promised not to allow the Dalai Lama to visit the landlocked country again.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Dalai Lama is a political exile with ambitions to split Tibet from Chinese territory.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://english.cri.cn/12394/2017/02/17/4381s952085.htm">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_Foreign_Minister:"></a>Mongolia Foreign Minister: We Prioritize Ties with Russia and China<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>ULAANBAATAR, February 17 (EFE) – Mongolia can now be considered "locked in" between two great powers as Minister of Foreign Affairs Tsendiyn Munkh-Orgil acknowledged in an interview with EFE, adding that ties with Russia and China are still priorities, though relations with the US and EU will also continue.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Munkh-Orgil, a lawyer trained in Moscow and at Harvard, has been leading Mongolian diplomacy since July 2016 from his office at the ministry's headquarters, one of the many Soviet-styled buildings still preserved in the capital.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia, whose economy has mainly been supported over the past decade by mining, reached 17 percent growth annually. However, like other countries dependent on raw materials, the industry has been in crisis due to low international prices.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"It is an open secret that we are facing a very difficult economic and fiscal situation" admitted the minister, who did not only blame the falling commodity prices for the situation but also "a lack of consistent strategic economic management and lack of structural reforms that should have been done quite some time ago."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Munkh-Orgil has been in office since the victory in last year's elections of the ex-communist and now social-democrat Mongolian People's Party, which had been in the opposition for the past four years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"This government inherited serious budget deficits, ballooning foreign debts" and an unsustainable economy, he said, adding that the government of Prime Minister Jargaltulgyn Erdenebat is trying to steer the course with spending cuts and negotiation of international financial assistance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I am optimistic that in the next few days, Mongolia and international financial institutions (including the International Monetary Fund) will be able to come up with a positive announcement" of these negotiations, he said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Munkh-Orgil proudly recalled that "it is not that Mongolia was subjugated or was dependent on the superpowers, there was quite an extended period of time in history that we were the dominant party," a reference to the time of Genghis Khan, the founder of the second largest empire in history.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Although Mongolia has, since the fall of its communist regime in 1990, celebrated its independence after living 50 years in the Soviet Union's orbit, Munkh-Orgil recognized that "there is a clear-cut priority in our foreign policy to develop friendly relations with China and Russia."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>It does not have to be exclusive, emphasized the minister, adding that the ties with the United States, the European Union, Japan and Turkey are also very important for Mongolia in a globalized world.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Absolutely excellent relations with the European Union. This month, in fact, the European Parliament is expected to ratify the partnership agreement with Mongolia," said the minister.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With the US, "We have a clear commitment from the new administration (of President Donald Trump) that it will continue with its projects and cooperation with Mongolia," which, he recalled, are not only in the political and economic fields but also in the military, exemplified by the group of Mongolian soldiers operating in Afghanistan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chinese-Mongolian relations became strained in November, when the Dalai Lama visited Mongolia – where Tibetan Buddhism is the dominant religion – sparking protests and pressures from Beijing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"On the other hand, notwithstanding the religious nature of his trip, it put significant strains on Chinese-Mongolian relations," said the minister, confirming that as a result of the diplomatic conflict, Beijing suspended some bilateral contacts and negotiations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Minister and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, eventually agreed through a telephone call that "for the time that this government stays in power, the Dalai Lama will not be visiting Mongolia," which reopens the door for trade and economic negotiations between the two countries, an issue which Munkh-Orgil plans to discuss next week in Beijing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2431375&CategoryId=12395">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h2><a name="_EU_Parliament_Approves"></a>EU Parliament Approves Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation with Mongolia<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 17 (MONTSAME) The European Parliament gave consent to the Framework Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation /PCA/ signed between Mongolia and the European Union in 2013 and adopted a resolution during its plenary session held on 15 February 2017. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Following the resolution, H.E. Mr. M.Enkhbold, the Chairman of the State Great Hural /Parliament/ of Mongolia expressed his gratitude through a letter to H.E. Mr. Antonio Tajani, the President of the European Parliament. Upon the adoption of this resolution, the Council of the European Union is expected to issue an official decision for entry into force of the PCA.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Entry into force of the PCA between Mongolia and EU will constitute a legal basis of enhancing the Mongolia-EU relations in different fields, such as trade and economic cooperation, development cooperation, agriculture and local development, energy, climate change, academic research, innovation, education and culture.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The European Parliament once adopted a resolution, supporting democratic transition process in Mongolia, back in 1994. Today, the resolution adopted in line with the ratification of the PCA shall become the key document to define the further substances and the overall development of the bilateral relations. A clause stating the need to establish the Joint Commission on the implementation of the PCA, and Inter-parliamentary Group on cooperation between the Parliament of Mongolia and the European Parliament has been included in the resolution, which should be amended to the agreement. Concerning the fact that the bilateral relations with Mongolia is covered by the EU Delegation in Beijing, the European Parliament urged the Council and the High Representative of the Union to upgrade the EU technical office in Ulaanbaatar into a fully-fledged EU Delegation in the near future.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The resolution included in itself the topics of democracy, rule of law, good governance, human rights, sustainable development, economy, trade and enhancing of cooperation on regional and global issues. Moreover, it gives evaluation to the democratic process in Mongolia, praises the efforts of Mongolia in the international arena and pleaded the EU member states to actively support Mongolia's initiatives and collaborate effectively in enhancing trade, investment and economic cooperation, reports the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.mfa.gov.mn/?p=38749&lang=en" target="_blank"><i>Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs</i></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8815">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Factsheet_on_the"></a>Factsheet on the EU-Mongolia Framework Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>The European Union is intent on supporting Mongolia in its continued political and economic reform path, as a valuable partner for the EU in Asia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 17 (European External Action Service) The <a href="http://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-9485-2015-ADD-1/en/pdf">Framework Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation</a> between the European Union and Mongolia is testimony to the growing importance of <a href="https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/1548/mongolia-and-eu_en">EU-Mongolia relations</a>, which are based on the shared values of democracy, rule of law and human rights and respect for international commitments in this regard. It will provide the basis for a broader and more effective engagement by the EU and its Member States with Mongolia moving forward.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Framework Agreement consists of 65 Articles with a Preamble and nine Titles, which cover:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:21.75pt;text-indent:-21.75pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>the nature and scope of the Agreement;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:21.75pt;text-indent:-21.75pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>bilateral, regional and international cooperation;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:21.75pt;text-indent:-21.75pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>cooperation on sustainable development;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:21.75pt;text-indent:-21.75pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>cooperation on trade and investment issues;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:21.75pt;text-indent:-21.75pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>5.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>cooperation in the area of justice, freedom and security;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:21.75pt;text-indent:-21.75pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>6.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>cooperation in other sectors;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:21.75pt;text-indent:-21.75pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>7.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>means of cooperation;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:21.75pt;text-indent:-21.75pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>8.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>the institutional framework;<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:21.75pt;text-indent:-21.75pt;mso-list:l5 level1 lfo4'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>9.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>final provisions<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Agreement provides a general framework for promoting bilateral, regional and international cooperation and includes the EU's standard political clauses on human rights, weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), the International Criminal Court (ICC), small arms and light weapons (SALWs) and counter-terrorism.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The Agreement will strengthen political, economic and sectoral cooperation across a wide range of policy fields, including trade and investment, sustainable development, justice, freedom and security. It encompasses areas such as cooperation on principles, norms and standards, raw materials, migration, organised crime and corruption, industrial policy and small and medium-sized enterprises cooperation, tourism, energy, education and culture, environment, climate change and natural resources, agriculture, health, civil society, and the modernisation of the state and public administration.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The negotiations for the EU-Mongolia Framework Agreement on started in 2010 and were concluded in 2013. On 15 February 2017, the European Parliament gave its consent to conclude the. This vote by the European Parliament was an important step in concluding the Agreement and paves the way for its entry into force.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Once it enters into force, The Agreement will supersede the current legal framework of the 1993 Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation between the European Economic Community and Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Find the full text of the <a href="http://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-9485-2015-ADD-1/en/pdf">Framework Agreement on Partnership and Cooperation</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage_en/20826/Factsheet%20on%20the%20EU-Mongolia%20Framework%20Agreement%20on%20Partnership%20and%20Cooperation">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Mogi: crore means ten million<o:p></o:p></p><h1><a name="_Rs_50_million"></a>Rs 50 million Mongolia aid: Setback to India foreign policy?<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>The figures show that grants to be given by New Delhi even to tiny Indian Ocean-rim countries like Maldives far outstrip that for Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>New Delhi, February 20 (Deccan Chronicle):</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> In what could be a setback for its foreign policy, India seems to have again failed to capitalise on China's northern neighbour Mongolia's desire to break free of its economic dependence on Beijing. In the Union Budget for the coming fiscal 2017-18 presented earlier this month, New Delhi has allocated only a meagre Rs 5 crore as foreign aid for Mongolia under the allocation of the Ministry of External Affairs for the strategically-located central Asian nation that had embraced India so warmly during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit there about two years ago. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Contrast this with the foreign aid announced in the 2017-18 Budget for Nepal Rs 375 crore), Afghanistan and Mauritius (both Rs 350 crore each), Seychelles (Rs 300 crore), Maldives (Rs 245 crore) and Myanmar (Rs 225 crore). The figures show that grants to be given by New Delhi even to tiny Indian Ocean-rim countries like Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles far outstrip that for Mongolia. But contesting this perception, government sources however point out that India had already announced a Line of Credit of $1 billion (about Rs 7,000 crore to be handled by the finance ministry) to Mongolia during PM Modi's visit. But the fact remains that a Line of Credit is not a grant (foreign aid).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/200217/rs-5-crore-mongolia-aid-setback-to-foreign-policy.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Canada_Fund_financed"></a>Canada Fund financed 447 projects in 240 soums in last 20 years<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 17 (MONTSAME) Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) has implemented 447 projects and programs in 240 soums of 21 aimags of Mongolia with funding of CAD 6.6 million during the 20 years of its operation in Mongolia. Ambassador of Canada to Mongolia Ed Jager highlighted this achievement of the Canada Fund during the anniversary celebration ceremony held on February 15. