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Wednesday, September 28, 2016

[MNT breaks new low; PM meets IMF, WB, EBRD; GoM raises ₮8.7B from MSE; MSE ready for custodians; and Mongolia signs IFRC appeal]

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Wednesday, September 28, 2016

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Jump to: Int'l Market - Local Market - Economy - Politics, Legal - Business - Ulaanbaatar - Diplomacy - Health, Education - Culture, Society - Nature, Environment - Sports - Art, Entertainment - Travel

Headlines in Italic are ones modified by Cover Mongolia from original

 

Int'l Market

AKM closed +7.5% Tuesday to A$0.043.

Aspire Mining's David Paull takes Northern Rail Corridor to Washington D.C.

September 27 (Proactive Investors) Aspire Mining Ltd (ASX:AKM) has presented at the Silk Road Summit conference in Washington D.C. to introduce the New Northern Corridor to a broad audience of government and funding stakeholders.

The rail corridor is a new rail trade route between Russia and China through Mongolia and has been incorporated into China's One Belt One Road policy.

Aspire is the largest coal tenement holder in Mongolia's Northern provinces and is the 100% owner of the Ovoot Coking Coal Project which is the second largest coking coal project by reserves in Mongolia.

The Ovoot project development is dependent on the construction of the Erdenet to Ovoot railway which is a part of the Northern Rail Corridor.

Aspire recently received an expression of interest (EOI) from China Development Bank to fund up to 75% of the engineering, procurement and construction contract to build the Erdenet to Ovoot Railway in Northern Mongolia.

Background

Production from the Ovoot project can coincide with the commissioning of the Erdenet to Ovoot railway.

Aspire recently commenced the first stage of the rail feasibility study to extend Mongolia's national rail network from the city of Erdenet to its flagship Ovoot Coking Coal Project in Mongolia.

The 547 kilometre extension has recently been included in a new Northern Rail Economic Corridor connecting China and Russia through Mongolia as part of China's One Belt One Road Policy.

Northern Railways has formed a consortium with two subsidiaries of China Railways Corporation to progress the development of the Erdenet to Ovoot railway – China Railways 20 Bureau Group Corporation (CR20G) and China Railway First Design Survey and Design Institute (FSDI). 

CR20G is the nominated engineering, procurement and construction contractor and FSDI has been contracted to undertake the bankable feasibility study. 

FSDI has commenced the first stage of a bankable feasibility study, which is due for completion by 31 December 2016.  

Silk Road Summit

The 2016 Silk Road Summit conference was recently held in the U.S. capital or Washington D.C. to provide an opportunity for business development in a new emerging market– a trading belt from Asia to Europe.

Conference topics included:

- Silk Road Economic Belt;
- Business development and commercial opportunities;
- Infrastructure project pipeline; and
- Trade and cross-border investment.

Presenters included members representing government, national embassies, banks and trade organisations.

Analysis

Aspire's involvement in the Silk Road Summit provides opportunity to attract new investors and gain valuable relationships.

Aspire's inclusion in the Economic Corridor in late June has proven to be a key price catalyst for the stock and the foundation for development milestones.

Such milestones include the recently received EOI from China Development Bank (CDB) to fund up to 75% of the engineering, procurement and construction contract.

This interest from CBD increases the certainty of the railway's construction required for the development of Ovoot, which in turn can unlock value for shareholders.

Subject to the completion of a feasibility study, the Erdenet to Ovoot railway may receive priority funding from China's Policy Banks, Sinosure, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and funds such as the Silk Road Fund.

The stock is up 525% year to date, currently trading at $0.05.

Link to article

Link to AKM presentation

 

TER closed +5.4% Tuesday to A$0.039

Cameron McRae says surging coal prices curbing asset sales in sector

By James Regan | SYDNEY

September 27 (Reuters) Australia-listed miner Terracom Ltd says the steepest rally in coal prices in over half a decade means that mines digging the commodity are becoming more expensive to buy, curbing a wave of purchases in the sector.

Less than a year after the coal industry was declared to be in terminal decline as governments tackle carbon dioxide emissions, coal markets have surged on factors such as China tightening regulations on local production.

That has pushed up prices for coal assets, which companies such as Terracom had been snapping up in countries like Australia, Indonesia and Mongolia.

"There would have been more (industry wide) M&A activity if the price had stayed low a bit longer," Terracom Chairman Cameron McRae told Reuters in an interview.

"Prices are going up and this is making it harder on buyers," said McRae, who cut his teeth digging mines for Rio Tinto over nearly three decades.

Coal mines were among the first businesses to go on the block after the global mining boom went bust.

Terracom in July agreed to pay just A$1 ($0.76) for an old Rio Tinto thermal coal mine in Australia called Blair Athol, now undergoing reactivation. The mine has been closed since 2012.

Rival Stanmore Coal 14 months ago paid Vale and Sumitomo Corp A$1 for ownership of the Isaac Plains coking coal mine in the state of Queensland. The mine reopened in May.

Prices for metallurgical coal, which Terracom plans to produce in Mongolia and Indonesia, have more than doubled since January, with traders on Tuesday quoting spot prices of around $206 a tonne.

The last time coal prices breached $200 a tonne was 2012,when flooding cut off a third of the world's supply from Australia. In January, the spot price stood at just $75 per tonne.

In September last year, New Hope Corp agreed to pay Rio $606 million for its 40 percent stake in a thermal mine in Australia.

More recently, a consortium led by private equity firm Apollo Global Management emerged as the frontrunner for Anglo American's metallurgical coal mines in Australia, valued at up to $1.5 billion.

