Mongolia Brief May 9, 2014



Indian Ambassador India Hands Credentials
Ulaanbaatar, May 9 (MONTSAME) Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Mongolia Somnath Ghosh presented Thursday his credentials to the President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj.

After the ceremony, Mr Elbegdorj received Mr Somnath Ghosh to congratulate him with this new appointment as the Ambassador of India to Mongolia. The President noted the bilateral relationship and cooperation between Mongolia and India have been broadening in many areas including economy, investment, education, information technology, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, defense and other sectors, and then expressed an appreciation to Ambassador Somnath Ghosh for coming to Mongolia during the period of intensive development of the mutual relations.
In his turn, the Ambassador said India pays a key attention to attracting investment of Indian companies to Mongolia, in order to develop information technology, infrastructure, mining and economy in Mongolia. Satisfied with opening of a Mongolia-India joint school in Ulaanbaatar, the Ambassador expressed a hope that Mongolia will further deepen trade and economic ties with India.
The President said that he is contented with the recent high level reciprocal visits and political dialogues that include an official visit of Mongolian Foreign Minister to India in 2013 and an official visit of the President of India Pratibha Devisingh Patil to Mongolia in 2011, which had great impacts on strengthening bilateral ties.
President Elbegdorj noted the Mongolian Government is keen to expand its cooperation with India in promoting investment and introducing latest technologies in mining and infrastructure sectors, and stressed the significance of a Memorandum of Understanding signed in May 2012 between the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy of Mongolia and the Steel Authority of India in jointly exploring and identifying areas and ways of cooperation as well as developing economic activities in the mining and steel manufacturing sectors.


Tim De Meyer Presents Letter of Credence
Ulaanbaatar, May 9 (MONTSAME) Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Office for China and Mongolia Mr Tim De Meyer Thursday presented his letter of credence to L.Bold, the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
At the meeting held in the State House after the presentation, the sides exchanged views on a present situation of the Mongolia-ILO ties and further cooperation.
Expressing thanks to the ILO for rendering support and assistance to Mongolia, Mr Bold noted that Mongolia always aspires to participate in ILO activities, attaching a great importance to this.
Founded in 1946, the ILO is one of the UN agencies dealing with labour issues. Mongolia participated in the international labour session in 1967 as an observer, and jointed the organization during the 1968 session.
As of present, Mongolia has ratified 17 conventions of the ILO so far.


People’s Party Caucus Takes Break on Minister Dismissal Proposal
Ulaanbaatar, May 9 (MONTSAME) During a discussion of a proposed dismissal issue of Justice Minister Kh.Temuujin on Thursday, the parliamentary caucus of the People’s Party took a break for next five days.
A parliamentary meeting on Thursday discussed a proposed dismissal of Justice Minister Kh.Temuujin behind closed doors. As issues regarding the dismissal of the Minister include matters related with the State secrets, the parliamentary meeting has been carried out in a closed mode with a participation of Prosecutor-General of Mongolia D.Dorligjav, Intelligence Agency Chief B.Ariunsan and Police General Authority Chief T.Bilegt to answer questions of MPs.
Last week, the Democratic Party Caucus took a break from a discussion of the issue at parliament, noting a need to clarify some infinitive matters about grounds of the dismissal proposal within the caucus.
Earlier, on April 7, O.Baasankhuu MP submitted a request of the dismissal of Justice Minister Kh.Temuujin on several alleged grounds including increased crimes nationwide since the latter took the current office. The Standing Committee on Justice began to discuss the issue on April 14 at a closed meeting to leave it for the next meeting on April 24.


Tax Exemption for Amgalan Power Plant Approved at Parliament
Ulaanbaatar, May 9 (MONTSAME) A parliamentary session meeting on Friday backed draft laws on customs exemption and on value-added tax (VAT) exemption.
The approval of these laws means there will be VAT and customs exemptions in equipment purchases for the Amgalan power plant project in eastern Ulaanbaatar. The laws will be effective since the day they are approved.
After passing the laws on tax exemptions, the meeting is discussing amendments to the Minerals law, where MPs are asking questions to the Mining Minister who has developed the draft bill to amend the Minerals law.