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The CFLI is carrying out 11 projects in Ulaanbaatar, Dornod, Dundgobi, Uvurkhangai and Khentii aimags, with grant assistance of CAD 183 thousand between 2016 and 2017. The projects aimed at poverty and air pollution reduction and capacity building for women and girls include a number of projects such as setting up a library for patients at the National Cancer Center, establishing a sewing workshop for women living around the Ulaanchuluut landfill site of Ulaanbaatar city, and donating heat conserving devices to <i>Ger </i>district families of Songhino-Khairkhan district.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the ceremony, the Canadian Embassy in Ulaanbaatar and the CFLI gave advice to civil society and NGOs on how to be involved in the program and on project proposal writing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The CFLI provides grants annually to projects targeted to the improvement of the quality of people's life, as well as cultural, social and economic development. "-Selection process of projects submitted for the program will be held from June to September this year. Applications of projects with short-term or a term of four months to one year are invited" said S.Munkhzul, an official from the Canadian Embassy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives program was launched in Mongolia in 1997. As of now, the program has involved over 260 thousand children, 66 thousand women, 26 thousand families and 3300 youths of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/society/8821">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Prime_Minister_and"></a>Prime Minister and Governor of Irkutsk meet to develop economic cooperation<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 17 (UB Post) Prime Minister J.Erdenebat received the Governor of Russia's Irkutsk Region, Sergei Levchenko, and his accompanying delegation on Thursday at the State House to talk about cooperation between Mongolia and Irkutsk.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The PM underlined that economic cooperation and developing collaboration in areas along the Mongolian and Russian border are of great importance to expanding relations and cooperation between Mongolia and Russia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He noted that the Government of Mongolia is concentrating on developing agriculture, and that Mongolia is interested in collaborating with Irkutsk to establish joint ventures in hotbed farming and wood processing.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Governor Levchenko supported the PM's proposals for collaboration and noted that 25 business owners from Irkutsk were traveling with the governor to pursue business relationships with Mongolian entrepreneurs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Governor emphasized that an Irkutsk Region Investment Development Agency is opening a branch in Ulaanbaatar, and that the quota for Mongolian students invited to study roads and transportation in Irkutsk has been increased.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Prime Minister pointed out that Mongolians like consuming Russian goods and that the Irkutsk investment agency office in Ulaanbaatar will be important for increasing Russian investment in Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He emphasized that Irkutsk's goods and products will be sold duty free during an upcoming expo for Mongolian and Russian entrepreneurs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Premier said that he hopes Governor Levchenko will help support Irkutsk's entrepreneurs interested in investing in Mongolia and that Russian businesses will be collaborating with Mongolian entrepreneurs as soon as possible.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/17/prime-minister-and-governor-of-irkutsk-meet-to-develop-economic-cooperation/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>Related:<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8820">PM receives Governor of Irkutsk, Russia</a> – <i>Montsame</i>, February 17<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Speaker_discusses_energy"></a>Speaker discusses energy megaproject cooperation with Irkutsk governor<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 19 (UB Post) Speaker of Parliament M. Enkhbold met with Governor of Russia's Irkutsk Region Sergei Levchenko on Friday, at the State House, to discuss cooperation between Mongolia and Irkutsk and possibilities for cooperation on energy projects.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During their meeting, the Speaker pointed out that during meetings held last December with Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation Vyacheslav Volodin and Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia Valentina Matviyenko, detailed discussions took place on strengthening collaboration at the all the levels in regions along the Mongolian and Russian border.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Speaker M.Enkhbold noted that when he was Mayor of Ulaanbaatar, relations between Ulaanbaatar and Irkutsk increased in a wide range of sectors and a number of art and culture exchanges took place between the two cities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Speaker said that he hopes Governor Levchenko will help reinstate friendly relations between the sister cities and take bilateral relations and cooperation to a new level.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Governor Levchenko said that a trade fair promoting Mongolia's goods and products will take place in Irkutsk in April, and that he hopes the fair will help increase trade turnover between Mongolia and Irkutsk.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Governor recalled that engineers of the Soviet Union, including many from Irkutsk, made great contributions to building up the Mongolian energy sector. He noted that the Irkutsk Region has valuable experience in the energy sector and has engineers with knowledge of producing cost efficient energy, and that Irkutsk is ready to collaborate in the future. Irkutsk's engineers helped build the Bratsk, Irkutsk, and Ust-Ilimsk hydroelectric power stations, which are fully functioning now.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Governor Levchenko pointed out that tourism also offers numerous opportunities for collaboration. He noted that Mongolian and Russian officials agreed to open a tourist gateway between Lake Khuvsgul and Baikal Lake, but that the project has stalled because of road conditions between the two points.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Governor highlighted that the Government of the Russian Federation is concentrating on improving ecological and environmental protection efforts at Baikal Lake by closing factories in the area. He added that the Mongolia-Russia Intergovernmental Commission should focus on improving roads between the lakes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Irkutsk delegation said that they will ask the Russian government to host the 2017 meeting of the Mongolia-Russia Intergovernmental Commission in Irkutsk, and asked Speaker M.Enkhbold to support the request.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Governor Levchenko presented Speaker M.Enkhbold with a list of megaprojects which will be carried out in Irkutsk over the next few years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/19/speaker-of-parliament-discusses-energy-megaproject-cooperation-with-governor-of-irkutsk/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Selenge_Province_to"></a>Selenge Province to celebrate Russian Maslenitsa butter on Sunday<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 17 (UB Post) Selenge Province is preparing to celebrate the Russian Maslenitsa butter on February 19 to bid farewell to winter chills and welcome spring.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Provincial Mayor's Office, Consulate General of Russia in Erdenet, and Erdenet Mining Corporation are planning activities for the celebration. So far, they've decided to set up over 20 tents that will sell various food and products at A.Amar Square in Selenge Province.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Russian national food and snacks prepared by Moskva Petushki Restaurant, School No.19, Enerel Center, and Akutran Restaurant will be sold at the event.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Uurkhaichin Cultural Palace, Khangarid Sports Palace, and the Children and Youth Theater will showcase performances to underscore the close and friendly ties of the Mongolian and Russian people. Friendly competitions will also be organized to entertain festival goers, according to the organizers.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Maslenitsa, also known as Butter or Crepe Week, has been widely celebrated since the pagan times in Russia and other soviet countries with street festivals, skating, and merrymaking.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Although the main idea of the celebration is to greet Spring and prepare for next harvest, another meaning was added to the celebration with the adoption of Christianity in Russia. In the eyes of the church, Maslenitsa is not just a week of merrymaking, but a step-by-step procedure to prepare oneself for a long and exhausting fasting, which, if observed properly, may be a real challenge. Fasting begins right after Maslenitsa and lasts for seven weeks before the Easter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The celebration usually continues for a whole week with special tradition on each day. For example, the first day of the celebration week is called the Greeting Day and it's customary for people to make a straw doll – Maslyanitsa on this day.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/17/selenge-province-to-celebrate-russian-maslenitsa-butter-on-sunday/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadDiplomacy">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s1600/image006-769319.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s320/image006-769319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042901566083090" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=HealthEdu></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Health & Education<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Public_health_services"></a>Public health services and accessibility to be improved<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 17 (UB Post) Directors and managers of research centers for zoonotic diseases are holding a conference on ways to improve public health services and their accessibility on February 16 and 17.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Attendees are also assessing related projects carried out in 2016 and discussing projects and measures for 2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Opening the two-day conference, State Secretary of the Ministry of Health D.Ochirbat noted the significance of zoonotic disease studies and its role in the health sector. He said that the ministry will pay more attention to creating a healthier and safer working environment for zoonotic disease researchers and specialists as they are exposed to greater health risks.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He promised to expand cooperation with research centers of zoonotic diseases and resolve issues related to staff training and transportation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Aside from directors and managers from 15 research centers for zoonotic diseases, more than 40 researchers, doctors and specialists from Dornod, Sukhbaatar, Bulgan, Dornogovi and Govisumber provinces attended the conference.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The conference will also provide a chance to exchange views on the new National Program on Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, approved by Parliament on January 11, and the third phase of Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases (APSED) to be implemented through 2020. APSED aims to build a sustainable and collaborative approach toward managing zoonotic diseases and develop the capacity for diagnosing and responding to new emerging disease threats.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Guest lecturers will present lectures on financial management, the use of glass account, guides for organizing various courses and training workshops, communication skills, organizational culture, the secret to success, leadership and more.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The organization that contributed the most in controlling zoonotic diseases will be awarded at the event.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A joint exhibition has been launched to share experiences and introduce new practices in the field under the conference.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/17/public-health-services-and-accessibility-to-be-improved/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_NUM_students_continues"></a>NUM students continues to protest 'unfair' tuition surcharge<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 17 (UB Post) Student representatives from the National University of Mongolia (NUM) issued a complaint about tuition surcharge during a press conference on Monday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Head of the NUM Student Union B.Khosbayar stated, "NUM students didn't hold a demonstration to demand money from the state or have tuition fees reduced. We're protesting against the tuition surcharge we have to pay every year even though we don't know what it's used for and to protect our rights. School tuition is the most pressing issue for students and their parents. Yet, we have to pay an additional surcharge of over 100,000 MNT [on top of credit fee] every semester."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>B.Khosbayar added that students' demands that NUM authorities report on the spending of surcharge, which has been charged since 2011, have been ignored. Students demanded to see a detailed report on the spending instead of a broad explanation that it is used to "improve learning environment, build new library, provide information technology and student-aimed services, and issuing wages for janitors and guards."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to B.Khosbayar, NUM hasn't made substantial changes for students as stated by the school board directors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>NUM reportedly charged more than 3.28 million MNT for the academic year 2014-2015 from each student on average, 3.47 million MNT in 2015-2016, and 3.18 million MNT in 2016-2017.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We want the university to discuss all forms of spending related to the decoration, maintenance and equipment procurement with students in the future," a student said at the press conference.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>They also demanded to see a detailed report on the spending of their tuition surcharge and promised to continue protesting until their demands are met.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A working group was assigned by the NUM board on January 31 to determine if the surcharge is legal, following a notice from the National Audit Office. The working group is headed by Deputy Chairman of the NUM Board Council D.Erdenechimeg and includes Head of the NUM Student Union B.Khosbayar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>NUM reported that the university accumulated 3.3 billion MNT in 2016 through surcharge fees, and that with an additional 1.4 billion MNT, the university financed the construction of a new library, provided information technology and student-aimed services, and paid for other operational costs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/17/num-students-continues-to-protest-unfair-tuition-surcharge/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadHealthEdu">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s1600/image006-769319.