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Wednesday, November 2, 2016

[KCC cleared by TSX; ₮10B t-bills sold on MSE; MNT sets 11th straight low; FX reserves -22.7%; and ger electricity prices halved]

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Wednesday, November 2, 2016

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Jump to: Int'l Market - Local Market - EconomyPolitics & Legal - Business - Ulaanbaatar - Diplomacy Health & EducationCulture & SocietyNature & Environment - SportsArt & Entertainment - Travel

Headlines in Italic are ones modified by Cover Mongolia from original

 

HEADLINES

Int'l Market

-       Kincora receives TSX Venture Exchange acceptance to Ibex Transaction

-       Foster Stockbroking: TerraCom – Initiating Coverage, BUY, Price Target A$0.083

Local Market

-       MSE Trading Report: Top 20 -0.41%, ALL -0.69%, Turnover ₮27.7 Million Shares, ₮9.6 Billion T-Bills

-       ₮5 Billion 12-Week, ₮5 Billion 39-Week T-Bills Sold at 16.72%, 16.967% Discounts on MSE

Economy

-       MNT sets 11th straight historic low vs USD; USD/MNT starts week +₮7.44 to ₮2,381.65

-       FX Reserves Fall 4.34% in September to $1.09 Billion, -22.68% from 2015

-       BoM accepts US$46m bids at ₮2,380, CNY103m at ₮348; declines $44m MNT swap offers

-       IMF's Standby Agreement might bring down USD rate

-       Central bank procures 13.7 tons of gold in Jan-Sep

-       BoM revises NBFI outstanding loans methodology to international standards

-       METALS-Zinc up for fourth day on supply woes, copper near 1-month high

-       China's coal imports surge again, but how long can the party last?: Russell

-       Iron ore price hits fresh six-month high

-       M.Chimeddorj: Practicing stricter financial discipline is important to beat economic troubles

Politics & Legal

-       6th National Sustainability Forum to be held on Nov 17

-       Practical help for Mongolian herders

Business

-       Mongolia participates in ICAO session in Canada

-       'Chinggis Khaan International' to become Aviation Training Centre

-       AmCham Mongolia Promotes a Safe and Environmentally-friendly Auto and Machinery Industry in Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar

-       Electricity tariff halved during nighttime for ger districts

Diplomacy

-       Speaker M.Enkhbold receives Tibetan parliament delegates

-       Small libraries boost exchanges between Korea, Mongolia

Health & Education

-       How you treat girls at age 10 might affect their whole future

-       Health Ministry thanks actress G.Undarmaa for charity campaign

-       A Mongolian Family Thanks God for Their Daughter's Heart Surgery

-       Association between maternal education and malocclusion in Mongolian adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Culture & Society

-       The soaring documentary 'The Eagle Huntress' tells a heartwarming, intimate story of gender rebellion

-       Chinggis Khaan and his warriors at Madame Tussauds

-       Nine facts of Chinggis Khaan

-       Genghis Exhibition: Rare Objects on Display for Very First Time

-       Mongolia Nomadic Tribes Stand With Standing Rock Sioux And Water Protectors

-       AsianDate Turns the Focus on Intriguing Mongolia this November to Bring Romance Alive for Members

Nature & Environment

-       Mobicom to cooperate with Zoological Society of London on protecting Mazaalai

Sports

-       M.Urantsetseg wins bronze, G.Otgontsetseg wins gold in Abu Dhabi

-       Mongolian Saturday Seeks Turf Sprint Repeat

Art & Entertainment

-       Opera Singer G.Ariunbaatar receives order of Chinggis Khaan

-       Brigada actor Sergey Bezrukov arrives in Ulaanbaatar in support of Ariunbaatar

-       'Mother' wins best actress at "Silver Akbuzat"

-       Throat-singer champions Talent International Festival in Barcelona

 

ARTICLES

Int'l Market

KCC closed +12% on the announcement Tuesday to C$0.28

Kincora receives TSX Venture Exchange acceptance to Ibex Transaction

VANCOUVER, Oct. 31, 2016 /CNW/ - The Company is pleased to announce it has received the final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") to the share exchange agreement with High Power Ventures Inc. ("HPV"), as detailed in news releases dated May 25, 2016 and June 8, 2016 (the "Ibex Transaction").  With TSXV acceptance in place there remains only a few administrative matters to be addressed in order to proceed with the closing of the Ibex Transaction ("Closing") anticipated to occur within the next week.  In this regard however, out of an abundance of caution, Kincora and HPV have agreed to extend the deadline for Closing to November 30, 2016.

Link to release

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TER trading +5.41% Wednesday morning at A$0.039

Foster Stockbroking: TerraCom – Initiating Coverage, BUY, Price Target A$0.083

Rebirth – right commodity at the right time

November 2, TerraCom Ltd. (ASX:TER) --

Event:

·         We initiate research coverage on TerraCom Ltd (TER).

Investment Highlights:

·         We expect TER to be producing at least 3.5Mtpa ROM coal in CY2017, as it restarts production in Mongolia and the recently acquired Blair Athol coal mine by end CY2016. Both coking and thermal coal prices are currently providing strong tailwinds.

·         Mongolian hard coking coal operations restructured. Following hiatus in production earlier this year, TER has engaged a new logistics chain, including commissioning an onsite CHPP which should reduce costs and improve yields.

·         We also expect new marketing agreements -such as that with Kingho – will have better linkage of coal pricing to that of export markets, avoiding the unwarranted discounting of the past.

·         Blair Athol purchase perfectly timed. TER acquired the Blair Athol thermal coal mine for just $1, in return receiving mining license, fully functional mine, all plant and equipment, and $80M cash for rehabilitation bond. A perfect storm of the mine reaching the end of its life and the severe depression of the coal markets engendered the low price.

·         Indonesian asset potential. TER has identified a hard coking coal mine in Central Kalimantan on which it is undertaking due diligence. This could add further value if it can execute an acquisition at reasonable price.

·         Experienced coal industry management, headed by Executive Chairman Cameron McRae, are highly credentialed with expansive coalmine experience including in Mongolia and Australia for majors such as BHP, Rio and Glencore.

·         Capex sunk, now to take advantage of coal prices. The attraction of TER is that capex is mostly sunk in Mongolia and Blair Athol, so now it's a matter of executing on production restart. The company has entered into agreements with mining contractors to fund its working capital.

Earnings and Valuation:

·         We forecast TER to earn NPAT of $50M in FY17e and $37M in FY18e, based on production from both Mongolia and Blair Athol. The decrease in FY18e earnings is driven by our forecast decline in coal prices in-line with consensus. TER valuation is attractive with PE of 2.0x FY17e and EV/EBITDA of 3.3x.

·         We value TER by DCF, deriving an NPV10 of $0.083/share risked and $0.15/share unrisked, or $234M risked and $469M unrisked for the company.

·         Interest covered. TER has $168M in net debt. With recent restructuring we forecast TER should be able to service its interest with cover of 3x-5x.

Recommendation:

·         We initiate with a Buy recommendation and PT $0.083 /share, based on valuation. We envisage multiple catalysts based on delivering milestones, including restart of production at Mongolia and Blair Athol; executing Indonesia acquisition; reaching production targets,; achieving profitable pricing for both thermal and coking coal; and generating positive net free cashflow inclusive of servicing debt interest.

Link to report

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Local Market

MSE Trading Report: Top 20 -0.41%, ALL -0.69%, Turnover 27.7 Million Shares, 9.6 Billion T-Bills

November 1 (MSE) --

Link to report

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5 Billion 12-Week, 5 Billion 39-Week T-Bills Sold at 16.72%, 16.967% Discounts on MSE

November 1 (MSE) On 01 November 2016, 12 weeks Government bonds /16.720% annual coupon rate/ worth  MNT5.0 billion, 39 weeks Government bonds /16.967% annual coupon rate/ worth MNT5.0 billion traded respectively at Mongolian Stock Exchange.

Bellow member brokerage companies participated in bonds trading as follows:

Link to release

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Economy

Reds are when MNT fell, greens when it rose. Bold reds are rates that set a new historic high at the time.