President Receives Young Mongolists
Ulaanbaatar, May 9 (MONTSAME) The President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj Thursday met a delegation of young scholars on Mongol studies.
The delegation included Elisa Kol-Garriti from Germany; Karolina Zygmanovska and Yoanna Dolinska from Poland. They completed one-year training in Mongolia with the President’s fellowships for studying in Mongolia to conduct scientific and research works.
At the meeting, the President pointed out that any country must prepare scholars on their nation, and said that he sees the young scholars as a new generation for Mongol studies.
“We have established a foundation for Mongol studies, and our government has approved a programme on supporting studies of Mongols. I am really confident the Mongol studies will succeed further. I am glad you have chosen to study Mongols,” Mr Elbegdorj said.
“History of Mongolia is one of the important parts of humankind history. My country has wealthy heritage of written and illustrated findings about world’s history. Mongol studies should learn not only history, but also present and future,” he emphasized, and then asked the young scholars for telling some recommendations on preparation of Mongol studies researchers, problems they face as well as achievements. Mongolia will augment scholarships for students on Mongol studies in Mongolian and foreign universities and institutes, he added.
In turn, the foreign scholars confirmed that they have finished the training in Mongolia fruitfully and faced no difficulty.
Elisa Kol-Garriti expressed gratitude to the Mongolian President and people, and noted she is running research works regarding politeness among Mongolian people for defending PhD degree.
The Polish scholar Karolina Zygmanovska said she is doing a scientific work about the Mongolian history of beginning of 20th century. She also has launched a research on Mongolia-Japan relations.
Another Polish scientist Yoanna Dolinska expressed a satisfaction with studying in Mongolia, and said she is doing a scientific work about Kalmyks.
The President affirmed that Mongolia is able to render financial assistance to these for continuing their works and studying in other universities.     


Mongolia Hosts 7th East Asian Men, Women and Team Judo Championships
May 9 (infomongolia.com) The 7th East Asian Men, Women and Team Judo Championships is commenced in Ulaanbaatar taking place at the Buyant-Ukhaa Sports Complex on May 09-10, 2014.
At this seventh edition, judokas from nine countries including China, Guam, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, North Korea, South Korea, Taiwan, and Mongolia are competing traditionally in 7 weight categories in each Men’s, Women’s and Team tournaments.
Mongolia as a host nation is participating with two wrestlers in each weight classes with total of 28 judokas. 
Mongolian Judo Men’s Team
60 kg - G.Boldbaatar, Ts.Tsogtbaatar
66 kg - D.Tumurkhuleg, B.Batgerel
73 kg - S.Miyaragchaa, G.Odbayar
81 kg - N.Dagvasuren, B.Bat-Erdene
90 kg - Kh.Tsogtgerel, G.Altanbagana
-100 kg - B.Ariun-Erdene, B.Janchivdorj
+100 kg - B.Temuulen, U.Duurenbayar
Mongolian Judo Women’s Team
48 kg - G.Otgontsetseg, J.Chantsaldulam
52 kg - M.Bundmaa, Ch.Azzaya
57 kg - D.Sumiya, A.Batzul
63 kg - Ts.Tserennadmid, B.Mungunchimeg
70 kg - Ts.Naranjargal, Ts.Munkhzaya
-78 kg - B.Munkhtuya, M.Uuganjargal
+78 kg - O.Javzmaa, G.Gantogos
Mongolian national team is supervised by chief coach, People’s Teacher, Merit Athlete O.Baljinnyam, coaches Merit Athletes D.Battulga and Kh.Erdenet-Od, IMS Sh.Tsevelmaa and IMS G.Dashdavaa.
Mongolia hosted the East Asian Men, Women and Team Judo Championships in 2006.
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Deputy Minister Meets South African Ambassador
Ulaanbaatar, May 9 (MONTSAME) Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mongolia D.Gankhuyag received Non-resident Ambassador of South Africa to Mongolia Bheki Langa on May 7.
Noting that this year this year is marking the 20thanniversary of establishment of diplomatic relationship between Mongolia and South Africa, Deputy Minister D.Gankhuyag congratulated the Ambassador on the 20th anniversary of Freedom Day of South Africa. An official visit of Deputy President of South Africa Kgalema Motlanthe to Mongolia last year and a recent visit of Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources Godfrey Oliphant to Mongolia opened new pages in the history of bilateral friendly relations and gave an impetus to the stimulation of bilateral collaboration.
There are wide possibilities for enriching bilateral cooperation with a new economic content, particularly in the mining and agricultural fields, the both sides emphasized and agreed to organize activities for promoting Mongolia-South Africa relations and cooperation within the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
After the meeting, the dignitaries signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the Foreign Ministries of Mongolia and South Africa.