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s320/image006-769319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042901566083090" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Culture></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Culture & Society<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_National_Council_on"></a>National Council on Mongolian Studies meets<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>Ulaanbaatar, February 17 (MONTSAME) <a href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The%20National%20Council%20on%20Mongolian%20Studies%20under%20the%20Prime%20Minister%20held%20a%20meeting%20on%20February%2016%20to%20present%202016%20annual%20report%20and%202017%20plans%20http://en.montsame.mn/node/8817">The National Council on Mongolian Studies under the Prime Minister held a meeting on February 16 to present 2016 annual report and 2017 plans</a>, which include many activities directed at supporting Mongolian studies centers, building research capacity, preparing younger generations of scholars and promoting Mongolian studies in Mongolia and the world.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Pursuing a principle of transparency, the national council accepts proposals on potential projects and academic conferences for the whole year round.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This year, the national council is planning to organize international and national events, such as summer training for young scholars of Mongolian studies, actions to encourage Mongolian studies based on prestigious universities around the world, the scientific conference themed "Present and Future of the Studies of Mongolian History" the international conference under the auspices of the President of Mongolia themed "Archival documents connected with history of Mongolia".<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Moreover, complete collections of scientific works of Mongolia's renowned scholars Sh.Bira and Ts.Damdinsuren will be published in the margin of the "Mongolian Cultural Heritages" project.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>During the meeting, PM J.Erdenebat emphasized that strengthening the Mongolian studies on a global level is of vital importance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The national council gifted copies of each series of the Mongolian Cultural Heritages publications to the Prime Minister. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/politics/8817">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Dutch_exhibition_provides"></a>Dutch exhibition provides new insight into Genghis Khan<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 18 (Xinhua) More than 200 items linked with Genghis Khan and his descendants went on exhibition at the Dutch National Military Museum Friday to display the history of the Mongol Empire that ruled most of Eurasia throughout the 13th and 14th centuries and the multiple facets of its mysterious founder.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Illustrating his life from his birth in 1162 into the Borjigid clan of the Mongol tribe as a bizarre baby "born with a clot of blood the size of a knucklebone clutched in his tiny fist" [which symbolizes courage and power in Mongol legends], to his ascension to Great Khan in 1206 and his campaigns which expanded the Mongol Empire from China to the Caspian Sea, the exhibition shows that during his rule Genghis exhibited impressive vision and strategic brilliance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With horse gears, armours, weapons, seals, imperial decrees, utensils, clothes and jewelry on display, the exhibition also stages that one of the best-known figures in world history had ground-breaking developments in military equipment, strategies and tactics, endorsed tolerant religious and social policies, established a legal code and sparked a new era of exchange and interconnection between East Asia and Europe.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Genghis Khan and his successors have profoundly influenced the history of the world with their military inventions and strategies, but also through their culture and the cultural and religious exchange that took place via the Silk Route," Hedwig Saam, director of the Dutch National Military Museum, told the press.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The museum, built at a former air base in the central region of the Low Lands, combines the collections of the former Military Aviation Museum in Soesterberg and Army Museum in Delft.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We want to give the European audience an insight into Genghis Khan in a way that hasn't been done before," Tim Pethick, designer of the exhibition, told Xinhua.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The concept of conquest is one aspect of the story of Genghis, but we want to talk about Khans' encouragement to literacy, and his keenness to build a multi-faiths society. We want to show that when approaching a town for siege, the Mongols actually were much happier to take that town peacefully rather than aggressively, because they wanted to trade with those people and learn from them," he said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Yong Ding, researcher of China's Inner Mongolia Museum where all the items on display come from, was glad the exhibition immerses visitors in a gripping way. "Inner Mongolia is a mysterious place with a long history, and via this exhibition we hope to bring a better understanding about the culture and history of Inner Mongolia to the Dutch audience," he told Xinhua.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>For him, the eye-catching golden saddle decorated with Mongol style pattern is one of top pieces in this exhibition. "It was found in a tomb whose owner is believed to be a Mongol noble living in the Yuan dynasty established by Genghis Khan's grandson, Kublai Khan. Its sophisticated relief sculptures tell us the cultural and artistic attainments of the Mongols."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>A bronze seal used by Genghis Khan's third daughter is also among Ding's most beloved archaeological discoveries. "It is one of the rare preserved artifacts that relates directly to Genghis Khan's family. The Chinese, Mongol and Uyghur characters carved on it tell us that when Genghis Khan went out to conquer the world he trusted his daughter to rule at home. Actually his daughter had the power to reign over not just the Mongols but also the vast region till the Yellow River," he explained.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Since the 1990s, the Inner Mongolia Museum has organized many exhibitions focused on Genghis Khan in cooperation with colleagues in America, Europe and Asia, according to Ding. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.china.org.cn/world/Off_the_Wire/2017-02/17/content_40310107.htm">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolians_made_first"></a>Mongolians made first banknotes in history<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 17 (MONTSAME) A collection of 52 coins with ancient Mongolian kings' seals and Yuan dynasty's first paper money have been bought by the Ministry of Education and Science of Mongolia. Introducing to you the rare paper moneys that were printed by the order of Khubilai Khaan over 800 years ago.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Historians have agreed upon the fact that Mongolians have created the first banknotes in the history of the world. The claimed notes are extremely rare and is valued USD 200 thousand on the world auction, according to international analysts and researchers. As a proof of the Mongol Empire's advanced development of commerce in the 13th century, the monument is now attracting crowd at the National Museum of Mongolia. It is mentioned in the 'Mongolian Secret History' that Mongolians were using a money called 'Sukhe' during the period under Chinggis Khaan's rule.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Between 1224 and 1225, Chinggis Khaan commanded to mint silver coins with 'Unen ulziit yeronkhii urlug janjin'/'Prosperous grand marshal' on one-side and 'Tuuliin deed Chinggis khaan'/'Chinggis Khaan the bringer of victory to god' on the other side of the coin in Arabic alphabets and utilized for trade in Afghanistan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://en.montsame.mn/video/society/mongolians-made-first-banknotes-history">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_UMC_students_tell"></a>UMC students tell their grandparent's stories - Memories of my Mongolian grandfather<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 17 (Crookston Times) <i>A note from UMC Composition instructor Kristina Gray: Into the sixth week of the spring semester, my UMC composition students have been introduced to their third paper that is more academic in nature. They are learning about APA formatting rules. This seems far removed from their first assignment of describing their grandparents. Today's story shows true love holds out and it lasts. Seki's grandmother in Mongolia had been promised to someone else by her family in an arranged marriage. Fortunately, things changed from hardship and struggle to Seki having grandparents who survived and now we have Seki in Crookston representing this great and vast country while going to classes at UMC. Please buy tickets for a Mongolian dinner starting at 6:00 p.m. on March 27th. Adult tickets are $20 and youth $15, this will include the meal and a program about Mongolia, the "Land of Eternal Blue Sky."</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>By Sergelen 'Seki' Batsaikhan<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>My grandfather is a herdsman and he has been living in the countryside all his life. He is eighty-five years old this year and he raised twelve kids. He likes living there and he always says that without a struggle, a person cannot succeed. It means in order to reach a goal, a person must go through some struggles and misery. Whenever I encounter a difficulty, I remember his words. So, it is not that scary to go through a struggle and make some changes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In Mongolia, herdsmen have a nomadic lifestyle. Moving to different places, they don't live in one place for a long time. My grandfather lived in many places, so he knows the whole country very well. When I was in elementary school, I used to spend every summer with him. It was the happiest time of my childhood. It was the first time I felt what it was like to live in rural area. Since I grew up in the city, it was new to me. Even though many years have passed, I still remember how relaxing the summer vacation was. I remember green trees, blue sky, and the nomadic lifestyle.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>My grandfather is not that talkative, but his words are very concise and contain deep meanings. Also, he is funny and fond of mocking people. He grew up in a big family, the youngest of three children. When he was a child, there wasn't TV, radio, or cell phone. He spent most of his lifetime in the pasture, so he didn't need any electronic devices. He used to do everything by hand. Now he is amazed at how life is becoming much easier and much comfortable. He says that life was so different when he was young. People used to dress in a different way, eat different foods, and even talk in a different way. He just cannot believe how the world is changing so fast. He doesn't like living in a big city. He says that it is too distracting and too noisy to live there. He just likes to live where he grew up.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Sometimes he tells me about his life history and his memories. His life was very adventurous, especially his love history. About his childhood, he grew up during one of the toughest time in our country. At the time, Mongolian government was dependent upon the Manchu Empire for a long time. Because of that, Mongolians were poor and the government lost its power over citizens. Except for some rich families, most of the citizens were poor and unemployed.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>My grandfather lived peacefully in the countryside until he was eighteen years old. Then, he went to a war between the Mongolian Empire and the Manchu Empire. He was a soldier for three years in the Manchu Empire. He says that it was very difficult being a soldier during the war because he couldn't escape no matter how much he missed his home and his girlfriend. When he returned home, he married when he was 21.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>My grandfather met my grandma when he was 18 years old. He says that it was love at first sight. He still remembers how pretty she looked at the time. Before he went to the war, he promised that he would never forget her and would marry her when he came back. Until the war ended, he couldn't meet her for three years. During that long separation, they were writing letters to each other and hoping to meet some day.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However, my grandma was going to have an arranged marriage. Actually, she had been engaged before they were even born. Besides, my grandma's parents were supporting the arranged marriage and forcing my grandma to marry the man. Yet my grandma had fallen in love with my grandfather instead. So she decided to choose her true love. Somehow my grandma managed to run away from the arranged wedding the day before the ceremony. She had nowhere to go since she couldn't go back to her parents. So, she went to the capital of Mongolia [Ulan Bator] and lived there for two years while she waited for my grandpa. She didn't even tell anyone where she was, she just disappeared.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After the war finished, my grandparents finally found each other and lived happily ever after. They fought for their love, their lives, and their children. That is why I like their love story. I learned so many precious lessons from him. He has lived in his own way. No matter what happened around him, he could do what he wanted. He was a good husband, a good soldier, and a good father. Now, he is being a good grandfather.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Even though I couldn't spend much time with him, it seems like every minute I spent with him was precious. My grandfather's life story is unique. He went after what he wanted and that is what I want in my life.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.crookstontimes.com/news/20170217/umc-student-tell-their-grandparents-stories---memories-of-my-mongolian-grandfather">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Spending_time_with"></a>Spending time with Mongolia's 'disappearing' people<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>Pham Mai Huong quit a regular job to travel full time, and is rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime experience in northernmost Mongolia with the Tsaatan tribe. Hong Van reports.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 19 (VietNamNet Bridge) Pham Mai Huong is not a globe-trotter, but for someone who began travelling abroad just a year ago, she has gone places.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>The 26-year-old native of the northern province of Hoa Binh studied literature in Da Nang, and began working at her alma-mater on completing her graduation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Three years later, she decided to quit.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Giving up a stable job to pursue my passion for travelling was a big turning point in my life," said Huong.