Link to article

 

Origo Partners: Results of Shareholder Meetings 

September 27 -- On 7 September 2016 the Company posted a Circular to Shareholders providing details of the proposed restructuring of the Company's share capital together with notices convening the General Meeting, the CZDP Class Meeting and the Ordinary Share Class Meeting (together the "Meetings").

The Company is now pleased to announce the results of the General Meeting, the CZDP Class Meeting and the Ordinary Share Class Meeting which were held at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. yesterday respectively. 

Capitalised terms used and not otherwise defined in this announcement have the meanings given in the Circular posted to Shareholders on 7 September 2016. 

Result of General Meeting 

Result of CZDP Class Meeting 

Result of Ordinary Share Class Meeting 

Shonaid Jemmett-Page, Chairman of Origo, commented: 

"The directors of Origo are delighted to report the outcome of the Meetings and the approval of the Proposals by the requisite majorities of the Company's ordinary and CZDP shareholders. This brings to  an end a significant period of uncertainty and expense for the Company and its shareholders. With the resumption of trading of the Company's shares on AIM, the restructuring of the Company's share capital and the resolution of the disputes with Brooks Macdonald, Origo is in a significantly improved position to deliver its Investing Policy of divesting the Company's entire portfolio by November 2018."

Link to release

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Local Market

MSE Trading Report: Top 20 -0.88%, ALL -0.69%, Turnover ₮54.3 Million Shares, 8.8 Billion T-Bills

September 27 (MSE) --

Link to report

 

MSE: 5 Billion 39-Week T-Bills Sold at 16.964% Discount, 4.9 Billion 52-Weeks at 17%

September 27 (MSE) On 27 September 2016, 39 weeks Government bonds /16.964% annual coupon rate/ worth  MNT5.0 billion, 52 weeks Government bonds /17.00% annual coupon rate/ worth MNT4.9 billion traded respectively at Mongolian Stock Exchange.

Bellow member brokerage companies participated in bonds trading as follows:

Link to release

 

MSE's MIT System Is Ready to Support Custodian Services

September 27 (MSE) MIT integrated Trading system is ready to support and work with Custodian service from 26 September 2016.

Currently, Golomt Custodian Bank, Khan Custodian Bank and Trade and Development Custodian Bank have granted special custodian licenses by Financial Regulatory Commission of Mongolia and signed the membership agreement with Mongolian Central Securities Depository.

By signing this agreement, those custodian banks have become able to open accounts for their customers, and it created the favorable circumstance to MIT system to operate the trading by receiving orders from customers.    

Link to release

Back to top

Economy

USD/MNT historic high ₮2,272.82, set Sep 27, 2016. Previous high ₮2,265.28, set Aug 18, 2016. Reds are rates that set a new record at the time.

BoM MNT Rates: Tuesday, September 27 Close

9/27

9/26

9/23

9/22

9/21

9/20

9/19

9/16

9/15

9/14

9/13

9/12

9/9

9/8

9/7

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USD

2,272.82

2,263.94

2,257.89

2,253.61

2,249.42

2,247.52

2,247.86

2,246.43

2,244.97

2,240.74

2,238.52

2,232.65

2,232.86

2,223.62

2,220.22

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EUR

2,556.47

2,542.97

2,530.98

2,530.13

2,506.30

2,517.22

2,508.72

2,523.64

2,522.22

2,517.25

2,515.09

2,511.62

2,516.88

2,503.57

2,497.64

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JPY

22.61

22.50

22.38

22.44

22.00

22.13

22.01

22.04

21.94

21.70

21.97

21.79

21.84

21.87

21.89

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GBP

2,947.96

2,927.39

2,942.82

2,943.55

2,918.17

2,935.37

2,933.91

2,971.13

2,967.06

2,963.49

2,981.26

2,962.39

2,972.83

2,966.09

2,978.43

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RUB

35.67

35.25

35.40

35.37

34.89

34.75

34.68

34.62

34.34

34.46

34.55

34.40

34.76

34.76

34.46

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CNY

340.86

339.39

338.54

337.89

337.16

336.93

337.06

336.63

336.41

335.91

335.11

334.27

334.31

333.52

333.18

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KRW

2.07

2.04

2.05

2.04

2.01

2.01

2.01

2.00

1.99

1.99

2.00

2.01

2.03

2.03

2.04

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SGD

1,671.68

1,662.28

1,662.84

1,666.44

1,651.25

1,650.40

1,647.21

1,647.97

1,641.24

1,640.55

1,645.12

1,640.57

1,649.51

1,650.98

1,648.45

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CAD

1,721.96

1,717.71

1,728.66

1,727.70

1,708.12

1,703.76

1,707.97

1,706.62

1,697.26

1,705.93

1,711.41

1,708.75

1,725.02

1,727.75

1,728.74

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AUD

1,745.64

1,722.18

1,727.40

1,726.15

1,701.80

1,698.79

1,693.43

1,688.08

1,674.19

1,678.31

1,685.61

1,680.63

1,704.68

1,714.19

1,703.46

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HKD

293.08

291.90

291.11

290.58

290.05

289.74

289.73

289.54

289.36

288.84

288.55

287.82

287.84

286.70

286.29

https://gallery.mailchimp.com/4296ba475e0a2fd5de8e5bee5/images/9775661f-ece0-420b-843d-58b1b4b23546.png

CHF

2,349.17

2,334.80

2,327.48

2,320.80

2,295.44

2,296.79

2,293.50

2,309.36

2,301.94

2,295.37

2,302.77

2,292.37

2,296.71

2,293.22

2,289.48

Bank USD rates at time of sending: Khan (Buy ₮2,265 Sell ₮2,280), TDB (Buy ₮2,265 Sell ₮2,279), Golomt (Buy ₮2,265 Sell ₮2,279), XacBank (Buy ₮2,267 Sell ₮2,279), State Bank (Buy ₮2,265 Sell ₮2,280)

MNT vs USD (blue), CNY (red) in last 1 year:

Link to rates

 

Mongolia's Tugrik reaches record low against US Dollar

September 27 (gogo.mn) According to the Bank of Mongolia, USD rate reaches MNT 2263 today. 

