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, 2016
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Erdene Continues to Intersect Significant Gold Mineralization at Bayan Khundii With 7 Metres of 4.7 g/t Gold Within a 70 Metre Zone of 1.1 g/t Gold
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - May 24, 2016) - Erdene Resource Development Corp. (TSX:ERD) ("Erdene" or "Company"), is pleased to announce additional results from follow-up drilling on the recent high-grade discovery at the Company's 100%-owned Bayan Khundii Gold Project ("Bayan Khundii") in southwest Mongolia. Today's results are for the second batch of drill results (9 holes; 835 metres) from the Company's on-going Q2-2016 drill program that now includes an expanded 30 diamond drill holes totaling 3,825 m. Included with this release, for reference, are two plan maps and a cross-section.
"The Bayan Khundii exploration program continues to return impressive intersections of gold mineralization often coming to surface and that appear to extend below the current depth of drilling. These initial drill results provide continuity of mineralization in the Striker Zone, one of several targets now being explored over a 1.7 km strike length," said Peter Akerley, Erdene's President and CEO. "As we begin to test the boundaries of the main mineralized area, it is apparent that intense alteration associated with the gold mineralization is extensive and continues under surrounding younger volcanics. We are currently well financed to continue with a very active field season of drilling as a result of the recent Sandstorm Gold financing and the exercise of warrants."
Highlights (i)
· Western extension of Striker Zone confirmed with hole BKD-28, 40 m northwest of hole BKD-17 (63 m of 5.3 g/t gold)
· From surface; 18 m of 1.1 g/t gold, including 3 m of 4.5 g/t gold
· From 50 m to end of hole; 70 m of 1.1 g/t gold, including 7 m of 4.7 g/t gold
· Average grade of entire 120 m hole was 0.9 g/t gold
· Five of the six holes testing the western extension of the Striker Zone ended in gold mineralization
· Western-most hole, BKD-31 (43 m from BKD-28) returned 47 m of 0.5 g/t gold at the end of the hole, including 11 m of 1.1 g/t gold
· New zone uncovered in trenching, north of Striker Zone; BKT-13 returned 5 m of 3.4 g/t gold
· Drilling of targets outside main zone and under younger volcanic cover has revealed intense alteration, typical of Bayan Khundii gold mineralized zones; results are pending
· Results for remaining 14 holes anticipated through late second quarter
…
Xanadu Mines Corporate Presentation, May 2016: Unlocking Mongolia's Copper-Gold Belts
May 23, Xanadu Mines Ltd. (ASX:XAM) --
• ASX listed Mongolian Cu-Au exploration company;
• Proven explorer with track record of success;
• Experienced team with deep regional knowledge;
• Large strategic position in a world-class Cu-Au province;
• Growing gold-rich copper JORC resource base;
• Advanced projects with both scale and high-grade;
• Recent high-grade gold discoveries;
• Mongolia back on the radar with investors & miners.
…
MSE Trading Report: Top 20 -0.4%, ALL +0.15%, Turnover ₮15.2 Million Shares
May 24 (MSE) --
Historic low ₮2,050.85/USD set March 28, 2016. Reds are rates that set a new low at the time
BoM MNT Rates: Tuesday, May 24 Close
5/24 | 5/23 | 5/20 | 5/19 | 5/18 | 5/17 | 5/16 | 5/13 | 5/12 | 5/11 | 5/10 | 5/9 | 5/6 | 5/5 | 5/4 | ||
| USD | 2,000.01 | 2,000.20 | 1,998.33 | 2,001.09 | 2,001.86 | 1,991.54 | 1,998.70 | 2,003.01 | 2,012.16 | 2,017.93 | 2,020.06 | 2,021.40 | 2,021.03 | 2,020.79 | 2,019.89 |
| EUR | 2,240.21 | 2,246.72 | 2,242.63 | 2,245.72 | 2,257.50 | 2,256.22 | 2,261.33 | 2,271.41 | 2,296.08 | 2,298.02 | 2,300.44 | 2,307.83 | 2,306.80 | 2,321.48 | 2,321.86 |
| JPY | 18.28 | 18.24 | 18.15 | 18.16 | 18.28 | 18.21 | 18.38 | 18.44 | 18.46 | 18.56 | 18.58 | 18.79 | 18.89 | 18.87 | 18.90 |
| GBP | 2,896.71 | 2,905.39 | 2,912.27 | 2,918.59 | 2,889.58 | 2,888.93 | 2,870.83 | 2,885.14 | 2,901.94 | 2909.55 | 2,912.62 | 2,913.75 | 2,926.65 | 2,931.96 | 2,938.84 |
| RUB | 29.83 | 29.94 | 30.04 | 30.31 | 30.79 | 30.89 | 30.80 | 30.76 | 30.91 | 30.48 | 30.52 | 30.82 | 30.64 | 30.63 | 30.28 |
| CNY | 305.15 | 305.48 | 305.52 | 305.88 | 306.35 | 305.49 | 306.26 | 307.07 | 309.14 | 309.68 | 310.01 | 310.84 | 310.73 | 310.90 | 310.87 |
| KRW | 1.68 | 1.69 | 1.68 | 1.68 | 1.69 | 1.70 | 1.70 | 1.71 | 1.72 | 1.72 | 1.73 | 1.73 | 1.73 | 1.74 | 1.75 |
| SGD | 1,446.50 | 1,450.58 | 1,448.59 | 1,450.85 | 1,455.42 | 1,456.60 | 1,458.96 | 1,456.47 | 1,469.53 | 1,473.59 | 1,475.14 | 1,482.07 | 1,486.49 | 1,492.73 | 1,492.29 |
| CAD | 1,517.23 | 1,525.94 | 1,525.85 | 1,532.11 | 1,544.17 | 1,550.56 | 1,546.68 | 1,556.04 | 1,563.81 | 1,558.97 | 1,560.61 | 1,564.67 | 1,567.97 | 1,576.53 | 1,587.40 |
| AUD | 1,432.81 | 1,448.74 | 1,446.59 | 1,442.79 | 1,454.05 | 1,464.48 | 1,457.95 | 1,459.99 | 1,473.81 | 1,481.87 | 1,483.43 | 1,488.26 | 1,488.39 | 1,517.01 | 1,514.82 |
| HKD | 257.48 | 257.50 | 257.34 | 257.65 | 257.87 | 256.56 | 257.44 | 258.05 | 259.34 | 259.97 | 260.25 | 260.48 | 260.40 | 260.40 | 260.29 |
| CHF | 2,017.87 | 2,022.04 | 2,017.09 | 2,027.34 | 2,037.10 | 2,037.90 | 2,048.27 | 2,057.75 | 2,069.91 | 2,078.41 | 2,080.61 | 2,083.81 | 2,087.84 | 2,110.38 | 2,114.29 |
Bank USD rates at time of sending: Khan (Buy ₮1,995 Sell ₮2,005), TDB (Buy ₮1,995 Sell ₮2,007), Golomt (Buy ₮1,992 Sell ₮2,005), XacBank (Buy ₮1,994 Sell ₮2,004), State Bank (Buy ₮1,995 Sell ₮2,010)
MNT vs USD (blue), CNY (red) in last 1 year:
Mogi: I hate it when BoM selectively omits numbers. How much swap offers?
BoM declines US$2.1m, CNY1.5m bid, CNY0.6m ask offers, accepts all swap offers
May 24 (BoM) On the Foreign Exchange Auction held on May 24th, 2016, the BOM has received buying bid offers of USD 2.1 million in a rate between MNT 1991.00-1996.15, buying bid offers of CNY 1.5 million in a rate with MNT 303.10 and selling bid offers of CNY 0.6 million in a rate with 305.58 respectively. The BOM did not accept any bid offers.
On May 24th, 2016, the BOM has accepted all of bid offers Swap agreements from local commercial banks.
BoM issues ₮142 billion 1-week bills at 10.5%, total outstanding +270.7% to ₮182.4 billion
May 23 (Bank of Mongolia) BoM issues 1 week bills worth MNT 142 billion at a weighted interest rate of 10.5 percent per annum /For previous auctions click here/
Q1 coal export: some positive trends
May 24 (news.mn) The Natural Resource Authority has informed that coal exports increased by 30% during the first 4 months of 2016 reaching 5.56 million tons. Here are the details:
-The volume of coking coal exported has fallen by 4.6% and totalled 3.64 million tons. (compared to 2015)
-The volume of coking coal concentrate which commands a high price has doubled, and totals 530,000 tons. The reason is explained by the increased supply capacity of the "Energy Resource" company.
-The amount of exported standard coal was not changed.
The National Bureau of Statistics of China has informed that the cost of coal imported from Mongolia currently stands at USD 32. This is the lowest price, since 2011 when the National Bureau of Statistics of China began to publish Mongolian coal prices.
VAT lottery: ₮200 million super prize winning number announced
May 24 (news.mn) Yesterday, the 11th VAT lottery results were announced. This time, there were a total of 8469 winners. The winning lottery number was 62061197.
Here is a summary of the winners:
-7635 winners had a match on the last three numbers (197) and won MNT 20,000 each.
-748 winners had a match on the last four numbers (1197) and won MNT 100,000 each.
-76 winners had a match on the last five numbers (61197) and won MNT 500,000 each.