BoM MNT Rates: Monday, November 1 Close

 

11/1

10/28

10/27

10/26

10/25

10/24

10/21

10/20

10/18

10/17

High

Date

USD

2,381.65

2,374.21

2,363.10

2,348.86

2,340.11

2,335.88

2,330.86

2,326.58

2,319.29

2,306.59

2,381.65

11/1/2016

EUR

2,616.24

2,591.81

2,578.14

2,564.02

2,544.99

2,542.72

2,536.44

2,553.54

2,554.70

2,531.83

2,616.24

11/1/2016

JPY

22.68

22.55

22.59

22.55

22.40

22.48

22.45

22.43

22.31

22.15

22.68

8/18/2016

GBP

2,921.93

2,892.03

2,884.16

2,862.09

2,860.08

2,859.93

2,853.09

2,857.62

2,840.55

2,805.74

3,183.26

8/13/2014

RUB

37.70

37.71

37.46

37.73

37.71

37.55

37.32

37.28

36.86

36.49

54.32

6/27/2014

CNY

351.50

350.19

348.66

347.03

345.29

345.11

344.83

345.21

344.15

342.27

351.50

11/1/2016

KRW

2.09

2.07

2.07

2.07

2.06

2.07

2.05

2.06

2.06

2.02

2.09

11/1/2016

SGD

1,713.17

1,702.13

1,696.78

1,691.41

1,681.36

1,679.28

1,672.01

1,675.91

1,672.71

1,658.52

1,713.17

11/1/2016

CAD

1,778.28

1,773.06

1,766.87

1,760.63

1,753.48

1,752.22

1,758.61

1,767.92

1,773.84

1,750.07

1,778.28

11/1/2016

AUD

1,825.65

1,798.58

1,802.34

1,808.62

1,784.22

1,783.56

1,781.36

1,782.51

1,781.56

1,750.59

1,825.65

11/1/2016

HKD

307.12

306.15

304.73

302.84

301.69

301.14

300.43

299.89

298.93

297.29

307.12

11/1/2016

CHF

2,411.31

2,389.62

2,379.40

2,367.56

2,353.41

2,348.80

2,342.81

2,352.93

2,346.75

2,330.24

2,411.31

11/1/2016

Bank USD rates at time of sending: Khan (Buy ₮2,380 Sell ₮2,392), TDB (Buy ₮2,380 Sell ₮2,394), Golomt (Buy ₮2,378 Sell ₮2,390), XacBank (Buy ₮2,380 Sell ₮2,394), State Bank (Buy ₮2,377 Sell ₮2,392)

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

Link to rates

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FX Reserves Fall 4.34% in September to $1.09 Billion, -22.68% from 2015

September 1 (Bank of Mongolia) --

Date

Gross Reserves

Monthly, %

YTD, %

YOY, %

2016/09

1,092.4

-4.34

-17.44

-22.68

2016/08

1,141.9

-10.46

-13.70

-33.94

2016/07

1,275.3

-1.64

-3.62

-25.30

2016/06

1,296.6

-10.08

-2.00

-23.08

2016/05

1,441.9

-6.62

8.98

-9.37

2016/04

1,544.1

22.04

16.70

21.85

2016/03

1,265.3

5.68

-4.37

-4.43

2016/02

1,197.3

-9.54

-9.51

-12.12

2016/01

1,323.5

0.03

0.03

-0.32

2015/12

1,323.1

-9.29

-19.81

-19.81

2015/11

1,458.7

3.68

-11.59

7.88

2015/10

1,406.9

-0.41

-14.73

0.6

2015/09

1,412.7

-18.28

-14.38

-8.42

Link to list

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BoM accepts US$46m bids at 2,380, CNY103m at 348; declines $44m MNT swap offers

November 1 (Bank of Mongolia) Spot trade: Commercial banks bid MNT 2380.00-2402.10 for USD46.0 million and MNT 348.00-353.91 for CNY103.0 million respectively. The BoM accepted the bid offers of USD with a single rate of MNT 2380.00 and bid offers of CNY with a closing rate of MNT 348.00.

Swap and forward trade: The BoM received bid offers of USD44.0 million of MNT swap agreements from commercial banks and the BoM did not accept any bid offers.

Link to release

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Mogi: lame headline

IMF's Standby Agreement might bring down USD rate

Ulaanbaatar, November 1 (MONTSAME) Economists have started giving nods to the IMF Standby Arrangement as a optimal solution to the economic challenges Mongolia is confronted with. Especially, they see the arrangement as instrumental in stabilizing the raging rate of USD against MNT.

In 2009, Mongolia practiced the Standby Arrangement which resulted in bringing down the USD rate to MNT from 1,600 to 1,400. According to a IMF report, the positive change was achieved owing to USD 200 million funding from the Standby and additional financing of over USD 100 million from the World Bank, JICA and Australian Government.

This time, the IMF intervention can serve in slowing down the plummeting rate of Mongolian Tugrug (national currency) and stabilizing the MNT/USD rate to 1/2,000-2,100, speculate the economists.

Link to article

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Central bank procures 13.7 tons of gold in Jan-Sep

Ulaanbaatar, November 1 (MONTSAME) An amount of gold sold to the central bank has been rising. In particular, the Bank of Mongolia has procured a total of 13.7 tons of gold in the first nine months of 2016.

In 2015, the amount reached 15.1 tons, which is the record performance in the past decade, highlighted the officials.

The value of purchased by the central bank gold so far this year amounts to USD 550 million, as per today's rate.

Link to article

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BoM revises NBFI outstanding loans methodology to international standards

November 1 (Bank of Mongolia) Outstanding loans of financial institutions other than commercial banks was previously reduced by amount of loans from banks and financial institutions. In order to meet international standards, the data for outstanding loans is now published without the above adjustment. Due to this change, loan outstanding of financial corporations from March 2010 to August 2016 increased by MNT 2-20 billion.

Link to release

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METALS-Zinc up for fourth day on supply woes, copper near 1-month high

SINGAPORE, Nov 1 (Reuters) - London zinc rose for a fourth consecutive session on Tuesday, trading near its highest in five years on expectations of tight supplies after Glencore said it had closed one of its mines in Australia.

Copper traded near its highest in a month, supported by improved demand outlook in China.

FUNDAMENTALS

* The benchmark zinc contract on the London Metal Exchange was up 0.1 percent to $2,461 a tonne by 0118 GMT. The market touched its highest since August 2011 at $2,479.50 on Monday.

* Shanghai zinc added 3.2 percent to 19,860 yuan a tonne.

* Glencore's Black Star Open Cut mine in Queensland, part of the Mount Isa Mines complex, has been put on care and maintenance after mining out its existing reserve, the company said in a statement on Monday.

* Goldman Sachs said in a note last week that it expected zinc to outperform aluminium and copper over the next six to nine months.

* Analysts say copper prices have been supported by stimulus packages in top consumer China.

* China accounts for nearly half of global copper demand estimated at around 22 million tonnes this year. Chinese consumers are expected to import more over the coming months due to stronger local demand.

* LME copper added 0.2 percent to $4,863 a tonne, extending gains for a seventh straight session. The most-traded copper contract on the Shanghai Futures Exchange added 0.5 percent to $38,600 yuan a tonne.

* For the top stories in metals and other news, click or

MARKETS NEWS

* Asian stocks wallowed near six-week lows on Tuesday as investors braced for a looming raft of economic and central bank events.

Link to article

Related:

BHP Billiton reckons copper to win from shift to renewables, electric vehiclesSydney Morning Herald, November 1

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China's coal imports surge again, but how long can the party last?: Russell

By Clyde Russell | LAUNCESTON, AUSTRALIA

November 1 (Reuters) China's imports of coal from the seaborne market surged again in October, thereby justifying the jump in prices but also raising questions as to how much more of the fuel the world's top buyer can suck in.

Seaborne coal imports were 20.03 million tonnes for October, according to vessel-tracking and port data compiled by Thomson Reuters Supply Chain and Commodity Forecasts.

This is the highest monthly total since Thomson Reuters stated assessing the data in January 2015, and shows that China's appetite for imports remains undiminished in spite of a spike in the prices of both thermal and coking coal.

The seaborne data doesn't exactly match Chinese customs data as it excludes shipments from North Korea and overland from Mongolia, as well as coal that arrives on small vessels or barges. It may also be revised slightly in coming days as more data becomes available on when ships discharged cargoes.

However, seaborne imports are what matters from a market pricing perspective, as cargoes from North Korea and Mongolia tend not to affect the regional price benchmarks.

The seaborne imports for October are almost 3 million tonnes above the 17.06 million assessed for September, which represents a significant jump and will no doubt have contributed to a tightening of the market.

The benchmark Australian thermal coal price, the Newcastle weekly index, rose to $105.81 a tonne in the week ended Oct. 28, the most in 4-1/2 years and 109 percent higher than at the end of last year.

Australian premium hard coking coal .PHCC-AUS=SI, the regional benchmark for coal used in steel-making, rose to $257.70 a tonne on Monday, more than three times the $78.20 it fetched at the end of last year.

Despite these stellar gains, it's becoming harder to see how they can be sustained, especially since history shows that any spectacular rally is normally followed by a collapse.

