Mongolia Brief June 2, 2014



Stock Exchange Weekly Review

Ulaanbaatar, June 1 (MONTSAME) Five stock trades were held at Mongolia's Stock Exchange May 26-30, 2014.

In overall, 99 thousand and 571 shares were sold of 46 joint-stock companies totaling MNT 97 million 167 thousand and 590.03.
"Remikon” /44 thousand and 932 units/, "Silikat” /8,405 units/, "Asia-Pacific Properties” /6,420 units/, "Hermes center” /5,904 units/ and "Mongolia Development" /3,996 units/ were the most actively traded in terms of trading volume, in terms of trading value--"Asia-Pacific Properties” (MNT 15 million 857 thousand and 400), "Talkh chikher” (MNT eight million 403 thousand and 990), "Tavantolgoi" /MNT eight million 914 thousand and 886/, "Remikon" /MNT six million 770 thousand and 168/ and "APU" (MNT five million 901 thousand and 910).


President Ts.Elbegdorj Greets Children

Ulaanbaatar, June 1 (MONTSAME) The President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj delivered a congratulatory message to children on the International Children’s Day celebrated on June 1.
Mr Elbegdorj greeted children and their parents going around the Central square of Ulaanbaatar city, and wished them all the best and happiness.


First Space Center of Mongolia Opens

Ulaanbaatar, June 1 (MONTSAME) The President Ts.Elbegdorj Sunday attended an opening ceremony of the first Space Center of Mongolia on the International Children’s Day.
A decision on founding the Center of Space Sciences and Planetary was made by the government in 2009, and it has been built with a financing from the government. A Japanese scholar Sakai Yoshihito has presented to the new center “Minolta MS-8” apparatus as well.
In the space center, the President got au fait with the “Space” chamber, “Sun and Moon” movie room, and the “Stars” chamber, and saw exhibits and photos about origins of the sun, moon, planets and stars. The center also displays the “Soyuz-39” spacecraft’s landing capsule, which was used by J.Gurragchaa, first astronaut of Mongolia, and his space facilities and suits.
The President presented gifts to children at the center, and left his signature on the Notebook of Honored Guests.
He was guided by J.Gurragchaa, a former astronaut and Hero of Mongolia and Soviet Union; V.A. Dzhanibekov, Hero of Mongolia and Soviet Union; and M.Ganzorig, a backup cosmonaut.          


Orders of Glorious Mother Awarded

Ulaanbaatar, June 1 (MONTSAME) On the International Children’s Day celebrated Sunday, the 1st and 2nd class Orders of Glorious Mother was awarded to 21 mothers.
Pursuant to a decree of the President, the 1st class Order was awarded to P.Buyandelger, a citizen from the city’s Sukhbaatar district; J.Khandtsoo--from the city’s Songinokhairkhan district; M.Kaukar--from Nalaikh district; Ts.Lojidmaa--from Songinokhairkhan district; and Ts.Sambuu--from Khan-Uul district. The 2nd class Order went to 16 mothers.
The President Elbegdorj congratulated the mothers on the International Children’s Day and on receiving the Orders. He wished them all the best and happiness.


Peacekeepers Awarded State Prizes

Ulaanbaatar, June 1 (MONTSAME) On occasion of the International Day of Peacekeepers, the state prizes have been awarded to Mongolian military officers and servicemen who served in international peacekeeping operations.
A prize granting ceremony took place Saturday on the city’s Central Square, and the state prizes were granted by P.Tsagaan, chief of the Presidential Office; and authorities of the Defense Ministry and the General Headquarters of Mongolian Armed Forces (GHMAF).
By the President’s decree, the Order of Military Merit was awarded to A.Baljinnyam, an expert at the GHMAF on operational management and planning section.
The Military Medal of Honor was awarded to M.Erdene-Ochir, an officer at the #330 military unit; E.Sereeter, an officer at the #120 military unit; E.Ganzorig, a section head at the #150 unit; P.Enkhzaya, a technician at the #337 unit; D.Tsog-Erdene, a senior expert at the Armed Forces; and J.Tsogtdorj, an officer at the #303 unit.
The Medal for Peace went to B.Undrakh, an officer at the Central Intelligence Agency; B.Batnyam, a military control expert at the Armed Forces; and B.Gantulga, an officer at the #186 unit.     