-8 winners had a match on the last six numbers (061197) and won MNT 4,000,000 each.
-2 winners had a match on the last seven numbers (2061197) and won MNT 20,000,000 each.
There was one super winner who matched all 8 numbers and wins MNT 200 million.
In addition, General Authority of Custom House and Taxation has announced that people must register their receipt at www.ebarimt.mn within 15 days, of their purchase. If they fail to do so, their registration will expire and it will be impossible to reclaim the 20% VAT they have paid.
Orkendi Jol: Path to development
By Jargal "Defacto" Dambadarjaa
May 23 (gogo.mn) Bayan-Ulgii is one of Mongolia's most populated provinces, with approximately 100,000 people. Ninety-three percent of their population are Kazakhs, and the rest are Durvud, Uriankhai, Tuva, and Khalkh. The province center, Ulgii, is 1,686 kilometers from Ulaanbaatar and has 32,000 residents. Bayan-Ulgii Province has 1.4 million livestock in total.
From the governor of the province to the herders in the countryside, everyone in Bayan-Ulgii agrees that their biggest challenge were unemployment. Mongolia considers everyone above the age of 15 as part of its economically active population. As of the first quarter of 2015, almost two million people, 61.5 percent of our population, is in this category. The unemployment rate is calculated based on the number of people who are actively seeking jobs. The unemployment rate at the national level is eight percent, but it has reached 22.5 percent in Bayan-Ulgii.
These unemployment percentages do not include those who occasionally work, have part-time jobs, or are seeking employment without registration in the national labor system. If these people are accounted for, the number of those unemployed would double.
People are increasingly suspicious that public service positions are only filled by relatives and associates of decision makers, because those jobs provide a regular salary that is higher than what people are paid in the private sector.
The people of Bayan-Ulgii are discussing how to solve the unemployment issue at all levels of government. Having spoken to many people, including high school teachers and students, I am sharing some ideas below.
CHALLENGES IN EDUCATION
A good education is required for an individual's livelihood to improve and for the people in Bayan-Ulgii to find employment. Everyone has been saying that students with good grades and aspirations often go to universities in Mongolia and abroad, after which they find a job with a higher salary in Ulaanbaatar or in Kazakhstan.
Currently, the province center has five private and six public high schools, whereas the soums have 12 high schools. There are 22,626 students in the elementary schools throughout the province, and 1,771 students are moving to the 12th grade this year. In the academic year of 2013-2014, the average score for the state's general test (SGT) for college admissions was 498, while Bayan-Ulgii students averaged 15 points lower (484). However, students at some of Bayan Ulgii's private schools scored higher than the national average – Empathy (617), Bastama (593), Darin (562), Rukhaniyat (513), and Bilge-Tegin (503), and School No. 5 (550). Students from the remaining 16 public schools scored below the national average. At the province level, Bayan-Ulgii students scored 41 and 24 points higher than the national average on Russian and English language tests respectively. However, their scores in Mongolian were 101 points lower than the national average.
A decision was made last year by the Ministry of Education to not allow students who failed the Mongolian language test to take the SGT. After the decision was made, 70 percent of Bayan-Ulgii students failed the Mongolian language test, and 30 percent of those who took the test for the second time did not pass. As a result, many students enrolled in universities in Kazakhstan and Russia because they failed to meet the 400-point threshold for the Mongolian language test.
Students from Empathy, a private school, averaged a score of 572, which is higher than the national average of 494. Students from Public School No. 2 in Ulgii averaged 510 points, whereas the scores of students from the other schools in the province fell below the national average. High schools in Bugat, Sagsai, and Deluun soums averaged 312, 314, and 316 points respectively. The education department of the province explains that the Mongolian language lessons are taught in Kazakh soums starting in middle school, and there are limited opportunities for the students to speak Mongolian outside of the classroom.
Kazakh parents are fully aware that it will be hard for their children to achieve success or hold a public service position, and that they could be discriminated against in their motherland if they do not learn the official language of the country. This is why parents try their best to have their sons and daughters learn Mongolian. For example, the Mongolian school in Ulgii (School No. 2) has admitted first grade students for the fifth year. Students taught by the Mongolian language teacher Jarkhanguli are always better at Mongolian and are easily admitted to Mongolian universities, which is why 25 first grade students have already been registered for her class of 2020. Forty-one out of her 44 students were small children when I visited her classroom.
With the emergence of private schools, competition has grown. It has had a positive impact on the quality of all schools throughout the province. For example, Empathy has capacity for 74 students and a tuition fee of 1.4 million MNT per year, but they received 640 applications for admission last year. Half of the graduates from this school enroll in Mongolian universities. A total of 700 students have graduated from Empathy in the last 18 years. This school has its own dormitory, a designated time for doing homework, and a policy that encourages parents to work with their children. A big component of their success relates to their focus on individual development.
DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The north-south road connecting China and Russia in the western part of our country will be complete as soon as the remaining 180 km of the road is built. It opens up an opportunity for Ulgii to become a commercial center and a transportation hub, and for Tsagaan Nuur to become Mongolia's Erenhot. Russia and China do not require visas from each other's citizens, which allows Ulgii to conduct trade on a larger scale. Since Russian visas were waived for Mongolian citizens last year, Ulgii's stores today have better and cheaper products that are being imported from Russia.
Also, Bayan-Ulgii has a great opportunity to develop international tourism with its natural landscapes, snow-capped mountains, great steppe, and beautiful lakes and rivers. There will be a growing need for hotels, eateries, and commercial and service centers once the number of drivers and passengers who will be going through Ulgii increases in the future. Hiking has already become a tourism product for Bayan-Ulgii. More than 2,000 tourists go to Bayan-Ulgii every year to climb the Altai Tavan Bogd, Khuitnii Orgil, and Tsambagarav mountains.
The people of Ulgii now have the responsibility to make necessary preparations for creating the workforce required to develop the industries mentioned above. These industries are at the core of development for this province. As they pursue these opportunities, the hardworking, friendly, and hospitable people of Bayan-Ulgii will soon build another development center in the western region of our country.
Mogi: wait, parliament is reconvening just 6 days before elections?
Speaker adjourns parliament till June 23
Ulaanbaatar, May 24 (MONTSAME) On May 24, Chairman of the State Great Khural (Parliament) Z.Enkhbold issued a Direction No 62 about temporary adjournment of Parliamentary session. The session will re-open on June 23.
The session is taking a break for such a period due to activities regarding the next parliamentary election, expected on June 29.
The direction is to take effect starting today (May 24).
DP caucus supports PM's bill to dismiss 3 JC ministers
May 24 (gogo.mn) Prime Minister of Mongolia Ch.Saikhanbileg yesterday submitted a proposal to Mr B.Garamgaibaatar, Head of Democratic Party (DP) parliamentary group, to recall 3 ministers of Mongolian People's Revolutionary Party (MPRP).
Today DP parliamentary group ran closed session meeting to discuss prime minister's proposal. The proposal passed with 67 percent vote.
The 3 ministers are Deputy minister Ts.Oyunbaatar, Minister of Urban planning and Construction Z.Bayanselenge, Minister of Defense Ts.Tsolmon.
Related:
DP faction backs proposal on withdrawing three Ministers – Montsame, May 24
Selecting the candidates: DP and MPP call their meetings on same day?
May 24 (news.mn) A total of 11 political parties and three party alliances have received their certification from the General Electoral Commission; behind them, approximately 700 candidates will enter the election under the names of these parties and alliances.
Under the electoral law, the closing date for the candidates to be selected by their parties is 27th May. Therefore, the political parties must present their final choices to the General Electoral Commission on 28th May.
Currently, the political parties have not set the dates for their meetings to provide their candidates with their mandates, with the exception of the Democratic Party, which has called their National Consultative Commission meeting on 27th May. It appears that the Mongolian People's Party is very likely to call their meeting on same day.
DP National Consultative Commission Meeting scheduled
May 23 (news.mn) In accordance with the Electoral Law, political parties must choose their candidates from today – they have until 28th May. The approved candidates will receive their certificates on 7th June (22 days before election) and can start electioneering on 11th June (18 days before the election).
The Democratic Party plans to hold its National Consultative Commission meeting on Saturday, 28th May, during which they will discuss electoral tactics. The DP will also discuss whether to allow S.Bayartsogt's candidature to stand for election go forward or not. Several days ago, DP Chairman Z.Enkhbold (who is also the Speaker) announced that the DP will not allow people who have offshore account to stand for election.
Final week for selection of election candidates
May 23 (news.mn) The Director of the State Structure Standing Committee A.Bakei has said that: "In accordance with the Electoral Law, political parties are required to select their candidates between 23rd and 27th May".
Currently, some of the political parties have not scheduled the meeting to announce their official candidates; there is information, however, that the Democratic Party's National Consultative Meeting will be held on either the 26th the 27th and the Mongolian People's Party conference will take place on 27th May.
The final deadline is, therefore, 27th May. The political parties are required to present their candidates to the General Electoral Commission on Saturday 28th May.
Z.Enhbold: DP members with offshore accounts will not run for election
May 23 (gogo.mn) Z.Enhbold, Speaker of the Parliament and the leader of the Democratic Party stated that DP members with offshore accounts will not run for election.