While China's decision to cut its domestic coal output has no doubt been the driver of coal's gains this year, the question is how quickly can the Chinese reverse course, and how rapidly can coal exporters ramp up output to meet Chinese demand?

China's total coal output dropped 10.5 percent to 2.46 billion tonnes in the first nine months of the year compared to the same period in 2015, while imports have gained 15.2 percent to 180.18 million tonnes.

In volume terms, China's production is down by about 300 million tonnes in the first nine months of 2016, while imports are up by about 23 million tonnes.

This shows that higher imports have only compensated for about 7.6 percent of the drop in domestic output.

CHINA MINE OUTPUT IS KEY

What this means is that what China does with domestic output will have a far bigger bearing on the future of coal prices than anything coal exporters such as Australia, Indonesia and South Africa can do.

China has asked miners to quickly ramp up output ahead of the northern winter, and to cap prices at or below current spot market levels.

For thermal coal with a heating value of 5,500 kilocalories per kilogram, this implies a price of around 660 yuan a tonne, equivalent to about $97.48 a tonne, which is slightly below the current free-on-board price of Newcastle coal, which is of similar quality.

This implies that as soon as China can ramp up domestic coal output, the price of seaborne coal will likely fall to a level where it can compete, once freight and taxes are added.

Can China quickly ramp up coal output? Yes and no.

The positive is that the reduction in working days can likely be quickly reversed, meaning output from existing mines can ramp up.

The negative is that restarting idled mines takes far longer and owners have to be convinced that the higher prices are sustainable before committing fresh capital.

This applies to miners in exporting countries as well, where many have been burned by five years of losses from 2011 to 2015, a bleak period that saw capital and operating costs slashed and many mines hunker down in survival mode.

Right now many coal miners are happy to take the higher prices and rebuild cash reserves, while waiting to see if the rally can prove sustainable.

This suggests that prices will remain strong, at least until the market sees how Chinese domestic production responds to official entreaties for it to rise.

Link to article

Related:

Glencore to restart Australia coal mine as prices surgeReuters, November 1 (list of similar articles)

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Iron ore price hits fresh six-month high

November 1 (The Australian) The iron ore price has extended its stunning rally, pushing to a fresh six-month high, with indications that even more gains could be ahead.

Iron ore added 1.1 per cent to $US63.80 a tonne overnight, according to the Steel Index, from $US63.10 in the previous session.

The commodity is at its highest point since April 29, when it settled at $US65.20.

Dalian iron ore futures are also pointing higher, suggesting the commodity could continue to defy gravity even after a winning streak that has seen it fall only once in the last 16 sessions.

But the rise did little to inspire investors in Australia's mining giants in London trade, where BHP Billiton shares gained just 0.1 per cent and Rio Tinto added 0.3 per cent.

Iron ore has had a boost from surging prices for steelmaking ingredient coking coal, a drop in major producers' shipment forecasts and speculation on Chinese exchanges.

The key export's strength is welcome news for Canberra, given the sensitivity of federal government revenues to the iron ore price.

Hopes of improved demand, given China's large-scale stimulus plans announced this year, have been supporting prices.

Analysts still expect the commodity to drop back into the low $US50s or $US40s, but have been repeatedly proved wrong since iron ore reached a trough below $US40 last December and spent much of 2016 seemingly defying gravity.

More supply is still set to come online from the Roy Hill project and new developments by Rio Tinto and Vale, adding to a market that is already oversupplied.

Link to article

Related:

Vale May Be Sitting On World's Biggest Iron Ore ReserveBloomberg TV, November 1

China's Simandou ambitions could crush the price of iron oreThe Australian, November 1

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M.Chimeddorj: Practicing stricter financial discipline is important to beat economic troubles

November 1 (gogo.mn) Economist and researcher M.Chimeddorj gave an interview on the current situation of Mongolian economy and financial difficulties and etc.

We all know that the Mongolian economy is currently facing ongoing slight recession. As a person who analyses economic matters, how do you evaluate the economic crisis in the making and what are the ways to overcome it?

Mongolian economy is mainly based on primary sectors of economy and mining exports make up a larger portion of the state budget. Therefore, the economy is much sensitive to changes in the cost of raw materials, which causes budget expansion due to price growth, further leading to more negative impacts. One of the reasons of slow economic growth and troubles in some sectors is a price drop of raw materials on the world markets and on the other hand, inaccurate policy on the state budget.

What changes are needed in budget revenue and spending in order to maintain long-term sustainable development?

As I have said before, during the times when the state budget is greatly dependent on natural resources prices, it can be very risky to broaden budget along with the price increase. The budget should not be expanded complying with the increase in budget income. Shortly, we need to practice financial discipline to approve deficit-free budget. If so, we could have a revenue accumulation of wealth fund for natural resources, which could sustain long lasting economic growth.

Economic experts and researchers are suggesting a variety of versions. What is your view on the most precise step to reduce budget expenditure?

It needs to be considered that increases of social welfare spending cannot be decreased back. With a view to boost long term profits, budget investments should only be spent on infrastructure developments that are vital to ensure economic benefits. In particular, the government should invest in the most profitable and important projects in the first place by putting all state-funded infrastructure projects into order in terms of their gains and significance.

Considering the repayment period of government debts is due, much burden is to be imposed on the budget. IMF Stand-By Arrangement program or loan from China is being considered. What is your position on this issue?

The government has raised a plenty of money from the international markets when the country's economic growth rate were flattering and commodity price was high. Unfortunately, because of faults in the policy and situation of the world economy, trust in the Mongolian government has been deteriorating. In that regard, a need of restructuring – to reorganize the debt or postponing the debt payment arises. Some people believe that the government should get additional debts and repay when the economy recovers from the present situation. In addition, some economists push for austerity measures to overcome the obstacles.

In my personal opinion, Mongolia should be involved in the IMF's Stand by economic program and correct its policy errors. Furthermore, as a country with an economy based on natural resources, more the debt amount increases, less opportunities to amend its domestic policy flaws. Many experts are concerned that projects to be implemented by the Chinese credits would chiefly involve foreign or joint companies and necessitate a larger number of foreign work forces. Regarding to this, Mongolia would get much less economic benefits from the credits.

Loan interest rates in Mongolia are too high. A series of discussions to lower them are taking place.  What do you suggest in favor of lower rates?

Again, financial discipline is the main thing in short for reducing the interest rates. Because the expansion of the budget policy affects monetary policy and even further becomes a basis of monetary policy rate to increase.

Some experts tell opening foreign banks in Mongolia would increase competitions among commercial banks, which then leads interest rates to diminish. For instance, Bank of China is looking to open in Mongolia. How do you see that?

Foreign bank branches can be opened in Mongolia. But now is not the time. 94 percent if the financial system of Mongolia is composed of banking institutions. However, there is a lack of competitiveness. Therefore, firstly, the capital market must be strengthened through establishing an accumulation fund in order to become capable of influencing interest rates. Second, the size of commercial banks should be enlarged by a way of increasing their capital. As a result, competitiveness among commercial banks could be maintained, lowering interest rates. But we should discuss this issue when proper environment are formed for foreign banks to open.

When coming to a conclusion, budget-effective policy and financial discipline are the most important aspects. How do we achieve that?

We should admit that the electoral system of the country somewhat makes a difference to the budget policy. Also, improving independence of government systems and its working principles are the main issues in terms of country's good governance. In addition, budget policy should be free from populism and unrealizable social welfare promises need to be stopped during the elections.

Link to article

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Politics & Legal

6th National Sustainability Forum to be held on Nov 17

November 1 (gogo.mn) The National Development Agency, GIZ Integrated Mineral Resource Initiative and the Council for Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility will host the 6th National Sustainability Forum at the Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar on Nov 17, 2016.

National Sustainability Forum is a yearly event with a wealth of presentations and discussions, focusing on relevant and contemporary topics in the area of sustainability, corporate governance, and social responsibility. This year, international and Mongolian experts will share their insights and expertise on three of the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals (SDG):

  • SDG 8 – "Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all"
  • SDG 11 – "Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable"
  • SDG 16 – "Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels"

On January 1st, 2016, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development officially came into force. Therefore, this year ́s Sustainability Forum sets the stage for a focused discussion and provides participants with the opportunity to share experiences with peers, business leaders, government representatives, and civil society organizations focusing on sustainability in Mongolia.

Registration is available until Nov 9, 2016 and click HERE for registration. 

For more information please contact GIZ Integrated Mineral Resource Initiative at 70117704. css.mongolia@gmail.com

Link to article

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Practical help for Mongolian herders

November 1 (news.mn) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Mongolia on October 28th signed a $3 million grant to pilot community-based approaches to disaster risk management in parts of Dornod, Gobi-Altai, Khuvsgul and Sukbaatar aimags to increase herders' resilience to dzuds (harsh winters), fires, and other disasters.