Speaker Attends “Viva” Children’s Ceremonial Event

Ulaanbaatar, June 1 (MONTSAME) The Speaker of parliament Z.Enkhbold Sunday participated a ceremonial measure for children held Sunday in the “Viva city” town on occasion of the International Children’s Day.
During the festival, he greeted the children at a ceremonial parade, and delivered a congratulatory speech to them, saying that the state has duties of helping children grow up healthy and be educated, and creating a nice condition for them to reach their goals. Underlining that children will play an main role in realizing any goals and purposes for the all best for themselves, the Speaker wished children always be happy and full of joy.
Enkhbold handed gifts to some foremost children, and then visited a children’s bookstore in the “Viva city” town.


PM Grants Prizes to Winners of National Contest

Ulaanbaatar, June 1 (MONTSAME) The Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag Saturday granted prizes to winners of the “Young Inventor 2014” national contest which is annually held under auspices of the Premier.
The Premier Altankhuyag highlighted that the national contest for young inventors have expanded because this year's contest ran among contestants selected from the city and each aimag, and congratulated local authorities on successfully organizing the first-stage contests. He emphasized that skills of the contestants have been improving year to year, and wished them did fruitful and effective creations for Mongolia.
As the contest’s result, a 11-grade pupil from Gobisumber aimag B.Bat-Erdene took the 1st place, receiving a cash prize of 10 million Togrog. He also has been awarded with a scholarship to study in the Mongolian University of Science and Technology, the Mongolian State University or the University of Agriculture. He has invented an automatic machine that loads 360 packs of hay an hour.
Other top 15 contestants also received prizes.


Government of Mongolia Summarizes Visit to Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum 2014 Conducted Successfully

June 2 (infomongolia.com) The regular Cabinet meeting of the Government was held on May 31, 2014, where the official visit headed by the Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag to the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum 2014 (SPIEF) held in the Russian Federation last May 22-24 was revised and agreed to submit summary of the visit to the National Security Council of Mongolia obliged by Foreign Minister L.Bold.
Premier N.Altankhuyag participated at the 2014 SPIEF themed under “Sustaining Confidence in a World Undergoing Transformation” and during the Forum held a meeting with the Russian President V.V.Putin, where sides discussed opportunities on strengthening bilateral political, commercial and economic ties and exchanged views in broad ranges on accelerating issues being concerned mutual interests and the Government of Mongolia deems by reaching a consensus on certain issues, it would be impetus on further bilateral relations.
Prime Minister also met with President of Russian Railways Company V.I.Yakunin, CEO of Russian Technologies Corporation S.V.Chemezov and Head of Rosatom Corporation S.V.Kiriyenko to enhance productivity of Mongolia-Russia joint ventures and its beneficial cooperation, and exchanged views on collaboration in uranium sector as well.
Related:


Mongolia Might Join Some Conventions of ILO

Ulaanbaatar, June 1 (MONTSAME) Mongolia is one of the first nations in Asia to join eight fundamental conventions of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
At its regular meeting on Saturday, the cabinet discussed and backed a matter to join the ILO 88thconvention on employment service (1948) and the ILO 181st convention on private employment agencies (1997). This issue will be consulted with a related parliamentary Standing committee.
If Mongolia joins these conventions, the country will be able to expand its international cooperation and to augment technical assistance from international organizations for upgrading the employment structure and system and empowering human resources.
In addition, Mongolia can protect labour and social interests of both consumers and mediators and prevent illicit employment thanks to having a general legal regulation and registration over private employment services.
Workshop highlights 60 years of Vietnam-Mongolia diplomatic ties
May 29 (vietnamplus.vn) The 60-year-old diplomatic relationship between Vietnam and Mongolia was the main focus of a workshop recently held in Mongolia. 
Speaking at the May 27 event, Mongolian Deputy Foreign Minister D. Gankhuyag said that Mongolian leaders and people always treasure and wish to further develop the country’s friendship and cooperation with Vietnam. 
During the workshop, both sides’ scholars delivered reports on the bilateral ties over the past 60 years, highlighting achievements as well as limitations in the fields of politics, economics, trade, culture, science and education. 
One of the presentations stressed the importance of the Vietnam-Mongolia ties in helping Mongolia boost its political and economic integration into the ASEAN and Asian-Pacific region. 
Regarding the current East Sea issue after China illegally placed its drilling rig deep inside Vietnam’s waters, delegates agreed that such small countries like Vietnam and Mongolia should unite and cooperate to form collective strength in regional and international issues. 
Ambassador Phan Dang Duong took this occasion to thank Mongolian people and the Mongolia-Vietnam Friendship Association, together with the international community, for raising their voice backing justice and Vietnam’s legitimate aspiration to safeguard its sacred sovereignty.-VNA