Commercial banks are selling USD at MNT 2273-2275 while currency exchange centers are selling dollar at MNT 2278, which set the record selling rate of the USD. 

Mongolia has witnessed sharp rise in dollar exchange rates since the beginning of 2016.

On Sep 18th, Bank of Mongolia`s Board of Directors held meeting and decided to increase the policy interest rate to 15 percent. As a result, the US Dollar had stabilized temporarily but it has begun to rise since last week.

Link to article

 

BoM sells US$13.8m at 2,276, CNY8m at 340.63, accepts $7m MNT swap offers

September 27 (Bank of Mongolia) Spot trade: Commercial banks bid MNT 2267.20-2278.10 for USD47.25 million and MNT 338.39-340.76 for CNY86.8 million respectively. The BoM sold USD 13.8 million in a single price of MNT 2276.00 and CNY8.0 million in a closing rate of MNT 340.63 respectively.

Swap and forward trade: The BoM accepted the bid offers of USD 7.0 million of MNT swap agreement, the BoM accepted the bid offers.

Link to release

 

PM expresses willingness to cooperate with IMF on difficult economic situation

Ulaanbaatar, September 27 (MONTSAME) Resident Representative of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to Mongolia Neil Saker was welcomed Monday by Prime Minister J.Erdenebat. Mr Saker gave a briefing on the projects and programs by the IMF in the recent years and explained how the conditions of the IMF-assisted programs have become more resilient.

The Mongolian Prime Minister mentioned that the Government is focusing its attention on overcoming the economic difficulties and developing specific programs. He also expressed willingness to cooperate with the IMF for handling the difficult economic situations in Mongolia.

Link to article

 

PM Talks Possibilities of Programs to Ensure Economic Growth with World Bank Country Director

Ulaanbaatar, September 27 (MONTSAME) The head of the Mongolian Government, Mr J.Erdenebat received on Monday the World Bank's Country Director for China, Mongolia and Korea, Mr Bert Hofman.

The sides exchanged opinions on maintaining the dynamic cooperation between Mongolia and the World Bank, and possibilities of collaboration in the programs for ensuring Mongolia's economic growth and in developing feasibility studies of major projects, which are vital for Mongolia's prosperity.

Mr Hofman extended gratitude for the new government's effective and transparent actions for improving the country macroeconomic circumstances and the budget policy, although the economic condition was critical when the Prime Minister took power.

Link to article

Related:

PM receives World Bank and EBRD officialsnews.mn, September 27

 

EBRD Developed List of Potential Infrastructure Projects in Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar, September 27 (MONTSAME) The Prime Minister, Mr J.Erdenebat welcomed at his office the First Vice President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Mr Philip Bennett on September 26.

This year is marking the 10th anniversary of the launch of EBRD operations in Mongolia. Over the past years, the EBRD allocated direct investments of over USD 1.4 billion in Mongolia. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the above investments and financial assistance for the Oyu Tolgoi Project and suggested upgrading the cooperation in the form of government loan.

Mr Bennett said the Bank has set up a research team in the margin of the cooperation with Mongolia, and has developed a list of potential infrastructure projects.

The package of loans from EBRD allowed to the Mongolian entities have reached 12 percent of the country's GDP, which is the highest performance of EBRD among all members of the Bank.

The EBRD has realized 82 projects in mining, renewable energy, food industry, industrial manufacturing, cashmere, retail businesses, banking and finance, as well as many other fields in Mongolia.

Link to article

 

Bank of Mongolia President receives EBRD First Vice President

September 27 (Mongolian Economy) President of the Bank of Mongolia (BoM) N.Bayartsaikhan met with delegates from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on September 26, 2016. The group included Philip D. Bennett, First Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the EBRD; A.Ulziitogtokh, Senior Banker at the EBRD; and Natalia Khanjenkova, Managing Director for Turkey and Central Asia at the EBRD.

The sides exchanged views on the possibility of increasing the amount of funding and loans provided by the EBRD each year. The bank supports small and medium sized manufacturing businesses in addition to mining and infrastructure, and Mr. Bennett said that the bank will give more attention to the financing of small projects in the future. Although the EBRD expressed its willingness to expand operations in Mongolia's banking and finance sector, they also pointed to the need to improve governance transparency at the BoM.

Bayartsaikhan informed that the BoM is working to update relevant regulations and legislation in order to ensure the independence of the central bank.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the EBRD's operations in Mongolia. Throughout the past decade, the bank has provided USD 1.5 billion in investment and soft loans. Mongolia has received the most investment from the bank compared to other countries in terms of the GDP-to-funding ratio.

Link to article

Related:

EBRD rooting for small-scale projectsMontsame, September 27

Back to top

Politics & Legal

"Combating gender-based violence in Mongolia" project officially launched

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, September 27 (news.mn) – Today marked the formal launch of the "Combating Gender-Based Violence in Mongolia" project, co-funded by the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Mongolian Government. The launch was held at the Soyombo Hall of the Best Western Tuushin Hotel, Ulaanbaatar.