Mongolian Circus Artist Makes It to Mollywood
Ulaanbaatar, May 9 (MONTSAME) A Mongolian circus artiste Flower Battsetseg is to play a pivotal role in an movie by Indian filmmaker Anil Radhakrishnan Menon, says timesofindia.indiatimes.com on Thursday.
After winning both National and State awards for his debut venture, North 24 Kaatham, filmmaker Anil Radhakrishnan Menon is ready with his next outing. Titled Sapthama Sree Thaskaraha, the movie will see actors Prithviraj, Asif Ali, Sreenath Bhasi, Nedumudi Venu, Nyla Usha along with a Mongolian circus artiste, Flower Battsetseg, play pivotal roles.
"The film will be a satire, with a lot of scope for humour. There is no slapstick comedy used here, and it will be different from my first outing," says Anil.
Interestingly, the director spotted Flower at a circus event that took place at Thalassery. "She is from Mongolia and is married to a Manipuri guy. I was on the lookout for a suitable character for my film for long. I happened to take my son for the circus and there I saw her performing an act. She has the kind of grace and perfection that I was looking for the character in my film," says the director. So, how will she deliver her dialogues in Malayalam? "She doesn't have any dialogues. I am sure through sign languages I will be able to make her act in my film, which is going on floors later this month at Ottapalam," says Anil.
The director is tight-lipped about the role of other actors. "All the actors are normal human beings who do something extraordinary in the film," is all he is willing to reveal at the moment.


Call for public participation on National Day for Tree Planting
May 9 (news.mn) The President of Mongolia, Ts.Elbegdorj, issued a decree announcing that the National Day for Tree Planting will be held on the second Saturday every May and October.
This spring the National Day for Tree Planting falls on Saturday May 10th. The Ministry of Finance has called for public participation for nature rehabilitation and green development by lending a helping hand and planting trees. Mongolians say that planting a tree is a lifetime charity and planting two trees is charity for the next life. Thus tree planting is something that everyone must do.
Mongolia is an agricultural and pasture country where almost 13,0357.7 thousands hectares (ha) or 83.4 percent out of 156.65 million (ha) of territory is occupied by agriculture and pasture land while forest land represents only 18,292.0  or 11.6 percent of the territory.
Mongolia became a partner country of the UN-REDD Programme (United Nations Collaborative Programme on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries) in 2011 and is now working to develop a national REDD+ roadmap. Mongolia is struggling to shift from a “Brown” to a “Green” economy.
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Citizens are to plant treesMontsame, May 9


