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Friday, October 9, 2015
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TRQ closed Thursday +2.05% to US$2.99, +20.56% in last 1 week
OT project financing will be finalized before 2016 - Byambasaikhan
October 8 (UB Post) The CEO of Erdenes Mongol LLC and board director of Oyu Tolgoi LLC (OT), B.Byambasaikhan, gave an extensive update on OT issues in the following interview.
Continuing the OT underground mineing development is expected to impact positively in attracting investment. Can you tell us the benefits of restarting this operation?
The OT underground mining development is being executed according to the plan approved in May 2015. Every work is being carried out based on detailed plans. Simply put, the development and construction of the OT underground mine, which was halted two years ago, has been restarted. Positive steps are being made. For example, we're providing jobs to people who were previously laid off. The OT board had detailed technical plans approved [by Parliament].
Is it safe to say that the underground mine development is progressing without any problems?
Work at OT is coming along well. Anyone will see how consistently OT is working after visiting the mine once.
The OT mine is an internationally recognized large deposit. It operates in accordance with international standards. It prioritizes safe operations before anything and all of its technology and operations are ensured in accordance with global standards.
How is the project to raise financing from international banking and financial organizations progressing? Can this issue be resolved before next year?
Agreements will be established with around 20 international banks before the end of November. Whether we'll cooperate with 17 or 18 banks will be determined in the near-future.
We announced that 4.2 billion USD would be lent from banks for the financing of OT's underground mine development. The OT financial cost is decreasing. In other words, this large development is commencing under the most favorable conditions for OT shareholders – the Mongolian government and the public. The financing can be settled before the new year. All that's left are procedural issues.
Does the loan agreement with large global banks require certain conditions from both parties? Are there any unfinished issues?
There are no unfinished issues. The government of Mongolia is assuring specific amount of support for continuing the OT underground mine development. It isn't a direct support though. The government is providing indirect support by communicating with banks and financial organizations about offering guarantees for OT loans. It has expressed its willingness to provide guarantees for financing. In other words, the Mongolian government is fulfilling its obligation in a timely manner. There's a reason why both sides must carry out their duties on time and that is because both sides are aware that time is money. Saving each moment and executing operations quickly will help acquire quicker economic yield. Depending on that speed, investment will come to OT. If the loan is acquired, the scale of operation will pick up rapidly. Furthermore, it will create new business opportunities for new subcontractor companies and suppliers of OT. Only this way will we see investment benefits in its true sense. The most important thing is that companies partnered with OT start working.
Let me explain why this loan is important in simple terms. Lately, there have been many speculations that it's risky to invest in Mongolia. This investment will help recover investment credibility. Very soon, international trade and development banks will give a loan package to Mongolia for financing the biggest mining project. This means that these banks are believing in Mongolia's major project, OT. With Rio Tinto's additional guarantee, Mongolia is able to get this massive amount of loan, which will give off many advantages such as being able to advance forward the OT project and reduce the company's operations cost. There are indirect advantages too.
Can you clarify on these indirect advantages?
In short, Mongolia's closed market will open along with the OT project. This is a huge opportunity. Banks financing the project are opening Mongolia's market to themselves. Basically, we're opening opportunities for other companies to begin negotiations. Through the OT project's financing, Mongolia will be able to discuss major railway and power station projects with international banks. When banks from across the world believe in Mongolia's market and issue a loan, Mongolia's credibility will rise considerably. Credit rating agencies will start viewing Mongolia differently.
Have you estimated how much the indirect economic yield would be, provided that international banks provide necessary financing for the OT project before the end of the year? For example, what kind of positive changes await Mongolia's economy next year?
OT operations are stable right now. As its development work has recovered once again, many new businesses will be established. The number of foreign companies seeking Mongolia is also increasing because business opportunities are opening here. It seems that interesting foreign companies have met their partners in Mongolia and have started negotiating business cooperation. Obviously, this relation can't be seen by the public. However, there are many countries searching for new business opportunities in relation to the OT underground development. The most basic indication is the fact that I meet with two company representatives on a daily basis.
A forum has been announced among suppliers and subcontractor companies of the OT underground development. Can people pursuing new business opportunities attend this forum for information?
A relatively large expo will be organized on November 4. Business opportunities related to the OT underground mine development will be introduced to everyone. One of OT's good traits is that it provides transparency for its company sales and subcontractor selection process. OT will keep its opportunities as open as possible since it operates according to the principles of fair competition and determines its own business prospects. Both former and new businesses will be welcomed.
The underground development has started to get its initial funding. How much capital is expected to come into the market next year?
Approximately one billion USD will be invested annually in the next six years. This money will come to Mongolia in the form of foreign investment. There is an estimation that OT will bring some 800 million USD to the domestic economy in 2015. This is equivalent to approximately 1.6 trillion MNT. As of September 2015, 75 percent of this target was met. The money coming to Mongolia as investment is being spent on wages and tax in the Mongolian market. It's good that OT is maintaining stable operations. Especially during this difficult economic time, it's essential for our nation to have large companies support themselves and continue operations without interruptions.
Is the government doing everything in its power for the smooth the advancement of the OT underground mine?
The government is taking every necessary step in a timely manner. The Mineral Council has been put in charge of the feasibility study. Actually, there is one thing we should understand well. OT is a Mongolian company. We're one of its owners and shareholders. Smooth operations of the project will be beneficial at least to the people working on the project. On the other side, many companies cooperate, provide services and receive income from OT. Therefore, the best solution is to execute everything on time.
Economists have talked plenty of times about the dangers and losses in the case that OT underground mine operations slow down or if this project is ceased. They calculated that Mongolia would face a loss of several billions of USD if the project is stopped. So we have no right to lose time.
Is OT doing additional explorations?
All mining company continues exploration while mining. Additional exploration is conducted every year based on graphics. Increasing resources of such a large deposit as OT is useful to us, the company and Mongolia. The value of our company will increase as much as its reserves grow. OT shares are traded on international markets. Moreover, this project opens doors to Mongolia for foreign investors. The more resources OT has, the broader our business opportunities will expand.
Coal price isn't good at the moment. Some predict that it might continue to drop. Isn't this unfavorable for OT?
According to predictions of experts, the coal market will remain quite good in the near future. Forecasts show that coal prices will stabilize two or three years from now and it's likely to rise in the future. The OT underground mine development is commencing at the right time. If we construct the underground mine while market prices are dropping, we will be able to profit when prices rise again. It's best to seek opportunities to construct and develop during this time when the whole world is facing economic difficulties. That way, when market prices recover, we will be able to profit and quickly recover the economy.
Many Mongolians and local businesses are interested in benefiting from the OT project. How much attention does this issue get from OT board members?
As a shareholder, the board focuses on this issue within the scope of the company policy. Particularly, it considers making financial and trade decisions that'll benefit the company. Correspondingly, opportunities will open for Mongolian companies and businessmen.
The OT underground mine development plan also aims to increase domestic sales systematically. In other words, the company will give privileges to local companies when selecting companies to supply OT with goods or services if a Mongolian company can provide OT's needs.
Source: Daily newspaper
AKM closed flat Wednesday at A$0.016 on the announcement
Aspire Mining finds more coal at Nuurstei, sets up early production prospects
October 7 (Proactive Investors) Mongolian metallurgical coal explorer, Aspire Mining (ASX:AKM) has improved the profile of its Nuurstei project as a possible early-production operation as ambitious mining and rail plan continue to unfold.
More positive exploration results at Aspire's secondary Nuurstei property have improved the site's prospects of providing small-scale, road-based coal delivery as the larger Erdenet-Ovoot railway and Ovoot mining projects come into focus.
The latest exploration update from Nuurstei included a 5.6-metre intersection of coal from 34.7 metres and 6.94 metres of coal from 61.2 metres.
Twelve other seams identified in the first of these holes provided a total of 26.39 metres of coal from surface down to 108 metres, illustrating the existence of multiple, albeit relatively thin stacked seams.
Strike length of the correlated seams at the site increased by 0.4 kilometres from to 1.6 kilometres.
A maiden coal resource at Nuurstei is expected to be established by the end of 2015. An exploration target for the project has contemplated a resource of 25 million tonnes (at 0.1 metres coal thickness cutoff, rounded), down to 160 metres depth.
By comparison, Ovoot has a total coal resource of 281 million tonnes that will initially drive a production rate of 5 million tonnes per annum of saleable high-quality coking coal.
Growing Nuurstei
The latest drilling at Nuurstei – which lies east of Ovoot along a planned rail connection – helps underscore the project's potential to be developed as a road based operation, trucking coal to Erdenet, a city en route to the capital of Ulaanbaatar.
This would represent a gradual start-up for the operation before becoming one of the first users of the Erdenet to Ovoot railway once the first section is completed.
Other recent progress at Nuurstei has included drilling by Aspire and Noble Group (SGX:N21) which intersected near-surface coal was intersected in multiple banded coal seam packages, with the best results being 15.3 metres of coal from 51.4 metres and 9.5 metres of coal from 71.6 metres.
The thick coal packages are suspected to be structurally thickened by reverse faults that have repeated the coal seams.
Drilling has been aimed at collecting coal samples to be sent to laboratories for coal quality analysis. This will provide a representation of coal quality across the deposit.
Aspire is exploring at Nuurstei via its 50:50 Ekhgoviin Chuluu joint venture with Noble.
The Erdenet to Ovoot railway
Nuurstei will also have access to the Erdenet to Ovoot railway within approximately two years of commencement of its construction and thereby become one of the first users of this railway.
This infrastructure represents a section of the Mongolian government planned "Northern Railway", which extends the national rail network from Erdenet to Ovoot and onto the Russian border at Arts Suuri.
The Russian government has further plans to then link the rail from Arts Suuri to the Trans-Siberian railway at Kyzyl, thereby creating an international rail link connecting Siberia and northern Mongolia with China.
Last month, Aspire received preliminary results from a scoping study indicating there were no technical obstacles to building a rail connection from Ovoot to the Russian city of Kyzyl. This rail connection provides the remaining link to create the new Steppe Railway trade connection between China and Russia through Mongolia.
This followed immediately on the execution of a concession agreement allowing Aspire subsidiary Northern Railways 18 months to complete a number of conditions precedent required to commence construction of its 547-kilometre link. This work will include a feasibility study, contracting and licencing for the project.
The concession will allow up to five years to construct the railway followed by 30 years of operation after which 100% of the base railway infrastructure will be transferred to the government of Mongolia.
In late August, Aspire secured financing from its rail and financial adviser Signum Resources Corporation to carry out the first stage of the feasibility study for the Erdenet to Ovoot Railway. Signum will provide a US$600,000 (A$835,800) loan and invest $200,000 in the effort.
The Ovoot mine
Development of the rail, however, will be most significant in providing logistical support for Aspire's flagship Ovoot property.
Since completing an exploration program in the Ovoot Basin in the December quarter 2012, Aspire has it turned its focus to commercialisation activities at the project.
This included coke oven testwork in early 2013 on an indicative sample of Ovoot coking coal which indicated that the type of coal to be produced at the site was a premium blending coal primarily due to its high fluidity and rank.