Opening remarks were made by Byambatsogt S, Minister for Justice and Home Affairs and Naomi Kitahara, UNFPA Representative, followed by signing of the official project documents in the presence of representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Relations and the Swiss Agency for Development Cooperation.         

Genderbased violence (GBV), particularly domestic violence (DV), remains one of the most serious and lifethreatening human rights violations in Mongolia and in the world. A 2015 assessment conducted by the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights revealed that GBV, particularly DV, is prevalent and widespread. Furthermore, while concrete data on GBV prevalence is scant, indicative national data reveals an upward trend in cases of GBV. While important progress in improving the legal environment to effectively deal with GBV has been made in recent years, it is necessary to provide technical and financial support to the Mongolian government to ensure meaningful and lasting change regarding GBV.

The project then aims to achieve the following results:

1.    Create knowledge about the current situation of GBV and its causes across the country through data collection ;

2.    Raise public awareness and sensitize decision-makers to the issue of GBV; and

3.    Improve and expand response and support mechanisms for GBV survivors.

"We are excited to partner with the government in order to seriously address the issue of GBV and to promote human rights, particularly for the nation's women and girls, " says UNFPA's Naomi Kitahara.  The project launch comes a month after the recent one-year anniversary of the worldwide commitment to the UN Global Sustainable Development Goals. "Mongolia's Sustainable Development Vision and Government Action Plan 2016-2020 have strong commitments towards eliminating DV in Mongolia. Through this project, we will work together to specifically address Goal 5, which is to achieve Gender Equality, and to meet the target for eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls by 2030. It will also help achieve Goal 16 which is dedicated to the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, the provision of access to justice for all, and building effective, accountable institutions at all levels."

Link to article

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Diplomacy

Japan wins Mongolia's cooperation over North Korea's nuclear ambitions

September 27 (Kyodo) Japan and Mongolia have agreed on coordinated action to press North Korea to stop its nuclear and missile programs after the reclusive state held its fifth nuclear test earlier this month despite international condemnation.

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and his Mongolian counterpart, Tsend Munkh-Orgil, also confirmed during a meeting Tuesday their cooperation in addressing the long-stalled issue of Pyongyang's abductions of Japanese nationals, the Foreign Ministry said.

Mongolia has diplomatic ties with North Korea while Japan does not. Ulan Bator has served as a venue for Japan-North Korea talks over the abductions issue on several occasions.

North Korea is now posing "a threat that has a dimension different from before and we must send a strong message," Kishida told Munkh-Orgil, according to the ministry. Munkh-Orgil agreed to raise pressure on North Korea.

Following North Korea's latest nuclear test on Sept. 9, Japan is seeking a fresh U.N. Security Council resolution to impose additional sanctions on North Korea, stressing the need for the international community to send a strong message that it will not tolerate further provocation by North Korea.

"Mongolia is an important regional partner that shares principle values" with Japan, Kishida said at the outset of the meeting, which was open to the media.

The ministers also agreed to strengthen economic ties between Japan and Mongolia after a bilateral free trade accord went into force in June.

Link to article

 

Father treks from Russia into Mongolia to flee sex charge

September 27 (The Times) A Frenchman who claimed to have been falsely accused of making child pornography in Russia has escaped by fleeing from house arrest in Siberia and trekking into Mongolia.

Diplomats had lobbied for Yoann Barbereau's release after Russian prosecutors charged him on the basis of a family photograph of him and his daughter naked in a bathroom.

He confirmed his getaway with a cryptic Facebook post from Ulan Bator, the Mongolian capital, quoting the 17th century agitator Jean François Paul de Gondi, cardinal de Retz: "There is nothing in this world that does not have a decisive moment." The French statesman escaped from captivity in Nantes, Mr Barbereau's home town.

In his own flight to freedom, Mr Barbereau, 38, reached the Mongolian capital ten days after apparently disabling an electronic bracelet used to track his movements and sneaking out of Irkutsk. Before his arrest last year he was the Irkutsk director of Alliance Française, the cultural agency similar to the British Council.

Mr Barbereau crossed the porous Russia-Mongolia border on foot with a guide, a Moscow-based French-language paper said. Irkutsk and Ulan Bator are separated by 400 miles of mountains, forest and steppe.

Mr Barbereau's father, Bernard, said that his son had "chosen to take the road to freedom" because he was convinced that he could not escape "conviction that would be as heavy as it would be unjust".

Mr Barbereau's trial this summer prompted an outcry in France and calls for President Hollande to intervene. The verdict was postponed indefinitely as the French foreign ministry lobbied Moscow for his release.

Mr Barbereau, who was accused of committing sexual acts on a minor, was missing when Russian prison officials visited his home on September 11. He was accused on the basis of a photograph and a video posted on a site for young parents. The image showed him and his five-year-old daughter naked. He and his family insisted that the picture was a "banal scene of family life" and had "no sexual character".

His French support committee said that the trial consisted of fabricated evidence and falsified documents. His supporters said that he was the victim of hackers who posted the personal photograph and a video compilation of paedophile pornography that had nothing to do with him.

His Russian-born wife initially told police that he was guilty but she recanted her version in a letter to the court that said that her testimony had been "extorted from her under pressure from the investigators". She has left Russia and lives in London with their daughter.

French expatriates in Russia speculated that Mr Barbereau, the only French national in Irkutsk, may have been suspected of spying or that he had fallen victim to local politics at a time when he and his wife were planning to open a chain of café-boulangeries in the area.