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"I was fed up with a life in which I would do the same thing every day, in which people had to please everyone. And I asked myself why do I have to live a life where I am not myself, live a life to please other people."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Meanwhile, Huong's family was proud of her work in a State-run university and felt that her travelling to 'strange' destinations was "risky and not appreciating life and herself".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Seeing that my family and acquaintances were proud of my work at university restrained my wanderlust."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"But the passion grew bigger each day and I felt like just mentioning travel would make me burst into tears."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Finally, Huong wrote a resignation letter to her director, and then another — one that required more determination — to her parents.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Only by travelling can I live to the fullest. I have decided that I will live a life that I would not have to regret when I look back," she wrote.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Once this decision was taken, she did not just up and away. She'd already travelled throughout Viet Nam, and had particular interests in other places and cultures.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> "My first foreign country was Nepal. Some people said my choice was quite 'strange'. They said it has more sense to choose some Southeast Asian countries with cultures similar to Viet Nam so as to gain some travelling experience first, and then go to farther lands.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"For me, the distance or difficulties along the way are not an excuse to postpone the journey."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In Nepal, she discovered Kathmandu and she climbed up to the first base camp of Mount Everest, an impressive feat in itself.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>To cover her travelling expenses, Huong works as a freelance writer, photographer and video maker. She also manages a small business online for extra income.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"In my journeys, I also work as volunteer to save money for accommodation and meals. It gives me a chance to experience local life and meet volunteers from other countries."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Last chance</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>It is her next trip, to Mongolia, that sets Huong even further apart from a normal traveller, and shows that her travelling goes beyond seeing new places.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'> "I have long had a special interest in the indigenous cultures and lifestyles that are on the verge of disappearance. The fact that the indigenous cultures may disappear in the near future urges me to travel to these lands.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"I am afraid that if I hesitate, I may not have chance to see eye-on-eye these cultures and experience their lifestyle firsthand," said Huong.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Thus it happened that the trip to Mongolia turned out to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>First, she made a 12-day trip through the Gobi dessert, and another trip 10 days to meet with the Tsaatan tribe.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"In Gobi, I came to love the nomadic lifestyle of locals as well as the pristine and quiet landscape.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"My journey to be with the Tsaatan tribe, a remote and detached area in this world, will be the most memorable experience in my life.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"It was full of challenges, exhausting and above all, a once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Huong.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"It was an incredibly emotional moment for me, when they said that it was the first time they were meeting someone from Viet Nam and the first time a Vietnamese visited their tribe and stayed with them like I did."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Huong chose the Tsaatan tribe in Mongolia after reading that they are on the verge of disappearance.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"I decided to meet them, experience their life and record it through photos and videos," said Huong.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>There were difficulties at first in terms of information as it seemed no Vietnamese had ever visited the Tsaatan tribe and written about it. There was no writing about such a journey even by foreigners, said Huong.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Huong began the journey in August last year, travelling thousands of kilometres. Huong and Norda, a Polish woman she befriended in Mongolia, travelled nearly a thousand kilometres by bus from Ulaanbaatar to Moroon and then from there to Tsagaan Nuur.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The 300-kilometre trip from Moroon to Tsagaan Nuur in a 10-seater car was the worst I've experienced. It was cramped with 16 people and loads of luggage, and the passengers squeezed and elbowed."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>It took nearly 16 hours to cover 300 kilometres, because of the rough and muddy roads.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>From Tsagaan Nuur to reach the Tsaatan tribe, Huong travelled on horse with her guide, passing through a taiga forest and three mountains covered with snow.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"I still remember it was 9:30pm, everything was getting darker. I was surrounded by the endless whiteness of snow. The pine trees with golden leaves were also covered with snow, and it gave the whole scene a haunting feeling," said Huong.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>That night Huong, Norda and their guide stayed overnight in an abandoned stable near the jungle, experiencing extreme coldness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The freezing temperature in the taiga was scary," said Huong, who spent three nights in tents in minus 20-C degree temperatures. Every hour, she got up to keep the fire burning.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Meeting with the tribe and seeing their teepee tents and the barks of Huskies, I had so many feelings. Bursting with happiness. Hopeful. Anxious. And eager. Everything was like a dream."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"When we walked into a tent, the owner, 46-year-old Baigali welcomed us with a warm smile and fed us with reindeer's milk and cake," said Huong.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Currently the Tsaatan tribe has 70 families, 30 of whom live in the eastern part of the taiga and the rest in the west. They live close to each other in summer and would separate in winter to guarantee that there is sufficient food for the reindeers. Each family then lives three to four mountains from each other.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In the morning, the people would lead reindeers to the mountain and return home in the afternoon. Tsaatan people live in grey tents called yurt or gers that are covered with waterproof leather. There is a fireplace with a chimney for burning wood. There are two small beds and a small area to store food and wood.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Huong then followed Baigali's family as they took the reindeers to the snowy mountains, let them eat grass and pine nuts. She listened as they sang traditional songs of the tribe.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"That moment when I was standing on a snowy mountain, surrounded by reindeer leisurely enjoying munching on grass, I felt like my soul had become pure and was free of any burden," she said.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"I was also strongly impressed with their hospitality. They would share with me whatever they had – milk, cheese, cake, pine nuts."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>By the third night, tired and weary of the extreme cold of her own tent, Huong asked to stay with a local Tsaatan family and was hosted with "great warmth".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"Before going to sleep, we sat around to enjoy pine nuts and the family sang their songs. That was one of the most beautiful memories for me," said Huong.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>On the morning of the fourth day, just as Huong was getting out of the tent, she realised that the nearby tents had been dismantled. She learnt that it was time for them to move to other places to find food for reindeer.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>They got on the back of their horses and waved at us, smiling. And I still carry their smiles."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Self-discovery</span></b><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Her future plans include travels to Iran, Egypt and some tribes in Africa, not to mention rediscovering the ethnic minorities in Viet Nam, especially little-known ones.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Set on a new path, Huong said: "I will never regret my choice. I understand that the road leading to a dream is never easy. The only thing that hurts is that until now my family are still unhappy with my choice. It hurts when I see their tears. That's the biggest price I've had to pay for this choice.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"I will try my best so that my family will be proud of me in a way other than they were for my previous work with the university.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"These journeys have given me the experience and opportunity to discover myself and be myself. While the destinations that I chose have been tough and challenging, I have realised my heart is bigger than I thought.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>"The more I travel, the more I see, the bigger the love I have for life."<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/travel/172629/spending-time-with-a--disappearing--people.html">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadCulture">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s1600/image006-769319.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s320/image006-769319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042901566083090" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Nature></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Nature & Environment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_One_of_the"></a>One of the world's rarest grizzlies lives in the Gobi Desert — and it needs help<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 9 (PRI) Only a few dozen grizzly bears with bright yellow coats live in the forbidding Gobi Desert in Mongolia. In a <a href="http://www.patagonia.com/blog/2016/12/tracking-gobi-grizzlies/">new book</a>, wildlife biologist Doug Chadwick writes about how these unique animals survive and what can be done to better protect them.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chadwick first found out about the Gobi grizzly (called the <i>mazaalai</i> in Mongolian) almost by accident. He was tracking snow leopards in the mountains of Mongolia, near the border between Russia and Kazakhstan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We weren't seeing any brown bears, which are the same as grizzly bears, and I had expected we might, because we were hot on the trail of snow leopards," Chadwick explains. "My translator, who was a woman working for the Snow Leopard Trust, happened to mention, 'We also got these other grizzly bears in Mongolia.' And I said, 'Where?' And she said, 'In the Gobi Desert.'"<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chadwick thought he and his translator had misunderstood each other, but then she told him that her father, who happened to be the director of the Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area, had studied the bears for 30 years. Chadwick's next question was: How many of these bears are there in Mongolia? "She said, 'About 30,'" Chadwick relates. "I said, 'Well, that's in Mongolia. How many are there [total]?' And she said, 'They're all in Mongolia and nowhere else. There are 30 Gobi grizzly bears left in the world.'"<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>At that point, Chadwick says, he had to see them.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Gobi grizzly is small and lean compared to the North American grizzly bear. It has "wildly mussed up hair sticking out all over the place and ... these stubby claws that say at a glance, 'I have been walking on rocks all my life, and I have been digging through gravel to find roots, and I am a beat-up, thirsty, dusty bear on the outer edge of possibility, but I'm here.'"<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Gobi grizzlies are smaller than their North American counterparts because "it's pretty hard to get big on a diet of wild rhubarb, wild onions, lizards, beetles [and] occasionally scavenging the carcass of a larger animal," Chadwick says. "Everything is few and far between, both plants and animals."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The environment in the Gobi is almost unbelievably harsh. In the warm season, temperatures can exceed 120 degrees Fahrenheit; winter temperatures can fall below minus 40 degrees. The bears hibernate and their annual cycle is "a lot like the bears in Montana's Glacier National Park," Chadwick says.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>While only three to four dozen Gobi grizzlies currently exist, it looks as though their numbers have been increasing slightly — ever since a conservation effort began in 2005, Chadwick says. As to how many might once have existed, Chadwick says "that's a little like asking how many bison or how many grizzlies used to be in North America. Nobody knows because we blew through them so quickly. There are estimates, and that's all you can have."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Part of the conservation project involves helping the bears by feeding them — an unfamiliar and somewhat uncomfortable strategy for Chadwick. "A fed bear is a dead bear, because it learns to get food near humans and that's not a good strategy for staying alive," he says. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Chadwick and the other researchers dump sacks of livestock chowder into a big bin with a trough on the bottom and put it near an oasis. "The bears don't depend on it, but there are a lot of drought years, and it's not getting any better in a warming, drying climate," Chadwick says.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>So far, their efforts seem to be paying off.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"[They're] on the upswing, and some of the happiest moments of my life have been standing out there, even in a dust storm and bitter cold winds, checking the images on the automatic camera set up near the feeder," Chadwick says. "As you scroll through them, all of a sudden, there are two baby bears with their mom — so they are reproducing."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><i>This article is based on an <a href="http://www.loe.org/shows/segments.html?programID=17-P13-00005&segmentID=5">interview</a> that aired on PRI's <a href="http://loe.org/">Living on Earth</a> with Steve Curwood.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.pri.org/stories/2017-02-09/one-worlds-rarest-grizzlies-lives-gobi-desert-and-it-needs-help">Link to article</a> (and audio)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_European_Union_and"></a>European Union and Red Cross bring relief to Mongolian herders<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 17 (news.mn) Tens of thousands of nomadic herders in Mongolia face hunger and the loss of their livelihoods, the Red Cross warned on Thursday, as temperatures plummet and heavy snow blankets much of the country for a second straight winter.