Ovoot has the benefit of having access to both power and water sources readily accessible to the operation, both integral to any coal mining operation.
A concept study has been completed for a 10-million-tonnes-per-annum-capacity coal blending facility to be constructed at Sainshand in southern Mongolia.
The facility would look to combine Mongolian coals, including between 25-50% Ovoot coal with other non or low coking coals in order to upgrade Mongolian coal brands.
Ovoot coking coal would be delivered by the Erdenet-Ovoot railway from northern Mongolia whilst other coals would be delivered by the Trans-Mongolian railway, which is currently undergoing significant capacity upgrades.
Analysis
Further development of Nuurstei is a good sign for Aspire's strategy of gradually developing its suite of Mongolian assets, with a small-scale operation allowing for initial production before the major projects take shape.
More upside at Nuurstei is indicated by the fact that basement rock has not been intersected in any of the holes and historical drilling has noted that coal in multiple thin seams continue to be intersected well below the current depth of drilling.
Nuurstei is located only 10 kilometres from the existing Moron town, the capital of the Khusvgul province and sits along the path of the planned Erdenet-Ovoot railway.
While still at an early stage, the planned rail connection between Ovoot to Kyzyl is of strategic value to Aspire Mining given its role as part of the new Steppe Railway trade connection between China and Russia through Mongolia.
Adding value, the Steppe Railway is consistent with Chinese policy to build the Silk Rail Road.
Global coking coal mine closures have led to expectations of coal price improvements from 2016 onwards.
XAM closed +12% Thursday to A$0.14, trading flat Friday
Xanadu Mines Investor Presentation, October 2015: Unlocking Mongolia's Copper Belt
October 8, Xanadu Mines Ltd. (ASX:XAM) --
MSE Trading Report: Top 20 +0.31%, Turnover ₮3.3 Million Stocks
October 8 (MSE) --
₮10 Billion 12-Week 14% Discounted T-Bills on Offer at MSE, Closing 10/13
October 7 (MSE) --
1. The issuer's name: Mongolian Ministry of Finance
2. The purpose of the issuance of bond: State treasury cash management
3. Offering scope of securities: Offering to the public
4. Type of securities: Government securities
5. Face value: MNT 100,000
6. Discounted price: MNT 96,879.00
7. Total amounts issued: 100,000 Units
8. Short-term securities performance:
Government Securities name | Symbol | Amount /units/ | Value /billion MNT/ | Maturity /week/ | Form of Interest payment | Interest rate (percent) | Starting date of the order | Closing date of the trading |
ЗГХБ-Б-12-332 | | 100,000 | 10.0 | 12 | Discounted | 14.000% | 2015.10.07 | 2015.10.13 |
…
MSE: GoM Securities Trading Report, 3rd Quarter: ₮120.1 Billion T-Bills Issued, ₮1.3 Billion Traded
October 8 (MSE) As of 3rd quarter of 2015, total of 1,300,000 Government securities worth MNT120.1 billion traded through 13 trading sessions at Mongolian Stock Exchange. Secondary market of Government securities trading organized 9 times and total of 13,023 Government securities worth MNT1.3 billion traded.
On primary market, 12 weeks Government securities trading were accounted 32.3%, 28 weeks Government securities trading accounted 38.7% and 52 weeks Government securities trading accounted 29.0% respectively out of total traded Government securities worth MNT120.1 billion.
Following brokerage companies participated actively on trading of Government Securities in primary market:
MSE Reinstates Trading Licenses of Blackstone Int'l, Bumbat-Altai
October 7 (MSE) Pursuant to Company Law of Mongolia, MSE's membership rule and the Order No.:294 of Acting CEO of Mongolian Stock Exchange of 2015, the trading license of "Blackstone International" LLC and "Bumbat-Altai" LLC have been reinstated from 7 October 2015.
MSE Reinstates Trading License of Novel Investment
October 7 (MSE) Pursuant to the Company Law of Mongolia, membership rule Mongolian Stock Exchange and the Order No.:291 of Acting CEO of MSE of 2015, the trading license of MSE's member company "Novel Investment" LLC has been reinstated from 5 October 2015.
BDSec Initiates Coverage of State Department Store with BUY, Target Price Upside of 277%
October 7, BDSec JSC --
Closing price (MNT): 530
Rating: BUY
Target price (MNT): 2,000
Potential return: 277%
Overview
Established year: 1921
Business: Department Store
Market Cap: MNT 19.5B (US$ 9.8M)
Major Shareholders
Nomin Group and related companies 70%
Small shareholders 30%
Initiating Coverage on State Department Store (UID:MSE) with a Buy rating, with 1 year price target of MNT 2,000
We are initiating a coverage on State Department Store (UID:MO) with a price target of MNT 2,000 per share, following legal actions taken on behalf of minority shareholders by Mongolia's Financial Regulatory Commission (FRC). Even if the FRC's legal actions are unsuccessful, we expect their lawsuit will result in more independence and transparency at UID.
In September, 2015, the FRC announced it is suing seven authorities of UID in civil court, on behalf of small shareholders. The FRC is a government regulatory agency which strives to ensure the stability of the financial market, regulates financial service institutions, monitors the implementation of all relevant legislations, and protects the rights of investors and participants of the financial markets. The translation of the news release of the company's allegations against UID are the following:
• Mr. N.Batgerel, the Head of Legal Department of the FRC is claiming that there had been many complaints from minority shareholders. On February and April of 2015, upon receiving the complaints, the FRC has conducted audit investigations on the transactions, agreements, contracts and financial documents made between related parties, namely Nomin Holding LLC, Nomin Tav LLC and Nomin Realtor LLC.
• The Investigation team has concluded that agreements, deals and payments made between Nomin Holding Group and its subsidiaries might have conflict of interests and thus hurt the minority shareholders. Particularly 13 lease and loan agreements made since 2008 are appeared doubtful of validity.
• Article 21.2 of Securities Markets Law of Mongolia says "If the FRC considers that the securities issuer or its governing persons have acted in a way that is adverse to the interests of shareholders or investors or have carried out illegal activities, it may bring judicial proceedings on behalf of the shareholders." Also according to the Article 63.1.16 of the law, The FRC shall have the authority when necessary, bringing claims on behalf of a securities holder without a power of attorney in respect of the rights and interests of a securities holder. Thus FRC is filing a lawsuit on behalf of 54,415 small shareholders of UID. There is a certain fee for filing a lawsuit for an individual, but there will no such fee for a state entity like FRC.
• UID paid MNT 0.3 per share as a dividend in 2001, and MNT 3 in 2007. For the other fiscal years, they didn't pay dividends, claiming that they didn't have profits available to distribute.
• UID has only 2 employees, CEO and accountant. Those 2 both are also employed by Nomin Holding as the Head of Business Development Department and Chief accountant.
• UID's main business is leasing retail space of its 7-story building to Nomin Holding Group and its subsidiaries Nomin Realtor LLC and Nomin Tav LLC.
…
Historic low is ₮1,997.26/USD set September 11
BoM MNT Rates: Thursday, October 8 Close
| | 10/8 | 10/7 | 10/6 | 10/5 | 10/2 | 10/1 | 9/30 | 9/29 | 9/28 | 9/25 | 9/24 | 9/23 | 9/22 | 9/21 | 9/18 |
| USD | 1,993.59 | 1,995.99 | 1,995.06 | 1,996.34 | 1,996.69 | 1,996.27 | 1,996.83 | 1,996.99 | 1,993.89 | 1,996.76 | 1,996.27 | 1,995.28 | 1,995.17 | 1,993.66 | 1,993.59 |
| EUR | 2,250.76 | 2,242.30 | 2,237.66 | 2,245.68 | 2,229.90 | 2,242.44 | 2,242.44 | 2,244.22 | 2,231.26 | 2,229.48 | 2,236.32 | 2,221.35 | 2,229.50 | 2,252.14 | 2,272.09 |
| CNY | 313.83 | 314.03 | 313.88 | 314.09 | 314.14 | 314.07 | 314.16 | 313.81 | 313.02 | 313.16 | 312.86 | 312.54 | 313.00 | 313.03 | 313.36 |
| GBP | 3,056.77 | 3,048.97 | 3,022.91 | 3,041.82 | 3,024.09 | 3,021.16 | 3,026.00 | 3,032.63 | 3,032.31 | 3,042.96 | 3,048.00 | 3,063.15 | 3,091.32 | 3,098.45 | 3,104.82 |
| RUB | 32.02 | 31.85 | 30.59 | 30.40 | 30.28 | 30.70 | 30.41 | 30.17 | 30.37 | 30.32 | 30.05 | 30.07 | 30.17 | 30.00 | 30.19 |
Bank rates at time of sending: TDB (Buy ₮1,992 Sell ₮1,998), Khan (Buy ₮1,990 Sell ₮1,998), Golomt (Buy ₮1,992 Sell ₮1,998), XacBank (Buy ₮1,991 Sell ₮1,998), State Bank (Buy ₮1,990 Sell ₮1,998)
MNT vs USD (blue), CNY (red) in last 1 year:
BoM FX auction: US$4.7m sold at ₮1,992.56, CNY36.8m at ₮312.7, accepts $56.25m MNT, $15m USD swap offers
October 8 (BoM) On the Foreign Exchange Auction held on October 08th, 2015 the BoM has received bid offers of USD 11.6 million in a rate between MNT 1990.10-1995.01 and bid offers of CNY 64.8 million in a rate between MNT 311.99-313.25 from local commercial banks. The BoM sold USD 4.7 million in a closing rate of MNT 1992.56 and CNY 36.8 million in a closing rate of MNT 312.70 respectively.
On October 08th, 2015, The BoM has received MNT Swap agreement bid offer equivalent to USD 56.25 million and USD Swap agreement selling bid offer equivalent to USD 15.0 million from local commercial banks and the BoM has accepted the offers.
BoM issues ₮103.9 billion 1-week bills at 13%, total outstanding +14.5% to ₮367.9 billion
October 7 (BoM) BoM issues 1 week bills worth MNT 103.9 billion at a weighted interest rate of 13.0 percent per annum /For previous auctions click here/
BoM Receives No Bids for ₮10 Billion 5-Year Bonds
October 7 (BoM) Auction for 5 years maturity Government Bond was announced at face value of 10 billion MNT and each unit was worth 1 million MNT. The Government bond was not sold the due to absence of both competitive and noncompetitive bids.
₮6 Billion 12-Week 14% Discounted T-Bills Sold from Available ₮10 Billion with ₮11 Billion Bids
October 7 (BoM) Auction for 12 weeks maturity Government Treasury bill was announced at face value of 10.0 billion MNT. Face value of 6.0 billion /out of 11.0 billion bid/ Government Treasury bill was sold at discounted price and with weighted average yield of 14.000%.
BoM State of Inflation Report, September 2015
October 7 (BoM) --
"Realistic" 2016 budget bill proposes merging ministries, agencies
October 8 (gogo.mn) Minister of Finance B.Bolor attended "Minister's time" meeting and delivered details to journalists in regards to submission of "the draft law of 2015 state budget amendments" and "the draft law of 2016 state budget" to parliament.