Russian police have issued a warrant for his arrest.

Link to article

 

Australian Ambassador: We are in a very similar situation to Mongolia

September 27 (gogo.mn) We interviewed with Australia's first resident Ambassador to Mongolia, Mr John Langtry. 

-In 2014, Australia has changed its visa application, particularly the financial requirements.  Since the Australian Embassy is established in Mongolia, would the visa application conditions be changed?

-We have been very pleased to see the increasing interest in travel to, and study in Australia. After all, one of the key purposes of having an Embassy here is to encourage people-to-people linkages. The conditions applied to the visa will not change as a result of the establishment of Australian Embassy in Mongolia. Our visa application process supports our efforts by giving Mongolians two convenient ways in which to apply for a visa:

Firstly, the Australian Government contracts out the visa application service in Mongolia to a professional organisation, as it does around the world. Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) in Ulaanbaatar is the best place for visa-related questions. They work closely with Australia's Department of Immigration and Border Protection regional office which is in Beijing.

Second, Mongolians can apply on-line through the web address http://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visa/Immi. It is actually an Australian based, the headquarters of website does not go through Beijing. We know that Mongolians are pretty good with online media. That probably could be very useful way for Mongolians to apply. 

-How many visa applications do you receive from Mongolia, per year?

-We have received about 3500 visa applications from Mongolia in 2015-2016. Around 1800 were for tourist visas and more than 1600 were for student visas. These numbers illustrate the close relationship Mongolia and Australia enjoy as well as the similarities between our countries geographically and culturally.

On Sep 16th, we did annual education exhibition. We had a record number of students come to ask the 27 universities and colleges. We had 2200 people on Saturday afternoon. In fact, we are second only to the US as a destination for Mongolians, seeking a high-quality English language higher education. 

-Mongolia and Australia have established a diplomatic relationship in 1972. How satisfied are you with the current state of the two countries' diplomatic relations?

-I am very satisfied with how Mongolians and Australians have gotten closer over the past 44 years and I think this reflects Mongolia's importance to Australia as a strategic, economic and social partner.

Strategically, Australia admires the courageous choice that Mongolia has made and sustained for democracy and free market economy. We want to be a good "Third Neighbour".

Economically, both countries share much in common in developing our economies through attracting high-quality foreign investment and developing export-oriented mining. Many Australian companies have came to Mongolia to bring experience, technology and a genuine commitment to economic and human resources development in major mining projects here such as Oyu Tolgoi with Rio Tinto`s involvement. 

Socially, both countries value family and education. We are very tolerant of foreign cultures and share a love of nature which is rooted in same sort of nomadic traditions. We both love blue sky and wide-open places. 

So we have much to celebrate with the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations next year.

-I heard that over 60 Australian companies operate in Mongolia. What opportunities and challenges are they facing? 

-I think that number of companies operating here has come down a bit, given the difficult business environment in recent years. However we have been encouraged that the new MPP Government has made a clear commitment to addressing the problems faced by foreign investors and service providers in Mongolia. I expect a number of Australian companies will come back as the Mongolian Government delivers on its promises.

Australian companies are most interested in and capable of contributing to the development of Mongolia's mining sector through investment and the provision of mining equipment, technology and services. 

Education services are certainly another area of Australian strength. It is not widely appreciated that the Australian education sector is a bigger generator of export revenue than our mining sector. 

-Local governors and community members do not approve of mining operations although the companies had invested in the exploration. Do the companies with Australian investment face the same problem? How do you solve these issues?

-Foreign investment of any sort in any country can be viewed negatively if it not seen to be delivering clear benefits not only to the national treasury, but also development of sustainable local economies. That is why the Embassy wants to strengthen cooperation with Australian mining companies and other development partners on making sure the development benefits of good-quality foreign investment are felt equally at the national and local level.

That is also why we have focused development assistance under the Australian Minerals Extractive Program (AMEP) on good governance and capacity building. 

I will visit South Gobi next week to look out what the Embassy can better support Oyu Tolgoi's community engagement programs, for example in developing agribusiness.

-Your opinion on the operations of Oyu Tolgoi in our country?

-I think Mongolians themselves are the best judges of that. The robust democratic debate in this country allows you to draw your own conclusions. Our experience in Australia for any big project is the "three Cs" – clarity, consistency and coordination of policy and regulations in the mining sector – are important ingredients for success.

We are pleased to see now that there appears to be bipartisan political support for the development of Oyu Tolgoi Stage 2. I think this also reflects broader public recognition that Oyu Tolgoi is high-quality foreign investment that has the potential to deliver very substantial development benefits to Mongolia at both the national and local levels.

My observation is that Oyu Tolgoi here with re-managing of Rio Tinto behaves very much the way successful mining companies would behave in Australia. So as an Ambassador, I am very happy to see Oyu Tolgoi's commitment to local employment, local procurement, education and training, world-class safety and water management, and sustainable social and economic development in the surrounding communities.

Two things are really stand up for me. First, the operation is 93 per cent of Mongolian staff. The other thing that Rio Tinto told me is that the quality and effectiveness of water recycling and water usage is the best in the world. I do not want make specific comments on how well the company is operating. From my experience, compared to the operation in Australia, they are doing pretty well. 

-Royalty in Mongolia is at 2.5%.  The Government of Mongolia proposed to increase it to 5%. What is royalty rate in Australia is and how is it decided?