The grant is funded by the Japanese government-financed Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR), which over the past 16 years has supported projects in Mongolia dealing with poverty alleviation, community development, livelihoods, and the environment.

Signing the agreement on behalf of the Government of Mongolia was Vice Minister of Finance Kh. Bulgantuya while ADB Country Director Yolanda Fernandez Lommen signed on behalf of the ADB. First Secretary Hiroshi Fukasawa from the Embassy of Japan to Mongolia as also present at the event. The Chief of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the executing agency for the project, Brigadier General Badral, also participated in the event, according to the ADB.

An extreme climate and nomadic herding lifestyle means Mongolia faces high risk of loss of livelihood and damage to the ecosystem and environment from disasters. Dzuds and forest and steppe fires are among the most damaging natural hazards in Mongolia. Recurring dzuds and droughts over the last decade have affected much of the rural population. The 2009‒2010 dzud, for example, resulted in losses of 25% of Mongolia's total livestock, damaging the livelihoods of 97,000 herder households. According to the UN, over 41% of Mongolia's herder population was affected and 1.1 million livestock perished in the 2015-2016 dzud.

Fires also threaten herders and ecosystems, claiming the lives of poorly equipped firefighters, community members and livestock. Forest fires contribute to an estimated loss of 60,000 hectares of forest per annum. Steppe fires spread even quicker and wider, causing significant losses of pastureland, livestock, gers and other assets. Climate change may result in more intense and extreme weather events, increasing fire activity and decreasing the quality of fragile ecosystems and potentially resulting in more loss of life and assets.

The project responds to the Mongolian government's need to shift towards a more holistic approach emphasizing disaster risk reduction and community engagement, as well as emergency response.

The project is expected to directly benefit 7,000 herders and soum center residents in 2,500 households, including 250 female-headed households; and indirectly benefit the wider community in the target soums, with a total population of 32,000. The goal is that these pilot projects are sustainable but can be replicated and scaled up elsewhere in the country.

Established in May 2000, JFPR provides direct grant assistance to the poorest and most vulnerable groups in developing member countries of ADB while fostering long-term social and economic development. 

ADB approvals for Mongolia amounted to $297.5 million in 2015, including 4 sovereign loans for $275 million, 2 project grants for $6 million, and 17 technical assistance grants for $16.5 million. (Finchannel)

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Business

Mongolia participates in ICAO session in Canada

November 1 (news.mn) R.Altangerel, Ambassador of Mongolia to Canada and other delegates from Mongolia have participated in the 39th session of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, Canada. Founded in 1944, the ICAO holds its sessions once every three years. Delegates attended from 185 countries of the ICAO 191 members.

During the event, an agreement was reached on a 'Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation' (CORSIA). According to the scheme, CO2emissions for international aviation would be capped at the forecast level of average emissions between 2019 and 2020, with participants offsetting any increases; the offsetting obligation would apply to all international flights between states that are part of CORSIA. In order to offset its emissions, an airline operator would have to buy 'Emission Units' originating from various emission reduction programs and projects across the globe. The specific criteria for these 'Emission Units' will be developed by ICAO over the next two years.

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'Chinggis Khaan International' to become Aviation Training Centre

November 1 (news.mn) When Mongolia's new international Khushig Valley airport opens, 'Chinggis Khaan International' airport will become an Aviation Training Centre, said D.Ganbat, Minister of Roads and Transportation. The new international airport is currently under construction 52 km south of Ulaanbaatar city center in Sergelen soum of Tuv Province. Construction commenced in May 2013, and is expected to be completed by December 2016.

The airport is designed with the capacity of up to three million passengers per year, and has sufficient space for a possible future expansion of up to twelve million passengers yearly. It will also be equipped with a 24-hour all-weather air traffic control system. It is hoped to become an airline hub connecting Europe and East Asia, North America and South East Asia (via the Polar route).

Currently, over 3000 pilots are needed in China and South Korea. New pilots are trained in the USA and Canada. This, however, is an expensive process: it costs between USD 100-150 thousand to train one pilot! Because skies will soon be safe and aircraft free, the old airport will be an ideal location for the new training centre. The project for transforming 'Chinggis Khaan International' into and Aviation Training Centre has been discussed with various companies.

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AmCham Mongolia Promotes a Safe and Environmentally-friendly Auto and Machinery Industry in Mongolia

ULAANBAATAR, November 1 – The American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Mongolia's Auto and Machinery Committee members met with the senior officials of the Ministry of Road and Transport Development on Thursday, October 27, 2016, to present AmCham's Position Paper on the Auto and Machinery Industry in Mongolia, and to discuss further cooperation between the Ministry and AmCham.

The paper emphasized and identified priority policy issues relevant to the auto and machinery industry, as well as short and mid-term policy solutions based on emerging international experience promoting a safe and environmentally-friendly auto and machinery industry in Mongolia. In particular, the paper addressed improving road safety by limiting and eventually banning the import of right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles, encouraging the import of left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles, introducing universal emission standards for vehicles; and addressing the issue of low quality diesel fuel in Mongolia, which is incompatible with modern Euro 5+ engines.

AmCham Mongolia continuously promotes the further development of a free-market economy in Mongolia and the issues and solutions presented in the Position Paper are poised to play a significant role in advancing the development of the auto and machinery industry of Mongolia. AmCham Mongolia and its members are eager to support the government to the extent possible in addressing these challenging issues by providing expert views and international expertise through highly effective mediums, such as public-private dialogue to discuss solutions to the challenges that industries face.

Garrett Wilson, Chairman of AmCham's Auto and Machinery Committee, said during the meeting between AmCham and the Ministry of Road and Transport Development, "As representatives of the business community, we encourage the government to make some difficult choices which may cause short-term controversy but will help create long-term economic and environmental sustainability. We look forward to working as partners from the public sector to help insure actions are implemented."

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Ulaanbaatar

Electricity tariff halved during nighttime for ger districts

Ulaanbaatar, November 1 (MONTSAME) The nighttime electricity discount is being pursued starting today. The discounted nighttime tariff (50%) will be in force until March 31 of 2017.

The measure is being taken in order to reduce air pollution and promote the use of electric heaters in the ger (traditional dwelling) areas.

The nighttime tariff will apply to the electricity consumption between 21.00 and 06.00.

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Diplomacy

Speaker M.Enkhbold receives Tibetan parliament delegates

Ulaanbaatar, November 1 (MONTSAME) Chairman of the State Great Khural (Parliament) M.Enkhbold received delegates from Tibet, headed by Mr Byambadash, Vice Chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, on October 31.

This is the first parliament-level visit from Tibet to Mongolia, noted the Speaker. He also applauded the growth of ties between Mongolia and Tibet, the two peoples that have long-standing cultural bonds from the ancient times, in all spheres including politics, society and people-to-people contacts.

The Speaker noted the relations with the People's Republic of China, our neighbor in the South, is one of top priorities of the Mongolia's foreign policy. One of the most successful areas of Mongolia-China bilateral ties is the relations between the legislatures, he added.

The head of the guest delegation, Mr Byambadash thanked Speaker M.Enkhbold for his time. Mr Byambadash highlighted "The future of Tibet looks bright, as a goal is pursued towards building a prosperous society by 2020 under the leadership of Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party.

Mongolia will continue to maintain its policy, which views Tibet as an integral part of China, noted the Speaker and wished the Tibetan Vice Chairman a success in his endeavours for future development of Tibet.

Present were, L.Enkh-Amgalan, B.Saranchimeg and L.Bold MPs, head of the Committee on Ethnic Groups, Religion and Immigrants under the People's Congress of the Tibetan Autonomous Region Tungaa, deputies of the National People's Congress of China Yondon and Jamiyannyam.

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Tibetan parliament delegates visitingMontsame, November 1

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Small libraries boost exchanges between Korea, Mongolia

November 1 (Korea.net) Korea will open three more libraries in Mongolia within the year as part of the Thank You Small Libraries project.

This project is a form of overseas development assistance (ODA) designed to support educational and cultural infrastructure in developing economies.

When the three new libraries are completed, there will then be six small libraries in Mongolia, as Korea previously built three small libraries in prior years.

The first of the three new planned libraries was opened at Secondary School No.5 in Sainshand, Dornogobi Province, on Oct. 28.

The opening ceremony was attended by Director Munkhbayar Munkhbaatar of the Mongolian Department of Policy Implementation and Coordination, representatives from the Dornogobi provincial office and the Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange (KOFICE), the principal at the school, Orgilbayar B., as well as teachers and students.