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In December, the Mongolian government asked international agencies to provide aid to the most vulnerable herder households who are suffering extreme winter conditions known as a "dzud". The dzud is peculiar to the landlocked Asian nation and has become more frequent in recent years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>More than 157,000 people across 17 of 21 provinces are affected by this year's dzud, said Nordov Bolormaa, secretary-general of the Mongolian Red Cross. More than 70 percent of the country is currently covered in snow, according to the government.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Red Cross launched an appeal on Thursday for $654,000 to help 11,300 people with cash, health services and other support. In response to the particularly harsh winter which has struck large parts of Mongolia since November, the European Commission is providing over 115 000 EUR in humanitarian funding to bring immediate relief to the most affected families. The aid will directly benefit 5000 most vulnerable individuals in some of the country's worst-hit provinces, namely Khuvsgul, Selenge, Uvs and Zavkhan.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Around 30 percent of Mongolia's 3 million population lives off animal herding, according to the World Bank, and meat is the primary source of food.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolian government figures show more than 42,000 animals had died by early February. The Red Cross warns that number will soar as severe weather is expected to continue through March.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As many as 1.1 million livestock died last winter, and the dzud of 2009-2010, one of the most severe in history, saw 9.7 million livestock deaths. (Reuters)<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/325510">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadNature">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s1600/image006-769319.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s320/image006-769319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042901566083090" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Sports></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Sports<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1><a name="_Mongolia_NOC_organises"></a>Mongolia NOC organises Olympic-related activities in the Umnugovi and Uvurkhangai districts<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>February 18 (Inside the Games) The Mongolia National Olympic Committee (MNOC) has organised Olympic-related activities in the Umnugovi and Uvurkhangai districts.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>They were held in collaboration with the district councils around the country named after Olympic Games host cities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Mongolia's "Athens" Olympic Council, headed by director S. Tuvshinjargal, staged the "South Desert Champions" mini-tournaments in national wrestling, tug of war, basketball and athletics for kindergarten and middle-school children.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Engineers and miners from "Oyu Tolgoi", a combined open pit and underground mining project in Khanbogd district within the south Gobi Desert, were also involved in the community event.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>In the central western part of Mongolia, children performed a rhythmic gymnastics display under the guidance of the "Montreal" Olympic Council of Uvurkhangai province.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'>Director B Chantsaldulam congratulated the NOC representatives, local sporting figures and media, and demonstrated a sports-arts show named "Childhood and the Olympics".<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='mso-fareast-language:ZH-CN'><a href="http://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1047052/mongolia-noc-organises-olympic-related-activities-in-the-umnugovi-and-uvurkhangai-districts">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_North_Korean_players"></a>North Korean players at Mongolian National League<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 17 (news.mn) The Mongolian National League basketball competition among teams from the 21 provinces has been taking place in Ulaanbaatar since October. The four provincial teams namely, Arkhangai, Khuvsgul, Sukhbaatar and Orkhon are now competing for medals.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This year, four players with their coaches from the North Korean National Basketball Team are participating in the Mongolian National League matches.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/325511">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Gemnet_to_sponsor"></a>Gemnet to sponsor CS:GO champions "The MongolZ" <o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 17 (news.mn) Mongolia's top gaming team, "The MongolZ", is definitely making a name for itself. In November, 2016, they won the "Counter-Strike:Global Offensive" (CS:GO) tournament without losing a single match to take home the first ever ROG Masters CS:GO trophy.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I order to train for international gaming events, access to fast, top-quality computing equipment is essential. "The Mongolz" appear to have found exactly that; the 'Gemnet' LLC, information and communication network has agreed to sponsor "The Mongolz". Under the sponsorship agreement, the team can practice using 100mbps internet worth over MNT 10 million at the company office.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The ROG Masters is Asia's largest eSports tournament and features a prize pool of US$300000. From September to October, 2016, a total of 590 teams participated in five regional qualifying rounds to earn a spot in the Grand Finals.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/325591">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadSports">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s1600/image006-769319.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s320/image006-769319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042901566083090" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Art></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Art & Entertainment<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_artists_to"></a>Mongolian artists to participate in documenta 14 exhibition in Germany<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 17 (UB Post) Mongolian artists B.Nomin and Ts.Ariuntugs will participate in documenta 14, a contemporary art exhibition which takes place every five years in Kassel, Germany, by the invitation of curator Adam Szymczyk. .<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The 14th documenta exhibition, also known as the "museum of 100 days", will be organized from June 10 to September 17. Last October, documenta curators visited Mongolia for the first time and decided to invite two Mongolian artists to participate in the 2017 exhibition.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sports are sponsoring the participation of B.Nomin and Ts.Ariuntugs. The Mongolian Contemporary Art Support Association has been selected to act as documenta's official Mongolian partner.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Documenta is considered as one of the world's three major contemporary art events after the Venice Biennale and Art Basel. Mongolia first participated in the 2015 Venice Biennale, opening doors for more Mongolian artists to gain access to the international art world.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/17/mongolian-artists-to-participate-in-documenta-14/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_A_15-Year-Old_Girl"></a>A 15-Year-Old Girl Becomes The First "Eagle Huntress" Of Her Tribe<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>A 2,000 year old tradition comes to life<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 17 (GOOD) <b><i>THE EAGLE HUNTRESS</i></b><b>, A SOARING DOCUMENTARY ABOUT A 13-YEAR-OLD MONGOLIAN GIRL</b> who learns to hunt with a golden eagle, opens with a mistake. The filmmakers claim that Aisholpan, in all her glory, was the first of her kind. She was not. It turns out there have been others. And Otto Bell, the film's director, may have mistakenly portrayed negative comments from local elders as disdain for the female eagle hunter, a scene which seemed to buttress the argument that Aisholpan was up against <a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/13.7/2016/01/28/464675186/teenage-eagle-huntress-overturns-2-000-years-of-male-tradition" target="_blank">2000 years of patriarchy</a>.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Instead, the comments ended up being isolated grumblings from some of the local neighbors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>These mistakes don't undermine Aisholpan's extraordinary journey to becoming the first female eagle hunter in her tribe in 12 generations. A brave young girl attempting to conquer eagle hunting—an extremely difficult task and a large part of the local Kazakh nomad culture that remains integral to the tribe's survival—is a powerful story even with these minor errors.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As the Kazakh proverb says, "A fast horse and a soaring eagle are the wings of a nomad." And in their culture of movement, western ways of looking at plots and stories can shift under your feet.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>The beginnings of <i>The Eagle Huntress</i><o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>"She's more of a physical persona than a verbal one," director Otto Bell explains about the cherubic star of <i>The Eagle Huntress</i>. "It took some time to build a rapport." Aisholpan, the shy hero of the tale, needed to warm up to Bell and his crew; the scenes of their blossoming friendship help create the story of a young girl growing into conquering her dream.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bell's quest to locate Aisholpan began in 2014 when the director saw an article in the <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26969150" target="_blank">BBC Magazine about Aisholpan</a> and the lives of her Kazakh tribe in the Altai mountain range in Central Asia. The story captivated him enough to hunt down Asher Svidensky, the story's photographer, in hopes of being introduced to Aisholpan's family.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We had a Skype," he says. "Then, very quickly, he sent word to the family that we were going to come and talk to them about making a film or at least understanding a bit more about their culture."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bell hopped a flight to Moscow, then took a connecting flight to Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, where he and his team piled into a small twin engine plane for the trek up the mountain. He'd make seven more trips like that to complete <i>The Eagle Hunter</i>. By the end, he was nearly broke.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>He was also facing a minor backlash. The final film, including narration by <i>Star Wars</i> actress Daisy Ridley, has garnered widespread critical praise and is nominated for a <a href="http://awards.bafta.org/award/2016/television/single-documentary" target="_blank">BAFTA (British Academy of Film And Television Arts) Award</a>. But it is not nominated for an Oscar, and <i><a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/movies/2016/11/09/hollywood-cliches-clip-wings-breathtaking-visuals/FKujc4qPChNBQYz2dg374H/story.html" target="_blank">The Boston Globe</a></i> panned the film, accusing Otto and his team of reducing a complex story into easily digestible Hollywood pastiche. Others have also claimed the documentary is too good to be true. Worse, they've stated Bell and his team <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-38874266" target="_blank">scripted the action</a>, a claim he flatly denies.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I think what modern technology allows you to do is really just catching people by surprise," he explains. "I can tell you wholeheartedly that what you see on the screen is what we got."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Otto and Aisholpan's Journey<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>What is true is that Bell's arrival in Mongolia could not have been better timed. He stumbled into the nascent beginnings of Aisholpan's attempt to conquer eagle hunting with her bird, White Wings. Winters are daunting, with temperatures routinely dropping down to -40 F. Hunts involve trekking several days into the snowy winter to a clearing where prey, such as wild foxes, can be spotted. Hunters work in teams, first dispatching a group to distract the animal before releasing the eagle to do the rest. Once sent to hunt, the eagle makes its own decisions on the best approach to take down the prey.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The result is a mind meld of human intuition and animal bonding, and the relationship between bird and human is so sacred that they are released at the end of their service in the spring. As part of the ceremony, a sheep is butchered and placed as a thank you to the bird, who has been viewed as a member of the family.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"We were very lucky to be able to film in live action," Bell says. "To be there right at the start of the story and be able to follow it through to the end, you don't often get that opportunity in a documentary."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>But there is more to the story of Aisholpan and White Wings than a stone cold assassin turned woman's best friend. She is excited that the rest of the world will be able to witness her culture and their traditions, despite some members of her tribe being less than enthusiastic about her being an eagle huntress.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Before I had some people who disagreed, were jealous. My dad's friends too," she explains via email. "But, now, my people call me 'our little hero' and they say they are proud of me."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>A girl spreads her wings<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Toward the end of the film, Aisholpan arrives at a festival called the Ulgii. There, she shows precise ease and depth of skill with White Wings and goes on to win her first Eagle Hunter competition. The victory instantly becomes the center of the feel-good documentary. But it also shows the blossoming relationship with her father, a 12th generation eagle hunter. When asked about her father she says, "I have a good relationship with my parents. I listen to them. They are the one who brought me to this success."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>And what success it's been. Otto revealed to us that he cut Aisholpan in on the film's purse. She wants to be a surgeon and the money will go toward allowing her to learn medicine anywhere in the world. The family is meeting Bell in London in the spring to attend his wedding.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>So with her, the <a href="http://bust.com/feminism/16147-the-untold-history-of-the-eagle-huntress.html" target="_blank">line of Eagle Huntresses</a> continues, even if she is the first in 12 generations in her tribe. The egalitarianism of Kazakh culture ensures their survival—especially as climate change roars in to threaten their way of life.