Today the nomination in election will begin and it will be ended on Friday.
He said that DP will not nominate the members with offshore accounts. Also he called for other parties to do the same.
Final week for selection of election candidates
May 23 (news.mn) The Director of the State Structure Standing Committee A.Bakei has said that: "In accordance with the Electoral Law, political parties are required to select their candidates between 23rd and 27th May".
Currently, some of the political parties have not scheduled the meeting to announce their official candidates; there is information, however, that the Democratic Party's National Consultative Meeting will be held on either the 26th the 27th and the Mongolian People's Party conference will take place on 27th May.
The final deadline is, therefore, 27th May. The political parties are required to present their candidates to the General Electoral Commission on Saturday 28th May.
Elbegdorj advisor: IAAC director must be appointed immediately
May 24 (news.mn) On May 4th President Ts.Elbegdorj made his nomination for the new director of the Independent Authority Against Corruption (IAAC) to Parliament; this nomination has still not been confirmed. We, therefore, sought some explanations from the President's Legal Policy Adviser Ch.Unurbayar.
-The appointment of the IAAC director is taking too long. What is the legal context to this appointment?
-The legal background is very clear. According to Provision 45 of the "Law on Parliamentary Discipline", the Parliamentary Standing Committee must discuss and present its conclusions on the IAAC director's appointment within seven days of receiving the President's nomination for the post.
-There was a rumor that the appointment is taking too long, because the IAAC has been reviewing the nominee's personal report for too long. Is this true?
-Following the President's presentation of the candidate, the IAAC duly reviewed the documents on the candidate. As a result, they delivered their conclusion that "This candidate presents no conflict of interests". This conclusion was delivered on time. Therefore, there should be no reason why Parliament should not appointment him.
-Some MPs have said that it is impossible to discuss during either the Standing Committee sitting or the Parliamentary Session, because this issue had not been added to the discussion schedule by the Council of the Speaker of Parliament.
-According to the Mongolian Constitution, only Parliament holds parliamentary powers. Therefore, neither a council nor a senior official (eg the Speaker) or party grouping can represent parliamentary power.
-So, does it mean that the Speaker of Parliament has no right in participating in appointing the IAAC director?
- The Law has separated the rights of Parliamentary authority from the authority of the Speaker of Parliament. To be specific, Provision 21.1 of the Anti-Corruption Law states that: Parliament will appoint the IAAC director for a six year tenure in accordance with the President's nomination. Therefore, the Standing Committee and the Session of Parliament must discuss and appoint the director with the majority votes.
-What if, candidate does not receive the majority of votes?
-According to Provision 45.3 of the Law on Parliamentary Discipline, the President must present another candidate.
Cabinet approves procedures for SME loans supporting employment
Ulaanbaatar, May 24 (MONTSAME) The cabinet meeting held Monday approved a procedure designed by the Ministry of Labor on giving credit to small- and middle-sized businesses from the Employment Support Foundation, its guarantee, repayment of interest and financial incentives.
According to the procedure, small-sized producers and entities will be provided with guarantee for the credit which equals to 60% of sum of the loans in case of lack of pledge. High responsible entities will benefit from financial incentives as well.
Other Cabinet Meeting Decisions in Brief
Ulaanbaatar, May 24 (MONTSAME) Minister of Foreign Affairs L.Purevsuren presented at the cabinet meeting on Monday results of the 14th meeting of the Mongolia-China intergovernmental commission for trade, economy, science and technological cooperation which was held on May 5-6 in Ulaanbaatar.
- The cabinet decided to submit a bill on auto-road to the State Great Khural.
- The cabinet backed a concept of the law on green zones of urban areas, and obliged Z.Bayanselenge, the Minister of Construction and Urban Development; N.Battsereg, the Minister of Environment, Green Development and Tourism; and D.Dorligjav, the Minister of Justice, to approve the concept and present the bill at the cabinet.
- Orders were given to authorities of the government institutions of all levels to adopt general procedure of filing official documents online and to ensure preparations related to human recources, software, technical and other organizational works.
- The cabinet resolved to issue a governmental resolution on joining the FAO International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (IT PGRFA).
- The cabinet backed a draft concept of the law on protecting pasture lands, and obliged the related Ministers to approve the concept and to formulate the bill. The cabinet also reviewed a draft contract on establishment of the organization of international sustainable tourism and poverty reduction. This matter will be consulted with the relevant Standing committee of parliament.
- The Minister of Labor G.Bayarsaikhan presented to the cabinet members an implementation course for the "Employed and paid Mongolian" national program.
Mongolia To Deploy Startup Technology For Addressing
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia--(WireMongolia - May 20, 2016) - Mongolia's state-owned and largest postal services provider Mongol Post, on Thursday, announced a first of a kind partnership with the UK addressing technology company what3words to introduce accurate postal addresses in Mongolia.
Mongolians who are well-known for keeping nomadic lifestyle for centuries has had problematic experience in keeping street addresses in shipshape, as the urban landscape continues to change at a fast rate and the nomadic population is far from being "on the grid" permanently. For residents of Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, it is still a common routine to use names of buildings for orientations, while the postal and delivery service providers struggle to rely on postal codes and street names only.
what3words, the fast growing UK startup(1), has completely re-engineered global geographical mapping by dividing the surface of the world into 57 trillion 3m x 3m squares, each identified with a fixed tag of three words. Currently available through mobile apps, sites and platforms in over 170 countries, what3words' offline and local language map offers users the benefits of memorable and exclusive addresses.
Mongol Post, as the first major postal services company to adopt the mapping technology, will now gain a competitive edge with its efficient domestic express delivery and logistics services through its nearly 400 branches nationwide.
The quick adoption of the technology comes after the Mongol Post's successful privatisation of its 34% stake in the company earlier this year, followed by restructured and reinvigorated plans to expand into commercial package delivery services.
During the launch of the partnership at ICT EXPO 2016 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, Mr. Batsaikhan Tsedendamba, CEO of Mongol Post said, "Today's event is not only an important step for us but also for everyone in the delivery service business. The technology provided by our partner gives every Mongolian an opportunity to own an address for their residency and we are thrilled to be announcing this unique partnership."
"We are excited that what3words is being introduced to Mongolia through official partners like Mongol Post and MMarket. There are many people in Mongolia who have no addresses - however, the country has a very fast moving technology scene that is open to innovation, which is why Mongolian companies are perfect partners for us" said Clare Jones, Vice President of Global Partnership at what3words.
[1] In 2016, what3words was selected by EY as top fast-growth technology start-up for the the World Entrepreneurs Of The Year award - http://what3words.com/2016/04/ey/
Link to what3words press release
Workshop on "The State's Role in Large Resource Projects"
May 24 (Mongolian Economy) The International Cooperation Fund of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Canadian International Resources and Development Institute (CIRDI) co-organised "The State's Role in Large Resource Projects" international workshop on 15-18 of this month.
The objective of the workshop was to create an opportunity for representatives from the ministries of mining of the participating countries to share experiences on the state's role in successful implementation of large mining projects and discuss policy issues and measures to resolve them.
Delegates from Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos and Myanmar as well as experts from the Mongolian Ministry of Mining, senior officials of agencies and state-owned enterprises and representatives from NGOs and civil society groups participated in the workshop.
Transparency is a key issue in Mongolia today. Although some progress has been made in this field, there is a certain lack of a standard. Civil society organisations commented that although the legal environment has seen reform with developments such as the Economic Transparency Law, implementation has been uncertain and information that the public know has not been disclosed.
On the other hand, companies criticised that civil society organisations and NGOs are being too suspicious and creating unprofitable business conditions by disseminating negative news to the public. However, they expressed the stance that mining companies and NGOs must come to a mutual understanding and give truthful information based on facts and avoid spreading false rumours.
N.Algaa: Political interference stronger than participation
We sat down with the Executive Director of the Mongolian National Mining Association, N.Algaa, who was in attendance.
-State participation in mining is a frequently raised topic and the theme of the international workshop this time around. What previously undiscussed topics were raised this time?
-Generally we talked about the same things we usually talk about: finding resolutions to issues – production sharing agreements, loan investment, ownership of shares, being a healthy SOE and other such topics.
-How are the results? How is state participation in Mongolia compared to the other countries participating in the workshop?
-This workshop was organised with the assistance of the Canadian government. However, a feature of this workshop is that countries with markets similar to Mongolia are participating in it. The problems faced by countries partaking in this workshop have similar characteristics. Thus, this meeting was organised in order to exchange information and discuss. It is important for Mongolians to approach certain issues from different angles and express opinions. This workshop is an effective platform for understanding issues.
-You said the countries have markets similar to Mongolia. How does Mongolia fare among them?
-Judging from the speeches, other countries have similar problems. On the other hand, Mongolia is ahead in certain respects. For example, the political situation is unstable in Kyrgyzstan, as two revolutions took place and they transitioned from presidential governance to a parliamentary one, and it has not been long since the military regime in Myanmar was deposed. So there are lots of similar issues in sense of attracting new investment. The difference is just in size.
-What is the level of state participation?