-It is done in different way. Australia has a federal system. Mineral royalties in Australia are levied at the state level, not by the national government, so I am not sure what parallels can be drawn. I can give you one example. In Western Australia, gold royalties applied on the first 2500 tons of gold metal production by a company is exempt from royalty, and after that the rate is 2.5%. 

Generally, the approach is to encourage exploration and development by trying to keep the royalties competitive internationally.

-Currently, Mongolian public is divided in their opinion whether we should use natural resources or not. What would be your opinion on this issue?

-As I said before, the most important thing that Government needs to do when dealing with mining development projects is to make sure people understand the national and local benefits. The three Cs - clarity, consistency and coordination, is the best approach to deal with concerns about mining development. Maybe I should add another one, that is consultation. In particular, in Australia a lot of big mining developments take place where there are traditional nomadic populations. Of course, there are strong feelings about the land of which they live for this people. I believe that it is their responsibility for them to preserve the land. But I also realize that is important to have economic and social development for their children. There is a process of consultation for any big project like that. It is a complicated subject but there is legislation in Australia which is called a "native title". This recognizes the beliefs of the traditional nomadic people. It says they have title which means ownership before land for the purposes of permitting development. It also says that development cannot take place without proper consultation.

Therefore you will need policy or legal environment which make sure good quality investment takes place. Also, proper consultation is important and traditional beliefs are respective. We have not always been successful or perfect in these things. In particular, when you have a federal and state government system, coordination is always going to be difficult. But we have been able to develop very successful export-oriented mining sector. Maybe some lessons from our experience, both negative and positive that Mongolia could draw for its own plans to develop its mining industry. 

-Currently, our country is suffering from the economic problems. In this case, if the Government of Mongolia approaches the Government of Australia for some concessions, loans or aids. What would be the attitude of Australian Government? How would you help Mongolia?

-We are in the very similar situation to Mongolia at the moment. Our Government is also trying to repair a large budget deficit. We are also a net importer of capital. We have always relied on foreign investment to help develop industries. We do provide contributions to international financial institutions like the World Bank,  Asian Development Bank, International Monetary Fund and also we have subscribed to the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. We contribute indirectly through this institutions to finance in Mongolia. But we do not do direct loans. As a Government priority, the only thing I could note is some contribution from the Export Finance and Insurance Corporation to the financial packages have put together Oyu Tolgoi Stage 2.

On the aid program, we have about AUD 8-9 million program at the moment. Australian Mineral Extractive program focuses on capacity building, training also, we are looking a example with the Ministry of Mining at design of national minerals authority. The other big part of the program is Australian award post-graduate scholarships program. That might be increasing anytime soon because as I said we have same problem you have, budget deficits need to be fixed. 

-Thank you for the interview.

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Health, Education

Healthy breakfast menu for Mongolians #5

September 27 (gogo.mn) The Public Health Institute introduced the customized the fifth breakfast menu, suited for Mongolians. It includes a glass of water with honey, a banana, 150 grams of yogurt and 60 grams of oat, which has total of 347.8 kcal.

Routinely eating breakfast helps prevent weight gain.

The institute designates that average adult's energy intake should be around 2,100-2,500 kcal a day, of which 20-25% must be taken from breakfast, 10-15% from brunch, 35-40% at lunch and 15-20% must be at dinner.

Link to article

 

Gunadarma students win int'l satellite design competition in Mongolia

Jakarta, September 27 (ANTARA News) - Gunadarma University students of the Garuda Team won second place at CanSat International Competition 2016, an international satellite design competition held by Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization (APSCO) in UlaanBaatar, Mongolia.

"This is a very proud achievement for us and the citizens of Indonesia in general because for the first time, Gunadarma won the CanSat international competition," said supervisor Tim Garuda in Purnawarman Musa in a press release on Tuesday.

According to the National Institute of Aeronautics and Space (LAPAN), on Tuesday, the team attended a two-day briefing by the LAPAN satellite team, which is chaired by the head of the Satellite Technology Dissemination Centre Iwan Faisal at Center Satellite Technology.

The competition was held on September 21-22, 2016, and was organized by APSCO in collaboration with the Information Technology, Post and Telecommunication of Mongolia.

Garuda Team became the sole representative of the Indonesian team that competed with nine other participants from the APSCO member countries of Turkey, Peru, Indonesia and Mongolia.

On the occasion, the first place was won by the APIS team from Istanbul Technical University, Turkey, with only one point more than the Garuda Team. Third place was won by the Sky Defender Team of the Military and Defence University, Mongolia.

The Garuda Team arrived in Mongolia on Monday (Sept 19) and was accompanied by Eri Prasetyo Wibowo, representing various institutions from Gunadarma University.

The CanSat competition assesses the design and use of small satellites, such as satellites held in beverage cans. The competition saw participation from universities in various countries, including Mongolia, who was the host.

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Culture, Society

Calgary mother and daughter deported to Mongolia

September 27 (CTV News) A mother and daughter living in Calgary have been deported back to Mongolia after fleeing an abusive situation more than two years ago.

Ariunaa Demberel and her daughter Enky Ankhbayar were escorted to their plane on Monday by Canada Border Services Agency officers, both struggling with the reality of the situation.

"I was trying not to think about the moment of being in the airport but… here I am," said Ankbayar.

Demberel and Ankhbayar arrived in Calgary more than two years ago, fleeing an allegedly abusive situation involving Demberel's ex-husband. According to Demberel, her ex-husband kidnapped them, beat them and raped her.

The mother and daughter applied for refugee status in Canada, but were denied because they lacked proof of the abuse.

"I feel empty, but thankful as well, to Canada for the two years and two months," said Demberel at the airport.