Cabinet Meeting Resolutions in Brief: May 31, 2014
June 2 (infomongolia.com) Cabinet meeting resolutions in brief: May 31, 2014
- Minister of Foreign Affairs L.Bold introduced a high-level international workshop on "WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation: Implications for LLDCs" to take place in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia on June 02-03, 2014.
- The summary of visit of the President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj to the Fourth Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) held in Shanghai, the People’s Republic of China on May 20-21, 2014 was revised and agreed to submit to the National Security Council of Mongolia.
- Minister for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is conducting an official visit to Mongolia on June 03-04, 2014 and it was agreed to submit the guideline to adhere by the Government to Prime Minister of Mongolia for approval.
- It was resolved to issue a Decree by Prime Minister of Mongolia on signing an intergovernmental agreement between Mongolia and the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on repatriating dinosaur skeletons related to Prokopi case and Oviraptor dinosaur egg fossils in terms of undoubtedly conditions, which were proved smuggled from Mongolian territory and being kept as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s property.
The agreement to co-sign representing the Government of Mongolia is entrusted by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the United States of America, Mr. Bulgaa ALTANGEREL.
- Minister for Labor of Mongolia Ya.Sanjmyatav is entrusted to co-sign the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation to Promote Decent Work between the Government of Mongolia and International Labour Organization.
- The summary of visit headed by Mongolian Minister of Health to the 67th Session of the World Health Assembly (WHA) took place in Geneva on May 19-24, 2014 was introduced to the Cabinet members.
- Chairman of General Authority for Implementing Court Decisions is appointed as S.Bayandalai and Chairman of Mineral Resources Authority G.Altansukh was dismissed from his post.
Related:
Cabinet Meeting in BriefMontsame, June 2


Mongolia Business Summit – GROW WITH US
ULAAN BATAAR, Mongolia--(BUSINESS WIRE)—May 30, Presented by the Mongolia Economic Forum, the Mongolia Business Summit will focus on global partnerships to facilitate business growth. A “deal-driven” approach enabling entrepreneurs, investors, bankers, both local and international, to interact directly will be used.
A huge focus of next month’s summit is to introduce corporations, bankers, investors and entrepreneurs, both local and international, to discover how they can explore the untapped potential of one of the world’s fastest growing economies.
International and local business people experiencing success in Mongolia will share unrivalled, first-hand experience of growing their business in this emerging market. One of the participants of the conference Mr. Robert Friedland is also expected to attend.
With one of the world’s fastest growing GDP rates at 9.5% in 2014 and 10% expected in 2015 (Asia Development Bank), Mongolia is setting the foundations for a period of high and steady growth expected in 2015/2016.
Mongolia serves as a key platform for markets in China and Russia. This landlocked nation is ideally situated between two influential neighbours with large economies.
The country’s target growth sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, mining, real estate and manufacturing, will be explored at the event. Representatives from each of these sectors will also attend.
Participants have the rare opportunity of opting to visit various sites including cashmere factories, agricultural and food processing facilities, manufacturing plants and a mining site.
Join us for the Mongolian Business Summit from June 19-21, 2014 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Grow with us.
For further information please contact or visit www.meforum.mnwww.business-in-mongolia.mn.
Contacts
Mongolia Economic Forum
San Business Center, 9th floor
Sukhbaatar District, 8 khoroo
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Tel: +11 321051
Email: urtnasan.b@meforum.mn
altanzul@meforum.mn
or
The Dilenschneider Group
Orlando Camargo, 212-922-0900
ocamargo@dgi-nyc.com
Related:
Mongolia Business Summit 2014news.mn, June 2

Immigration Agency Chief Meets Mongolia-Based Germans
Ulaanbaatar, June 2 (MONTSAME) The chief of the Immigration Agency of Mongolia B.Purevdorj met in Ulaanbaatar with German-nationals residing in Mongolia.
During the meeting, the chief officer answered questions of Mongolia-based Germans, and introduced to them currently effective documents including a law on legal status and environment of foreign nationals residing in Mongolia, a law on border ports, a procedure of visa-issuance of Mongolia, and a procedure of registration for foreign nationals in Mongolia, as well as prevention from crimes and offences.