-In the mining sector, Erdenes Mongol LLC owns shares in strategic deposits by representing the state. In that sense, Erdenes Mongol LLChas the biggest valuation, as it owns 34 percent of Oyu Tolgoi and 100 percent of Tavan Tolgoi, Baganuur and Shivee Ovoo. On the other hand, the percentage of state ownership is set only in strategically important companies in accordance with the law. So, it is also limited. There is not much possibility for it to increase.
We must focus on improving the governance of state-owned enterprises who own the resources. Although it is not similar to private sector companies, as long as it is implementing good governance, it should compete fairly with private companies and not enjoy more privileges than them. This is how it is today. For example, SOEs have advantages in Tavan Tolgoi. However, Erdenet Mining Corporation is being pressured by all kinds of taxes. Because of that, EMC is unable to invest in itself to develop. This creates unfairness in the business environment.
-There is an objective to turn Erdenes Mongol LLC to Temasek. Is this feasible?
-It will be decided by desire and courage. The first step was getting rid of inconsistencies by regulating the company under the human development law, and deciding that it will be regulated by corporate law. Next, the company will seek a loan from the ADB to improve governance capacity. The ADB said they will provide the loan if Erdenes Mongol meets corporate governance requirements. Such phased works are being carried out. It is completely possible. We simply have to want it and then do it. We should not hold this extreme view that any management by the state is poor. Secondly, political interference is stronger than state participation in Mongolia.
Cabinet approves signing investment agreement on Buuruljuut Power Plant & Mine
May 24 (news.mn) During the Governmental session which was held today, Energy Minister D.Zorigt was empowered to sign the draft investment contract for the "Integrated Project of the Buuruljuut Power Plant and Mine".
The draft contract includes the investment amount, a breakdown of the stages, details of the sources, improving the taxation environment and responsibilities of both the Government and the investor. "Bodi International" LLC and "China Power Resources" LLC of China will invest and finance the "Integrated Project of the Buuruljuut Power Plant and Mine", which will be developed at the coal deposit of the same name. The power plant will have a generating capacity of 300 MW. Under the contract draft, "Tsestens Mining and Energy" is named as the project implementer.
Under the project, 300 Mongolian jobs will be created. In addition, the project plans to support the national co-executor and supply companies which will be required during the construction and set-up operations.
Source: zasag.mn
Related:
Contract to be signed with investor of "Booroljuut" power station and mine – Montsame, May 24
German companies seeks partners at business meeting
May 24 (news.mn) Today, the German Mongolian Entrepreneur Association (GMEA) is organizing an important business meeting. Ms. Ts.Undarmaa, the Association's communication and research manager said: The purpose of this business meeting is to introduce Germany know-how and Germany technologies to Mongolia and to facilitate contact between entrepreneurs of the two countries.
During the business meeting, representatives of nine Germany companies are meeting Mongolian entrepreneurs. They are primarily seeking partners in the Mongolian mining, post-operational rehabilitation, environmental, waste processing, software, restoration, technology and renewable energy sectors.
The GMEA, which plays the part of a bridge between entrepreneurs, has been operating since 1995. Currently, the GMEA has 80 members. The Association is committed in working to support its members and other German companies wishing to work in the Mongolia.
Alliance for Financial Inclusion to organize SME meeting in Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar, May 24 (MONTSAME) The Sixth Meeting of Financial Working Group of small and medium enterprises of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion will be held here on May 30 and 31, attracting representatives of central banks and financial regulatory authorities from over 30 countries.
Speaker of Mongolian Parliament Z.Enkhbold received May 24 Mr Alfred Hannig, Executive Director of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion, along with his delegation. The speaker wished the delegates a convenient stay in Mongolia.
"Credit interest rate is high in Mongolia due to relatively higher interest rate for savings. The parliament is focusing on reducing policy interest rate", said Mr Z.Enkhbold.
Mr Hannig introduced the Alliance for Financial Inclusion. Accordingly, the Alliance unites the financial policy institutions from all over the globe to provide about 2 billion people who lack adequate financial services with accesses to the financial services. So far, 94 countries have joined the organization.
Speaker Z.Enkhbold expressed his confidence that such actions for improving financial inclusions will bring success in eradicating poverty and promoting economic growth.
Altanbulag Free-trade zone to become business platform for neighbors
May 24 (MONTSAME) With its Steppe Road initiative Mongolia has joined the Russia-China joint initiative on liberalization of trade. Mongolia is fully capable of opening a transit line connecting Asia and Europe.
The first investor's forum of Mongolia, Russia and China, held last Saturday in Altanbulag at the junction point of the Great Tea Road, was the beginning of preparation for the implementation of these initiatives.
Minister of Industry D.Erdenebat: "The fact that custom and border issues are vital for creating mutually beneficial trade ties and to eliminate the burden on businesspeople from the three countries must be considered not only in Mongolia but also in the higher level of the two other neighbors. Our two neighbors are aware of Mongolia's riches. This is the high time to benefit from the natural resources collectively in cooperation with our two neighbors".
Сhinese Ambassador to Mongolia Mr Xin Haiming said that Altanbulag free zone has a big importance in developing and coordinating China's 'One region – One Road' initiative, Mongolia's initiative 'Steppe Road' and Russia's Initiative on Establishing Eurasian Economic Zone.
The Russian Republic of Buryatia expressed its will in cooperation with Mongolia in education, culture and health spheres. This republic also wishes to collaborate in meat and meat product trades.
There are three free zones in Mongolia, so far. Extended plan has been prepared to open more free zones. While there are Tsagaannuur free zone in western border and Zamiin-Uud free zone in southern border, the Altanbulag free zone was established with purposes of attracting tourism and investment. Total of 131 entities have been registered in Altanbulag, only 10 of them are actively running their operations due to the poor infrastructure. Therefore, the renewed regulations give private sector the power of management.
RC Inspection Ulaanbaatar changes name to reflect Asia expansion
May 23 (RC Inspection) The very important RC Inspection Group office and laboratory based in Ulaanbaatar, recently changed its operational name into "RC Inspection Asia Assayers", due to the fact that its services are expanded all over Asia and are not only rendered in Mongolia.
The office- and laboratory staff were operating for the last 3 years as "RC Inspection Mongolia / RCI Analytical Services Mongolia" being highly specialized and having long standing experience in services on commodities such as ores, concentrates, precious metals and minerals.
The laboratory is fully equipped with all relevant and most advanced instruments to drive accelerated turnaround times and up-to-the-minute reporting through a service driven approach and innovative use of technology.
These statements were acknowledged by receiving the ISO /IEC 17020 accreditation and the ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation last year September.
They are now also expanding their inspection, sampling, sample preparation and analytical services for commodities such as solid fuels. Which gives the advantage to also render services on a broader perspective for our customers and for potential customers in Asia.
"By changing the name, nothing will change in the way that we operate, all rendered services will stay as our customers are used to; quick, reliable and of high quality. We truly hope that by expanding our possibilities in Asia and in commodities, we can respond better to our customers' wishes, as at RC Inspection we gain energy from creating business opportunities for our customers."
New to Ulaanbaatar in May 2016
May 24 (Mongolia Focus) I've been keeping a list of things that are arriving to/disappearing from central Ulaanbaatar: December 2015 | May 2015 | May 2014 | October 2013.
I've copied the 2014 and 2015 lists here and am adding to it. New items since previous posts appear in italics.
What has arrived?
· sadly, Louis Vuitton, KFC, Burberry Kids and Ugg (Mogi: why sadly, doc?)
· Mini, Bentley
· child seats
· sidewalks
· parks
· farmers' markets
· yoga
· dogs on leashes
· Sunday morning joggers and bikers
· burgeoning coffee culture
· river walkway along the Dund River (under construction in May 2015 but looking very promising)
· city park along the Tuul
· sports cars
· organic shopping
· wheelchair accessibility (moved from "What Will Appear" category as ministries are now (meant to be) wheelchair-accessible
What has disappeared, or at least nearly?
· stationary 80s-office-phone-looking old-granny cell phone booth
· for-pay scales (actually, they seem to be hanging on)
· free WiFi on Sukhbaatar, er Chinggis Khaan, er, Sukhbaatar Square
· Sukhbaatar Square, er, Chinggis Khaan Square
· open gullys/missing manholes
· street kids
· packs of dogs
· smoking
· the sixth-floor souvenir shop at the State Department Store (though perhaps seasonal)
· oversized sunglasses for women that were so popular across Asia (?) some years ago
· Nescafé (see above on coffee culture)
· surprise at seeing bicycles
· hillside Chinggis visible from the city centre
What will appear in the future
· navigation systems
· bike lanes
· new airport (apparently)
· subway (really, I wish they had selected light rail instead)
· Harley-Davidson
· urban renewal and historical restorations embracing district north of government house (National University of Mongolia, German embassy, etc.)
· road signs in the countryside (and not just the very random, very occasional ones that can be found now)
· street names and signs in the city
· network of cross-country riding trails (though not in central Ulaanbaatar)
· parking (meters)
· Combined Heat and Power Plant #5 (yeah, right!)
· hipsters discovering УАЗ (minivan and jeep)
· Canada Goose, Arc'teryx.
What will disappear in the near future
I'm going out on a predictive limb here… 2-3 years is what I mean by "near future".
· stray dogs
· stretched-out hand to signal for a car ride
· that awkward extra half-step on most stairs
· whitening make-up.