Secondary School No.5 in Sainshand, Dornogobi, was established in 2012. Currently, a total of 1,032 students are enrolled in its 36 classes, ranging from elementary school to high school.

The school's old library was in a renovated principal's office, after the school accepted a proposal after one of its teachers visited Korea. However, the library needed remodeling in order to meet the students' current needs and expectations.

Thanks to the project, Korea provided 2,000 books and necessary hardware, such as laptops, desktops, photocopiers, bookshelves and other furniture.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and the KOFICE will open two more small libraries in Sukhbaatar and Dornod provinces within the year. Under the criteria of the project, these regions were chosen because they are either located in remote areas or lack access to certain welfare benefits.

There are approximately 1,500 libraries across Mongolia. Among them, about 50 percent of them are run by schools.

The Korean culture ministry has been carrying out the this project since 2007 when it started with a project in Ghana, with the goal of narrowing the culture and information gap suffered by children and youth in developing countries and to boost their learning abilities.

As part of the project, Korea will build small libraries and provide books, resources, computers and other related equipment to existing book centers smaller than 50 square meters that are provided by the recipient country. After that, Korea will continue to support library management by offering resources and education programs for its administration staff.

A total of 92 libraries have been built in 12 countries across Africa and Asia, including Ghana, Kenya, Ethiopia, Mongolia and Cambodia.

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Health & Education

How you treat girls at age 10 might affect their whole future

Ulaanbaatar, November 1 (MONTSAME) Not investing in girls sufficiently enough can threaten the world's ambitious development agenda, warns UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, in The State of World Population 2016, released today.

Practices that harm girls and violate their human rights--starting at age 10--prevent them from realizing their full potential as adults and from contributing to the economic and social progress of their communities and nations. Without their contribution, the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development and its accompanying 17 Sustainable Development Goals may never be achieved.

Ten is a pivotal age for girls everywhere, as puberty approaches. In some parts of the world, a girl at this age enjoys limitless possibilities and begins making choices that will influence her education and, later, her work life. But in other parts, a girl who goes through puberty is suddenly seen as a commodity that may be bought, sold or traded, the UNFPA report shows. She may be forced to marry, pulled out of school and expected to start bearing children and begin a lifetime of servitude.

"Impeding a girl's safe, healthy path through adolescence to a productive and autonomous adulthood is a violation of her rights," UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Babatunde Osotimehin says. "But it also takes a toll on her community and nation. Whenever a girl's potential goes unrealized, we all lose."

The new development agenda, endorsed by world leaders in 2015, is the blueprint for countries' social and economic progress for 15 years. It aims for equitable development that leaves no one behind. Removing the barriers that hold 10-year-old girls back today will increase the chances that the agenda will be a success, the report argues.

The State of World Population report notes that of the 125 million 10-year-olds today, 60 million are girls who are systematically disadvantaged at the global level as they move through adolescence into adulthood. Girls are less likely than boys to complete formal schooling at the secondary and university levels, are more likely to be in poorer physical and mental health, and will find it harder to get paid jobs.

The range of proven policy options available to governments has grown over the past decade. These include banning harmful practices, such as child marriage and providing cash transfers to parents of girls in poor households to help defray costs of schooling, and, thus keep girls in school longer. They also include providing life-skills training and age-appropriate comprehensive sexuality education to girls approaching puberty.

The challenge now, UNFPA's State of World Population report says, is to scale up these interventions to reach more girls, especially the poorest and most vulnerable, by age 10.

In Mongolia, there are 25,000 girls aged 10, and 225,787 between the ages of 10-19. School enrolment rates are high for girls, at 95% (primary school) and 88% (secondary school) respectively. Mongolia has also been successful in ensuring developmental gains with special attention to girls in the past years. However, Mongolia's 10 year old girls are facing unique challenges advancing into adolescence. Consider that current statistics show high teenage pregnancies and that for every 1,000 girls (between the ages of 15-19), there are 40.4 childbirths. Compare this to countries within the region or with similar incomes: Turkey- 29.3, Malaysia- 13.3, and Singapore- 4. Correspondingly, unwanted pregnancy is high among teenagers, and 14.1 % of the girls who become pregnant between the ages of 15-19 have abortions. And as for knowledge and practice of family planning, 36.4% of the girls between the ages of 15-19 have unmet need of contraception and do not have knowledge about family planning. While a comprehensive study nationwide on the prevalence of violence against women and girls is yet to be conducted, it is reported that nearly 88.3 % of victims of domestic violence are women, 40 % of whom are as young as 15 up to 34.

Each year of education delivers an additional 11.7 per cent uplift in wages in later life for girls (compared with 9.6 per cent for men). The report reveals potential individual total income gains over the next 15 years resulting from investments in 10-year old girls in selected low and middle income countries. With investment in her future, a girl in Mongolia would have the potential to earn 18,470 USD from 2015-2030. Without investment, it would only be 8,784 USD.

"How we invest in and support 10-year-old girls today will determine what our world will look like in 2030," Dr. Osotimehin says. "With support from family, community and nation, and the full realization of her rights, a 10-year-old girl can thrive and help bring about the future we all want."

Key statistics

      Nine out of 10 10-year-old girls live in developing countries, and one in five lives in a least developed country: one in five is in India, and one in eight in China.

      If all the 10-year-old girls who drop out of school or do not attend school in developing countries completed secondary education, they would trigger a $21 billion annual dividend.

      Ten per cent of 5-to-14 year-old girls do more than 28 hours of household chores per week, twice that of boys. Three in four girl labourers are unpaid.

      Every day, an estimated 47,700 girls are at risk of being married before age 18, reports the UNFPA Mongolia.

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Health Ministry thanks actress G.Undarmaa for charity campaign

Ulaanbaatar, November 1 (MONTSAME) On the occasion of the Day of National Pride, the leaders of the Ministry of Health took the opportunity to express their gratitude to actress G.Undarmaa for her charity campaign. She has covered the expenses for reconstruction and re-decorating the waiting rooms, receptions, children's playrooms and bathrooms of the Urgoo Maternity House, The First State Clinic, The Health Center for Mothers and Children and district clinics of Songinokhairkhan and Khan-Uul districts.

G.Undarmaa said to the press that she dedicates 20-30 percent of her family's annual income to her "Chamber of Hope" project, which reaches out the patients at maternity centers and public hospitals.

She was welcomed at the Ministry by the State Secretary, Mr D.Ochirbat and other officials. Ms Undarmaa also thanked the Ministry for recognizing her deeds and expressed willingness to cooperate in projects for the well-being of people.

The Outstanding Figure of Culture (title) G.Undarmaa is an actress and popular comedian of Mongolia.

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A Mongolian Family Thanks God for Their Daughter's Heart Surgery

THE CHILDREN'S HEART PROJECT BROUGHT A YOUNG GIRL FROM MONGOLIA TO NORTH AMERICA FOR A LIFE-SAVING OPERATION, AND HER MOTHER RECEIVED CHRIST

October 31 (Samaritan's Purse) Munkhbayar and Nergui's beautiful baby daughter was born in January 2014. They took her home to their traditional Mongolian ger, about 40 miles outside the city. She seemed perfect to them, but when they took her in for her 3-month checkup, the doctor said Suvdaa wasn't gaining enough weight. She suggested they take her to a hospital in the city. There, she was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect.

The doctors at the hospital gave Munkhbayar and Nergui some medicine and told them that it would resolve Suvdaa's problem. After one month, they thought they saw some improvements. But after the second month, it seemed that Suvdaa was still small. After four months, the couple traveled back into the city to look for other options. This time, the doctor they saw told them that the condition required surgery.

"If we collect all our money, we can't pay for surgery cost," Munkhbayar said. "It is too expensive for us."

So the doctor told the family about the Children's Heart Project, which brings children with congenital heart defects from developing countries to North America to receive life-saving heart surgery. The family met the staff, and Suvdaa had weekly screenings at the hospital until the Children's Heart Project accepted her for surgery.

"I was very happy and excited," Nergui said.

In October 2015, Nergui and Suvdaa flew with an interpreter to North Carolina. Shortly afterward, Nergui had to turn her daughter over to the nurses. She said it was difficult, and she cried.

Back home in Mongolia, Munkhbayar worried about his daughter. He tends cows, and Suvdaa usually spends every day with him while Nergui is at work. To take his mind off of what was happening, he put most of his time and energy into his farm.

Given New Life

When Suvdaa emerged from surgery, she looked the same. But the change her little body experienced inside became quickly apparent. After she left the hospital, she took her first steps. Before she returned home, she was running. Nergui was thrilled to see how quickly Suvdaa was developing with a healed heart.

"It was one of the biggest joys that my child had opportunities to have free open-heart surgery in America," she said. "Surgery gave longer life to my child. It was amazing."