The government's major approach for developing the draft law of 2016 state budget is to reduce expenditures. If the state keeps current state structure and personnel, the state budget will be MNT 8.7 trillion, which leads to budget deficit. Thus, 2016 state budget is currently revised to be MNT 7.8 trillion. As a result, balanced budget / volume of revenues/ are down and predicted to be MNT 6.9 trillion.
MNT 900 billion which falls short in the budget will be trimmed from current expenditures, including merging ministries and agencies which have similar services and structures. Particularly, Customs and Tax authorities are planned to be merged as National Registration Bureau is to be consolidated into National Statistics Agency and State Property Authority and Procurement Agency will be closed down. Moreover, positions of Deputy Ministers will be eliminated according to the draft law of 2015 state budget amendment. But, parliament will have a final say on whether to keep the positions, said Minister of Finance.
Matters of agencies being closed down and employees given lay off will be finalized according to the government's regulations. 30% reduction in monthly salaries of high profile statesmen will be made as 10% decrease in state administrative employees is arranged. Also, the Minister added: "The wage will not be increased next year."
As developing 2016 state budget, the government expects to increase revenues volume by intensifying investment activities of mega mining projects. Mining revenues are estimated in the state budget based on minimum prices of commodities forecasted by international organizations.
After merging state authorities and agencies, vacant assets and properties will be liquidated and added into the state budget.
Moreover, the adoption of "Transparency in Economic Law" by parliament in August, 2015 leads to additional tax revenues in the state budget.
As we make realistic estimations of revenues and expenditures in the state budget, we are able to balance the budget and bring positive results starting in 2017 if the state budget is approved as planned. Next year parliament election will take place so that politicians should be aware of economic difficulties and not to promote their campaign with matters related to wage increase, said Minister of Finance.
Media and Public Relations Department, the Government of Mongolia.
Related:
Finance Minister reports at weekly meeting – Montsame, October 8
Customs House and Taxation Authority to merge – news.mn, October 8
Unemployment rate poised to increase with government structural changes
October 8 (UB Post) Finance Minister B.Bolor attended the weekly meeting Hour with the Minister and spoke about budget amendments, the 2016 state budget, and basic directions of the economy and society of Mongolia.
Minister B.Bolor claimed that the draft of the 2016 budget that has been submitted for consideration by Parliament reflects the 2016 economic situation, adheres to realistic projections, and includes a reduced spending policy. "In 2016, current budget expenses and state structure will be changed. With approval of the budget, the positions of deputy ministers will be eliminated," he said, mentioning that the state budget has increased constantly in the last six years.
At the weekly meeting, he expressed his hope that Parliament will adopt the 2016 state budget without politicizing it, making cuts and savings. He stressed that budget amendments should inevitably be made as Mongolia's budget income might see a loss of around 900 billion MNT by the end of this year.
After making the statement, Minister B.Bolor answered questions from reporters.
How much money will be spent for bond loans?
In the last seven years, Mongolia has adopted a budget with a deficit. The state covers the budget deficit by issuing bonds. The economic situation will be further deteriorated if we keep on going like this. Therefore, the budget must be "healed" or spent and planned correctly, as soon as possible. We should make cuts in the budget and spend it correctly, and we will transfer to a free market economy by promoting the private sector with the outcomes.
How many jobs will be cut in 2016 with the integration and liquidation of state agencies?
A total of 180,000 people serve the state in Mongolia. The decision has been made to integrate some agencies in order to eliminate overlapping duties and to liquidate some agencies, transferring their functions to their related ministry. Also, a number of state funds will be decreased. For instance, the Customs Authority and General Taxation Authority is to be integrated and run operations under one roof. The National Statistical Office and General Authority for State Registration are also to be integrated.
A draft budget amendment has been submitted to Parliament. We have planned to operate with nine ministries until the upcoming parliamentary election in June 2016.
Some people believe that this is not a good idea, however, this decision was made with surveys and experience studies.
How much money will be saved by liquidating agencies?
The budget deficit has been forecasted to reach 900 billion MNT. But budget income is accumulated at the end of the year. We have the expectation that the situation might improve at the end of the year. Budget loss will not be recovered from other resources, it will be recovered by cutting spending.
We are working on not making cuts to the electricity, health, and education sectors. Construction work that has been planned to be financed by the 2015 budget but hasn't started yet will be transferred to 2016.
Are salaries to be increased in 2016? Is the issue of reducing the salaries of high ranking state officials by 30 percent still under discussion?
There is no country that discusses salary increases during the approval of the budget. If they do, they increase the salaries of state servants. During our period of rapid economic growth, copper and coal prices were two to three percent higher than they are today. Lots of money was earned for the budget then, but that money was spent inefficiently.
I want to call on politicians to not politicize that matter. The President of Finland has appealed to state servants to refuse their annual incentives and vacation incentives, as the country is facing an economic crisis. Meanwhile, some people in Mongolia are driving populism by demanding to increase salaries. With the rumor to increase salaries, commodity prices increase automatically, causing difficulty for the nation and private sector.
When will the resolution to make housing loan down payments 10 percent become effective?
This is an inevitable demand for the state to issue a guarantee deposit on housing loans for citizens. We are conducting studies about when to enforce it. We are working to make it work.
Lots of people will become unemployed with the retrenchment of jobs and integration of agencies. How do you see the negative consequences?
I can't say now exactly how many positions will be retrenched. The government will decide. We are looking for solutions to re-train people who will be retrenched and looking for opportunities for them to enter the private sector.
Latest Banking Industry Country Risk Assessment On Mongolia Published
HONG KONG (Standard & Poor's) Oct. 6, 2015--Standard & Poor's Ratings Services today published its "Banking Industry Country Risk Assessment: Mongolia."
We classify the banking sector of Mongolia (B+/Negative/B) in group '9' under our Banking Industry Country Risk Assessment (BICRA). Other countries in group '9' are Cambodia, Papua New Guinea, Tunisia, Argentina, Jamaica, Kenya, and Vietnam.
Our bank criteria use our BICRA economic risk and industry risk scores to determine a bank's anchor, the starting point in assigning an issuer credit rating. The anchor for banks operating only in Mongolia is 'b+'.
We consider the economic risk trend for Mongolia to be negative. The negative trend mainly reflects our opinion that the credit risk in the economy could heighten amid lower economic growth. We believe a continuous rise in private sector debt in a slowing economy could lead to greater credit losses in the banking system. This scenario would occur especially if anticipated foreign direct investment does not materialize, external liquidity continues to weaken, or the government debt burden rises.
We see the industry risk trend as stable because we expect banks to maintain a relatively simple business mix. We expect a modest weakening in the deposit-to-loan ratio because the growth in deposits is likely to decelerate faster than that in loans.
The report is available to subscribers of RatingsDirect at www.globalcreditportal.com and at www.spcapitaliq.com. If you are not a RatingsDirect subscriber, you may purchase a copy of the report by calling (1) 212-438-7280 or sending an e-mail to research_request@standardandpoors.com.
Ratings information can also be found on Standard & Poor's public Web site by using the Ratings search box located in the left column at www.standardandpoors.com. Members of the media may request a copy of this report by contacting the media representative provided.
Mongolia Green Lights China Gezhouba for Dam Infrastructure Work
By Michael Kohn
October 7 (Bloomberg) -- Govt orders relevant agencies to establish contract with China Gezhouba Group Co. Ltd. to build preliminary infrastructure for Egiin Goliin Hydro Power Plant project, according to statement on govt website.
* Minister for Industry Erdenebat Dondogdorj and Invest Mongolia Agency authorized to sign agreement with China Gezhouba: statement
* Construction to be completed in 13 months; project to create 500 jobs: statement
* NOTE: Contract to be Build-Transfer agreement, and upon completion of preliminary infrastructure, Gezhouba will transfer project to govt. Contract amount cannot be disclosed until agreements finalized, Anujin Galtbaatar, Investment Specialist for Egiin Goliin Hydro Power Project, says in e-mail
* NOTE: Preliminary work inc. 72.3km double circuit 220kv transmission line, 71.9km access road and 320m concrete bridge over Selenge River, according to Egiin Gol website.
* NOTE: Mongolia Seeks $828 Million From China for Largest Hydro Project
(BFW)
Export of Finished Cashmere Products Increases, Semi-Processed Down
October 7 (news.mn) The export of the finished-cashmere products has increased whilst the export of semi-finished goods has fallen in 2015. The cashmere products constitute 6% of total Mongolian exports. 1% of this is combed cashmere and the remaining 5% is washed cashmere. The Government is providing financial and tax incentives to the cashmere entrepreneurs, in order to further stimulate export revenue. For example, VAT of the final products has been zero-rated since August 2015. According to the National Statistical Office of Mongolia, the export of final-cashmere products has increased by 30%, reaching MNT 173.2 billion.
Program signed to provide financial support to gold producers
October 7 (news.mn) The Government decided to provide financial support to gold extractors, as a step to help the economy grow. The decision was taken some time ago, but there have been various hold-ups. Under the plan, the Government decided to provide MNT 256 billion credits to the gold extractors. But the financing is not solved completely, because of issues with the Development Bank.
On Friday, (2nd October), the Ministry of Mining, the Ministry of Finance, and the Bank of Mongolia signed to implement the "Finance of Gold" program. At present similar financing arrangements are already being operated by the various parties. Following the signing of contracts, the 9% loan rates with one-year term credits will be provided to the gold extractors via the commercial banks.
"Supporting Sustainable Growth" Summit Held
October 7 (gogo.mn) Numerous countries have been exercising principles of sustainable growth in their major policies and as a result, have made a significant progress in the allocation of mining revenues, reducing gap between the poor and the rich, and empowering citizens.
The sustainable growth means that a citizen of a country has equal access with fellow citizens to education, employment opportunity, healthcare system, social welfare program, major infrastructure systems and utilities (electricity, water, telecommunications etc), benefits of economic growth.
Mongolia had embodied the principles of the sustainable growth in its long-term development policies. Also, 7th issue to be discussed at current autumn session of the parliament is about "Adding the sustainable growth principles in the law of the development policies planning".
Today, more than 200 representatives from state authorities, NGOs and international organizations are attending "Supporting Sustainable Growth" summit being held at Main Hall of the State Palace.
At the summit, two foreign and a local representatives will deliver speeches on Mongolian and international tendencies of the sustainable growth.
"SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH" SUMMIT agenda:
09:50-10:00 Opening ceremony
10:00 -10:10 Opening speech - The summit leader: MP R.Amarjargal, PM of Mongolia Ch.Saikhanbileg
11:00 - 11:10 Opening speech - Director of ADB representative office in Mongolia Robert Schoellhammer - video introduction "Sustainable growth"
Question and answer session
10:30 - 11:00 "Understanding of the sustainable growth within Mongolian development strategies" by Professor of Economics Department of NUM and Dr of Economics Ch.Khashchuluun
11:40 - 12:10 Understanding of the sustainable growth and international tendencies - former MP of Japan and researcher of Tokyo Fund Zentaro Kamey
Question and answer session: The summit conclusion - MP R.Amarjargal, State Secretary General of Ministry of Finance Kh.Gantsog.