What will disappear in the medium-term future
I mean around 7 years or so.
· new (to Mongolia) cars that are right-hand drive
· the neo-classical Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, with its Stalinist (if that's an architectural style) spire
Tough call to make as the MFA building is now dwarfed by its own annex.
· deels in the city
· some of the downtown university campuses
· buildings of 4 floors or less in the urban core
· Russian minivans (УАЗ452) but see above.
Over ₮1 billion generated by UB "City Tax"
May 24 (news.mn) The Law on City Tax was approved by Parliament in 2015 and came into force on 1st October. The tax is levied on four categories of establishment where alcoholic beverages and cigarettes are sold; these include hotels, restaurants, bars and other similar places. The City Representative Assembly fixed the tax amount at 1%. Ulaanbaatar City Hall, expects to receive approximately MNT 13.5 billion a year from this tax.
According to the information provided by the City Taxation Authority, as of 10th May, MNT 1,090,804,000 has already been received from city tax.
Source: City Administration Authority Media Bureau
Mogi: …
Mongolia's New Power Plants May Suck Dry Lake Baikal in Siberia
According to media reports, Mongolia's plans to build three large power plants on the river that feeds Russia's Lake Baikal may result in a drop in water levels at the unique lake in southeastern Siberia.
MOSCOW, May 24 (Sputnik) – Mongolia's plans to build three large power plants on the river that feeds Russia's Lake Baikal may result in a drop in water levels at the unique lake in southeastern Siberia, Russian media reported Tuesday, citing government sources.
Three Mongolian hydropower plants are due to be constructed on the Selenga River and its tributaries, which supply Lake Baikal with 80 percent of its water.
According to the Izvestia newspaper, Russian government officials are concerned about the potentially irreversible adverse effects the plants could have on the ecology of Lake Baikal.
Mongolia decided to build the power plants as it was unable to agree on energy prices that it found satisfactory with Russia, its main supplier. According to the paper, the Russian government is now actively searching for alternative ways to meet Mongolia's energy needs.
Similar:
Lake Baikal may disappear like Aral Sea because of Mongolia and China – Pravda.ru, May 24
Minister of Foreign Affairs to visit Japan on May 30-31
May 24 (gogo.mn) During Ministry of Foreign Affairs' regular information hour, Foreign Minister L.Purevsuren highlighted some of the important developments that happened in Mongolia's foreign affairs scene.
Particularly, he shared news of President Ts.Elbegdorj's first official visit to the Republic of Korea and international IDEA to establish electoral observation regional training center in Ulaanbaatar.
He also spoke of his upcoming visit to Japan in May 30-31. During this visit two countries are to discuss more about the economic partnership agreement between Mongolia-Japan and participate in 'Future of Asia" international conference.
At the information hour, journalists and reporters get to ask questions freely. One of the questions were concerning the missing Mongolian woman named Zultsetseg in the United States of America. Journalists and reporters asked if they DNA test is out.
"On May 9, body of Asian woman was found. The license plate of the care matched of Zultsetseg's. It's not possible to identify whether the victim is Zultsetseg or not, therefore DNA test was necessary. Official test result is not concluded. This needs more time." said FM L.Purevsuren.
New Consul General appointed to Osaka
Ulaanbaatar, May 24 (MONTSAME) At its regular meeting of Monday, cabinet approved the appointment of Delgertsogt Davaadorj the Consul General of Mongolia to Osaka, Japan.
D.Delgertsogt holds a master's degree from the Yokohama National University, has worked as the State Secretary of the Ministry of Energy.
Mongolian President Visits Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy and Innovation
May 25 (Business Korea) President of Mongolia Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj visited Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy and Innovation (GCCEI) in Pangyo near southern Seoul on May 20 during his visit to Korea. He had a summit meeting with President Park Geun-hye on May 19, and he hoped to visit GCCEI before going back to Mongolia. President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj was elected on May 25, 2009. He is well known for having ended 70 years of communist rule in Mongolia through the peaceful democratic revolution in 1990.
Gyeonggi Provincial Governor Nam Kyung-pil also met Bat-Uul Erdene, Mayor of Ulaanbaatar celebrating the 25th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties between South Korea and Mongolia last year. As the Mongolian government became more interested in GCCEI along with Pangyo Techno Valley, 18 congressmen of Mongolia visited GCCEI and Pangyo Techno Valley early this year.
Lim Deok-rae, General Manager of GCCEI, made a presentation about GCCEI and Pangyo Techno Valley, welcoming the Mongolian President who showed, in particular, a great interest in Korea's creative economy and innovation.
The general manager briefed the Mongolian President on the importance of business acceleration by introducing four GCCEI-incubated startups as an example.
"Heinosky Korea", which produces non-combustible insulating Styrofoam, was invited to the event since the product can help endure the cold climate of -25 degrees in Mongolia. 12CM also briefed President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj on how their echoss smart stamp can be used to pay where there is no POS terminal. Another startup "Amadas," which produces a digital door lock that does not consume too much battery power, also attended the event. Attocube demonstrated how their nine wooden cubes can make 2.3billion patterns.
Lee Jae-yul, Deputy Governor of Gyeonggi Provincial Government, Oh Tae-seok, Director of Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning, Lee Chang-jae, Director of KT and Oh Song, Korean Ambassador to Mongolia welcomed President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj. A lot of active exchanges between Korea and Mongolia are expected to be made in the near future in such areas IT, innovation, cluster-forming, startup exchanges and so on.
U.S. congressional delegates to visit Mongolia says ambassador
Ulaanbaatar, May 24 (MONTSAME) Chairman of the State Great Khural Z.Enkhbold received Tuesday Jennifer Zimdahl Galt, the US Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Mongolia.
Thanking the Speaker for the audience, the US Ambassador informed that some US Congress members along with commercial and business delegates engaged in agricultural productions will visit Mongolia soon through the House Democracy Partnership (HDP).
Cooperation between the Mongolian Parliament and the House Democracy Partnership has been succeeding since 2006, noted the Speaker and said he is pleased to welcome US Congress members. The visit of the US congressmen will contribute to expanding the bilateral relations and cooperation, he hoped.
Enkhbold said the State Great Khural is focusing on strengthening the good governance and combating corruption, and is interested in targeting cooperation with USA at this direction.
The sides also exchanged views on the agreement on transparency. The Mongolian side is working on making this agreement in force, the Speaker said.
U.S. Sailors, Soldiers teach combat medical care course at Khaan Quest 2016
May 23 (DVIDS) Fleet Marine Force (FMF) corpsmen from 3rd Medical Battalion and medics from the Hawaii National Guard taught a casualty control familiarization class to soldiers of the Mongolian Armed Forces, May 23, at the Five Hills Training Area in Mongolia during the multinational peacekeeping exercise Khaan Quest 2016.
The class is part of a five-day course that will train the Mongolian soldiers in basic life-saving skills and casualty care to prepare them for deployments in support of United Nations peacekeeping or other missions.
"Our training that we're providing for the Armed Forces of Mongolia are things like, hemorrhage control, basic splints, tactical field care, things that you would normally encounter in the field," said FMF Hospitalman Charles Lebaron, with 3rd Medical Battalion. "This training will be beneficial for the soldiers of Mongolia because we want to be able to treat those possible injuries in combat situations."
The course reemphasizes information that the Mongolian soldiers are already familiar with, but it also introduces the soldiers to new techniques and tactics critical to life-saving in combat situations. Some of these topics include extensive training in hemorrhage control and how to provide immediate care while under fire.
"This is a very good training for us, especially for the soldiers who are not combat medics," said Mongolian Armed Forces Senior Sgt. Purevdorj Javkhlan. "So they [soldiers] will know how to treat casualties in the battlefield. We really appreciate the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps instructors."
The course instructors are helping shape the way Mongolian forces prepare and train for future operations, but this training stretches far beyond the wind-swept hillsides of the training areas of Mongolia.
"The training is just as beneficial for the U.S. Forces as it is for Mongolian forces," said Lebaron. "Because if and when we do partner up in the future together, we can rely on our Mongolian counterparts to take care of us, as we would with them. It also allows us to bridge the gap between soldier and medic, in a sense that every soldier in a combat environment will be able to take care of casualties as well."
Khaan Quest 2016 is an annual, multinational peacekeeping operations exercise hosted by the Mongolian Armed Forces, co-sponsored by U.S. Pacific Command, and supported by U.S. Army Pacific and U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific. Khaan Quest, in its 14th iteration, is the capstone exercise for this year's Global Peace Operations Initiative program. The exercise focuses on training activities to enhance international interoperability, develop peacekeeping capabilities, build to mil-to-mil relationships, and enhance military readiness.
Related:
Cambodia Sends 45 Troops To Join Multinational Peacekeeping Exercise In Mongolia – Xinhua, May 22
President opens "Khaan Quest 2016" int'l peacekeeping exercises
Ulaanbaatar, May 23 (MONTSAME) President of Mongolia and Commander-in-Chief of the Mongolian Armed Forces Ts.Elbegdorj made opening remarks at the "Khaan Quest 2016" international exercises for peacekeeping operation, which commenced on Sunday at the "Tavantolgoi" military training field.