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Winters are growing noticeably more difficult in the mountains, and entire herds can get wiped out overnight in a bad storm. Members of her community have had to head into the city to seek a life. Despite this, Aisholpan trusts the strength of their tribal traditions to survive.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The kinship between Golden Eagle and my ancestors continued for 2000 years," she says. "It did not change no matter how their lives change. It's the same for me."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://sports.good.is/features/the-eagle-huntress-soars">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadArt">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s1600/image006-769319.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s320/image006-769319.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6389042901566083090" /></a></span></a><u><o:p></o:p></u></p><p class=MsoNormal><a name=Travel></a><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Travel<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h2><a name="_Experience_Mongolian_Lunar"></a>Experience Mongolian Lunar New Year with Mongolian Secret History Camp<o:p></o:p></h2><p class=MsoNormal>February 16 (UB Post) Mongolian Secret History travel company is set to organize a Mongolian Lunar New Year celebration for tourists on February 26 and 27.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Tsagaan Sar (Mongolian Lunar New Year) marks the beginning of spring, and it is one of the biggest celebrations of Mongolia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The main purpose of the event is to promote Mongolian nomadic way of life and its customs of celebrating Tsagaan Sar.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Details</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Where</b>: Mongolian Secret History<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>When</b>: February 26 and 27<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>More Information</b>: 99993200<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://theubpost.mn/2017/02/16/mongolian-lunar-new-year-2017/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Mongolian_authorities_issue"></a>Mongolian authorities issue "Selfie Warnings" after hiker found dead<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 17 (news.mn) On 10<sup>th</sup> of February, a thirty-year-old Mongolian woman was found dead on Mount Dulaankhaan in the Shaamar soum of Selenge province. According to a source, the woman from Ulaanbaatar has frozen to death after slipping, falling and injuring her head while taking a selfie. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>After the incident, the Selenge provincial administration has issued selfie safety warnings for tourists visiting the region.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.news.mn/r/325597">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Mongolian_Transport_or"></a>Mongolian Transport or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Ride<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>by Emma Davis, Peace Corps Volunteer<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 18 (In the Land of the Blue Sky) Transportation is always an experience here in Mongolia for several reasons.<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo7'><b>Punctuality:</b> You actually thought you were leaving at 6:00 pm because that's what the driver told you?! Haha, you fool!<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo7'><b>Crammed quarters:</b> Unless there are three people to a seat, the vehicle is not full.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo7'><b>The roads, or lack thereof:</b> The only roads that are paved in Mongolia are the major ones between aimag centers and within the aimag centers themselves. Otherwise most roads are dirt or gravel tracks. And don't be surprised if your driver opts for a route free of roads all together. 'Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads!'<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo7'><b>Sharing the roads: </b>Think roads are only for vehicles? The animals have a different opinion. Weaving through herds of horses, cows, goats, sheep, and camels is all part of the journey.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo7'><b>The weather: </b>Bad snowstorm? River flooded? You're either not traveling or traveling on a prayer with drastic results. My condolences.<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l1 level1 lfo7'><b>Road rules: </b>I'm at a loss for how more accidents don't occur every year in Mongolia. Checking to make sure the way is clear before turning onto a road is rare. Instead of looking, drivers will listen for the honk of an oncoming car to know whether or not it's safe to turn. Signaling, who needs it? Lanes, what are those?<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>With the above uh… charms of Mongolian transport, it's no surprise that every volunteer has at least one horror story. My worst travel so far was the 14 hour drive back from Govi Altai after Special Olympics. About 12.5 of those hours were spent on dirt roads. At a particularly bumpy part of the road our vehicle became practically airborne with only the two right wheels maintaining contact with the rocky terrain. We also got a flat tire after dark in the middle of nowhere when it was below freezing. But the coup de grâce was waking from fitful slumber to a horn blaring and a semi truck driving at full speed towards us only to swerve at the last moment. I wouldn't be surprised at all to have a travel experience that surpasses this nightmare in my remaining 16 months of service.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b><s>Plances, Trains, and</s> Automobiles</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are flights to some of the Western aimags and a train line that runs from Russia through Ulaanbaatar to China, but I haven't taken either of those yet so I thought I would focus on road transportation in this post.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Cars:</b> It might not surprise you that Mongolia doesn't have any domestic car companies. That isn't anything special, but it means that Mongolia imports all of its cars and it imports them mainly from other Asian countries, including Japan. In case you weren't aware, they drive on the left side of the road in Japan. That means that a lot of cars on the road have the steering wheel on the wrong side. Now I've spent a lot of time in Scotland so I'm used to being a passenger on the left side of the car on the left side of the road, but it is quite different to be a passenger on the left side of the car on the right side of the road. It just feels wrong.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Purgons:</b> You can find many holdovers from the Soviet era in Mongolia. One of them is the Purgon, but interestingly enough they are only still used in the southern aimags. Purgons are what the VW bus would look like had it been designed for the army and not for hippies. Unfortunately, they're not very reliable. Just ask my site mate Nik about the one time he had to save children from one that got stuck in a river.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Mikr:</b> Mikrs (or micro buses) are Purgons' swanky cousin. Of course, just because they're a step up from Purgons doesn't mean that they're luxury on wheels. During PST we regularly took a Mikr into Darhan for our weekly meeting with the other PST sites. We quickly learned that the back of the bus is not a fun place to be, despite what your middle school peers would have had you believe. On these dirt roads there are a lot of bumps and you feel them the most in the back seats. Mostly, it's just a light jostling, but every so often you are literally thrown in the air to land somewhere other than your seat – usually the lap of the person next to you or the aisle.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>People who were suffering from food related discomforts were always given the seats nearest the door. It was only common courtesy. There was no way any of us wanted to be showered by their breakfast because their stomach had had enough of, what we called, 'The Mongolian Roller Coaster.' On the drive back from AmarBaysgalant Monastery I was sitting in the very back of the Mikr when we hit a particularly bad bump and my spine felt like it compacted. It was a few more days before I could carry weight on my left side.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Autobus:</b> The buses, at least those on major routes, are actually quite nice. Most of them are old tour buses from Korea apparently. Thankfully, buses are an exception to the idea that a vehicle isn't full until you're sharing your seat with at least two other people. The bus trip between Ulaanbaatar and my site is roughly 11 hours and it makes one scheduled stop and usually two bathroom breaks. If the word bathroom break conjures images of tidy rest areas on the side of the highway you are sorely mistaken. The bus pulls off the road onto the dirt. Women and men walk out into the fields on either side of the road. That is a Mongolian bathroom break. On my first drive out to site we stopped during a very beautiful sunset. I grabbed my camera to take a picture, but soon discovered I couldn't get a good angle without also capturing a sea of about 30 women squatting. Now I wish I had taken it anyways, but at the time I thought it might be strange.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://inthelandofthebluesky.wordpress.com/2017/02/18/mongolian-transport-or-how-i-learned-to-stop-worrying-and-love-the-ride/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1><a name="_Photographer_Catherine_Hyland"></a>Photographer Catherine Hyland Turns China and Mongolia Into Otherworldly Landscapes<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>The London-based photographer travels through eerie and barren locations of both countries, meant to be set as tourist destinations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 16 ((Unrated) When you hear "tourist destination," you typically drum up images of vibrant, family-friendly scenes chockfull of branding, a dizzying amount of food and shopping options, and dense crowds that could very well suffocate the sanity out of you. China and Mongolia however holds very different "tourist destinations," which we're made privy to through the captivating images of London-based Photographer Catherine Hyland for her on-going series dubbed <i>Universal Experience</i>. While both countries are known for their mind-blowingly large landmass, <i>Universal Experience</i> really puts things into perspective, while creating an almost otherworldly feel when scrolling through the eerily barren scenes.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The aim is to shine a light on both the strange and sublime nature of these spaces," Hyland explains of her project, adding "Whether it's sites of historical importance or natural splendor, each is approached with a heightened awareness of its significance as a place of beauty and grandeur." The whole series was shot on film, and are incredibly striking despite their obvious emptiness. Check out Catherine Hyland's work throughout, and <a href="http://www.catherinehyland.co.uk/" target="_blank">head here</a> to see more of her work.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://unrtd.co/photographer-catherine-hyland-turns-china-and-mongolia-into-otherworldly-landscapes/">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><h1 style='background:white;vertical-align:baseline'><a name="_Must_see_places"></a>Must see places of Arkhangai aimag<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal>February 17 (gogo.mn) GoGo Travel is delivering the must-see places of each 21 aimags of Mongolia as series for our travelholic readers. We start from Arkhangai aimag, located west of the country's center – on the northern slopes of the Khangai mountains. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Arkhangai aimag covers total of 55,313.82 km2 areas and has 84,584 residents. The main field of economy in the aimag is agriculture, predominantly animal husbandry. According to 2004 data, the aimag was home to about 2 million livestock: goats, sheep, yaks, khainags, horses and camels. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The aimag center Tsetserleg was established at the site of the Zaya Khuree monastery, which had been first founded in 1586. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>There are currently no flights to Arkhangai aimag. The Post Bus travels daily to Tsetserleg, leaving from Dragon Center in Ulaanbaatar at 8:00 am. The price of a ticket is around 20,000 MNT. Small microbuses and taxis also travel daily to Tsetserleg from Dragon Center. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>1. CHULUUT RIVER</b><br>Chuluut is a mountain river flowing through a sheer basalt canyon from the valleys of the Khangai Mountains and locates at 30 km from Tariat soum of Arkhangai province. It is 415 km long, the maximum depth is 3 m. The basalt is formed of lava of nearby Khorgo extinct volcano and other volcanos. Chuluut canyon stretches 25 km in long and at height of 20 m. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Chuluut river is rich in fish and it is a perfect destination for canoeing or kayaking trip.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>2. KHORGO VOLCANO</b><br>Khorgo mountain is an extinct volcano, which locates in Tariat soum at an altitude of 2240 meters above sea level and about 170 km away from Tsetserleg, center of Arkhangai aimag. Khorgo is rich in beautiful scenery of mountains, cliffs, rapid streams, rivers, lakes, extinct volcanoes, green forests and pastures, where the long-haired yaks and horses pasture. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The mountain is covered with basalt and was registered in State protection as a National Park of 28 square kilometers areas in 1994. Crater of the Khorgo volcano is about 300-400 meter in diameter, 200 meters wide and 100 meters deep. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Khorgo volcano erupted around 9 thousand years ago and its hot lava flowed down the East of the volcano along 100 kilometers. It is surrounded by many tourist attractions including a cave for single man, Youth cave, Hell of Yellow Dog and Seven stone ger.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>3. LAKE TERKHIIN TSAGAAN</b><br>The lake Terkhiin Tsagaan is located near the Khorgo volcano on its eastern end. The lake is around 16km long, east to west, and around 4km to 6km wide, north to south. Most of ger camps and the best camping spots are strung out along the northern lakeshore.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to legend, the lake was formed when an elderly couple forgot to cap a well after fetching water. The valley was flooded until a local hero shot a nearby mountain top with his arrow; the shorn top covered the well and became an island in the lake. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Around the lake, you can try numerous fun activities such as swimming, horse riding, fishing, sailing, bird watching and camping.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>4. SUVARGA KHAIRKHAN MOUNTAIN</b><br>The Suvraga Khairkhan is a mountain of the Khangai Mountains, locates in Tsenkher soum of Arkhangai aimag. It has an elevation of 3,179 metres (10,430 ft). <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The mountain feeds rivers Orkhon, Tamir and Tsetserleg and its a state worshipped holy mountain, while The State Worshipping Ceremony takes place on top of the Suvraga khairkhan mountain every four years. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>You can trek up to the mountains with the support of horses and camels. The area is wild and has abundant wildlife including wolf, fox, bear and deer.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Except above mentioned attractions Arkhangai aimag has numerous places to visit such as Tamir river, Taikhar rock, Bulgan mountain. The best months to visit is June to September. Most travel companies offer interesting tours to these places.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>May your trip will be fun, unforgettable and full of memories.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://mongolia.gogo.mn/r/157021">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="#HeadTravel">Back to Headlines</a><span lang=MN><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2h7lMe0dF3vHX_EEPXGkAkFwmn4IDoaOILsWdDje4hg4wlmDa4lmusaSS5YlakDHibJlYTxZTpJ0dZl5uqYK94Ot_D0hhApdHy8GbEAGyXwGS5e0qC-L7Z9p9Glg5HU6UUqrE4_LTtk/s1600/image006-769319.jpg"><img 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Complex<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>14 Chinggis Avenue, Sukhbaatar District 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia<br></span><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Email</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: </span><a href="mailto:info@covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@covermongolia.com</span></a><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Website</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: <a href="http://www.covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>www.covermongolia.com</span></a></span><u><span style='color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Phone (Office)</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: +976 7711 6779</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:Webdings;color:#339966'>P</span><span style='color:#339966'> </span><span lang=EN-AU style='color:#007F00;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div>Mogihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08890425226222188449noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707654383070101891.post-84904674636595301542017-02-19T20:01:00.000+08:002017-02-19T20:02:49.562+08:00[BREAKING: GoM offers new sovereign notes to DBM bondholders]<div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'>Please click <b><u>Display Images</u></b> or <b><u>Download Pictures</u></b> to properly view this newswire<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="mailto:b.bayasal.ulaanbaatar@gmail.com"><span style='color:windowtext;text-decoration:none'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXKns6dHkc8D2MZnqOlLv63zUalmqdMq2ogt0n1FLf2dNgcQ2zEvzLYJ96imIiNxSDhYd2OWNA0mVfXZzzPODGf0NWHm5vhOOS3lZyMMB5pgoqb0ImtG_Tg9JeC-rOR05p74V_VBNjKA/s1600/image001-723205.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKXKns6dHkc8D2MZnqOlLv63zUalmqdMq2ogt0n1FLf2dNgcQ2zEvzLYJ96imIiNxSDhYd2OWNA0mVfXZzzPODGf0NWHm5vhOOS3lZyMMB5pgoqb0ImtG_Tg9JeC-rOR05p74V_VBNjKA/s320/image001-723205.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6388788440321303442" /></a></span></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0J_2msTRak0RTt0CZZmKNnC0QRrpKOOtReggOt0sgFGayvEYZXMXA2e1Cab-148a96O0CTRxBRVL-Ys7UhX9TGNyvc-YKwgdK7Hb29Rv4WThLuzQsEDs66ZbMmjRhzltbYDPk232eSzA/s1600/image002-725521.png"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0J_2msTRak0RTt0CZZmKNnC0QRrpKOOtReggOt0sgFGayvEYZXMXA2e1Cab-148a96O0CTRxBRVL-Ys7UhX9TGNyvc-YKwgdK7Hb29Rv4WThLuzQsEDs66ZbMmjRhzltbYDPk232eSzA/s320/image002-725521.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_6388788446231611570" /></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>- <span style='color:red'>BREAKING NEWS </span>-<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><b><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>Sunday, February 19, 2017<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='text-align:center'><i><span style='color:black'>Follow </span><b><span style='color:#0070C0'>Cover Mongolia</span></b><span style='color:black'> on </span><u><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/cover-mongolia"><b><span style='color:#4472C4'>LinkedIn</span></b></a></u>, <span style='color:#00B0F0'><a href="https://twitter.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#00B0F0'>Twitter</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#2F5597'><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CoverMongolia"><b><span style='color:#2F5597'>Facebook</span></b></a></span><span style='color:black'>, </span><span style='color:#C55A11'><a href="https://www.instagram.com/covermongolia/"><b><span style='color:#C55A11'>Instagram</span></b></a></span>, <span style='color:#C00000'><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO0V2bKpB2v5Rkc9x9eBZjw"><b><span style='color:#C00000'>YouTube</span></b></a></span> and <span style='color:#FFC000'><a href="http://covermongolia.blogspot.com/"><b><span style='color:#FFC000'>Blogspot</span></b></a></span><o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1>Government of Mongolia Offers to Exchange New Notes for Guaranteed DBM Notes<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><b>Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, February 19, 2017 (Ministry of Finance) </b>The Government of Mongolia (the "Government") is pleased to announce an exchange offer for the US$580,000,000 5.750% Senior Notes due 2017 issued by Development Bank of Mongolia LLC, which mature on March 21, 2017 (the "DBM Notes"). The exchange offer, which we expect to launch on February 20, 2017, provides existing holders of the DBM Notes the opportunity to exchange such notes for new sovereign bonds directly issued by the Government. We are confident that there will be strong participation in the exchange offer on the back of positive developments for Mongolia and against an improving outlook for commodities prices.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In addition, the Government continues to make progress with discussions involving the IMF and expects an official announcement soon with respect to an IMF-supported economic and financial aid program. We intend to engage the holders of Mongolian government and government-guaranteed debt with a view to improving medium-term financial stability.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.mof.gov.mn/2017/02/government-of-mongolia-offers-to-exchange-new-notes/">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>MEDIA COVERAGE OF IMF DEAL<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1>IMF to Loan Mongolia $440 Million as Part of $5.5 Billion Bailout Package<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNoSpacing>by Michael Kohn<o:p></o:p></p><ul style='margin-top:0in' type=disc><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>Facility will help Mongolia repay $580 million bond due March<o:p></o:p></li><li class=MsoNormal style='mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3'>GDP growth slowed to 1% last year amid commodity price drops<o:p></o:p></li></ul><p class=MsoNormal>February 19 (Bloomberg) Mongolia reached an initial agreement with the International Monetary Fund for a three-year program that includes a $440 million loan package as part of a $5.5 billion bailout to help the north Asian country with looming debt repayments.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The Asian Development Bank, the World Bank and bilateral partners including Japan and Korea are expected to provide up to another $3 billion in budget and project support, while the People's Bank of China is expected to extend its 15 yuan billion ($2.2 billion) swap line with the Bank of Mongolia for at least another three years," the IMF said in a statement on Sunday. "The total external financing package will thus be around $5.5 billion."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/terminal/OLGCO36TTDS1" target="_blank" title="Mongolia's GDP Growth Slows to 1% in 2016: Statistics Office">Economic growth</a> in Mongolia slowed to 1 percent last year as commodity prices fell and growth slowed in China, the main buyer of the nation's copper and coal exports. The country also saw foreign <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/terminal/OKOLML6KLVR4" target="_blank" title="Mongolia Loses $4.1b in Foreign Investment in 2016">investment</a> collapse after a dispute with <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/quote/RIO:LN" title="Company Overview">Rio Tinto Pl c</a>over the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Extended Fund Facility (EFF) will support the government's plan to address balance-of-payment pressures and also help the government repay looming debts, including the <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/quote/0207779D:MO" title="Company Overview">Development Bank of Mongolia</a>'s $580 million bond repayment due in March.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This marks the sixth time since 1990 that the IMF has bailed out Mongolia, the most recent a stand-by agreement in 2009-2010, according to an e-mail from IMF spokesman Keiko Utsunomiya.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Restore Stability<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>The financing will support a Mongolian program, "which intends to restore economic stability and debt sustainability as well as to create the conditions for strong, sustainable and inclusive growth," according to the IMF statement. The agreement is subject to the confirmation of financing assurances, the completion of prior actions by the authorities, and the approval of the IMF Executive Board. The board is expected to consider Mongolia's request in March.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>This is "great news, the market will receive this positively," Dale Choi, head of the research firm Mongolia Metals & Mining, said in an e-mail. It is the "bottom out everyone has been waiting for and the only way is up."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Ahead of the agreement, parliament <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/terminal/OLAR8Y6S972A" target="_blank" title="Mongolia Amends Development Bank Law, Opening Door to IMF (1)">amended</a> the development bank law, making changes recommended by the IMF. The amendments were designed to depoliticize the bank and include a rule that board members can't have held political office in the past five years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>Central Bank<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia's central bank had $1.3 billion in <a href="https://www.mongolbank.mn/eng/dbgrossreserves.aspx?vYear1=2006&vYear2=2016&vMonth1=01&vMonth2=12" target="_blank" title="Link to data">foreign reserves</a> at the end of December, well below the $4.1 billion it held at the same time in 2012, when money was pouring into Mongolia's mining sector amid the commodities boom. The tugrik fell 20 percent last year, fifth-worst among exotic currencies tracked by Bloomberg.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"While many Mongolian businesses may feel the short-term pressure of a marginal increase in taxes, the successful implementation of the EFF arrangement in Mongolia will stabilize the domestic currency and boost confidence in the banking sector," Bilguun Ankhbayar, Chief Executive Officer of the Mongolian Investment Banking Group, said by e-mail. "This will likely result in increased activity in those economic sectors that have the most competitive advantage."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Foreign exchange reserves should rise to $3.8 billion by the end of the program, according to the IMF statement. By 2019, economic growth is projected to pick up to around 8 percent.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Fiscal consolidation will leave room for the banking sector, over time, to extend more credit to the private sector, consistent with projected growth. These policies would also put public debt on a declining path over the course of the program," the IMF said.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The country's <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/terminal/OK0KD96S972Y" target="_blank" title="Mongolia's End-2016 Budget Deficit More Than Triples to $1.48b">budget deficit</a> at the end of 2016 tripled to 3.67 trillion tugrik ($1.5 billion), compared to a year earlier, while total external trade dropped 2.3 percent and non-performing loans in the banking system rose 25 percent.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Attempts to stem the decline through expansionary policies proved ineffective after a few years, and the economy is now stagnating, weighed down by high debt and low foreign-exchange reserves," according to the IMF.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2017-02-19/china-s-message-to-trump-with-north-korea-coal-ban-let-s-deal">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://news.google.com/news/story?ncl=http://www.forbes.com/sites/timworstall/2017/02/19/imf-440-million-loan-5-billion-package-bails-mongolia-out-of-commodity-slump-troubles/&hl=en&geo=US">Link to list of other articles</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1>Mongolia agrees $5.5 billion economic bailout plan with IMF, others<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>By <a href="http://www.reuters.com/journalists/terrence-edwards">Terrence Edwards</a> | ULAANBAATAR<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 19 (Reuters) Mongolia has agreed with the International Monetary Fund and other partners for a $5.5 billion economic stabilization package, according to a statement from the IMF on Sunday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The landlocked nation saw its economy grow at a double-digit annual rate over 2011-2013 as foreign investors rushed in to take advantage of its vast untapped mineral deposits, but it has been hit hard by an economic crisis since 2016 due to government overspending and declining revenues from commodity exports.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>To bailout the country - which is now scrambling to avoid missing a $580 million sovereign-guaranteed debt repayment due in March - the Asian Development Bank, World Bank and bilateral partners, including Japan and South Korea, will provide up to $3 billion in aid, the IMF said in its statement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>People's Bank of China will expand a swap line worth 15 billion yuan ($2.19 billion), while the IMF will offer three-year loans worth about $440 million, the latter added.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The bailout plan is pending formal approvals from the IMF board in March, according to the statement.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Fiscal consolidation is a key priority, as loose fiscal policy in the past was a major driver for Mongolia's current economic difficulties and high debt," said Koshy Mathai, IMF's team leader for the package.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Paving the way for the bailout was a move by the country's lawmakers earlier this month to allow the Development Bank of Mongolia, which issued the $580 million debt that is up for repayment, to act independently of the government.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Under the bailout plan, Mongolia has pledged to implement fiscal reforms for greater budget discipline, maintain a flexible exchange rate and build a stronger regulatory environment for banking and finance.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The president of the Bank of Mongolia, Nadmid Bayartsaikhan, said the central bank would no longer bankroll fiscal policy programs, including a mortgage subsidy one that will now be self-sustaining rather than dependent on additional financing from the central bank.