Mongolia ranks 104th in WEF Global Competitiveness Index
October 7 (gogo.mn) The Global Competitiveness Report 2015-2016 was published on September 30, yet Mongolia still remains steady compared with the previous years.
Open Society Forum NGO introduced the Mongolian rankings at the Global Competitiveness Report 2015-2016.
The Global Competitiveness Report assesses the competitiveness of 140 world economies. Using a mixture of quantitative and survey data, it ranks countries overall by combining 113 indicators grouped under 12 pillars of competitiveness: institutions; infrastructure; macroeconomic environment; health and primary education; higher education and training; goods market efficiency; labour market efficiency; financial market development; technological readiness; market size; business sophistication; and innovation.
Mongolia has joined the Global Competitiveness Report in 2015 and enabled to compare its competitiveness with other countries.
This year, no progress were made to the Mongolia`s competitive strengths. Mongolia collects 3.8 score out of 7 and ranks 104th place out of 140 countries.
After joining the report, Mongolia has collected 3.2-3.9 score which proves that Mongolia has not made significant changes to its competitive strengths.
Mongolian ADVANTAGE - Cellular Phone Users, Internet Speed and number of Internet users
Mongolia showed progress in following five indicators in 2015 compared with the previous years
· Technological readiness - 0,5 score,
· Market size - 0,3 score,
· Institutions and Innovation - 0,2 score,
· Higher education and training - 0,1 score.
Increase in cellular phone users, internet speed and number of internet users has affected the technological readiness progress.
Progress in intellectual property protection, state property usage, legal, judicial independence, effectiveness of the legal environment of government regulatory complaints has affected the institutions indicator.
Mongolian DISADVANTAGE - Macro economic instability
Following three competitiveness indicators have dropped:
· Macro economic instability (macroeconomic environment) - 0,6 score,
· Financial market development - 0,2 score,
· Health and primary education - 0,1 score.
Due to budget deficit in 2014 and gross domestic product (GDP) reached 11 percent, share of national savings to GDP declined to 24.3 percent, share of government debt to GDP reached 75.5 percent, inflation rose and state credit rating downgrades caused the macroeconomic environment indicator.
Five indicators including macro-economic stability, infrastructure, financial market development and innovation did not reach 50 percent score that must be taken.
Mongolia is higher than its competitivness in higher education and training, technological readiness compared with the Asian developing countries. However, competitivness in infrastructure, financial market development and market size is lower than Asian developing countries.
The most problematic factors for doing business in Mongolia
Respondents to the Executive Opinion Survey are asked every year to identify and rank the five most problematic factors for doing business in their country. The scores calculated on the basis of the 2015 data are presented in the country profiles at the end of this Report.
The most problematic factors for doing business in Mongolia in 2015:
· Government instability,
· Government bureaucracy,
· Access to financing,
· Inflation,
· Inadequately educated workforce,
· Policy instability.
Finally, Mongolia receiving just more than half out of total scores witnessed that our country must take substantial measures to improve competitiveness. Especially, need to focus on priority issues such as institutions including interest conflicts of public officials and use of state property.
However, it is difficult to believe that the Global Competitiveness Report will be implemented.
Open Society Forum was delivering the Global Competitiveness Report annually to the Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry reflected the report on its policy. Unfortunately, Ministry of Economic Development was abolished and no one is paying close attention to the competitiveness report.
We hope that the Global Competitiveness Report will contribute to hold discussion on improving the competitiveness between the Government and business, civil society organizations.
Wheat, potato, vegetable harvest at 46.2%, 85.1%, 83.1%
October 7 (gogo.mn) Grain harvest is at 46.2 percent, potato harvest is at 85.1 percent and vegetable harvest is at 83.1 percent in nationwide, reported by the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
More than 650 students and 950 soldiers are working for harvest.
This year, total of 512.3 thousand hectares of land were cultivated, of which 389.3 thousand hectares to grain, 360.7 thousand hectares to wheat, 12.5 thousand hectares to potatoes, 7.1 thousand hectares to vegetables, 78.5 thousand hectares to oil plants, 19.5 thousand hectares to fodder plants and 5.4 thousand hectares to medicinal herb were sown respectively.
As of October 06, 114.2 thousand grain from 137.2 thousand hectares of land, 129.4 thousand potatoes from 10.3 thousand hectares of land and 58.5 thousand vegetables from 5.3 thousand hectares of land were harvested.
Parliament Agenda for October 7: Standing Committee Meetings
October 7 (gogo.mn) Standing Committee meeting is scheduled for today.
1. Environment, Food and Agriculture Standing Committee meeting at 09 AM.
Agenda:
· Draft law on animal health and affiliated other drafts
· Minister of Food and Agriculture`s statement "Autumn harvesting"
2. Social Policy, Education, Culture and Science Standing Committee meeting at 09 AM.
Agenda:
· Draft law on hygiene and affiliated other drafts
· Revised draft law on legal status of the Mongolian Red Cross Society
· To appoint national council members of social insurance
3. Security and Foreign Policy Standing Committee meeting at 02 PM.
Agenda:
· Draft Resolution of State Great Hural on approval of State Military Policy
· Draft law on the ratification of the intergovernmental protocol between Russia and Mongolia on actions of the "Erdenet" Mining Corp.
· Draft law on the ratification of the intergovernmental protocol between Russia and Mongolia on actions of the "Mongolrostsvetmet" LLC
· Draft law on the ratification of the agreement to establish Asian Infrastructure Investment bank
· Draft law on the ratification of the agreement on transfer of sentenced prisoners between India and Mongolia
· Discuss on amendments to the basic rule and convention of the International Telecommunication Union
· Protocol for the Accession of Mongolia to the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization
· Draft resolution of State Great Hural on Amendments to the Annex to Regulation for Lands of Special Needs
Parliament Agenda for October 8: Plenary Session
October 8 (gogo.mn) At 09 AM:
1. Discussion of draft law to approve Principles of Mongolian State Army Policies / President of Mongolia proposed the draft law on 2015.04.14 and first discussion continues/
- Introduction by MP N.Enhbold
2. Resignation of several standing committee chairmen:
- Introduction by MP L.Erdenechimeg
- Introduction by MP R.Gonchigdorj
3. Discussion of Constitutional Court's 2015 11th conclusion on dispute whether constitutional clause in 7.1.12 clause of 7th article in Parliament law of Mongolia is violated.
- Introduction by member of Constitutional Court D.Ganzorig
- Introduction by MP Ts.Oyungerel
- Introduction by MP A.Bakei
4. Discussion of Constitutional Court's 2015 12th conclusion on dispute whether constitutional clause in 26.6 clause of 26th article in Parliament law of election is violated.
- Introduction by member of Contstitutional Court D.Ganzorig
- Introduction by MP Ts.Oyungerel
- Introduction by MP Su.Batbold
5. Draft law on the ratification of the intergovernmental protocol between Russia and Mongolia on actions of the "Erdenet" Mining Corp.
- Introduction by Minister of Foreign Affairs L.Purevsuren
- Introduction by MP O.Sodbileg
6. Draft law on the ratification of the intergovernmental protocol between Russia and Mongolia on actions of the "Mongolrostsvetmet" LLC
- Introduction by Minister of Foreign Affairs L.Purevsuren
- Introduction by MP O.Sodbileg
7. Draft law on the ratification of the agreement to establish Asian Infrastructure Investment bank
- Introduction by Minister of Finance B.Bolor
- Introduction by MP Ts.Bayarsaihan
8. Draft law on the ratification of the agreement on transfer of sentenced prisoners between India and Mongolia
- Introduction by Minister of Justice D.Dorligjav
- Introduction by MP O.Sodbileg
9. Draft resolution of State Great Hural on Amendments to the Annex to Regulation for Lands of Special Needs
- Introduction by Minister of Construction and Urban Development Z.Bayanselenge
- Introduction by MP Ts.Tsolmon
10. Draft law on construction and affiliated other drafts
- Introduction by Minister of Construction and Urban Development Z.Bayanselenge
- Introduction by MP J.Batsuuri
11. Draft law on animal health and affiliated other drafts
- Introduction by Minister of Food and Agriculture R.Burmaa
- Introduction by MP L.Erdenechimeg
12. Draft law on energy saving and affiliated other drafts
- Introduction by Minister of Energy D.Zorigt
- Introduction by MP A.Tleihan
13. Draft law on hygiene and affiliated other drafts
- Introduction by Minister of Health and Sports G.Shiilegdamba
- Introduction by MP D.Sarangerel
14. Revised draft law on legal status of the Mongolian Red Cross Society
- Introduction by MP N.Enhbold
- Introduction by MP A.Bakei
15. Amendments to law on value added taxes, amendments to law on budget, amendments to draft law on custom tariff and custom tax
- Introduction by Minister of Finance B.Bolor
- Introduction by MP L.Erdenechimeg
At 05 PM:
• President of Mongolia`s statement
International organisations call on Mongolian parliament to withdraw corruption amnesty law
TRANSPARENCY INTERNATIONAL, ITS NATIONAL CHAPTER IN MONGOLIA, AND THE UNCAC COALITION PUBLISH JOINT STATEMENT TO PREVENT AMNESTY LAW.
October 8 -- Transparency International, the global anti-corruption movement, its chapter in Mongolia and the UNCAC Coalition, an international umbrella group representing more than 300 civil society organisations, call on the parliament in Mongolia to reject a new law with provisions granting amnesty to those under investigation for corruption.
This new law would terminate 45 out of the 55 cases that the Independent Agency against Corruption in Mongolia (IAAC) is investigating and grant amnesty to the accused. The alleged crimes involve more than 32 billion Mongolian Togrog (US$16.2 million).
In August the president of Mongolia vetoed sections of a similar law that would have granted amnesty to those currently serving prison terms and those under investigation for corruption following pressure from the public and Transparency International. But a parliamentary committee has introduced for debate a new version of the vetoed law with the same amnesty provisions.
"This is a blatant attempt by politicians to grant themselves impunity. Anyone accused of corruption must be investigated. We assume the government and parliament of Mongolia is not willing to involve itself in such an international scandal and will throw the law out immediately," said José Ugaz, chair of Transparency International.
"Mongolia is a party to the UN Convention against Corruption and the UNCAC review process already raised serious questions about the Mongolian enforcement system. This new legislation, if adopted, would further undermine the rule of law in Mongolia," said Manzoor Hasan, chair of the UNCAC Coalition.
At its annual meeting in September, the Transparency International movement resolved to press for reconciliation and amnesty laws of Tunisia and Mongolia that do not legalise impunity but adhere to strict and transparent criteria in the administration of justice in accordance with international anti-corruption conventions.