“Mongol Brain - Silicon House” to Accelerate Intensive Development of Modern IT Launched
May 9 (infomongolia.com) The regular Thursday "30 Minutes with Prime Minister" was held at the National Information Technology Park, Ulaanbaatar on May 08, 2014.
Before, Prime Minister Norov ALTANKHUYAG usually hosts the meeting with journalists in the Government House, but this time he attended in the opening ceremony of newly established facility namely “Mongol Brain - Silicon House”.
In his opening remarks, Premier N.Altankhuyag noted, “From this day, the “Mongol Brain - Silicon House” is being launched at the National IT Park, the place to bring Mongol brain and intellect to the world, create opportunity to compete and been evaluated at the world level. Whilst, Oyu Tolgoi, Tavan Tolgoi or minerals rich country is being talked, so the time to talk about Mongolian mental capacity is approached. This place will gather young people to show and prove their knowledge and skills to compete in the IT sector and develop new software in the global market”.
The “Mongol Brain - Silicon House” is equipped with latest system-laboratories, library and training center that give opportunity to study in Western standards environment, conduct research works, produce experimental designs and create Mongol brand in information technology sector.
During the acquainting with the new facility, Premier was introduced with the House system development laboratory presented by State Prize laureate, engineer Namkhai NATSAGNYAM, who is currently working on control system operational for 24 hours for power plants. Such program is evaluated on world market at least 600 million MNT, but the engineer takes orders for 150 million MNT (Tugrug). Also, under the request by the Ministry of Education and Science, N.Natsagnyam has been creating a 3D cartoon depicting world of animals. Similarly, based on computer graphics, many other things like designs, animation, video, television, painting and music can be created and animated at this computer vision laboratory.
In addition, Director of the Silicon House Mr. Tserendorj TUVSHINTUR said, “By opening such place enables to accelerate the intensive development of modern information technology in our country and we believe the House will be a center of collaboration between universities, institutes and research organizations”.


Prime Minister of Mongolia Pledges to Support National Manufacturers of Cell Phones
May 9 (infomongolia.com) On May 08, 2014, Prime Minister of Mongolia N.Altankhuyag and other Government officials received in their office representatives of four national companies conducting its activities in the development of cell phone software, operating system and production.
- Representing the IT Zone Company, operators said the company has been developing its Mogul brand smart phone features Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) version with 4 inch display and will be available for 150,000 MNT. Similar imported phones being sold at least 300,000 MNT (Tugrug), they added.
- Emondo Company representatives introduced their project to produce a smart phone that would operate under most recent operating system-based software with pre-loaded Mongolian language apps. According to company's introduction, the mobile phone parts will be ordered from abroad under their developed system and domestically assembled, and after checking their operating system, they intend to supply in the market. 
- Darkhan Jonon Company said, they plan to import used devices and after renewing here to sell 30% under market price with manufacturer’s guarantee. This kind of business will be 100% independent from China companies, because most retailers here trade renewed devices from China.
- Migma Electronics Company announced they are ready to introduce four types of cell phones, and some are designed for children and elder users with big buttons and screens, besides to make an emergency calls up to five people.
Following the introductions, above company representatives asked the Government to support their smart phones with Mongolian operating systems, moreover to cooperate with mobile phone operators in Mongolia to support these devices.
In response, Premier N.Altankhuyag said that about 48 billion MNT flow is going outside for only mobile phone use and in order to slow down this outbound; Government will support our national manufacturer companies.