Defense Minister of Mongolia Attends 13th IISS Asia Security Summit: Shangri-La Dialogue
June 2 (infomongolia.com) On May 30-June 02, 2014, Mongolian delegates led by Minister of Defense D.Bat-Erdene have attended the 13th IISS Asia Security Summit: The Shangri-La Dialogue held in the Republic of Singapore, where representatives of the Institute for Strategic Studies at the National Security Council of Mongolia and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the Republic of Singapore, Mrs. B.Delgermaa were present.
The 13th International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Asia Security Summit: The Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) was attended by defense ministers, military chiefs and other senior government representatives from some 27 countries of Asia-Pacific states such as participants of Australia, Brunei, Burma (Myanmar), Cambodia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, People's Republic of China, Philippines, Russia, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, East Timor, United Kingdom, and United States.
During the Shangri-La Dialogue, Defense Minister D.Bat-Erdene held separate meetings with Minister for Defense of Singapore Dr. Ng Eng Hen, U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, Minister for Defense of the French Republic Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister of Defense of Japan Itsunori Onodera, Deputy Minister for Defense of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Aung Tau to discuss issues concerning regional securities and bilateral relations and partnership in defense sector. Minister D.Bat-Erdene also met with the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe.


President of Mongolia Rejects Prime Minister’s Candidacy for Minister of Industry and Agriculture
June 2 (infomongolia.com) It was previously reported that the Minister for Industry and Agriculture of Mongolia, M P Khaltmaa BATTULGA was resigned from his post and Minister of Mining D.Gankhuyag concurrently holds as an Acting Minister of Industry and Agriculture since May 16, 2014.
Afterwards, Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag promoted his candidacy for Minister of Industry and Agriculture as MP Sharavdorj TUVDENDORJ and sent a letter of compromise to the President of Mongolia.
Today on June 02, 2014, President Ts.Elbegdorj gave an official respond to the letter that reads an appointment of an authority should provide a clear separation between the legislative and executive bodies and it is a time to start the implementation of this procedure. In other words, a Minister’s post should not double-hold along with membership of the State Great Khural (Parliament).
Thereof, I, President of Mongolia, reject the Prime Minister’s proposal within this respond to promote a member of the Parliament as a member of the Cabinet and please re-consider the promotion issue to appoint a new candidature.
MP Sh.Tuvdendorj, who is a Chairman of Legal Standing Committee, was promoted by Democratic    Party Executive Council meeting held on May 29, 2014.
Former Minister Kh.Battulga had requested to resign on his own will on the grounds not to hold a double-post.
Related:


Premier Attends Opening of Winter Greenhouse
Ulaanbaatar, June 2 (MONTSAME) The Prime Minister of Mongolia N.Altankhuyag attended last Saturday an opening ceremony of a winter greenhouse built up under a funding from the capital of the Government bonds.
Tumen Suikh LLC received a long-term soft loan of 940 million togrog from the sale incomes of the Genghis Bonds of the Mongolian Government to open this first ever winter greenhouse with advanced Holland technology in northern Songino Khairkhan district of Ulaanbaatar. This year, Tumen Suikh is planning to harvest 65 ton of cucumber in their winter greenhouse.
The Government has planned to allot 27 million togrog from its bonds to building-up of winter greenhouses to supply the demand of vegetables with ones grown in this kind of facility from domestic products, thus reducing the imports. Some eighty companies took part in the tender of winter house, 16 of which have been selected to receive needed funding.
Today, Mongolia annually grows 4,600 ton of garden vegetables out of 40 thousand ton needed, said Agriculture Deputy Minister Ts.Tuvaan.


Defense Minister Takes Part in SLD’s Int’l Summit
Ulaanbaatar, June 2 (MONTSAME) A delegation led by Mr D.Bat-Erdene, the Minister of Defense participated in the 13th international summit of the Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) held from May 31 to June 2 in Singapore.
The delegation included officials from the Ministry of Defense and the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISS) at the National Security Council (NSC); and Ms B.Delgermaa, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to Singapore.
In frames of the summit, the Defense Minister met with his counterparts of Singapore, the USA, France and Japan; and Vice Defense Minister of Germany, exchanging views on the regional security and the bilateral ties and cooperation in the defense field.
This year’s summit brought together the Defense Ministers and high-level officials of the General Headquarters of Armed Forces of 27 countries.



Turkish Ambassador Works in Khentii Province
Ulaanbaatar, June 2 (MONTSAME) The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkey to Mongolia Mr Murat Karagoz visited Khentii province to participate economic and cultural measures, and to study business environment of Turkish investors on May 31-June 1.
In frames of the working visit, Mr Murat was received by local administration and held meetings with business delegates before giving an interview to local press.
After this, the Ambassador Mr Murat visited Dadal, Bayan-Ondor and Omnodelger soums and attended in worshipping ceremony of Mountain Ondorkhaan and cultural event.
The sides say, this visit will contribute in boosting ties between the two countries in economy and trade spheres.