Press contact(s):
Chris Sanders
Transparency International
+49 30 3438 20 666
press@transparency.org
Batbayar Ochirbat
Transparency International Mongolia
+97670120012
info@transparency.mn
Parliament Passes President's State Military Policy Fundamentals Bill
October 8 (President.mn) At today's plenary session of the State Great Khural /Parliament/, a Draft Resolution of Parliament on approving the fundamentals of the state military policy of Mongolia was heard and passed. This draft resolution was initiated by the President of Mongolia and submitted to the Parliament on April 14, 2015.
Upon the proposal of the Parliamentary Working group and the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Security and Foreign Policy, the Draft Resolution was changed into the Fundamentals of Defense Policy. This is important document as the National Security Concept of Mongolia which was approved in 2012.
Mogi: ummm, don't think so, where were wide-ranging public discussions held?
MP Su.Batbold: Public opinion reflected in draft amendment to election law
October 7 (gogo.mn) MPs Su.Batbold, S.Demberel, D.Sumyabazar, A.Tleikhan, Ch.Ulaan, J.Erdenebat, and L.Tsog have developed the draft law to make amendments into parliamentary election law of Mongolia, and addressed the Government of Mongolia and General Election Committee in order to receive point of views on the draft law, it is reported.
It has been publicly demanded since 2012 parliament election to revise and upgrade parliamentary election law in alignment with principles of the constitution.
There are numerous opinions and suggestions in relation to reform the constituency allocation, personnel of election committee, to ensure election results with manual counting of paper ballot, to take an immediate solution of disputable matters about election results and to enforce those who violate election law to carry responsibility.
Thus, Chairman of MPParty initiated the meeting titled "National Concession" in September, attended by delegates from 22 political parties. As a result, a working group which consists of 32 representatives from all parties was established. Now, the working group is about to submit the draft law to revise current election law. It is believed that the draft law reflects public, political parties and NGOs' opinions and point of views. However, Democratic Party was not involved in developing the draft law.
Following fundamental adjustments made into the draft law:
· Develop the draft law based fundamentals of current election law.
· Retain current election structure in the draft law and change current 26 constituency structure in order to prevent negative effects of competition of candidates from same party in same constituency.
· Adopt electoral system with 48 constituencies and as a result, number of candidates from same party for the election is limited to 48.
· Rules that only public service and administration staffs must be included in the working groups of election committee are changed according to the draft law. A candidate can suggest observers from one's party as a member of the working groups
· Decisions made at meetings attended by not less than two a third of election committee members are effective despite no signature approvals provided by Chairman or Secretary General of Election Committee.
· Assure online registration and voting of Mongolian citizens who live abroad.
· Conduct manual counting of paper ballots alongside with automatic counting system under observation such as video live presentation of counting to independents observers and the public.
· Terminate reemployment rights of public servants or statesmen who violated election law.
Parliament Playing Key Role in Strengthening Local Citizens' Representatives' Hurals
October 7 (parliament.mn) The Secretariat of the State Great Hural (Parliament), Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, and the United Nations Development Programme have been successfully co-implementing a "Capacity Strengthening of Local Self-Governing Bodies" project in some districts of the capital city as well as in aimags (provinces) of Mongolia since June 2013.
The proposed outcome of the project is to strengthen capacities of local hurals to fulfill their representational and oversight mandates for improved accountability of local governments and local service delivery. The project to end on December 31, 2016 aims to offer political support, financial incentives and technical assistance for the development of a National Training Programme for local elected representatives and establish appropriate institutional arrangements for delivering the programme.
On October 7, 2015, Secretary-general of the Parliament Secretariat B.Boldbaatar, who is the Project National Director, has attended the National Training Programme themed on "Citizens' Representatives' Hural: Representatives' Leadership" being organized in Sainshand, the center of Dornogovi aimag.
Project National Director B.Boldbaatar said, "The project goal is to develop capacities of local hurals to fulfil their representational and oversight roles for improved accountability of local governments and local service delivery. Four outputs will contribute to achievement of the project goal:
- A national training programme for local elected representatives is developed and institutionalized;
- Improved downward accountability of elected representatives through promoting citizen participation in decision making;
- Increased oversight capacity of local hurals;
- Lessons integrated into legal and policy framework for local self-governance".
Following its successful first year of implementation, the project achieved significant progress on its stated outputs including the completion of a nationwide training for newly elected local representatives and the commencement of a nationwide Women's Leadership Training (WLT). Additional achievements include, the awarding of sixteen grants with the objective of improving hural oversight of Local Development Fund (LDF) management and increasing citizen participation in local hural decision making; the development of a website to serve as a news, information and best practice outlet for hural members, and the successful completion of a study tour to Switzerland for parliament members to learn about local government administration and decentralization. The year of 2015 will be a decisive year for the project, prior to the imminent national elections of 2016.
Foreign Minister hosts reception for senior diplomats
Ulaanbaatar, October 7 (MONTSAME) On occasion of the Day of Seniors, the Minister of Foreign Affairs L.Purevsuren Tuesday received senior diplomats and workers who retired from this Ministry.
At the reception, the FM highlighted for the 160 pensioners foreign relations policy, activities and current works. The senior diplomats have devoted their knowledge, skills and works to strengthening the continuation of the external relations, fortifying contemporary diplomacy of Mongolia, expanding the foreign ties and economic cooperation, he praised the gathered. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its affiliates have been continuing the works launched by the seniors, he said.
"We have gained big achievements in broadening our friendly relations and cooperation with many countries, in augmenting economic effectiveness of the foreign relations, in attracting foreign investors, also in propagandizing Mongolia abroad, protecting our citizens abroad, and participating in structures of international and regional multilateral cooperation," he said.
He mentioned that the 11th ASEM Summit will take place in Ulaanbaatar next year, "the government is doing all the best to run this grand meeting fruitfully".
State Worshiping Ceremony Held for Bogdkhan Mountain
October 8 (President.mn) Upon the Decree of the President of Mongolia, the state worshipping ceremony of the Mount Bogdkhan was held on October 7, 2015. At the ceremony, President of Mongolia Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj, Chief of Staff of the Office of the President of Mongolia P.Tsagaan, Member of Parliament, Minister of Environment, Green Development and Tourism N.Battsereg, Advisors to the President R.Bold, A.Ganbaatar, Ch.Unurbayar, Chairman of Ulaanbaatar City Citizens' Representative Khural D.Battulga, authorities of Tuv Aimag, Khamba Lama of Zuun Khuree Monastery D.Dambajav, and citizens were present.
After the remarks by the President, the lamas of Zuun Khuree Monastery dedicated their prayers by reading of Devjid Serjim, Khan-Uul San, Dashcharviin San, Namsrain Dallaga and other sutras to the sacred Mountain Bogdkhan.
ASEM working group discusses transportation issues
October 7 (gogo.mn) The ASEM working group in charge of road, transportation, telecommunications and airport held its 4th meeting on October 6.
The Minister of Road and Transportation M.Zorigt led working group discussed matters of airport construction, road condition improvement works, lighting and landscaping.
The meeting attendees include: representatives from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ASEM working groups, Deputy Chairman of Road, Transportation and Infrastructure Division of Capital City Administration N.Gantumur and Director of Civil Flight Authority.
source: www.asemmongolia.mn
Production of fruit juice and tea will expand in Mongolia with EBRD loan to MCS Coca-Cola
US$ 30 million to Mongolian-owned franchise of global drinks brand for expansion of local production of soft drinks
October 8 (EBRD) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is continuing to support the local production of fast-moving consumer goods in Mongolia with a new loan to MCS Coca-Cola LLC, a fully Mongolian-owned company.
The loan will finance investments in new, energy efficient glass and hot fill bottling lines which will enable MCS Coca-Cola to expand production of some categories of soft drinks, namely fruit juices and bottled tea. Part of the loan will be used for the balance sheet restructuring. (Mogi: theeeere it is. Guess no one, even a Coke producer is not immune these days)
MCS Coca-Cola, a leading soft drinks producer, has been producing Coca-Cola branded beverages in Mongolia since 2002. The company, owned by MCS Holding, a diversified Mongolian private group of companies, has cooperated with the EBRD in the past.
The long-term senior loan will include a local-currency portion (US$ 8 million equivalent in tugrik), to help the company hedge against foreign exchange risks.
As part of the EBRD-financed project, the company will also continue to develop distribution channels in remote regions of the vast and sparsely populated country.
The EBRD Head of Office in Ulaanbaatar, Matthieu le Blan, said: "The EBRD is supporting one of the core activities of a well-diversified group meeting the highest standards of corporate governance. It is in line with our strategy of supporting the diversification of the economy by financing competitive sectors and reducing Mongolia's reliance on imports for consumer's goods."
To date, the EBRD has invested about €890 million in various sectors of the Mongolian economy.
Groundbreaking ceremony held for 8MW Solar Power Plant in Uvurkhangai
October 8 (news.mn) The ceremony to build a 8 MW capacity Solar Power Plant took a place at the weekend. The new Solar Power Plant will be built close to the Bayanteeg- Coal Mine, which is located in the Nariin-Teel Soum of Uvurkhangai Province. South Korea will provide USD 25 million to finance the Solar Power Plant. This solar power plant will become another power source of electricity to the Uvurkhangai, and Bayankhongor Provinces.
Mongol Mind: P.Enkhtuvshin, Solid Brand
October 8 (gogo.mn) Fashion photographer P.Enhtuvshin has developed "Solid" brand, which offers T-shirt with Mongolian antique images printed on it. Even though he qualified as programmer, he had started to take fashion photographs accidently and now he has five years of experience in this field.
Earlier, he was working for "Gobi' JSC as a photographer and now he has established his own photo studio. He takes not only fashion but also other genres of photos including nature, interior design, family and children.
We have invited him to our "Mongol Mind" section and interviewed on his "Solid" brand.
-You are designing T-shirts with very unique solution. How did you find the idea to start the production?
-I have always wanted to create a thing with Mongol pattern. Currently, I am working to improve my T-shirt design after receiving positive feedbacks.
-I heard that the T-shirts are produced abroad. Why did you decide to order T-shirt from abroad? In Mongolia, we have many companies which print images on T-shirt. It is cheaper in here, is not it?
-First of all, I did not like the material and stitch of the T-shirts offered by Mongolian companies. I wanted to produce high quality T-shirt, then I decided to order the material from abroad, which is 100% of fabric and sewing is good.
Second, it is cheaper to produce abroad than in Mongolia. Moreover, there has not been a company able to print the front picture by its actual size; only options to print pictures in A4 and A3 size.
-What would you change in order to improve the design of your T-shirt?
-I will follow latest fashion trends by shortening the sleeve and work on the shape of T-shirt to fit perfectly on the body. Also, I have the plan to introduce T-shirt for women.
-Will you print modern images on T-shirt? The color selection is interesting too.
-I mostly produce T-shirt with old or antique images on it. If I print modern picture, people will not much interested in it. But I produced a T-shirt with modern picture of horse taken by me. For the color, I selected recent trend colors.
-How about the prices for the T-shirts?
-I am planning to set the prices for T-shirt at MNT 50-55 thousand. I think it is the most reasonable price.
-Will you sell your T-shirts at stores?
-I have the purpose to open "Solid" brand shop after finding a good printing company. Except the T-shirt, I have a plan to manufacture shoes with Mongol pattern in near future. I figured out the designs for the shoes. However, I prefer to produce high quality T-shirts first.