While in North Carolina, Nergui watched the Jesus film. The evangelistic movie, combined with the Bible studies she had with the interpreter, drew her heart to Christ. After seeing the film, she said she believed that He was her Savior and the reason her daughter was alive. She was baptized before returning home.

Suvdaa returned home healthy, and life became easier for Munkhbayar and Nergui because they no longer worry about their daughter's heart condition. She spends her days playing with her 5-year-old neighbor, which she wasn't able to do before.

But finding a Christian community in Mongolia has been hard for Nergui. The only Christian she knows is her sister-in-law. She is illiterate so she can't continue learning on her own by reading the Bible, and there is no church in her area. Munkhbayar hasn't accepted the Gospel yet, but he is open to learning more. The Children's Heart Project staff members do follow-up visits with Suvdaa and always share with Munkhbayar. He said that when he's in the city, he visits the church there. Samaritan's Purse staff members in Mongolia pray that Nergui will continue growing in her faith despite the challenges she faces.

Recently, Suvdaa had her first haircut. In Mongolian culture, the first haircut symbolizes the transition from babyhood to childhood, so the family invited more than 100 people to celebrate, including the Children's Heart Project staff members. This haircutting ceremony was particularly special because, before Suvdaa's surgery, her parents didn't know if Suvdaa would survive until childhood.

"We are so happy for Suvdaa's life," Munkhbayar said.

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Association between maternal education and malocclusion in Mongolian adolescents: a cross-sectional study

Tsasan Tumurkhuu1Takeo Fujiwara2,3Yuko Komazaki1Yoko Kawaguchi4, Toshihiro Tanaka5Johji Inazawa6Ganjargal Ganburged7Amarsaikhan Bazar8, Takuya Ogawa1Keiji Moriyama1

Abstract

Objective Malocclusion is a highly prevalent condition, affecting 20–60% of adolescents worldwide. Although its treatment is often expensive and unaffordable for disadvantaged individuals, few studies have examined the relationship between malocclusion and socioeconomic status. We investigated the prevalence of malocclusion among Mongolian adolescents and its association with maternal education in a community-based sample in Mongolia.

Design Cross-sectional study.

Settings 2 large secondary schools with different backgrounds in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Participants Complete dental casts of 557 randomly recruited Mongolian schoolchildren aged 11–16years were evaluated using the Dental Health Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need to dichotomise orthodontic treatment requirements. Exclusion criteria were the presence of orthodontic treatment history and absence of maternal educational status. Questionnaires were administered to caregivers to assess socioeconomic status. Poisson regression analysis was performed to examine the association between malocclusion and maternal educational status.

Results The prevalence of malocclusion requiring orthodontic treatment among all adolescents was 35.2% (95% CI 31.2 to 39.2). In the unadjusted analysis, the prevalence ratio (PR) for malocclusion was higher (PR=1.46; 95% CI 0.96 to 2.20) among adolescents of mothers with a high educational background than among those of mothers with a low educational background. After adjusting for covariates, the PR remained significantly higher (PR=1.72; 95% CI 1.06 to 2.82) among adolescents of mothers with a high educational background. Other socioeconomic status variables, including family income and the educational level of the father, showed no association with malocclusion.

Conclusions These findings suggest that malocclusion requiring orthodontic treatment in adolescents is more prevalent among children of mothers with high levels of education. Further studies are needed to clarify the behavioural factors and environmental circumstance that contribute to this.

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Culture & Society

The soaring documentary 'The Eagle Huntress' tells a heartwarming, intimate story of gender rebellion

November 1 (Los Angeles Times) As unlikely as it is enchanting, "The Eagle Huntress" tells its documentary story with such sureness that falling under its sway is all but inevitable.

A major crowd pleaser at Sundance, this portrait of a 13-year-old girl from Asia's Altai Mountains who defied eons of tradition by learning to hunt with fierce golden eagles is so satisfying it makes you feel good about feeling good.

The girl's name is Aisholpan and the eagles in question are formidable beasts, some 3 feet tall with impressive wings that can span more than 6 feet. To see them grandly soar in flight and land flawlessly on the forearm of this fearless young woman would be a knockout, even without the gender-based story involved.

For among Mongolia's Kazakh people the tradition has always been to allow only men to hunt with these raptors, with Aisholpan's father Nurgaiv, for example, being the 12th male generation of his family to do so.

But when Aisholpan, a bold young person with an open, expressive face, told him she wanted to be trained as well in the ancient art of hunting foxes and other small animals with the massive birds, he did not hesitate to agree. "It's not a choice, it's a calling that has to be in your blood," someone says, and that is very much true with her.

"Eagle Huntress" is set entirely in a starkly beautiful region of Mongolia so remote that director Otto Bell, in an interview at Sundance, said, "it's not the end of the world, but you can see it from there."

This is Bell's first documentary feature, but he has spent nearly a decade directing shorter, branded content pieces in remote corners of the world, so the film's back-of-the-beyond location did not faze him.

More than that, Bell knew just which colleagues to call on to help, starting with veteran cinematographer Simon Niblett, who brought a self-made drone to capture the film's stunning aerial shots as well as a 30-foot crane that packs away in a case suitable for a snowboard.

Another key collaborator was filmmaker Martina Radwan, who shot some of the more personal moments with Aisholpan, including talking to her friends at school about what this eagle hunting business was all about. Having a more intimate sense of this young woman as someone who both beats the boys at wrestling and paints her younger sister's nails is essential.

Key as well was editor Pierre Takal, who makes it look like Aisholpan's story is telling itself while at the same time blending footage from a whole variety of sources.

This includes, as Bell related at Sundance, scenes that were grabbed with random cameras the first day he met father Nurgaiv, who told the director through a translator, "'Today we're going to steal an eagle chick for Aisholpan to train. Is this the kind of thing you'd be interested in filming?' I said, 'God, yes.'"

No sooner is the chick snared — in a hazardous, heart-in-mouth operation that involves tricky maneuvering down mountain cliffs — than training begins in earnest.

Aisholpan's goal is to be the first woman to take part in the annual Golden Eagle Festival in the Mongolian provincial capital of Olgii, an event that her father has won twice and in which she and her bird, who she names Akkatnat (or White Wings), will compete against some 70 older, more experienced men.

A key segment of "Eagle Huntress" takes place at that contest, which includes the stirring vision of eagles hurtling down from a mountaintop as fast as they can to respond to their master's call.

One of "Eagle Huntress'" more amusing aspects is its use of a kind of Greek chorus of grumpy Kazakh elders who feel that eagle hunting is not something "fragile" women would be advised to take on.

Because these men insist that pursuing foxes in the dead of winter is the ultimate test of who is an eagle hunter and who is not, the film ends by following Aisholpan and her father as they do just that in Mongolia's frigid minus-40-degree weather.

The most impressive thing about "The Eagle Huntress," however, is not Aisholpan's accomplishments, but who she is. Hardworking, intrepid, cheerful, uncomplaining and excited by new challenges, she is not only a role model for young girls, but an exemplar for all of us, whether we plan on hunting with eagles or not.

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'The Eagle Huntress'

Rating: G.

In Kazakh and English.

Running time: 1 hour, 27 minutes

Playing: Laemmle Royal, West Los Angeles

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Chinggis Khaan and his warriors at Madame Tussauds

November 1 (news.mn) Mongolians had immortalized their great emperor, Chinggis Khaan, founder of largest land-empire in the world, at Madame Tussauds wax museum in Ulaanbaatar. On 31stof October, Mongolia celebrated the 854th anniversary of the birth of Chinggis Khaan. To mark the event, Mongolians and tourists were able to be photographed with wax figures of the great leader and his warriors at Madame Tussaud's in Ulaanbaatar. The waxworks first opened in 2014 and now has 16 wax figures including Chinggis Khaan and other prominent Mongolian leaders and athletes.

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Nine facts of Chinggis Khaan

October 31 (gogo.mn) Mongol Empire established by the Chinggis Khaan and his following Kings was the second largest contiguous land empire in history which covered 33 million hectares of land from Korean Peninsula to Hungary. At that time, 100 million countries were being ruled under the leadership of Mongol Empire including China, Iraq, Iran and Central Asian countries which were the developed and the most populous. 

IKH ZASAG LAW (YASSA)

Chinggis Khaan approved Ikh Zasag Law (Great Administration) in order to enforce discipline in Mongol Empire and strictly complied with the law. He prohibited stealing, lying and adultery while he upheld freedom of belief. The Ikh Zasag Law was the success key of Mongol Empire. 