Vice FM Meets UN Counter-Terrorism Committee Official
Ulaanbaatar, June 2 (MONTSAME) The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs D.Gankhuyag last week received a delegation headed by Mr Hassan Baage, a chief of the United Nations Counter Terrorism Executive Directorate’s division on technical assistance.
They discussed issues of a visit of the UN Counter-Terrorism committee’s working group paid to Mongolia on May 26-30, 2014 in order to ensure the implementation of the #1373, #1624, #1267 and #1540 resolutions issued by the UN Security Council for combating terrorism. In frames of this visit, the working group’s officials have held meetings with authorities of the anti-terrorism bodies of Mongolia, and got acquainted with realization of the #1373 and #1624 resolutions.
At the meeting, the sides shared views on rendering technical assistance from the UN for enhancing Mongolia’s capability to combat terrorism.      


FM Meets Zambian Minister
Ulaanbaatar, June 2 (MONTSAME) Foreign Minister L.Bold met Monday with Trade and Industry Minister of Zambia Mr Zambia Sichinga in Ulaanbaatar.
At the meeting, the sides shared views on further cooperation, facing issues of landlocked countries, and transit transport experiences.
Mr Sichinga is attending the meeting of landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) on Trade Facilitation Agreement of the World Trade Organization: Implications for LLDCs, being organized in Ulaanbaatar by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolian and the United Nations.


D.Battulga Meets “Kakuryu” M.Anand
Ulaanbaatar, June 2 (MONTSAME) Head of the Citizens’ Representative Council of Ulaanbaatar city D.Battulga Sunday received “Kakuryu” M.Anand, a professional sumo wrestler and the 71stYokozuna of sumo.
Beginning the meeting, M.Anand talked about starting his sumo career, saying that he wrote a letter to Japan to become a wrestler when he was 16 years old, and he reached the highest title of the professional sumo 13 years later.
The city Council head Battulga said he was happy that a citizen of the capital city’s Bayangol district is competing on top of the sumo world in Japan, and wished him advance his success.
“We are very proud of our Mongolian sumo wrestlers who are showing brilliant success at sumo arena of Japan. So the city council always receives the champion sumo wrestlers. We are ready to render all kinds of support to you,” said Battulga.
For the time being, 24 Mongolians are competing in the highest division of sumo wrestling.


Petroleum Authority Collect 69.2 Billion to Budget
Ulaanbaatar, June 2 (MONTSAME) Two affiliated agencies of the Mining Ministry, the Minerals Authority and the Petroleum Authority collected together 81.5 billion togrog to the Government budget last month, says a Ministry officer.
The Minerals Authority put 12.8 billion togrog to the Government budget last month, collecting 11.6 billion of which from license fees (exploration and exploitation), 577.3 million togrog from indemnities, and 660.7 million from others.
The Petroleum Authority collected 69.2 billion togrog in May, 68.7 billion as petroleum incomes, and 549.3 million as others, says the Ministry officer.


Mongolia Produces Electricity of 360 Thousand KWh in April
Ulaanbaatar, June 2 (MONTSAME) A total of 19 Mongolian firms produced in this April electricity of 360.1 thousand kWh or 96.3% of planned, says an officer from the Energy Ministry.
An overwhelming part of the electricity was produced by energy companies of the central region of the country, and 74% of it was produced by traditional sources, the remaining 26% by non-traditional sources.
For renewable energy sources, hydroelectric plants at Dorgon, Taishir and Bogd rivers outperformed what they had planned in April, while performance of the Salkhit wind farm stood at 65% of the planned, meaning no significant changes occurred in performances compared to previous months.


Gatsuurt Gold Deposit Has Reserve of 50-60 Ton
Ulaanbaatar, June 2 (MONTSAME) Tsesten Mining and Energy LLC and Centerra Gold Mongolia LLC separately submitted to the Mining Ministry their requests to include Tsaidam coal deposit and Gatsuurt gold deposit into the list of strategic deposits.
The Government has submitted to parliament a draft resolution requesting including of the above two deposits to the list of strategic deposits of Mongolia.
Tsetsen Mining and Energy LLC, who has been working on projects of coal gasification and liquefaction in Tsaidam, wants to cooperate with the Government in these projects, says Mining Deputy Minister O.Erdenebulgan. For the Gatsuurt gold deposit, it has a comparably smaller reserve of 50-60 ton of gold. However, under collaboration with the Government, its investments are expected to grow by USD 300 million, says O.Erdenebulgan.