-Is there any possibility to export your products? Have you think about that?
-I received proposal to sell my products in Hong Kong and Japan. Moreover, people from Korea contacted me and requested to purchase my products by large numbers for sell. But first, I should finalize my products.
-Let me ask one thing away from the subject. Why you became fashion photographer?
-Previously, I was working as web master for Gobi JSC. Italian designer Saverio Palatella hired a photographer for her fashion photographs. But she did not like the photos taken by the photographer. I took several photos with my camera and she liked mine. Then she wanted me to take photos of her two collection. Since then I started to take fashion photographs.
-Thank you. Good luck.
If you want to contact with P.Enhtuvshin please visit his Facebook page.
Blue Ticket rules change for crossing Russia border on wheels
October 8 (news.mn) The rule of obtaining "blue tickets", which are required for vehicles crossing the Mongolian Russian border, has changed. According to the new rule, the tourist companies must have the permission certificate to transport tourists and must report the name of the co-driver.
The price of the blue ticket is MNT 15,000; the black-market price, however, has been as high as MNT 700,000. Therefore, the new rule will prevent from the extra added price of the blue tickets; and be valid from 12th October.
Seoul & Ulaanbaatar Mayors: 'Cooperation Vital to Global Green Development'
October 7 (The Asia Foundation) On September 21 and 22, mayors and vice mayors from eight cities across Northeast Asia gathered in Ulaanbaatar for the "Northeast Asian Mayors' Forum" to exchange best practices and dismiss challenges in urban green growth. After two days of lively discussions, the leaders agreed on a communiqué that Ulaanbaatar Mayor Bat-Uul Erdene will present at the December Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), or COP21, in Paris.
Asia Foundation country representatives Meloney Lindberg (Mongolia) and Dylan Davis (Korea) spoke at the Forum with Ulaanbaatar Mayor Bat-Uul and Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon. Below are excerpts from their conversation.
This Forum marks an important milestone, coming just a year after a national strategy for green development in Mongolia was adopted. What is your vision of the way forward following this timely meeting?
Mayor Bat-Uul: Cooperation and partnership of Northeast Asian cities is vital to global green development. Many cities in this region play major roles in the reduction of global air pollution, and as such, our cities can further collaborate in this arena.
In 2014, we hosted the very first Northeast Asian Mayors' Forum. It is opportune that this Forum, with a focus on green growth, is happening at the same time that Ulaanbaatar has just finished developing the first draft of its own Green Development Strategy. After exchanging experiences and ideas with other cities at this Forum, we will finalize our strategy for Ulaanbaatar.
The Forum also coincides with a Sister City visit from the Honorable Mayor Park of Seoul. In what areas related to the environment can Ulaanbaatar exchange and share with Seoul?
Mayor Bat-Uul: We have been importing best practices from Seoul for many years, and one notable area of collaboration is smart public transportation. Ulaanbaatar residents have just started using smart cards on buses, and a Korean company is helping to implement this initiative.
Seoul residents use their terraces and balconies as household garden spaces. In a similar way, we could easily implement that practice in Ulaanbaatar. We could also encourage ger area households to more efficiently use their khasha (fenced plots) spaces to grow vegetables.
One of the main aspects of green development is supporting a city's low-income residents and enabling them to gain sources of income. For instance, Seoul uses empty spaces like small corners to create green spaces. While this helps create more green space, the people who plant those green spaces are also compensated for their work.
Ulaanbaatar and Seoul have been Sister Cities for 20 years and Ulaanbaatar even has a street named Seoul Street. In what areas do you see that Seoul can contribute to further promote this important sister city relationship in the future?
Mayor Park: Since Seoul and Ulaanbaatar established Sister City relations in 1995, we have pursued active exchanges in various fields including culture, environment, urban planning, and labor policies. On this visit, my first to Ulaanbaatar, we organized the Seoul-Ulaanbaatar Policy Exchange Workshop to commemorate the 20th anniversary of our sister city relations. The workshop provided a platform for practical exchanges. Participants engaged in policy exchanges in various fields such as smart city, disaster safety management, and urban planning.
I hope to further strengthen the friendship and partnership between Seoul and Ulaanbaatar. I believe the entire Asian region should come together and share their wisdom to tackle various common challenges.
Under your leadership, we have seen a great number of positive changes in transforming Ulaanbaatar into a greener city. What are you most proud of?
Mayor Bat-Uul: The city's new administration started its work in 2012. Since this time, ecology and green development has become an independent sector within the administration's structure. We have started looking into how other cities efficiently and effectively develop their green growth and green development strategies. The more we study about the topic the more we realize the importance of this issue. I don't think it will take long for Ulaanbaatar to become a green city. Ulaanbaatar is a relatively young city. Now almost every ger area household owns a fuel- efficient stove.
In what ways has Seoul embraced green growth?
Mayor Park: Seoul's "Green Growth Project" focuses on solving climate change problems and the energy crisis by creating opportunities for sustainable urban growth. Through our "One Less Nuclear Power Plant Initiative," we have reduced 2 million TOE (equivalent to the capacity of one nuclear power plant) and raised energy independence from 2.9 percent in 2011) to 4.2 percent in 2013 through energy conservation efforts and new and renewable energy production efforts. The second phase (August 2014-present) aims to reduce 4 million TOE by 2020 and raise energy independence to 20 percent by 2020. Through our "Seoul Station 7017 Project," we will transform the elevated road near Seoul Station into an environmentally friendly park that will also help revitalize the local economy.
Many of Ulaanbaatar's residents are concerned about the environment and are eager to mobilize to make it a greener city. What ideas do you have to support citizens?
Mayor Bat-Uul: One of the main factors for healthy living in Ulaanbaatar is to have more green spaces and parks. The administration has put a great deal of effort into making this happen, including major new road construction projects that enable people to travel easily outside of the city to access summer camps in Gachuurt.
We spent around 3 percent of the last year's city budget for green development. We plan to increase this number and accomplish bigger results. Apart from cosmetic works, there is an urgent need to update the city's engineering infrastructure to improve insulation, reduce heat loss during the cold months, and enable safer tap water service. Such actions are required for the expansion of the city and considered vital for green development.
Mayor Park, you and Mayor Bat-Uul were both strong youth leaders in your student days and have focused on listening to citizen's concerns and seeking concrete ways to address them during your respective political careers. What do you think are the most important issues to tackle to ensure citizens in Seoul or Ulaanbaatar can live in a healthy and green city?
Mayor Park: As a city that has experienced both the good and the bad side of rapid and compressed development, Seoul has much advice to give to Ulaanbaatar. First, all policies, including urban planning, should not be pursued by the central local government alone. Rather, they should be pursued with the communication and the collaboration of the citizens, and put top priority on quality of life of citizens and sustainable future of cities.
It may take some time for the citizens' opinions to be reflected in the urban planning process, but in the long run, including citizen participation minimizes trials and errors, and is the safest path forward. Ulaanbaatar has a beautiful natural environment. Since it is difficult to restore an environment that has been destroyed, it is important to prioritize harmony between people and the environment when pursuing urban development.
In early December, The Asia Foundation will meet with one of the key organizers of this Forum, Ulaanbaatar Vice Mayor Bat-Erdene, to share his views and present the finalized green growth action plan. The City received technical support from a number of key international partners and technical experts.
UB City seeks Gates Foundation help in ger area soil pollution
Ulaanbaatar, October 8 (MONTSAME) Mayor of Ulaanbaatar issued a direction on Wednesday to set up a working group for establishing cooperation with Bill Gates Foundation. The UB City aspires to cooperate with the foundation in mitigating soil pollution by introducing ger (national dwelling) areas into new sanitary technologies and know-how.
The cooperation with Bill Gates Foundation is expected to find solutions to the issues of treatment facility access for the households in ger areas, in order to slow down the urban soil degradation.
The Mayor assigned his deputy in charge of ecology and green development T.Bat-Erdene to manage the implementation of this direction.
What's going on with our new bus system?
October 8 (UB Post) Private bus companies declared a strike at 6:00 a.m. on the snowy morning of October 7, without any notice in advance, causing some people to get frozen cheeks and some taxi drivers to get richer while they transported people for 1,000 MNT each to their destinations.
The reason why 60 percent of buses didn't get on the road that morning was due to the inability of private bus companies to repay their debt to UB Smart Card and provide salaries for their workers. UB Smart Card and the bus companies cannot get along, and commuters have fallen victim to their dispute.
According to reports from a month or two ago, UB Smart Card said their revenue was growing higher than the average thanks to the new smart card system, but what is actually happening now?
The bus companies made complaints about how they give their income to the bank, and that as a result, their income has decreased. For example, Bluebus revenue has reportedly been reduced by 30 million MNT, Zorchigch Teevriin Negtgel by 537 million MNT, and Atibus by 55 million MNT.
According to the managing director of Ulaanbaatar Smart Card Co., R.Gan-Erdene, the bus companies asked for the revenue to be gathered and then equally distributed based on hours worked, so that everyone got a fair share of the income, regardless of the number of passengers on each route. "This means that whether there were 100 passengers or 10 passengers, everyone gets the same pay if they worked the same hours," R.Gan-Erdene explained yesterday during a press conference. However, the bus authorities are now saying that they were against this plan from the beginning.
The private companies have fallen into great debt because they borrowed approximately 3.8 billion MNT from Ulaanbaatar Smart Card Co. when they didn't have enough income to pay their workers, or even to buy fuel. On one hand, bus drivers haven't been paid in three months and have fallen into personal debt of their own. On the other hand, UB Smart Card Co. is said to be just an executive arm of the Capital City Office, and they are doing their job well.
The reason for this entire income deficit could be because of the 10 percent income commissions that buses paid for the installment and payment to UB Smart Card Co for card readers. As UB Smart Card Co. has said, only 3.5 percent of that 10 percent is income, and 2.5 percent is being used to pay for card readers. The rest is going to external expenses such as bank transfers, network fees, and taxes.
A few months back, the executive director of Ulaanbaatar Smart Card, B.Munkhbolor, said during an interview with gogo.mn, "Since the project investment will not be mixed with Ulaanbaatar's budget, it will be no trouble for citizens or our country. We will cover our expenses from our main income in six to seven years, and small commissions will cover the expenses." Well, this certainly is not causing trouble for citizens.
The bus company directors have said that they never made this agreement, and that UB Smart Card said the commissions would be up to 10 percent, not exactly 10 percent.
The card readers, which were installed three months ago, cost 4,800 USD according to zaluu.com, and 15 million MNT according to the head of the Ulaanbaatar Public Transportation Office's Dispatchers Department, G.Dorjpalam. Since the system launched in July, they have circulated approximately 11 billion MNT, and so, if you do the math, 27.5 million MNT has gone to payment for the new machines within three months.
Let's dig deeper into the reality of these card readers.