INEXHAUSTIBLE & INEXCUSABLE FIGHTER

After the death of his father, Temuujin and his family overcame the lethal and hard fights for survival. When he was only 10 years-old, he fought with his older half-brother for the power of the eldest male in the family and Temuujin killed him with bows and arrows. Campaign to unite scattered tribes of the steppe is considered to be started from that moment.

PROMINENT MILITARY LEADER

Chinggis Khaan was prominent military leader. Many cases remain that he won their enemies with unexpected tricky method. All Mongols were horsemanship, they drive horse with their two feet and their hands become free to shoot by bow and arrow.

DIPLOMACY DEVELOPER

Chinggis Khaan prefers coexistence of harmony and peace. He declared the inviolable rights of official messengers and representatives to the world.

MYSTERIOUS

Chinggis Khaan had never allowed to paint his portrait. His first portrait was painted after his death. His descendants and servants buried his body in a very mysterious way. They held major ceremony in four other places in order to hide the exact place where he was finally buried.

ENJOYER OF BEAUTY

After the victory of war, Mongols were used to align the prisoner women and girls in front of the king, princes and generals. At first, the King choose the women that he liked the most and leave others to his princes and outstanding soldiers. Some historical sources said that Chinggis Khaan had more than 40 concubines. But Chinggis Khan had total of six queens.

DESCENDANTS

0.5 percent men in the world`s population is the direct descendants of Chinggis Khaan. In other words, total of 16 million people are the direct descendants of Chinggis Khaan. Scientists estimated that number of indirect descendants of Chinggis Khan reached nearly 800 million people.

DEVELOPER OF THE WORLD

Development and conquest of Mongol Empire has made significant contribution to the development of the world`s economy and trade. Mongols developed the improvement of courier post and diplomatic messenger. Some ascribe that Europeans was frightened of Mongolian conquest and started to unite which laid the foundation of current European Union.

HOW DID THE CHINGGIS KHAAN DIE?

Reason for his death is the most mysterious thing of his life. The most popular myth is that he died from injury because of he fell off a horse. There are also some common options, of him dying of a sickness and arrow wound in his legs. Another one is that he was poisoned or murdered by Chinese princess. However, Chinggis Khaan successfully concealed his peaceful place to sleep forever. Scientists assume that he is buried somewhere close to the Burhan Haldun Mountain in Hentii Aimag.

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Mogi: in collab with Inner Mongolia museum

Genghis Exhibition: Rare Objects on Display for Very First Time

SOEST, Netherlands, November 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In February 2017, the National Military Museum of the Netherlands (NMM) stages the European premiere of the exhibition 'Genghis'.This exhibition tells the story of one of the greatest empires that ever was and the impact it had. 'Genghis' will be presented at the NMM until the end of August 2017.

Genghis, an empire built on horseback

The exhibition uses a variety of show-pieces to provide a glimpse of Genghis Kahn's life from a military perspective. This exhibition is the most comprehensive introduction to Genghis Khan and the Mongol empire ever presented internationally. Visitors will learn about the history of the development of the empire and how Genghis, with the help of his army and military innovations, rose to such fame. Reaching beyond the often told tales of the life of Genghis Khan, this exhibition expands the story of the Mongols, revealing that the history of the Mongol empire is richer, more exciting, and more important to the world we live in today than it could ever have been imagined.

Extraordinary treasures

Using wide-ranging contemporary sources, digital media and some of the rarest objects from the museums of Inner Mongolia, this is the story of the Mongols as it has never been told before. Some 123 artefacts come from the Inner Mongolia Museum (Hohot, China), including a golden saddle, whistling arrows and gold jewellery. It is for the first time that such a variety of artefacts is accessible to the public outside of China. Genghis takes its visitors on an immersive journey through the steppes, deserts and palaces of the Mongol Empire. 

The exhibition 'Genghis' is a project of Nomad Exhibitions, in collaboration with the Inner Mongolia Museum and the University of Edinburgh.

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Mongolia Nomadic Tribes Stand With Standing Rock Sioux And Water Protectors

November 1 (White Wolf Pack) Mongolia is one of the last countries with vast landscapes of big nothingness, no cities, no trace of humans as far as the eye can see.

Glorious crystal clear rivers, pristine mountains, where the hands of the delusional man has not reached in its fever to build, and change nature's ways, because he knows better.

At 1,564,116 square kilometres, Mongolia is the 18th largest and the most sparsely populated fully sovereign country in the world, with a population of around 3 million people. It is also the world's second-largest landlocked country.

The country contains very little arable land, as much of its area is covered by grassy steppe, with mountains to the north and west and the Gobi Desert to the south. Ulaanbaatar, the capital and largest city, is home to about 45% of the country's population.

Approximately 30% of the population is nomadic or semi-nomadic; horse culture is still integral. The majority of its population are Buddhists.

Mongolia is known as the "Land of the Eternal Blue Sky" or "Country of Blue Sky" (Mongolian: "Mönkh khökh tengeriin oron") because it has over 250 sunny days a year.

Today, worldwide Mongols honor the memory of the Great Khaan Chinggis, the creator of the sovereign Mongol Nation. For over 800 years, the Mongols have maintained the memorials of the Great Khaan Chinggis in the Ordos region of Southern Mongolia.

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AsianDate Turns the Focus on Intriguing Mongolia this November to Bring Romance Alive for Members

AsianDate looks to inspire November romance among members by focusing on intriguing Mongolia.

November 1 -- AsianDate‚ the famous dating service for singles looking for Asian matches‚ is turning its attention on the intriguing country of Mongolia this November. Mongolia is a country known for its intriguing culture and rugged landscape. It is the best place to visit for those who love the outdoors because Mongolia is still the face of nomadic living in Asia.

Mongolia is an adventure destination where visitors will find the traditions of the past still being observed by many people of this wonderful country. The combination of its intriguing culture and incomparable natural beauty makes Mongolia one of the top Asian destinations for the adventurous traveler.

The culture of Mongolia can be attributed to the heavy influence of Buddhist Tibet and China. A unique culture that blends art‚ food and tradition is highly visible across the country's landscape.

One of the top places to visit in Mongolia is the country's capital city of Ulaanbaatar. It offers a number of interesting sights including the Genghis Khan Statue Complex‚ the Choijin Lama Temple Museum and the Zaisan Memorial.

For those who want to explore Mongolia's mystery will enjoy a number of national parks‚ all extremely popular among visitors and locals. Those not to be missed while on a visit to Mongolia are the Gorkhi-Terelj National Park located in one of the most scenic areas of the country and the Hustai National Park, which is home to many wild horses. The Altai Bogd National Park is another popular destination that tourists enjoy.

AsianDate members can make use of the many features on the website such as webcam dating and instant chat to converse with members across Asia. They can enhance their knowledge about the country through these chats.

Each month AsianDate aims to share more about its international dating service by focusing on different countries in Asia. It is the perfect way to boost knowledge about the people‚ cultures and traditions of Asia.

For more information, visit www.asiandate.com

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Nature & Environment

Mobicom to cooperate with Zoological Society of London on protecting Mazaalai

November 1 (gogo.mn) In scope of saving Mongolian endangered wildlife and protecting the Mazaalai, the Gobi bear, that is near to go extinct, the leading telecommunication partner in Mongolia, the Mobicom corporation has signed Memorandum of Cooperation with Zoological Society of London. 

Since 2015, the Mobicom corporation in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Institute of Biology and Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area have implemented number of projects to save Mazaalai, the only species of bear lives in Gobi. In further, the corporation has planned to work with the Word Wildlife Fund.

In 2015-2016, Mobicom corporation has completed following five works, cooperating with experts and professional organizations with the aim to improve living and research condition of Mazaalai and to deliver reliable information to the public.

1.    Enhanced precipitation for 4-5 hours in 6 soums using weather modification and created favorable condition to increase the plant growth that eaten by Mazaalai

2.    Installed 16 motion sensor cameras dedicated for research and delivering reliable information. As a result, about 35 Mazaalai were counted and registered. Also, other endangered wildlife including wild ass, bactrian wild camel and blacktail were recorded on the camera. The best news is that three Gobi bear babies are registered born in 2016.

3.    Fond to infiltrate and keep the precipitation, mountain flood and snow were built.

4.    Prepared quality, mixed and nutritional supplements for Mazaalai and gathered the seeds of woody plants that is grown in Altai Uvur Gobi. 

5.    Installed GPS collars for Mazaalai to study the daily lifestyle of Mazaalai.

In scope of the cooperation, the parties have planned to install the latest motion sensor cameras in Great Gobi Strictly Protected Area.

Global warming is going relatively rapid and annually-averaged air temperature for Mongolian surface have increased by 2.1C while annual precipitation decreased by 7% for 75 years (during 1940-2014). However, wildlife extinction have caused by many factors. The most harmful reasons for extinction is illegal hunting.