In his speech, the President said as a member of the international community, Mongolia is aware of its commitment to contribute to building the peace and security in the world, as such Mongolian troops serve in the international peacekeeping operations with high reputation.
Co-organized annually by the Mongolian Armed Forces and the United States Pacific Command (USPACOM) since 2006, this year's exercises are special for they are carried out in collaboration with the UN Global Peace Operations Initiative program.
Present at the opening ceremony were Major-General D.Davaa, Chief of the General Headquarters of Mongolian Armed Forces (GHMAF); authorities of the GHMAF, the Defense Ministry, military personnel of foreign countries, military attaches of Embassies and representatives of the media.
The present exercises brought together some 2,000 servicemen from 47 countries including Russia, China, USA, Japan, South Korea, Germany, UK and India.
Related:
Ts.Elbegdorj meets US PACOM Commander – Montsame, May 23
Speaker Enkhbold receives Indian Ambassador on end of his term in Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar, May 24 (MONTSAME) Speaker of Parliament Z.Enkhbold received Tuesday Somnath Ghosh, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of India to Mongolia, in connection with completion of his diplomatic mission here.
Speaker welcomed a steady development of the Mongolia-India relations and cooperation under the strategic partnership principle which is based on the historical and cultural ties, common values of democracy and commitments to keep the regional and international peace and security.
Enkhbold noted the countries concurred to boost their relations under the strategic partnership and the declaration thereon was released during a visit of the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Mongolia in 2015. He underlined significance of this visit for fostering the bilateral traditional friendly relations and cooperation, keeping frequency of high-level talks and bringing the economic cooperation up to a new level.
Speaker emphasized that the Ambassador Somnath Ghosh has immensely contributed to realizing high-level visits and progressing friendly relations between the countries during his office term.
Expressing thanks to the Speaker for the audience, the Ambassador Ghosh said he agrees with the Speaker regarding progresses achieved in the bilateral relations.
"I am delighted to say my country has a string willingness to consolidate even more friendly ties with Mongolia. Narendra Modi's visit to Mongolia was coincided with the 60th anniversary of the Mongolia-India diplomatic relations and the 25th anniversary of the Democratic Revolution of Mongolia. Developing democratic principles is a very important part of our relations," Ghosh said.
Mentioning that India is a mega-market of raw materials, the Ambassador emphasized both countries have big potentials to augment bilateral trade turnover. He also pointed out that India intends to establish an IT Center in 2-2.5 years, which will prepare about 2,000 experts a year.
Speaker said that strengthening of the ties between the legislative bodies and reciprocal visits have contributed to widening not only the bilateral relations and cooperation, but also the legislative collaboration. He also emphasized importance of the credit agreement of USD 1 billion established between the governments.
Concluding the meeting, Enkhbold believed that Ghosh will continue his endeavors favoring traditional friendly relations.
Embassy in Czech Republic holds meeting for promoting Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar, May 23 (MONTSAME) With objectives to attract foreign tourists to Mongolia and to promote Mongolia in the Czech Republic, the Mongolian Embassy in that country has organized a meeting with famous Czech adventurers.
The meeting was attended by Miroslav Bobek, director of the Prague Zoo which is an implementer of a program on acclimatizing takhi (Przewalski's horse); Petr Jahoda, an adventurer and author of the "Mongolians on horseback"; Jaroslav Sima, an adventurer and racer of the Dakar Rally; and Waclaw Sura, a researcher on Polar studies.
While meeting with the adventurers, the Ambassador of Mongolia to the Czech Republic D.Zumberellham emphasized important role of those tourists who have been to Mongolia in drawing foreign travelers and enhancing knowledge about Mongolia.
The Ambassador congratulated Petr Horki on being appointed a Cultural Envoy of Mongolia to the Czech Republic by a decision of the Mongolian Minister of Foreign Affairs, and then wished him success. Adventurer and producer Petr Horki has traveled some 100 countries, written books and made documentary films on the nations he visited. He produced three films in Mongolia about Khovsgol Lake and the Death Worm, a mysterious creature in Gobi desert.
Zumberellham carried on conversation with the guests on Mongolian history, culture, tradition and a present situation of Mongolian tourism industry. They shared views on ways of promoting Mongolia in the Czech Republic, expanding the tourism cooperation and co-organizing various measures for attracting tourists to Mongolia.
Mongolia at OSCE "Connectivity: Commerce and Investment" Conference
Ulaanbaatar, May 23 (MONTSAME) A delegation headed by H.E. Ts.Bolor, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to Germany, participated in the OSCE Conference on "Connectivity: Commerce and Investment" on May 18 and 19. The business conference was initiated by the Government of Germany as Germany's Chairmanship program in 2016.
The conference was also attended by Mr L.Dashdorj, Advisor to the President of Mongolia and Ms A.Ariunaa, Deputy Director of the Department of economic cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia.
Around 1000 delegates representing the public and private sectors from 57 members of the OSCE took part in the conference as it was the first major OSCE conference for private sector participants. Chairperson-in-office, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, Mr.Frank-Walter Steinmeier opened the conference and stressed that the aim of the conference is to contribute to both economic opportunities and broader political confidence-building.
Germany is emphasizing on the intensification of business relations among OSCE members and improvement of cross-border trade and transport during its OSCE Chairmanship in 2016.
In relation to that, Ambassador Ts.Bolor informed participants about the "Asia Europe Business Forum", taking place on July 13-14 in Ulaanbaatar and invited the private sector delegates to partake. The business forum will be organized just ahead of the ASEM Summit, and more than 600 delegates are expected to consider "Asia Europe Connectivity" among many other agendas, reports the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Doctors not to be treated like criminals: Government to revisit new law
The New Criminal Law which was approved in December 2015 includes provisions to penalize doctors who have caused damage to a patient's life by medical negligence. The penalty ranges from MNT 900,000 to 80,000,000 or being sent to prison for between two and eight years. This law, however, has faced stiff criticism from doctors and other medical staff. They consider that these punishments are equivalent to the penalties faced by criminals who have committed a premeditated crime – not, simply made a mistake. Therefore, representatives of the medical establishment presented a demand to the Government to review the new Criminal Law.
Today, the Governmental session has accepted their demand and decided to present a modified draft version to Parliament.
Related:
Doctors' criminal responsibility re-considered by Cabinet – Montsame, May 24
Health Insurance Smart Card to be launched
May 24 (news.mn) Today, the Government approved the "Regulation on Consolidated Online Health Insurance Archives" and the "Regulation on the Design of the Health Insurance Smart Card, what information it should contain and how it should be used".
The smart card chip will contain personal information, including blood type, allergies, medication, paid insurance premium details, treatment information and health insurance payment data. The new health insurance smart card will make it possible for medical organizations to transfer information about their patients between themselves as well as to regulate their service fee.
Source: zasag.mn
Final day for measles vaccination
May 23 (news.mn) The measles vaccination of the public started on 12th May, to combat the outbreak of the disease across the country. As we reported, the state budget has financed the additional vaccination of all people aged between 18 and 30. Health and Sport Minister S.Lambaa has said that by midnight on 21stMay, a total of 396,000 members of the public have been vaccinated under this program. This represents almost two thirds (63% to be precise) of the target group. The vaccination program is scheduled to finish today 25th May. Therefore, health officials have been appealing to those people of the 18-30 age group who have not been vaccinated to do so now!
Wastewater treatment plants to be built in Uvurkhangai, Arkhangai, Dornogovi, Umnugovi aimags with ADB loan
May 23 (gogo.mn) The Asian Development Bank funded "Southeast Gobi urban planning, border town development project" has approved additional loan and signed an agreement.
The project aims to upgrade urban infrastructure and management services in fast growing aimag centers and border towns in Southeast Gobi. And the agreement for required additional loan of $19.4 million was signed last Friday May 20, 2016.
East Asia Director General Ayumi Konishi, Uvurkhangai, Arkhangai, Dornogovi, Umnuogiv aimag governors have signed the agreement.
The fresh loan will finance new wastewater treatment plants, while a technical assistance grant of $1 million from the Sanitation Financing Partnership Trust Fund, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will be used to assist the government in addressing sludge reuse, including implementing a pilot in at least one of the project aimag centers.
The initial ADB project grant of $15 million was approved in 2010. "Mongolia has seen very fast growth in urban areas in recent years, as mining operations have expanded and trade with the People's Republic of China has picked up, but services and infrastructure haven't kept pace," said Antonio Ressano-Garcia, an ADB Senior Urban Development Specialist. "This new assistance will support essential urban improvements in selected aimag centers, giving a significant boost to the living conditions in these areas as well as aiding economic development."
The fresh funds will cover the construction of modern wastewater treatment plants in four aimag centers (Dalanzadgad, Sainshand, Avairkheer and Tsetserleg) to replace the current inadequate pond systems. The wastewater plants will meet government standards for discharge, including reusing sewage effluent.
Further support for building know-how and institutional reforms will be provided for public utility service organizations in Avairkheer and Tsetserleg towns, resulting in improved planning, management, and cost recovery for services. The earlier project is on track to achieve most of its outputs, with significant improvements already made to water supply, sewerage, solid waste management and heating coverage.
Almost 95% of ger area dwellers in the target soums now have access to potable water within 300 meters of their dwellings, resulting in a substantial reduction in water collection time for women and children. It has also established standard service agreements for local governments and public utility service organizations.