According to zaluu.com's research on prices for the card readers, they are said to have been made in Korea, but are in fact only assembled in Korea and made in either China or Australia. When searching the internet for these card readers, Chinese-made readers cost between 100 to 600 USD on Alibaba.com, the Amazon.com of China. An Australian reader by FareONE Smart Bus Ticketing costs 1,900 USD. Additionally, these Australian card readers are reported to be technically more advanced and cost half or even four times less than the declared price of UB's card readers.
According to an unofficial source, our city authorities chose the most expensive card readers in the international open market over a Mongolian guy's 1.1 million MNT technology, which was also being considered for purchase.
The city authorities promised us a better transportation system, a technological advancement, and we supported it by buying cards for 3,600 MNT and paying their commissions. But in return, passengers got disorganized, shorter routes which are ineffective. Now, thanks to this new system, passengers have to catch taxis until one miraculous day when the bus companies end their strike, or former bus riders can just walk in this capricious and harsh Mongolian weather.
When attempting to bring about change, research and prepare. Study the best payment options for participating companies, study how much money will be lost when people get a free ride during rush hours, study what to do about theft, and study the options for time management at these moments of optimal deficit and when additional issues may arise.
It's almost as if the new system was adopted on a whim, because nothing has been prepared for. And as usual, the city's residents pay the biggest price.We're losing money, wracking nerves, our healthwill suffer, and most importantly, trust in this poor transportation system and this capital city that brought us this "innovation" has been lost.
New UB Airport Progress as of 25 September
"Sporty Ulaanbaatar" event to be held on Saturday at Chinggis Square
October 8 (gogo.mn) In scope of 376th anniversary of the capital city, public event titled "Sporty-Ulaanbaatar" will be held on October 10th during 10AM - 05PM at Chinggis square.
Main purpose of this public event is to involve youths in sport activities and to create new generation with physical and mental endurance to overcome any barriers by training in sports and making healthy lifestyle within the framework of Law on Physical Education and Sports, Ulaanbaatar Mayor's Action Plan for 2013-2016 and Capital of economic and social goals of Ulaanbaatar in 2015.
More than 2000 representatives from over 60 organizations including Physical Education and Sports Department of City and nine districts, sport federations, Student national teams, athletes of junior national teams, fitness and sport clubs operating in capital city, residents participated in 4th Sport Festival, Mongolian Youth Federation, students of secondary schools and elders will participate in the event and promote their activities.
Same tents are to be built at Chinggis square while districts, sport federations and fitness clubs will decorate the tents with their own address and flags to promote their activities and operations.
Moreover, following activities have planned to be organized at the "Sporty-Ulaanbaatar" :
- Physical Education and Sports Department of Districts to introduce their activities and success to the public
- Citizen Sport Festival to be promoted
- National archery, travel, shooting and national board games to be exhibited
- Bicycle exhibition and renting service to be organized
- Sport stores to organize trade fairs
- Examination on health and body provided with advice to be held
- Photography exhibition named "UB Marathon 2015" to be showed
Chinese Defense Minister begins Mongolia visit
Ulaanbaatar, October 8 (MONTSAME) The Defense Minister of the People's Republic of China Colonel-General Chang Wanquan Thursday started a working visit to Mongolia, by invitation of his Mongolian counterpart Ts.Tsolmon.
The same day, the two Ministers held official talks and signed an agreement on assistance. During the talks, Mr Tsolmon thanked his guest for sending troops of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) for the first time to the "Khaan Quest" international military exercises for peacekeeping, and hoped that China will keep such a participation and will expand and regularize mutual and international exercises for sharing experiences in peacekeeping operations.
The parties expressed a mutual willingness to boost cooperation in peacekeeping operations, selection of peacekeepers, supporting each others' military servicemen at elections, exchanging information about regions and territories which are taking part in the peacekeeping operations with UN mandates, and rendering assistance to each other with necessary human forces and techniques.
The establishment of the Mongolia-China intergovernmental agreement on the cooperation in military and technical spheres has brought the bilateral ties in the defense into a new level, said Tsolmon.
Our relations in the defense sector have been intensively developing based on common interests of the two countries, friendly relations and trust of people. "Our relations also have been boosting in many directions," he said.
The visit of the Defense Minister of China is the first one after 15 years. Within the visit, Colonel-General Chang Wanquan will be received by the President Ts.Elbegdorj and the PM Ch.Saikhanbileg. He will leg the University of Defense as well.
Belarus, Mongolia to cooperate in minerals extraction
MINSK, 8 October (BelTA) – Belarus and Mongolia intend to cooperate in the extraction of commercial minerals. The relevant ideas were discussed during the meeting of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Mongolia Stanislav Chepurny and Mongolian Minister of Foreign Affairs Lundeg Purevsuren on 8 October, the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told BelTA.
The meeting focused on prospects of advancing Belarusian-Mongolian relations, including in the sphere of education. The sides exchanged views concerning the advisability of preparing a roadmap to guide bilateral cooperation in the most promising areas of interaction, including the extraction of commercial minerals, the establishment of enterprises in Mongolia to assemble Belarusian vehicles, the shipment of mining and agricultural machines, repair of railway rolling stock, production and processing of food products.
The Mongolian side also expressed interest in implementing joint projects to increase the number of forests in Mongolia.
Link to Belarus MFA press release
German President Joachim Gauck to pay state visit to Mongolia, 14-16 October
October 8 (infomongolia.com) The President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Joachim Gauck will pay a state visit to Mongolia on October 14-16, 2015 at the invitation of the President of Mongolia, Mr. Ts.Elbegdorj.
The heads of state of the two countries will have an official talks. President Joachim Gauck will also exchange views on bilateral relations and cooperation with Speaker of the State Great Khural (Parliament of Mongolia) Z.Enkhbold and Prime Minister Ch.Saikhanbileg.
German President will visit Kharkhorin (Kharkhorum, Karakorum) to oversee an archaeological excavation carried out by the Mongolia-Germany Kharkhorin Expedition, as well as the German-Mongolian Institute for Resources and Technology, reports the Press and Public Relations Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Related:
President of Germany to visit – Montsame, October 8
Minister S.Erdene makes statement on social development issues at UNGA Third Committee
October 8 (MFA Mongolia) On 7 October 2015, Mr.Erdene Sodnomzundui, Minister for Population Development and Social Protection of Mongolia made statement on social development issues at the Third Committee of the 70th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In the beginning of his speech, the Minister S.Erdene underlined that "As 9 out of 17 global goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development recently adopted at the United Nations Summit are related to social issues, we are in the beginning of historic époque to end poverty, reduce inequalities and protect the environment which will be realized through our common zeal and commitment."
Further, he introduced the national policies and programs targeted at youth, elderly, persons with disabilities and family development and briefed about further goals on population development to be implemented in relation to the SDGs. Highlights made by the Minister S.Erdene in regard to social development issues included, but not limited to the 2009 National Strategy on Population Ageing, the Pension Reform Policy for 2015-2030, establishment of the National Youth Committee and opening of Youth Development Centers in rural areas in cooperation with UNFPA. He also underlined effective activities conducted within the framework of the 2014 Year of Family  in Mongolia and submission of the draft Law on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities to the Parliament of Mongolia.
Applications for 2015-16 Australia Direct Aid Program for Mongolia Now Open
Applications are now open for 2015-16 financial year
The Direct Aid Program (DAP) is a flexible small grants program funded from Australia's aid budget.
The Mongolia DAP aligns with the overall purpose of Australia's aid program – to promote Australia's national interests by contributing to sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction – and with the principles of the DAP, which include:
– to support projects focused on practical and tangible results; and,
– to support Australia's wider foreign and trade policy interests and public diplomacy objectives.
In 2015-16, the Mongolia DAP will aim to fund projects in the following sectors:
– children and young people;
– gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls;
– community health;
– schools/education;
– basic infrastructure;
– rural development;
– the environment, including climate change and urban air pollution; and,
– sport for development.
Projects and Eligibility:
The Mongolia DAP is available on a not-for-profit basis to individuals, community groups, NGOs and other entities engaged in development activities in Mongolia.
The funding amount for any one project in Mongolia is between ten and thirty thousand Australian dollars (AUD10,000-AUD30,000).
The Mongolia DAP is managed by the Australian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea. The Seoul Embassy DAP Committee receives and evaluates applications before making a recommendation to the Ambassador.
How to apply:
Applications must be lodged by 5pm (Mongolia time), 30 October 2015. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered.
To apply:
1. Read the DAP General Guidelines
2. Download the DAP application form for Mongolia here in Word or PDF format
3. Complete the application form (don't forget to attach the relevant documents).
4. Contact dap.seoul@dfat.gov.au if you have any questions regarding the application process.
5. Your completed application form should be sent to dap.seoul@dfat.gov.au (e-mail size must be under 5MB) by 5pm (Mongolia time) 30 October 2015.
Development Cooperation - Mongolia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
The Australian Government's overseas aid program is a Federal Government funded program that reduces poverty in developing countries.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade manages the program. Information about the targets and goals of the program can be found here.
Australia, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade works with other governments, the United Nations, Australian companies and non-government organisations to design and set up projects which tackle the causes and consequences of poverty in developing countries.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade provides development assistance to both Mongolia and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
For information on the Mongolia Australia Scholarships Program, visit the program website.
Sukhbaatar Aimag Hospital opens chemotherapy department with Khan Bank assistancw
October 8 (Khan Bank) With the purpose of improving services of the rural hospital and bringing chemotherapy closer to cancer patients, the new Cancer Chemotherapy Department was opened at the hospital of Sukhbaatar aimag.
Cancer chemotherapy provides opportunities to cure cancer completely, killing cancer cells and reducing cancer growth. Chemotherapy and physiotherapy are the highly required treatments for cancer patients. Therefore, patients coming from rural areas to the National Cancer Center (NCC) for chemotherapy never stop since there is no other qualified cancer hospital except the NCC in Mongolia.
The Khan Bank Foundation acts as a general sponsor of the department establishment, which was initiated by the Jargalsaikhan Future foundation and was built in one year thanks to the sincere donations by individuals and companies operating in Sukhbaatar aimag.
The Jargalsaikhan Future foundation was founded by family members of late manager of Khan Bank branch in Sukhbaatar aimag B.Jargalsaikhan and dedicated to continuing his initiatives aimed at accomplishing various activities such as supporting public health education and delivering free medical diagnosis to vulnerable group of the society.
According to some unfortunate statistics 161 individuals were diagnosed with cancer diseases and 127 individuals passed away due to cancer diseases in Sukhbaatar aimag last year. The newly established cancer chemotherapy department will receive patients not only from Sukhbaatar aimag, but also from Khentii and Dornod aimags and deliver medical treatment to residents of these three eastern aimags.
The head of the Jargalsaikhan Future Foundation J.Zorigtbaatar, manager of Khan Bank branch in Sukhbaatar aimag Ts.Adiyabaatar, head of the Research and Training Department of the NCC Ts.Badamsuren and other officials attended in the ceremony. The head of the Jargalsaikhan Future foundation J.Zorigtbaatar underlined that it is a significant investment in the provincial hospital and it is a "Model Department" which could be established in other aimags.