Child Helpline Launched
Ulaanbaatar, June 2 (MONTSAME) Mongolia's first ever nationwide, toll free and 24/7 Child Helpline 108's launching ceremony was held on May 31.
Child helpline 108 is an initiative by National Authority for Children, World Vision Mongolia and Mobicom Corporation, which hopes to reduce child abuse cases and strengthen the child protection system in Mongolia.
It intends to provide children with all kinds of information, advices and assistance.


Day Event Held to Prevent Passive Smoking
Ulaanbaatar, June 2 (MONTSAME) A day event named ‘Prevention of children’s passive smoking’ was held in the National Park last Sunday, in celebration of 'World No Tobacco Day' (May 31).
Organizers of the events were the Health Ministry, the Municipal Health Agency, the World Health Organization, the Municipal Education Agency and City Health Center. During the event, the organizers introduced health risks of passive or second-hand smoking on children, and called for prevention of second-hand smoking.
Passive smoking is the inhalation of smoke, called second-hand smoke (SHS), or environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), by persons other than the intended "active" smoker. It occurs when tobacco smoke permeates any environment, causing its inhalation by people within that environment. Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke causes disease, disability, and death.
The health risks of second-hand smoke are a matter of scientific consensus. These risks have been a major motivation for smoke-free laws in workplaces and indoor public places, including restaurants, bars and night clubs, as well as some open public spaces.


Local Health Center Receives Equipment for Infants
Ulaanbaatar, June 2 (MONTSAME) Health center of Arkhangai province has acquired three kinds of equipment costing 64 million togrog for infant health assistance.
With a financial support of the Asian Development Program, the equipment was provided in frames of “Development Program of Health sector-3” project of the Health Ministry.
Under a contract, equipment, including two infant warmers, one inhaler and five vein lighteners, was supplied by domestic “Monos farm trade” company.
Specialists gave advice on how it works to local hospital staffers.


Two Mongolians to Compete for Silver Medals
Ulaanbaatar, June 2 (MONTSAME) Two Mongolians N.Togstsogt (56kg) and B.Chinzorig (64kg) are to fight for silver medals in their weight categories of the ongoing world boxing championship among military men.
The tournament is taking place in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with participation of best boxers of 22 countries such as Columbia, France, Sri Lanka, Brazil, South Korea, Algeria, Morocco, Germany, Mongolia, Italy, China, Russia, the Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates, Georgia, Iraq and Nigeria.
Representing Mongolia, four boxers--N.Togstsogt (56kg), B.Chinzorig (64kg), B.Monkh-Ireedui (69kg) and J.Otgonjargal (75kg)--are competing at the tournament under coaching of A.Gantulga.
B.Chinzorig defeated at the first round the world champion Everton Lopez from Brazil. Other two boxers N.Togstsogt and J.Otgonjargal also won over their opponents at the first rounds. However, at a bronze medal match, J.Otgonjargal lost to a Russian boxer, ending his tournament and medal chance there.


Wrestlers Arrive in Ulaanbaatar for Asian Championship
Ulaanbaatar, June 2 (MONTSAME) Wrestlers from Iran, South Korea, China, North Korea, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Taiwan, Thailand, Uzbekistan, India and Japan have arrived in Ulaanbaatar to compete in the Asian Junior Wrestling Championship.
The championship will run in Buyant Ukhaa sports complex of Ulaanbaatar on June 5-8, under three categories of freestyle men, freestyle women and Greco-Roman. The tournament is expected to kickoff this Thursday with Greco-Roman matches of 55kg, 60kg, 66kg, 74kg, 84kg and 96kg categories.