Mongolia is leading the world in liver cancer rates
May 23 (Mongolian Economy) Mongolian Economy magazine №09 (111)
Leading enterprises
The Government of Mongolia and the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry cooperated to produce the list of Top 100 enterprises for the 15th time. Oyu Tolgoi LLC and Erdenet Mining Corporation led this list, which ranks the top 100 enterprises according to indicators such as tax contributions, revenues, employees, assets and profits. Thirty-one of the enterprises included in this year's list are engaged in the trade and services sector, while there were 18 mining enterprises. In addition, the majority of the Top 100 enterprises were based in Ulaanbaatar.
Population
As of April 2016, Mongolians make up 0.04 percent of the total population of the world and rank 138th in the world by population. 71.2 percent of those in Mongolia are concentrated in urban areas, while the mean age was 27.6. According to forecasts, the population of Mongolia will start to age after 2030, rteaching an average age of 35 by 2050. In addition, it estimated that the four millionth citizen of Mongolia will be born between 2045 and 2050.
Тop 20 index
The Mongolian Stock Exchange's March average for its Top 20 index stood at 11,191.2 points, down 603 points from the previous month and 2325 points from the same period of the previous year.
Health
According to the World Cancer Research Fund International's latest date released in 2012, 14.1 million cancer cases were diagnosed in that year, with 7.4 million of the patients being men while 6.7 million were women. The fund has projected that this number will increase to 24 million by2035. The most common cancer worldwide is lung cancer.
Mongolia is leading the world in terms of rate of liver cancer, as 78.1 percent of the 100 thousand people with cancer in Mongolia have liver a form of cancer. In the case of men, 97.8 percent of those with cancer have liver cancer, while for women this figure is 61.1 percent. Moreover, Mongolia ranks second in the world by the reports of stomach cancer, with the majority of the cases also being men.
Unemployment
According to the workforce survey results, 96.5 thousand people were unemployed nationwide in the final quarter of 2015. As of the end of the first quarter of 2016, a total of 48.8 thousand citizens were registered with job placement agencies, with 25.7 thousand of them being women. In the first quarter of this year, 29 thousand people newly registered to the provincial and city employment agencies. According to the reports of the National Registration and Statistics Office, it is an increase of 3,900 people, or 15.7 percent, from the previous year.
Meat market
Developing countries are playing a role in the global growth of production of meat and meat products. Last year, 171 million tonnes of meat was produced in developing countries, and this number is expected to rise to 227 million tonnes by 2030. Mongolian exports of meat and meat products reached seven percent of net exports in 2012, but fell to five percent in 2014. Russia is the main importer of Mongolian meat and meat products, with 98 percent of meat exports headed to Russia.
Freedom of the press
The Freedom of the Press 2016 survey noted that freedom of the press has fallen to its lowest point in 12 years. Merely 13 percent of the world population enjoys a free press, while 41 percent of the world has partly free press, and 46 percent (3.4 billion people) live in environments in which press is not free. Mongolia was in the "partly free" category, scoring 37 points out 100 and ranking 17th out of 40 countries in Asia and Pacific region.
World Milk Day to be marked in Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar, May 24 (MONTSAME) At the initiative of the National Council for Dairy Industry Development, the World Milk Day will be marked in Mongolia under a slogan "Milk produced in Mongolia: Healthy foods and life guarantee".
This year, the World Milk Day will be marked for the 16th time worldwide, while it is the first ever time in Mongolia. June 1 is set to raise public awareness of consumption of milk and dairy products, to promote the dairy industry and to stimulate cooperation in milk industry.
During the forthcoming event, milk companies will advertise their products.
World Milk Day was first celebrated in 2001 all across the world by the participation of many countries. The number of participating countries in the celebration is increasing year by year. Since then, it is celebrated every year focusing to publicize the activities related to the milk and milk industries all through the world. This celebration has been nationalized by organizing celebration related activities on national and international level. It is celebrated to increase the public awareness about the importance of milk and milk products for everyone throughout the whole life.
World Milk Day was first established to be celebrated every year on world level on 1st of June by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. It was selected on 1st of June as the national milk day was already being celebrated by many countries during this time.
"Good Student" Loan Program Begins
May 24 (Khan Bank) Khan Bank started disbursing student loans with a 5% annual interest rate on May 19, 2016, taking part in the Good Student program implemented by the Government of Mongolia to give the nation's young people greater opportunities to pursue higher education.
There are 162,626 university and vocational education students nationwide, but 49% haven't paid their tuition fees for the 2015-2016 academic year. Many students drop out of school and lose the motivation to graduate due to the stresses of paying tuition fees.
The Government of Mongolia has initiated the Good Student program in order to support competitiveness among higher education institutions, improve access to education and increase learning opportunities, and to foster students' independence, responsibility, and competitiveness.
The Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and Khan Bank have implemented the Good Student program by issuing 3 types of loans on concessional conditions to support students' aspirations for education and to help them pave their own road to a brighter future.
Applicants may visit any branch of Khan Bank to apply for the Good Student program loan and submit a request for short term financing, long term financing, or refinancing.
June 1 is public holiday
May 24 (news.mn) Mongolia celebrates International Children's Day annually on 1st June. The Law on Public Celebration officially includes this day on the list of national holidays. Therefore, next Wednesday all Mongolia will enjoy a public holiday.
"Colours of the World" International Festival of Language and Culture
May 23 (gogo.mn) "Colours of the World" International Festival of Language and Culture (IFLC) was held on May 21 at the Central Cultural Palace of Ulaanbaatar.
Ts.Oyunbaatar, Deputy Minister of Mongolia delivered an opening speech and stated that today Mongolians are very happy for children around the world gathered in Ulaanbaatar to organize their festival. IFLC is the biggest festival of peace and friendship. I would like to thank communities of Turkish Elite school and the Empathy school for initiating and organizing the festival successfully.
Hero of the Soviet Union and cosmonaut J.Gurragchaa and Deputy Minister of Mongolia Ts.Oyunbaatar were awarded with the cup of memories.
IFLC is an annual celebration and showcase for the diversity of linguistic talents from across the world.
The IFLC first started in 2003 and proceeded with only 17 countries participating. Whereas last year, 145 countries took part in this event with more than 2000 participants.
This year talented children from USA, Turkey, Romania, Russia, Denmark, Poland, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Tanzania, Tunisia, Belarus, Cambodia and Mongolia have attended the festival.
IFLC is dedicated to cultivate and educate the youth and create a platform to share their cultural heritage with their peers around the world.
The festival gives students the opportunity to showcase their singing talents in various performances while representing their own country. The students will be showcasing their singing and dancing talents in their native language and culture at this first class international festival of language and culture.
Related:
Mongolia's capital hosts its second IFLC – Montsame, May 23
Reindeer herders wants to import reindeers from Russia
Ulaanbaatar, May 24 (MONTSAME) President's advisor on Living Environment and Green Development Policy O.Chuluunbileg hosted a meeting with citizens of Tsagaannuur soum, Khuvsgul aimag, most of whom are reindeer herders.
There are about 250 reindeer herders in the locality, today. Mongolian president Ts.Elbegdorj issued a decree on allowing benefits for the members of the reindeer herding community three years ago. Monthly 130,000 MNT benefit is helping the national minority to cover their health care expenses and some pocket money for their children who study in soum centers, although the benefit amount is below the minimum wage.
University students from reindeer herding family also enjoy tuition fee discount, owing to the presidential decree.
However, other business opportunities for reindeer herders are limited in commercializing the reindeer products, including hides and milk. This is due to the lack of registration of reindeer herders, who roam the taiga. For the same reason, they are unable to receive postal packages sent to them by tourists, who visit them in the summer.
The herders are suggesting that the reindeer population need to be increased with breeds from our neighbor in the north. Such an attempt failed previously when the reindeer herding community opted for Turkey for more reindeers and the animals' health were in critical condition after they arrived in Mongolia due to poor transportation.
Mongolia and Russia have an agreement on exchanging reindeer herds on graziery, dated back to 1980, informed a clan chief Ganbat.
APU employees clean 14 ton garbage off River Tuul
Ulaanbaatar, May 23 (MONTSAME) More than 300 workers of APU Company cleaned 15.6 hectares of area surrounding River Tuul, on May 20. As a result, they collected 14 tons of waste and installed garbage bins adjacent to the river bank.
This was organized in frames of the company's initiative for environmental protection. The company staff also completed a similar campaign, having collected 23.5 tons of garbage after cleaning 28 hectares of area of the river bank.
The campaign aims to reduce environmental pollution on the banks of River Tuul, the main drinking water source of Ulaanbaatar, and to appeal urban citizens for safeguarding their surrounding ecosystem.
Earlier this month, the foreign nationals living in Ulaanbaatar organized a marathon alongside the river bank to raise awareness of environmental protection.
Yokozuna Hakuho makes another sumo history with most wins
May 23 (gogo.mn) Grand yokozuna Hakuho Davaajargal Munkhbat captured 37th Emperor Cup in May Natsu Basho, where he finished the tournament without any defeat with 15 wins.