Demberel and Ankhbayar lost the appeal that followed their application for refugee status and the emergency hearing this past weekend where a judge denied the request to put their deportation order on hold. The mother and daughter are still appealing on humanitarian grounds.

"The authorization to return is discretionary, not automatic, and that will be a hurdle of course in coming back even if the humanitarian application receives an initial approval," said Ram Sankaran, an immigration lawyer.

According to Demberel, when the mother and daughter first arrived in Calgary they relied on their local foodbank. Soon after, Demberel began working three jobs to support herself and her daughter while Ankhbayar went to school. Demberel then volunteered at the food bank as a way to give back.

"These are not the people we should be sending away, these are the people that will contribute to our country," said Don Lovett, a friend of Demberel and Ankhbayar.

Lovett described the situation as "emotional," saying that he himself has four daughters and couldn't imagine them being put in harm's way.

According to Demberel, in the meantime, the two will try to find a safe place to stay in Mongolia that is hopefully far-away from Demberel's ex-husband.

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Nature, Environment

Speaker Extends Gratitude to IFRC Secretary General on Behalf of Mongolian People

Ulaanbaatar, September 27 (MONTSAME) Speaker of Mongolian parliament M.Enkhbold received today (September 26) the Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Mr Elhadj As Sy. The Speaker noted the support of IFRC for the Mongolian Red Cross Society opens new doors to opportunities for working together in saving human lives and health, as well as their livelihoods.

He also underlined the livelihoods of most Mongolians depend on animal and land farming. The Speaker said "In 2009, Mongolia saw the harshest winter ever recorded in the past 40 years as a result of which more than 30 thousand households came below the poverty line due to the disaster of dzud. The term dzud has emerged in the United Nations glossary that year".

In some years, Mongolia faces both dzud in winter and drought in summer, he went on and extended deepest gratitude to the IFRC on behalf of the Mongolian people and his behalf for the humane help and humanitarian assistance in times of such calamities.

Speaker M.Enkhbold informed that the Parliament has revised the Law on Red Cross Society upgrading its status to the National Humanitarian Organization.

Mr As Sy applauded the change in legislation highlighting that the change of status of the Mongolian Red Cross Society has been a role model act for other countries in the region.

Participation of representatives of the Red Cross Societies of the United Kingdom, Japan, Qatar and Turkey in the International Partnership Conference, being held in Ulaanbaatar, indicates a great trust and recognition for Mongolian Red Cross Society, he said.

Mr Elhadj As Sy promised IFRC will promote activities of the Mongolian Red Cross Society by all possible means at any stage.

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Mongolia signs IFRC appeal for building disaster response capacity

September 27 (MONTSAME) There are some 107 million people on Earth vulnerable to natural disasters, reports the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). For this, building global disaster response capacity has come to be a foremost goal of the IFRC.

In this light, the International Red Cross and Red Crescent has released an appeal which was signed today by the Government of Mongolia in support of the IFRC initiative. The ceremony was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in presence of IFRC Secretary General Elhadj As Sy who is on working visit in Mongolia.

In recent years, millions of Earth inhabitants have been undergoing natural cataclysms occurring even more frequently. According to a survey of IFRC, over 6300 disasters with heavy losses were recorded on Earth in last decade.

Link to article

 

New Energy Center of Gravity: Erkhel Valley, Khuvsgul Aimag

September 27 (MONTSAME) There are only four points on Earth where 50 and 100 degrees of longitude and latitude intersect, two of which are in Atlantic ocean and two are found on land. One of the latter is in Canada and another one is found in Khuvsgul aimag of Mongolia.

The crossing point settles in Erkhel valley in the territory of Alag-Erdene soum of Khuvsgul province which is identified as the site with extraordinary energetic power by a Mongolian-Japanese joint team of researchers. The site located on the way to Khuvsgul which is one of the favorite destinations of tourists is being made over to draw tourists.

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Beauty contestants from 60 countries called to save Mazaalai

September 27 (gogo.mn) Face of Beauty International 2016 under the slogan Save Mazaalai is the fourth edition of the worldwide pageant. More than 60 contestants will compete for the title on Sep 8th at Buyant-Ukhaa complex, Ulaanbaatar city. 

The Face of Beauty International pageant, initiated and organized by the Mongolian Beauty Association NGO, aims to develop young female leaders from around the world. 

Contestants are scheduled to hold national forum on Mazaalai. In addition, the final 10 contestants will be asked questions about Mazaalai, the Mongolian Gobi bear.

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Sports

Yokozuna Hakuho returns to Mongolia for post-surgery treatment

September 27 (news.mn) Mongolian top sumo wrestler Yokozuna Hakuho Davaajargal has returned home for rest and treatment on Wednesday (28th of September). Yokozuna Hakuho underwent minor surgery on his right big toe at a hospital in Tokyo earlier this month. Until now, he has been receiving treatment in Tokyo.

Due to various injuries he has been forced to skip the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament. Hakuho, 31, hurt his toe during the Nagoya tournament in July and also injured his right ankle and aggravated an old wound in his left knee but continued to wrestle despite the toe problem in the regional tour through late August.

Link to article

Related:

Hakuho Davaajargal to visit home while being treatedMontsame, September 27

 

'D.Vision Mongolia 2016' drifting race to be held on October 1

September 27 (news.mn) 'D.Vision Mongolia 2016' drifting race between Mongolia and Russia drivers will take place at the Auto shopping center of Ulaanbaatar. A total of seven racers from Russia and Mongolia's best drivers will compete on 1st of October. 'D.Vision Mongolia' is part of the Russian 'D.Vision Continental League'. Last year, overall 30 Mongolian racers and six Russian participated in the competition. Russians won first and second places and N.Uugaankhuu took third.