The Khan Bank Foundation with the motto of making considerable contributions to the social wellbeing have jointly organized the National Campaign against Cancer across the country for the fifth year and delivered comprehensive and free medical diagnosis to thousands of people. The Khan Bank Foundation sponsored this project with the aim of improving sufficiency of medical treatment and quality, as well as developing hospital conditions and environment.
Do not swallow raw marmot meat
October 8 (gogo.mn) This year, 9 occasions have been registered that people are infected from marmot plague; two of them were dead in Khovd and Khuvsgul provinces.
In regards to nine occasions above, infected people falsely believed, that swallowing raw meat and organs /liver, stomach etc/ of marmot is helpful for health.
Foreigners traveling in Mongolia should be aware of the matter and decline if offered to taste raw meat and organs of marmot.
Please be familiar with the following:
1. Mongolia has the law which prohibits marmot hunting.
2. Do not trade and transport skin and meat of illegally hunted marmot in public areas.
3. Do not eat raw meat or organs of marmot.
4. Do not touch and make any contact remains of dead rodent or marmot
Astronaut Gurragchaa presents Khurel Togoot Cosmology Complex project
Ulaanbaatar, October 7 (MONTSAME) Minister of Environment, Green Development and Tourism N.Battsereg received Tuesday Mongolia's first astronaut J.Gurragchaa and a director of Astronomy and Geophysics Institute of the Academy of Sciences S.Demberel.
Mr Gurragchaa, titled "Hero of Mongolia", presented his project on Khurel Togoot Open Complex of Astronomy and Cosmology, and proposed possible approaches to expand the reach of the complex to children and tourists.
The Minister promised to support the proposal in his sphere of responsibility.
Development Pencil Exhibition to promote child development organizations, 10-11 October
October 8 (gogo.mn) "Development pencil" exhibition with the aim to promote child development organizations to the public, to improve quality and types of child development services and to expand its choice will be held during the weekend (October 10-11) at Ulaanbaatar Ensemble between 10AM to 06PM.
Child development training centers, sport and art clubs, children participation organizations and children initiative organizations will take part in the expo.
Visitors are enabled to get information about child development and child involvement organizations from the expo as well as able to register their children to clubs and training centers at discounted price.
Moreover, psychological diagnosis, advice, training, lecture and competition will be organized at the expo.
Ten-year-old girl wants to build animal shelters nationwide
October 7 (news.mn) A ten-year-old Mongolian girl, M.Gangaadari, sent a letter to N.Battsereg, Minister of the Environment, Green Development and Tourism. In her letter she wrote that: "So many uncared-for dogs and cats are dying in Mongolia, because of hunger and beatings. Unfortunately, many people think that these animals are nasty, and deserve to die in this way. I have few ideas about it: I want to build animal care homes in Ulaanbaatar's Baynzurkh, Zaisan, Nalaikh and Chingeltei Districts as well as in the Govi-Altai and Dornod Province and in the cities of Bulgan, Dornogovi and Darkhan. Every care home must have one truck and a special care center. Many children like me are ready to help. I hope that, our country has enough money to build the care home".
In reply, Minister N.Battsereg said that: "I am proud of this young Mongolian citizen, who sacrifices her heart for animals and the environment. Every citizen must be an ecologist". The Minister gave Gangaadari an "Atlas of the Useful Plants of Mongolia" as a present.
Standing Council on Earthquake Damage Prevention holds meeting
October 8 (gogo.mn) Standing Council on Preventing Earthquake Damages led by Deputy PM of Mongolia consists of 18 people. The council held its regular meeting at State Palace.
At the beginning of the meeting, Chairman of National Emergency Authority and General T.Badral informed about the earthquake which took place in areas near Gunj and Gachuurt on last Saturday.
Also, the council discussed several issues including redevelopment of earthquake disaster control plan, current implementation of 2015 work plan of the council, and the World Bank's research on earthquake resistance rate of buildings in the capital city.
At the end of the meeting, Deputy PM of Mongolia Ts.Oyunbaatar assigned certain guidelines on several issues; to intensify redevelopment of earthquake disaster control plan, to present scientific research works to the public, to take certain approaches to educate the public about disaster preparation and to bring up the issue of solving seismic and earthquake testing station's financing in regards to the state budget.
Environmental assessment curriculum for Mongolia presented
Ulaanbaatar, October 7 (MONTSAME) Vice Minister of Environment, Green Development and Tourism M.Khurelsukh received October 6 Stefan Hanselmann and O.Batbold from the Integrated Mineral Resources Initiative (IMRI), and a director of "Natural Capital" Co. Yu.Bayanjargal and executive director of the Assessment Union B.Ikhbayar.
The guests spoke about newly developed living environment assessment curriculum for Mongolia, based on the studies on other countries' practices. It has been prepared in frames of the IMRI, implemented by the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ) and Ministry of Industry of Mongolia and German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
They said the unit price of the environmental damage assessment can be 67 Togrog, while it is 0.32 euro in Germany.
The curriculum can be used not only in mining, but also in many other fields such as infrastructure, civil construction and urban development.
M.Khurelsukh approved the project for being quite "tangible", and expressed an interest to keep up the cooperation on this. He considered that specialists need to be trained in environmental assessment.
Mongolian Photographer: Tushig Hishigtogtoh
October 7 (gogo.mn)
Eventhough he was majored in marketing, he has spent three years for working as photographer. He works during day time so that he has spare time to spend on capturing photos during just night time, which led him to become the night photographer. "I have spent many sleepless night" said H.Tushig. There is only one tallest building left that he is yet to visit. That is the "Shangri-La. "I will visit Shangri-La tonight" he stated and it proves how much loyal he is to photography world.
If you want to watch more of his works, please visit at his Facebook page.
Mongolia Takes 2 Gold, 2 Silver, 3 Bronze at First Asian Kudo Championships
October 7 (infomongolia.com) Mongolian Kudo Federation (MKF) and International Kudo Federation (IKF) have jointly hosted the First Asian Kudo Cup Championship 2015 successfully on October 03-04, 2015 in Ulaanbaatar.
Mongolia has participated in the championships with nine athletes. They have captured seven medals for Mongolia.
Mongolian fighters showed great results winning the gold medals in -250 and +270 divisions, and the bronze in -260 division. In -230 category, two Mongolian athletes, silver medalist of the World Kudo Championships O.Enkhbat and E.Batdorj could capture the silver and bronze medals following Japanese athlete Yuta Meguro who led his category winning the gold.
As for women team, they have won the silver and bronze medals.
The 2015 Asian Kudo Cup Championship results:
-230 category
Gold - Yuta Meguro (Japan)
Silver - O.Enkhbat (Mongolia)
Bronze - E.Batdorj (Mongolia)
Bronze - Timur Dangarov (Kazakhstan)
-240 category
Gold - Yoshita Kawashita (Japan)
Silver - Akhmet Kalruyev (Kazakhstan)
Bronze - Roman Mamantov (Kazakhstan)
-250 category
Gold - T.Otgonzaya (Mongolia)
Silver - Bekhruz Shirokov (Kazakhstan)
Bronze - Kaiza Amanzol (Kazakhstan)
-260 category
Gold - Bekzat Smagulov (Kazakhstan)
Silver - Sou Yamada (Japan)
Bronze - B.Nasanbat (Mongolia)
+270 category
Gold - Ts.Azjargal (Mongolia)
Silver - Kouta Nomura (Japan)
Bronze - Kurmet Kakimov (Kazakhstan)
Female division
Gold - Kyouka Imano (Japan)
Silver - S.Myadagmaa (Mongolia)
Bronze - G.Khulan (Mongolia)
Mongolian Women break record in 50m Rifle at CISM Military World Games 2015
October 8 (gogo.mn) Team Mongolia won its second gold medal from CISM Military World Games 2015 which is being held in South Korea during October 2-12.
Today, Women team placed first at Elimination 50 meter rifle 3 positions 3*20 category besides broke records of the Games by collecting 1761 score.
Women team for rifle was composed of G.Nandinzaya who qualified for the Rio 2016 Summer Olympics, O.Yanjinlham and Ch.Narantuya.
Related:
Women shooters win gold medal in CISM Military World Games – Montsame, October 8
Mongolia wins 10 medals at CISM World Games – UB Post, October 8
L.Turtogtokh wins gold at Russia wrestling grand prix
October 7 (news.mn) The "8th Freestyle Wrestling Grand Prix" named after the Dmitry P.Kotkin, an Honorary Coach of the Russian Federation has taken place Yakutsk, the capital of the Sakha Republic of Russia. The young, Mongolian wrestler L.Turtogtokh demonstrated some excellent wrestling, defeating Belarusia's Aleshkevich Evgeniy (2:1), Azerbaijan's Magomed Abdulhalikov (1:1) and Romania's Andre-Viktor Frant (2:1) for the gold medal in the 86kg male category.
International University Sports Federation delegation visits Mongolia
October 7 (gogo.mn) Preparation for acquiring right to host 2033 Winter Universiade in Ulaanbaatar is being done.
According to the preparation, representatives of Winter Universiade, International University Sports Federation are paying visit in Ulaanbaatar at the invitation of City Governor E.Bat-Uul.
In scope of the visit, discussion to exchange views on experience of organizing universiade and preparation will be held at 14th floor of Hangardi Palace.
7th Annual Ulaanbaatar International Film Festival Starts
October 7 (gogo.mn) 7th Ulaanbaatar International Film Festival have started from today at Tengis cinema with the aim to develop international cooperation in film sector as well as to promote the development of the film industry by delivering world`s best films to Mongolian audience.
This festival was initiated by the Ministry of Education and is being organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in cooperation with Mongolian Arts Council, Embassy of France and Mongolian Film Arts Council.
7th Ulaanbaatar International Film Festival will continue until October 11.
During the festival, all movies to be showed with Mongolian and English subtitles and opening films can be viewed by invitation only.
Tickets for the films are now available at the Tengis cinema with price MNT 4000.
Below is the schedule of the films.
Mogi: ummm, nominees are to be officially announced in December
Arga Bileg folk band in the running for Grammy nomination
October 8 (news.mn) The Mongolian folk band "Arga Bileg", which performs a combination of traditional music and jazz, has been nominated for the 58th Grammy Awards with their album "Agula". At present, "Arga Bileg" is co-operating with "Musiques Suisses" of Switzerland. So far it is not clear whether "Arga Bileg" will participate in the award ceremony. The members of the band said; "We are excited, like we have the Grammy already; but, we have just passed the initial stages with our recordings".
Related:
Mongolian ethno jazz band nominated to 58th Grammy Awards – Montsame, October 8
State Opera House to stage "Swan Lake" ballet on October 10, 11
October 7 (gogo.mn) "Swan Lake", a ballet composed by P.I Tchaikovsky, is about to perform at Mongolian State Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet
State-honored artist Ch.Ganchimeg will perform as Princess Odette and Odile while O.Gantsooj is to dance as Prince Siegfried and A.Ulzii-Orshikh is to perform as Von Rothbart.
"Swan Lake" ballet will take place at 17 pm on October 10, 11 and tickets are available at cashier of the Theatre and at www.monda.mn.
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