Issue to Dismiss MP Kh.Temuujin from Post of Minister for Justice of Mongolia Postponed for Second Time
May 9 (infomongolia.com) At the plenary session of the State Great Khural (Parliament) held on May 08, 2014, one of the issues discussed was dismissing the Minister of Justice Kh.Temuujin from minister’s post and only keep as a Parliamentarian.
The affiliated Standing Committee’s summary was introduced by Prosecutor General of Mongolia D.Dorligjav, Head of the General Police Department of Mongolia B.Bilegt and Chairman of the General Intelligence Agency of Mongolia B.Ariunsan, after which the Parliament revised the issue behind the closed doors.
Although, the meeting was attended by 66 Parliamentarians out of 76, whereas 24 MPs were from MPP Group out of 26, and the rest of 42 MPs were representing “Justice” Coalition (MPRP-MNDP) and DP Groups and Independent members, and during the discussion, over 40 MPs requested to ask some more clarifications that would take a time, thus MPP Group asked a 5-day postponement on the ground that details were not enough. Before, the resignation issue of Justice Minister Kh.Temuujin was supposed to be discussed at May 01 meeting, but DP Group postponed once.
The reason to dismiss MP Kh.Temuujin from Minister’s post, which was first submitted by MP O.Baasankhuu last April 07, cites on three grounds - Justice Minister breached a Law, irresponsibility and weak management over the Ministry, and cannot satisfy ethical criteria.
At the final Legal Standing Committee meeting held on April 24, members agreed to dismiss Parliamentarian Kh.Temuujin from the post of the Minister of Justice.
So, the final revision of the issue whether to dismiss or not is scheduled at the Parliament session on May 15, 2014.
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Permanent Representative O.Och Delivers Speech
Ulaanbaatar, May 9 (MONTSAME) Representing the position of the Mongolian government, the Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the UN O.Och Wednesday took the floor at the meeting dedicated to the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the resolution no. 1540 on Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction that was approved on 28 April 2004,
Mr Och noted that Mongolia is intending to contribute to great efforts of the International Co-operative Alliance, and spoke about several government actions being carried out in frames of its obligingness such as working on refining domestic control system by joining in an international contract and convention on matters relating to non-delivery of mass destruction weapons, by making amendments to relevant national resolutions and by strengthening and improving capacity of customs and force organizations.
Noting that Mongolia has delivered its reports to the UN Security Council in 2005 and 2014, Mr Och acclaimed the statement made by the Chairman of the Council.


South African Delegation Visits
Ulaanbaatar, May 9 (MONTSAME) In connection with the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Mongolia and South Africa to be marked this year, a South African delegation led by Mr Bheki Winston Joshua Langa, the Concurrent Non-Resident Ambassador of this country to Mongolia made a visit to Mongolia on May 4-9.
During the visit, Mr Langa held meetings with Ts.Oyungerel, the Minister of Culture, Sport and Tourism, S.Oyun, the Minister of Environment and Green Development, the Deputy Minister of the Foreign Affairs D.Gankhuyag, the Depuy Minister of Mining O.Erdenebulgan and PMs S.Odontuya and G.Batkhuu.
At the meetings, the sides touched upon matters relating to bilateral ties and cooperation, particularly, in mining, energy, environment, education, culture and art, and sport spheres.
Furthermore, a memorandum of mutual understanding between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa was inked by the Deputy Minister D.Gankhuyag and Mr Langa.
The delegation also visited to the School of International relations and Social Science under the National University of Mongolia /NUM/ where the Ambassador delivered a speech on bilateral relations and gave answers for students' concerns.
The bilateral relations and collaboration have been intensifying in recent years by paying high level visits and running several cooperation works in mining sector as well as establishing Mongolia and South Africa parliamentary faction at the State Great Khural /parliament/ led by PM S.Odontuya.


Parliament Adopts Resolution to Intensify Economy
Ulaanbaatar, May 9 (MONTSAME) A plenary meeting of the parliamentary session on Thursday ran final discussion over a draft resolution of parliament on intensifying the economy, and then adopted it with 70.2% votes of MPs.
The resolution’s main objectives are to reduce current expenses, to transmit into a regime for saving, to support small- and middle-sized productions and to decline budgetary deficit, said D.Zorigt MP, a leader of a working group which formulated the draft resolution. The resolution is expected to stabilize the legal environment for the mining sector, he added.
Moreover, the document is projected to contribute to reviving the Oyu Tolgoi and Tavantolgoi projects and taking the 2nd phase investment for the OT project, Zorigt MP said.