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bayartsaikhan added that an independent study of the banking sector would be launched to identify weaknesses at institutions and the need for new regulations.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Mongolian economy grew at 1 percent last year, its slowest pace in seven years, and may slip into recession when austerity measures imposed on the country for a debt bailout are rolled out.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>However, the bailout terms will not affect Mongolia's social spending. It plans to subsidize some drug costs and a universal allowance for children will be given to those in need, Finance Minister Battogtokh Choijilsuren told reporters on Sunday.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>With these structural changes in place, Mathai of the IMF said Mongolia could look forward to sustainable growth built upon its lucrative mining sector, as well as its growing industries in agriculture and tourism.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"I think we're looking at a pretty good outlook for Mongolia," said Mathai.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mongolia-imf-idUSKBN15Y02S?il=0">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><h1>Mongolia reaches $5.5bn IMF deal as debt repayments loom<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>Deal a relief for mining-dependent country but still needs final approvals<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal><b>by: <a href="https://www.ft.com/topics/authors/Lucy_Hornby">Lucy Hornby</a> in Hong Kong and <a href="https://www.ft.com/stream/authorsId/Q0ItMDAwMTExNw==-QXV0aG9ycw==">Tom Mitchell</a> in Beijing<o:p></o:p></b></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 19 (Financial Times) Mongolia has reached a $5.5bn bailout agreement with the International Monetary Fund just weeks before the country's development bank faced repayments on a $580m bond.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The IMF will provide Mongolia funds totalling $440m, with the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Japan and South Korea offering $3bn in preferential loans. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The mining-dependent country has <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/4055d944-78cd-11e6-a0c6-39e2633162d5">been buffeted</a> by the steep slump in coal, copper and other commodity prices over the past five years. It is now anticipating a recovery in the commodities cycle and new investment in giant mines in the Gobi desert.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia is in separate negotiations with the Chinese government over a three-year extension of an Rmb15bn ($2.2bn) central bank swap agreement, which has been its largest single source of foreign financing. N. Bayartsaikhan, governor of the Bank of Mongolia, told reporters that China has "agreed in principal" to extend the swap.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Mongolia has sought support from the US, Japan and Europe as part of its "third neighbour" policy to avoid domination by China and Russia.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>In November, a Chinese border town raised transit fees on trucks, forcing Rio Tinto to <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/8da50a38-b83a-11e6-ba85-95d1533d9a62">suspend shipments</a> from the massive Oyu Tolgoi mine.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"[Mongolia's] long-run future is promising," the IMF said in a statement. "But in recent years it has been hit hard by the sharp decline of commodity prices and a collapse in foreign direct investment."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The fund projected that economic growth will recover to 8 per cent by 2019 as foreign exchange reserves reach $3.5bn — a level not seen since 2012.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The Bank of Mongolia shocked international markets in August by raising interest rates 450 basis points to <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/ac6ac77a-6522-11e6-a08a-c7ac04ef00aa">15 per cent</a>. Mongolia's currency, the tughrik, has fallen almost 30 per cent against the dollar since June.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Final approval of the IMF-led package is conditional on Mongolia's parliament approving fiscal discipline measures, including the repeal of a politically popular cash subsidy for all families with children.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Fiscal consolidation is a key priority as loose fiscal policy was a major driver of Mongolia's current economic difficulties and high debt," the IMF said. It added that budget deficits would be "reduced steadily", but not at the expense of "priority" social spending.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The "staff-level agreement" is also subject to final approval by the IMF's executive board.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>The IMF agreement comes a month before a $580m payment is due on a bond issued by the Development Bank of Mongolia. It is the first of several payments over the next year that together amount to about $2bn, or about one-sixth of the country's gross domestic product.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>On Sunday the government said it planned to launch an exchange offer this week for the DBM bonds, swapping them for government debt. No maturity for the new bonds was given.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Extending the swap agreement with China — which Mongolia has mostly drawn down at interest rates of about 6 per cent — will allow Mongolia to defer a hefty repayment.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>According to people familiar with the bailout negotiations, the ADB intends to lend Mongolia about $300m per year over the next three years in budgetary support. That will replace previous loans of a roughly equivalent amount that primarily went towards infrastructure construction and poverty alleviation programs.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://www.ft.com/content/3363741c-f66d-11e6-9516-2d969e0d3b65">Link to article</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><u><span style='font-size:14.0pt'>IMF PRESS RELEASE<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><h1>IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement with Mongolia on Three-Year Extended Fund Facility<o:p></o:p></h1><p class=MsoNormal><i>End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF's Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF's Executive Board for discussion and decision.<o:p></o:p></i></p><p class=MsoNormal>February 19, 2017 (IMF) A staff team of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) led by Koshy Mathai visited Ulaanbaatar during February 1-19 to continue discussions with the Mongolian authorities on a set of economic policies that could be supported by IMF financial assistance. At the end of the visit, Mr. Mathai made the following statement:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The Mongolian government and the IMF team have reached staff-level agreement on an economic and financial program to be supported by a three-year Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for SDR 314.505 million (435 percent of quota), or about $440 million. Other international partners also plan to support the government's program: the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, and bilateral partners including Japan and Korea are together expected to provide up to $3 billion in budget and project support; and the People's Bank of China is expected to extend its RMB 15 billion swap line with the Bank of Mongolia for at least another three years.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The total external financing package will thus be around $5.5 billion and will support the authorities' "Economic Stabilization Program," which intends to restore economic stability and debt sustainability as well as to create the conditions for strong, sustainable, and inclusive growth, while protecting the most vulnerable citizens.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"This agreement is subject to the confirmation of financing assurances, the completion of prior actions by the authorities, and the approval of the IMF Executive Board. The Board is expected to consider Mongolia's request in March.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Mongolia is well endowed with mineral resources, strong potential in agriculture and tourism, and a young and dynamic population. Its long-run future is promising, but in recent years it has been hit hard by the sharp decline of commodity prices and a collapse in foreign direct investment (FDI). Attempts to stem the decline through expansionary policies proved ineffective after a few years, and the economy is now stagnating, weighed down by high debt and low foreign-exchange reserves.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Fiscal consolidation is a key priority, as loose fiscal policy in the past was a major driver of Mongolia's current economic difficulties and high debt. Budget deficits will be reduced steadily, while priority social spending will be maintained: for instance, the savings from better targeting the Child Money Program will be used entirely to increase spending on the food stamp program for the most vulnerable. Also, to boost revenue, the personal income tax will be made more progressive, with rates on only higher-income households increased.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The Development Bank of Mongolia (DBM) will henceforth operate in an independent, purely commercial manner, as laid out in the recently passed DBM law, and the Bank of Mongolia (BOM) will not engage in additional quasifiscal activity, with the mortgage program now operating essentially as a revolving fund. In addition, the law on concession projects will be reformed, and the public investment program (PIP) will be rationalized and better aligned with national development priorities.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The authorities will adopt a set of important fiscal reforms to ensure that budget discipline is maintained, building on the existing framework for fiscal responsibility. These include the creation of a Fiscal Council to provide independent budget forecasts and costings of new policy proposals, and provisions to give the government sole authority to determine the total amount of spending in the budget, as well as to require Ministry of Finance approval of any proposals to cabinet with a budgetary cost.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Monetary policy will remain appropriately tight, given the objective of price stability. Over time, however, as the economy normalizes, it may be appropriate to cut the policy rate if external and inflation indicators permit. The exchange rate will continue to move flexibly, with intervention limited to smoothing excessive volatility and preventing disorderly market conditions. A major priority will be the adoption of a new BOM law to clarify its mandate, strengthen governance, and improve independence.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"Strengthening the banking system is a crucial part of the program, to ensure that the banks can support sustainable and inclusive economic growth. The authorities' first priority is to undertake a comprehensive diagnosis of the banking system to assess institutions' financial soundness and resilience. With the results of this diagnostic in hand, the BOM will engage banks to ensure appropriate restructuring and recapitalization, as necessary. The BOM will complement these actions by strengthening the regulatory and supervisory framework, and government is committed to improving the deposit insurance system. The authorities are also committed to strengthening the regime for Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT).<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The authorities intend directly to boost economic activity and prospects by attracting new investment to major mines, and by implementing an array of structural reforms to promote economic diversification and improve competitiveness, especially in agriculture and tourism. The broad range of reforms envisaged under the program have been developed in close collaboration with the World Bank and ADB.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The authorities' adjustment and structural reform program, supported by the large package of external financing, is expected to stabilize the economy and lay the basis for sustainable, inclusive, long-run growth. By 2019, growth is projected to pick up to around 8 percent, as economic and financial conditions improve and key mining projects take off. Foreign exchange reserves should rise to a healthy $3.8 billion (above 6 months of imports) by the end of the program, similar to levels seen in 2012, before Mongolia was hit by external shocks. Fiscal consolidation will leave room for the banking sector, over time, to extend more credit to the private sector, consistent with projected growth. These policies would also put public debt on a declining path over the course of the program.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"The government's recently announced plan to engage with its private external creditors to secure financing assurances for the program should help restore debt sustainability. Specifically, the financing parameters of the program assume that external private creditor exposure will be maintained at its current level over the program period, on terms consistent with debt sustainability, and gross financing needs will remain at prudent levels during the post-program period.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>"On behalf of the staff team, I would like to thank the authorities for their warm welcome, and the constructive discussions and excellent collaboration we have had over recent months, bringing us to today's successful conclusion."<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="http://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2017/02/19/PR1754-Mongolia-IMF-Reaches-Staff-Level-Agreement-on-3Yr-EFF">Link to release</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#365F91'>---<br></span><b><span style='color:#44546A'><a 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style='color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Suite </span><span lang=MN style='color:#1F497D'>303</span><span style='color:#1F497D'>, Level 3, Elite Complex<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>14 Chinggis Avenue, Sukhbaatar District 1<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='color:#1F497D'>Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia<br></span><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Email</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: </span><a href="mailto:info@covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>info@covermongolia.com</span></a><u><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Website</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: <a href="http://www.covermongolia.com"><span style='color:blue'>www.covermongolia.com</span></a></span><u><span style='color:blue'><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><b><span style='color:#365F91'>Phone (Office)</span></b><span style='color:#365F91'>: +976 7711 6779</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman",serif;color:#365F91'><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal align=center style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-align:center'><span style='font-family:Webdings;color:#339966'>P</span><span style='color:#339966'> </span><span lang=EN-AU style='color:#007F00;mso-fareast-language:EN-AU'>Please consider the environment before printing this 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