Last law made by People’s Republic of Mongolia to be renewed
June 2 (news.mn) Almost two decades has passed since Mongolia’s first President, P.Ochirbat, dampened the upper lapel of his deel with the crude oil springing from the Tamsag Basin, toasting to the future of Mongolia that would process at least a small amount of the “liquid gold” coming from Mongolian land to provide the countries petroleum needs themselves.
Mongolians are now seeing that the first President`s hope has failed. Mongolia is still 100 percent dependent on fuel imports. It is interesting that there has been a practice of laying the foundations of oil refinery plants before elections in Mongolia. As Ministers report during the plenary session meeting of Parliament last Friday, six companies have been granted the rights to oil resources. But this may all be just a show.  
Last Friday MPs agreed to discuss the Petroleum Law of Mongolia. If the law is passed, the last law of the People's Republic of Mongolia will be renewed. The current petroleum law was adopted a year before the Constitution law was ratified in 1992. A new draft petroleum law is due to be discussed as there is a lot of mess regarding the implementation of the Petroleum law of the Mongolian People`s Republic since the “Regulation for implementing the petroleum law of the Mongolian People’s Republic” was passed by the Government resolution. The current Petroleum law is said to have articles that are unable to regulate relations for oil processing entities, it hard to understand and full of discrepancies. The new draft law is one that had been turned down a several times.
It is true that there is a need to renew the law due to the massive socio-economic changes that occurred in Mongolia from 1991 to 2014. However some MPs are afraid the new law may be worse than the old one.  
The mining sector has been a priority in Mongolia`s economy in recent years. It is estimated unofficially that Mongolia has resource of 200 billion tons of crude oil. This is enough to process and provide for the national petroleum demand and even build sub-plants.
During the era of socialism between 1950 to 1969 Mongolia provided over 20 percent of national oil product demand with 956,7 thousand tons of crude oil processing from Zuunbayan in Dornogovi aimag. Since Mongolia`s transition to a market economy, the issue was raised about providing Mongolia’s own national oil products, but no substantial changes have been made so far. Some people explain it away with the influence of national oil importers.
Now Mongolia imports large amounts of oil products from other countries: 80 percent from Russia, and the rest from Kazakhstan and China. Mongolia was under the process of forming an agreement with Japan to build an oil refinery plant in Darkhan. But the agreement was forced to come to a halt as the plant was only to process imported crude oil, according to the Mining Minister.
However, Mongolia has focused on attracting investment in oil extraction since 1990. In the scope of this policy, Mongolia marked out 22 oil fields (including 13 oil basins) and launched an international bidding competition to draw in international investors. Currently, China's state-owned PetroChina is working in the oil fields in Dornod Province.
There is a high expectation that proper issues regarding oil exploration, extraction and processing will be raised during the new draft law discussion. Somehow the law that has been turned down several times has now been approved in the first stages.


S.Tgogbadrakh sets new world record
June 2 (news.mn) Mongolian mental sports athletes successfully participated in the Philippines International Open Memory Championship that was held in Manila, the Philippines, between May 31st and June 1st.
Asia’s 68 best memory athletes from Mongolia, the Philippines, Indonesia, India and Korea competed in 10 different classes of different ages.
Mongolian memory athletes S.Tsogbadrakh, T.Enkhjin and E.Enkhmunkh participated along with their coach B.Baasandorj and international jury Kh.Khatanbaatar in the Philippines International Open Memory Championship.
Mongolian memory athlete E.Enkhmunkh gained two gold, five silver and two bronze medals; T.Enkhjin took three gold, one silver and three bronze medals; and Grandmaster of memory (GMM) S.Tsogbadrakh won three gold medals and one bronze medal.
The Mongolian team was placed in second with a grand total of 19 gold medals.
GMM S.Tsogbadrakh set a new world record by counting 1408 digits in the 30 minute “Digit marathon” class.