Mobicom corporation and Zoological Society of London has planned to done following works.

1.    Cooperate on delivering the result of a study conducted in scope of reducing the illegal wildlife trade

2.    Organize events that call for public to save endangered wildlife

3.    Deliver correct understanding of the harmful effects on biodiversity to the public

4.    Change public attitudes on using wildlife-based products and deliver the right information

5.    Promote the legislation and rules about wildlife

6.    Improve prevention for the illegal hunting

7.    Publish articles about Mongolian environment and wildlife

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Sports

M.Urantsetseg wins bronze, G.Otgontsetseg wins gold in Abu Dhabi

Ulaanbaatar, October 31 (MONTSAME) On the Day One of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam, the State Honored Athlete of Mongolia M.Urantsetseg grabbed bronze medal in women's 48 kg. She became the world champion in 2013.

Mongolian-origin Olympic medalist G.Otgontsetseg won the weight category, securing his second gold medal from the Grand Slam for Kazakhstan.

The Grand Slam attracted 184 judokas from 33 countries. Urantsetseg Munkhbat alone represented Mongolia to this competition. Following Grand Slams are being held in Paris, Baku and Tyumen.

M.Urantsetseg was defeated by Nikolic of Serbia, who was beaten by G.Otgontsetseg in the finale.

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Mongolian Saturday Seeks Turf Sprint Repeat

October 31 (The Blood-Horse) This year's edition of the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (gr. IT) will again be a competitive race loaded with talented runners including last year's winner Mongolian Saturday

After narrowly defeating graded stakes winner Lady Shipman last year over 5 1/2 furlongs at Keeneland, Mongolian Saturday will face another deep field Nov. 5 on Santa Anita Park's unique 6 1/2-furlong downhill turf course.

Trainer Enebish Ganbat said the son of Any Given Saturday, who races without Lasix, is ready and seems to be taking to the track at Santa Anita. Mongolian Saturday has raced once at Santa Anita before, finishing last in the 2014 Potrero Grande Stakes (gr. II) on the main track.

However, the only concerns Ganbat has are the high level of competition in the Turf Sprint and the possibility of warm weather Nov. 5.

"This year (the) contingent is very strong," Ganbat said. "(Many) other horses made pre-entries, very strong horses. In our race, pre-entries (totalled) 28 horses. It's a lot.

"I think our horse (will) run big, but I (could see him) getting a little bit hot."

The 6-year-old gelding comes off a win in the Woodford Stakes (gr. IIIT) at Keeneland Oct. 8. Earlier this year he ran unplaced in the Darley July Cup (Eng-I), the Kings Stand Stakes (Eng-I) in England, and the Chairman's Sprint Prize Stakes (HK-I) at Sha Tin. He finished fifth, by 4 1/2 lengths, in the Longines Hong Kong Sprint (HK-I) in December 2015. 

Needing a scratch to get into the field of 14, last year's runner up Lady Shipman hopes to go one better this year. The 4-year-old daughter of Midshipman   finished sixth in the Eddie D Stakes (gr. IIIT) at Santa Anita Sept. 30 behind Turf Sprint contender Ambitious Brew. In 2016 Lady Shipman had five wins, all of which were in stakes races against fillies and mares.

Ambitious Brew, a 6-year-old gelding by Tizbud, is looking to improve on his seventh-place finish in the 2014 Turf Sprint. His two wins this year came on Santa Anita's downhill turf course at 6 1/2 furlongs, the Eddie D Stakes (gr. IIIT) and the Lennyfromalibu Stakes.

Another local entry is Om, who is coming off of two seconds in the City of Hope Mile Stakes (gr. IIT) at Santa Anita and the Del Mar Mile Handicap (gr. IIT). His last win was in the 2015 Mathis Brothers Mile Stakes (gr. IIT) at Santa Anita. 

In addition, the West Coast-based Obviously is cutting back in distance after running in the Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. IT) the last four years. The Phil D'Amato trainee has not finished off the board in his four starts this year, highlighted by a win in the Poker Stakes (gr. IIIT) at Belmont Park.

East Coast shipper Pure Sensation looks to rally off his three stakes wins this year, including the Parx Dash Stakes (gr. IIIT) and the Jaipur Invitational (gr. IIIT) at Belmont.

Celestine, another East Coast runner, will cut back in distance in the Turf Sprint after finishing third in the First Lady (gr. IT) at Keeneland behind Photo Call and Tepin. In June she won the one-mile Longines Just a Game Stakes (gr. IT) at Belmont.

Also entered is 2014 Diamond Jubilee (Eng-I) winner Undrafted, who took the Shakertown Stakes (gr. IIT) in April at Keeneland. 

Topping the international entries are Godolphin's group III winner Home of The Brave and grade I placed SuedoisKarar, and Washington DC

Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (gr. I)

Santa Anita Park, Saturday, November 05, 2016, Race 7

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Art & Entertainment

Opera Singer G.Ariunbaatar receives order of Chinggis Khaan

November 1 (gogo.mn) On Oct 31, Mongolia has celebrated the Anniversary of birth of the Great Chinggis Khaan and the National Pride Day. On the occasion of these events, an outstanding figure of Mongolia who contributed to strengthening the independence and sovereignty, studied statehood and historical tradition of the country is awarded with the supreme state prize of Mongolia the Order of Chinggis Khaan. 

The State Merit Artist, opera singer G.Ariunbaatar was named the winner of the Order of Chinggis Khaan-2016. On Oct 31, the President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj handed over the Order at the State Nine White Banner's Hall in the State Palace. 

G.Ariunbaatar is the 10th laureate of the supreme state prize of Mongolia the Order of Chinggis Khaan since 2005. The esteemed laureates of the Order of Chinggis Khaan are the first President of Mongolia P.Ochirbat, composer B.Sharav, former Prime Minister D.Byambasuren, Deputy Speaker of the State Great Khural R.Gonchigdorj, former President of Mongolia N.Bagabandi, Member of Parliament D.Demberel, former Prime Minister D.Sodnom, academician Kh.Namsrai and writer G.Mend-Oyo. 

At the ceremony, the Speaker of the State Great Khural M.Enkhbold, the Prime Minister J.Erdenebat and their spouses and Chinggis Khaan's Order laureates and other honored guests including Mongolian athletes and medalists of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Rio, Brazil, were present. During the event, students of the Music and Dance College performed the national anthem and other songs.

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Related:

Opera Singer G.Ariunbaatar awarded Order of Chinggis Khaan news.mn, November 1

G.Ariunbaatar receives Order of Chinggis KhaanMongolian Economy, November 1

Ariunbaatar Ganbaatar awarded Order "Chinggis Khaan"Montsame, November 1

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Brigada actor Sergey Bezrukov arrives in Ulaanbaatar in support of Ariunbaatar

November 1 (news.mn) Russian actor Sergey Bezrukov,  best known for playing the mafia boss 'Sasha Beliy' in the TV series 'Brigada', arrived in Ulaanbaatar at the weekend. He is People's Artist of Russia, the laureate of the State Prize of the Russian Federation.

Sergey Bezrukov came to Ulaanbaatar with the Mongolian opera star Ariunbaatar, who has just been awarded the Order of Chinggis Khaan. The actor, who is also a talented musician, said that he is fan of opera singer Ariunbaatar.

The 43-year old actor is one of the most popular in Russia and has played notable roles in the 'Master and Margarita', the poet Yesenin as well as Aleksander Pushkin in the "Last Duel". In Mongolia, he is also well-known for playing the role of General Kappel in the Russian Civil-War classic serial "Admiral".

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'Mother' wins best actress at "Silver Akbuzat"

November 1 (news.mn) D.Mendbayar, People's Actress of Mongolia, has won Best Actress at the "Silver Akbuzat" international film festival by her role in the film "Mother". The film festival held in the Russian city of Ufa on October 26-28. The author of the storyline of 'Mother', B.Munkhtuya received the award in person.

'Mother' is also being nominated, along with another Mongolian film - 'Faith', at the Asian Film Festival in Los Angeles. Films from over 50 Asian countries participating in at the prestigious festival.

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Throat-singer champions Talent International Festival in Barcelona

Ulaanbaatar, November 1 (MONTSAME) Throat singer N.Naranbadrakh won the Talent International Monolith Festival (Festival internacional de musica and dance), held in Barcelona of Spain on October 28 – November 2.

The festival challenged artists from many different countries in 5 age categories and 11 nominations.

The grand prize went to our contestant N.Naranbadrakh, who also received the "Sympathy of the Jury and Spectators for the Originality of Performance" and the Barcelona Mayor's awards.

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