The 'D.Vision Continental League' drifting competition is organised by Moscow-based 'Premium Sport' in a total of 32 cities of Russia and two cities in Kazakhstan.

Although the origin of drifting is not known, Japan (1960) was one of the earliest birthplaces of the craze. Drifting developed as a sport in the USA in 1996 and in Russia in 1998. Drifting competitions are held in Japan, the USA, Australia, Thailand, Taiwan, Russia and European countries.

Link to article

 

'Sniper-2016' competition held in Ulaanbaatar

September 27 (news.mn) The 'Sniper-2016' competition was held for the tenth time at the 311th Army Division's shooting range, outside the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar. A total of 35 teams from 29 institutions such as the Armed Forces, the General Intelligence Agency, the National Police Agency, the General Authority for Border Protection, the National Emergency Management Agency and the State Special Security Department, which are responsible for Mongolian national security have been participating in the annual competition. Snipers shot three kinds of rifle in five nominations. Also they competed in throwing grenades, powerlifting and tug of war competitions.

The 120th Army Division won the championship, the 311th Army Division took second place and the 310th Army Division-third in the overall results. The following soldiers took best scores in the shooting competition: D.Budsuren (long rifle), B.Enkhzorgol (men's pistol), Ch.Khishigsuren (women's pistol), E.Bat-Orshikh (men's automatic rifle) and N.Bayarjargal (women's automatic rifle)

Link to article

 

'White Khadag' premiers at Tengis Cinema

September 27 (news.mn) The opening ceremony of the "White Khadag", a movie based on the life of Olympic medalist D.Sumya, will be held at Tengis Cinema on 28th of September. The movie is directed by Sengedorj, written by Nomuunzul and produced by 'Hulugu Pictures'. Actress Jinjmaa plays D. Sumya and other actors - Bazarragchaa, Oyun and Yalalt. "White Khadag" is first ever Mongolian movie based on real life of an athlete.

D.Sumya took away a silver medal at Rio 2016, Mongolia's first ever medal in the Olympic women's judo category, instantly transforming her into a national heroine. 'This movie predicted her success at the Rio Olympics' said D.Sumya.

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Art, Entertainment

Joint Niciton and Camerton concert to be held at Sukhbaatar square on September 30

September 27 (gogo.mn) Joint concert of Niciton and Camerton, named "Autumn in Ulaanbaatar", to be held at Sukhbaatar square on Sep 30th.

State Honored Singer D.Bold is working as a general producer. The concert aims to support national producers and service providers. Hot meals, cold drinks and snacks will be served by the national companies at the concert.

Link to article

 

Mongolia to host next World Congress of Poets in 2017

Ulaanbaatar, September 27 (MONTSAME) The 36th World Congress of Poets took place in Prague on September 15-20. Mongolia was represented by the celebrated poets G.Mend-Ooyo, U.Khurelbaatar, M.Saruuldalai and L.Molomjamts.

U.Khurelbaatar became the second runner-up in the poem category. At the end of the congress, aside Mongolia, the USA, Mexico, Mongolia, Colombia and China candidate for the right to host the next congress at home.

Mongolia won the favor of majority and was appointed the host of the 37th World Congress of Poets, due next year.

Link to article

 

Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj Visits Philadelphia at the Invitation of The Philadelphia Orchestra

PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 27, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- History was made Friday, September 23, when Mongolian President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj visited Philadelphia and was hosted by The Philadelphia Orchestra, the first visit by a foreign elected leader to a U.S. city at the exclusive invitation of an arts organization. 

The Mongolian delegation was welcomed at City Hall by elected officials including Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, who declared September 23 Mongolia-Philadelphia Friendship Day. "We are proud to have The Philadelphia Orchestra serve as ambassadors of our city during their annual international tours and are honored to welcome President Elbegdorj and the Mongolian delegation to Philadelphia," Mayor Kenney said.

The visit was a rare instance of a visit by a democratically elected leader of a crucial U.S. ally to the City of Philadelphia. This elicited tremendous interest in Washington, with a description of the visit read into the Congressional Record (the first such recognition for an orchestra on the floor of the Senate) and a letter to the Orchestra from Secretary of State John Kerry, his first letter of praise to an arts organization as secretary.

This day-long visit marked a significant step forward in U.S.-Mongolia bilateral relations and celebrated The Philadelphia Orchestra's June trip to Mongolia for concerts, residency activities, and special events in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, when it will become the first Western orchestra ever to perform in Mongolia.

The Orchestra delegation will constitute the largest non-military/non-government American group to visit Mongolia in over 30 years of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Prior to the Orchestra's matinee performance, attended by President Elbegdorj, Philadelphia Orchestra musicians—Concertmaster David Kim, Principal Second Violin Kimberly Fisher, Principal Viola Choong-Jin Chang, and Principal Cello Hai-Ye Ni—performed in the president's honor.

The visit also illustrated the influence of music as a powerful instrument of cultural diplomacy and cross-cultural understanding, and the broadening recognition of The Philadelphia Orchestra's world-leading and sustained commitment to people-to-people diplomacy, globally representing the City of Philadelphia, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the U.S.

"All of us with The Philadelphia Orchestra believe deeply and whole-heartedly in the power of people-to-people diplomacy, and we are excited about the new artistic and cultural adventure that awaits us in Mongolia," Allison Vulgamore, president and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra said.

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