On the second day of May Natsu Basho, he defeated his opponent for the 880 times and set a record of most winning sumo wrestler in history. After his 15 days of victory spree, he secured another emperor cup while setting a personal and sumo sports winning record to 893. His record is matched by none in modern sumo history and is followed by Kaiyo 879 (retired), Chiyonofuji 807 (retired), Kitanoumi 804 (retired). Taiho 746 (retired).
In January 2015, Hakuho broke 1700 year old record by winning his 33rd basho victory and saturday he raised this to 37. Also he holds most championships record without a single loss for 15 days with 68th Grand yokozuna Asashoryu Dagvadorj.
69th Grand yokozuna Hakuho Davaajargal's first tournament (basho) was back in March 2001. And then started in makuuchi, a top division, in May 2004 and won his first makuuchi in May Natso basho in 2006.
Related:
Hakuho M.Davaajargal breaks his record, winning Emperor's Cup 37th time – Montsame, May 23
L.Altantsetseg to fight for medal in Women's World Boxing Championships
Ulaanbaatar, May 24 (MONTSAME) Competing in the 2016 AIBA Women's World Boxing Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan, an athlete from Dornod aimag, L.Altantsetseg advanced to the semi-finals in the 48 kg bout on Monday.
In the preliminary rounds, our boxer defeated her opponents of Turkey and Ukraine. In the bronze medal match, she will fight against Marlen Esparza, an Olympic bronze medalist and World champion from USA.
Other boxers did not get through to next matches except one Mongolian who will compete at the semi-finals.
Boxers grab medals Czech grand prix
Ulaanbaatar, May 23 (MONTSAME) Boxers of the national men's team won medals in a Grand Prix tournament which was concluded last weekend in Usti Nad Labem, the Czech Republic.
Kh.Enkh-Amar, an international master of sports claimed gold medal in the 56 kg bout after defeating a Hungarian boxer, Tap Sandro in the finals. Another boxer E.Tsendbaatar IMS captured gold medal in the 60 kg contest by defeating a Moldavian boxer Dorin Buksa in the finals.
The national team of Mongolia was ranked 3rd by the team results with 12 points. The Italian team won the Grand Prix by collecting 16 points, which is followed by Kazakhstan with 13 points.
National Sport Climbing Championship held
May 24 (gogo.mn) National Sport Climbing Championship named after Master Mountaineer Jantsan Yadam was held on May 21-22 at the Nairamdal (Friendship) International Children's Center. It attracted 114 athletes of 15 teams, competing in lead climbing, speed climbing and bouldering disciplines.
This year's championship improved in quality and came much similar to other international tournaments because it had two new artificials walls that are approved by the International Federation of Sport Climbing and timed competition.
Furthermore, Mongolian Mountaineering Federation and other supporters are working towards having international standard resources to attract more amateurs and people.
It is the 5th year since the National Sport Climbing Championship was named after Mountaineering Master Jantsan Yadam and sponsored by Sutain Bor Mountain climbing clumb.
Each year, participants number rise and number of adolescents interested in this sports increase. This year's championship was organized by newly structured Mongolian National Mountaineering Federation.
Co-organizers: Physical education, sports development center of Ministery of Health and Sports, Nairamdal International Children's Center, Sutain Bor uul sports club.
RESULTS
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Mongolian mountaineer makes it to Everest again, this time from the north
Ulaanbaatar, May 23 (MONTSAME) Master of Mountaineering B.Tseveendash conquered Mount Everest, "the roof of the world", for the second time on May 21. He climbed through North Ridge route from Tibet.
This is his third climb and second summiting on Everest. B.Tseveendash climbed through South Col route from Nepal and reached Everest for the first time around this time in 2012.
His second climb to Everest last year with Master T.Gurragchaa was stopped en route of 7000 meters above sea level, due to the catastrophic earthquake in Nepal.
Mongolian boy becomes Illinois State champion in gymnastics
Ulaanbaatar, May 23 (MONTSAME) Mongolian student of the U.S. Niles West high school Nomundalai Jamiyankhuu won the all-around gymnastics championship title of Illinois State.
At the beginning of the boys' gymnastics season, Niles West coach Adrian Batista said he didn't expect to have star junior Dalai Jamiyankhuu compete for the Wolves this season due to a cracked L5 vertebra in Nomundalai's back.
Not only did Nomundalai return, he won the state championship in the all-around at Hinsdale Central on May 15. He finished with 52.70 points, edging Wheaton Warrenville South senior Ben Szot (52.55).
Nomundalai led the Wolves to a third-place finish (149.00 points) in the team standings — which was Niles West's highest finish since 1975 — in just his fourth meet of the season.
"My first meet was the Niles North Invite [on Friday, April 24], and I only competed in" pommel horse, Nomundalai said. "It was not the best. It was very sloppy. ... I didn't think I'd be here right now, taking first place."
Despite the long layoff, many of Nomundalai's skills returned right away, he said, because he'd done them for so long and still had the muscle memory.
Nomundalai had to work hard to get others back in time for the state meet, he added. But there were a few — specifically the strength elements on still rings and his dismount on parallel bars, where he combines strength and swinging — that he still didn't have on Friday, May 15.
That was evident early on Nomundalai scored a 7.70 on still rings to start the meet. That immediately put him at a disadvantage.
"After the first event, I was down by two points," Nomundalai said. "And then I went to vault, did decent [scoring a 9.20] — but then came to [parallel] bars and fell on my dismount. I was very down and sad about that, but my teammates picked me up and said, 'No, you've got to keep going.' "
"Coach, he said some things to me" during that time, Nomundalai said. "I was like, 'You're right. It's not the end. We don't know what's going to happen until the end,' so then I gave it all I've got."
Nomundalai's first event after that was high-bar — the apparatus on which he won a 2014 state title. Nomundalai scored a 9.2 on high bar to win the state championship last year, and he matched that on Friday night. His 9.2 was the best score on high bar of any gymnast competing in the all-around.
Nomundalai followed that with a 9.1 on floor exercise. Then, in his final event of the all-around, he scored a 9.05 on the pommel horse. He was the meet's lone all-arounder to score higher than 9.0 on pommel horse.
After pommel horse, Nomundalai's all-around score of 52.70 was posted on an overhead screen at Hinsdale Central. He then waited, watching the remaining gymnasts to see if it would hold up.
"I guess after falling a couple times, I was like, 'Well, it doesn't matter if I mess up, so I'm just going to be confident and I'm going to go for everything," Nomundalai said. "I think, with that attitude, it made me more confident with my skills."
Nomundalai's return to Niles West late in the season helped elevate the Wolves from a solid team into one of the best in Illinois. Several gymnasts made strong contributions on Friday night, including junior Mitchell Byron, senior Jordan Goldberg and junior David Thai.
Nomundalai "hit, and the rest of the guys were consistent," Batista said. "That's what we've been doing."
Being part of the best team at Niles West since 1975, when the Wolves finished second in the state, was especially sweet for Goldberg.
"It's amazing," he said. "I didn't think this was possible. The fact that we got third is just amazing. It's the perfect way to end my gymnastics career."
'Mongolian Nomad' performance nominated at The Annual International Circus Awards "MASTERS"
May 24 (gogo.mn) During press conference Russian Circus released names of the nominees for The Annual International Circus Awards "MASTERS" 2016. Amateurs and professionals in circus art from all over the world can be nominated in circus Award "MASTER".
The awards is organized for the 2nd year in Sochi, Russia. There are total of 14 nominees including:
- Best act
- Best circus attraction
- Best show
- Best male artists
- Best female artist
- Best tamer
- Best clown
- Best director
- Best production designer
- Best composer
- Best choreographer
- Best producer
- Best trick - Mongolian Nomad (teeter board - acrobats) by Mongolian circus artists
- Best festival
International best ballet dancers to perform at "Night of ballet" festival
May 24 (gogo.mn) D.Altankhuyag, state honored artist and solo dancer of Boston Ballet Company and Komaki ballet to organize "Night of ballet" international ballet festival in his home country for its third year.
The festival to be held on June 4 at 7 pm at the Concert hall of Corporate Hotel and Convention Center.
International ballet dancers from Mongolia, USA, Canada, Japan, Cuba, Turkey, Argentina and Spain to perform world classics at Mongolian stage.
"Night of Ballet" aims to introduce the development of Mongolian ballet as well as to promote Mongolia through classic art.
Dancers:
1. Dugaraa ALTANHUYAG( Mongolia)
2. Lasha Khozashvili ( Georgia)
3. Dusty Button - (USA)
4. Joseph Gatti (USA)
5. Rordrigo Almarales (Cuba)
6. Liu Sirui - (China)
7. Naoya Ebe - (Japan)
8. Elena Lobsanova - (Russia)
9. Aya Kaneko - (Japan)
10.Byambaa BATBOLD - (Mongolia)
11. Ganbaatar TSOLMON - (Mongolia)
12. Choijilsuren GANCHIMEG - (Mongolia)
13. Bayasgalan SARUUL - (Mongolia)
14. Altangerel ERDENEBOLD - (Mongolia)
15.Otgontugs ANUJIN - (Mongolia)
16. Bat-Erdene TUGULDUR - (Mongolia)
Prices for the ticket are MNT 100,000 and MNT 120,000. You are able to buy the tickets at www.ticket.mn
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