1.5 Million People Request Cash Instead of Shares of Erdenes Tavantolgoi
Ulaanbaatar, May 9 (MONTSAME) Under a Government program to allocate national incomes earned from minerals operations, one million people want to own shares of the state-owned Erdenes Tavantolgoi mine company, while 1.5 million request to be granted cash instead, says a center aiming at rights protection of shareholders and investors.
The Government has earlier offered 1,072 shares of Erdenes Tavantolgoi to every Mongolian citizen, in pursuant with action plans of today’s ruling authorities. However, some wanted to be given cash instead, and 300 thousand senior citizens and disabled people have thus far received 300 thousand togrog each as their shares in national incomes collected from mining activities in the nation.
Those who want to be given cash instead of the shares will be able to receive the money once shares of Erdenes Tavantolgoi get issued to international markets. “However, the value of the currency (cash money) is expected to be lower than that of today’s, so we urge people to get the shares. We are ready to assist them with needed information and advice,” says A.Altanshagai, a head of the center of rights protection of shareholders and investors.


Domestically-Made Mobile Phones to Come into Markets
Ulaanbaatar, May 9 (MONTSAME) The Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag met on Thursday with representatives of four domestic companies planning to manufacture mobile phones.
One of them is ITZone Co that has been developing a so-called Mogul brand mobile which is planned to be sold at the domestic market twice as cheaper as a similar foreign-made phone sold in the same market. This smart mobile featuring Android 4.1 operating system and four inch screen is expected to be sold at 150 thousand MNT or 83 US$.
At the meeting, a representative of Emondo Co presented a smart phone project, at which a mobile phone that fully supports Mongolian language applications will be manufactured to be sold at the domestic market.
Darkhan Jonon Co has a project to resupply imported and re-processed smart phones to the market at a 30% cheaper price. Today, this kind of business here has been entirely dominated by Chinese companies, said a company representative.
B.Ankhbayar, a director of Migma Electronics said the company is ready to commence manufacturing of four models of smart phones that include those specifically designed for seniors. Those phone feature big buttons and large color displays.
In order to restrain the money flow of annual 48 billion MNT spent for foreign-made phones, the Government will support the domestic producers, promised the Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag.


Mongolia-Japan Job Days and Let’s Study in Japan Events Organized in Ulaanbaatar
May 9 (infomongolia.com) The Ulaanbaatar Labor Stock in collaboration with License Academy LLC is organizing "Mongolia-Japan Job Days" at the Chinggis Khaan Hotel, Ulaanbaatar on May 09-10, 2014.
In frames of the Days, Mongolian post graduators in Japan are being introduced to Japan-invested companies and organizations in Mongolia, besides “Let’s Study in Japan” event is also hosted for youths interested to obtain education abroad, meanwhile registration and consultations are being provided.
Organizations and Companies attending the Mongolia-Japan Job Days and Let’s Study in Japan
- Khan Bank
- Golomt Bank
- Sankou Group
- Suruga Mongol LLC
- Nomin Holding (energy and IT branches)
- Dai Ippon Dubuku
- Aizawa Konkurito
- Tunamalcom
- Unimedia
- Over 30 representatives and teachers from Japanese schools
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Mongolian Parliamentary Delegation Received by Emir of State of Kuwait
May 9 (infomongolia.com) On May 07, 2014, Minister for Population Development and Social Protection of Mongolia, MP Sodnomzundui ERDENE and accompanying Chairman of Mongolia-Kuwait Parliamentary Group at the State Great Khural (Parliament), MP Sundui BATBOLD were received by the Emir (Amir) of the State of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
During the meeting with Mongolian delegates, Emir of Kuwait expressed his satisfaction noting, "The cooperation between the two countries is not only growing in the political and economic spheres, but also in other sectors as well, where the Parliamentary Group has been playing an impetus role”.
During the meeting, Member of Kuwait-Mongolia Parliamentary Group at Kuwait National Assembly (Parliament), Saud Nashmi Al-Haraj and other officials were present.
Mongolia and the State of Kuwait have established the diplomatic relations on June 17, 1975.

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