Expect more from Turkey
June 2 (Mongolian Economy) This year is the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relationship between Turkey and Mongolia, established in 1969. Mongolian Economy spoke to Turkish Ambassador Murat Karagöz about the development and future of Mongolia-Turkey relations.
What is special about the relationship between Turkey and Mongolia?
Today’s Turkey and Mongolia are inheritors of multi-ethnic and multi-cultural [characters]. Mongolia is the inheritor of the great Chinggis Empire whereas modern Turkey is the successor of the Ottoman Empire. Moreover, the very first Turkish states in history were established on this territory. The Turkish inscriptions carved on stones are spread widely in Mongolia.
When I’m on the street in Mongolia, I notice many Mongolians speaking Turkish who studied Turkish in Mongolia or Turkey or finished their universities in Turkey. That feature connects us as well. There are a many common words in our languages because the Turkish and Mongolian do belong to the same language family, called Altai.
We definitely increased our cooperation throughout the last 45 years. We achieved a lot and I guess we are achieving more – day by day. Our relationship will be more intense, more robust marching towards strategic partnership.
How can we cooperate in the tourism sector?
Mongolia is an exotic and beautiful country. Don’t take it as a compliment. It is a reality. Territory-wise Mongolia is a huge country and it has a rich culture and landscape.
Mongolia is not only composed of Ulaanbaatar. It has 21 aimags and each and every one offers great variety of opportunities. In my judgment, Mongolia has great potential in tourism. It is important to recognize this richness and to combine it with good know-how and experience. Through sustainable with good cooperation and investment one will also invest in the bright future of the country.
I firmly believe that in the not-too-distant future, tourism will become one of the leading sectors of the economy in Mongolia. 
What do you think Turkish people think about when they choose a travel destination? What are their preferences?
Of course, visa- free travel regime, direct THY [Turkish Airline] flights, low-travel expenses and cultural richness are main motivations in choosing destinations.
Mongolia can be one of the most attractive destinations for the Turks to rediscover their own history. They can visit Mongolia and smell the roots of the first Turkish states. Besides, it would be also interesting for them to get acquainted with the culture, history and natural beauties of Mongolia.
As of April 11, there is a visa-free travel regime between both countries, so both Turkish and Mongolian people can travel to each other’s countries without any visa for 30 days.
What is the secret to Turkey’s successful tourism sector?
Starting from the mid-80s, the successive Turkish governments invested in tourism in a quite-smart way. Laws were issued, investments were promoted, exemptions were granted, and the private sector was encouraged in this respect. It was not a problem-free process, but in the final analysis plausible policies were deployed.
And tourism has been diversified in Turkey. Today, people can enjoy Turkey’s sea, sun, sand, culture, health, religion, and winter sport tourism. It should not just come as an accident that Istanbul became the number-one tourist destination for travelers’ choice polls.
Only last year, Turkey attracted USD 33 billion from tourism. Nearly, 35 million tourists visited this beautiful Mediterranean country. There are two Turkish cities in the top 10-destinations – the one Antalya; the other one Istanbul. Let me only remind you that Antalya has a population of two million but hosts yearly 11 million tourists. These are just a couple of figures which can be interesting for Mongolian authorities while focusing on this domain in advancing bilateral cooperation.
We can see a lot of students going to Turkey to study higher education. What are the main majors Mongolian students are studying in Turkey?
I am proud to announce on this occasion as the Turkish ambassador to Mongolia that education constitutes one of the strongest pillars in our relationship. Starting in early 90s, Mongolian students keep coming to Turkey. Currently there are nearly 900 Mongolian students who study in Turkey. 340 of them are getting their scholarships from the government of Turkey.
For the higher education scholarships at the graduate level this year, we received 180 applications. Their interviews were held last week here in Ulaanbaatar. As for undergraduate students, the application will expire mid-May and their interviews will be held in June. This year we wish to increase [enrollment] by 8 percent. Their majors vary from medicine to agriculture, from computer technology to linguistics. Basically, they do study on every field.
Mongolian students who study in Turkey can work later on for Turkish companies here in Mongolia as assistants, project managers, finance directors, economists or translators. I believe in the near future there will be great opportunity for Mongolian citizens to work with Turkish contractors.
Turkish companies are some of the best contractors in the world. Let’s talk about possible cooperation in the construction sector? 
According to the recent published statistics among the top 235 construction companies in the world, 33 of them are Turkish. Turkish companies come in at number two all over the world, and Turkish entrepreneurs are conducting projects all over the world. They do important construction projects in Russia, throughout Eurasia, the Middle East, and Northern Africa, in the Balkans and in Asian countries. So, now they have every reason to prove their capacity here in Mongolia.
I am glad to inform you that some serious Turkish companies have started to enter the Mongolian market. Is it enough? Certainly, not. But, it is just the beginning. I believe, you should expect more from the Turkish entrepreneurs.
Do the Turkish companies have their own standards to do construction? What’s the difference between Turkish construction companies and the other construction companies around the world?
I guess in a short period of time Mongolia will get to know how to work with the Turkish construction sector. Their working habits will also change the mentality of how to conduct business in this country. This is the most important difference in my judgment because to fulfil the requirement of an undertaking it needs courage, [and] discipline. It needs hard dedication and hard working.
All these professional skills are there for Turkish companies. I fully rely on them. They are trustworthy companies. Once they enter into the project, they will do the job even before the envisaged time frame. They work hard, sleep less.
The Turkish construction sector is one of the leading sectors in the Turkish economy. Companies with a high reputation know very well how to conduct business. They are highly successful in completing turn-key projects.
Turkey’s got a strong growing private sector as well – we can see that most of the large companies belong to banking and telecommunications – so are there any specific areas where Mongolia and Turkey can cooperate in the near future?
The Turkish economy has achieved outstanding performance with its steady growth over the last 10 years. Sound macroeconomic strategies, prudent fiscal and monetary policies, structural reforms that the Turkish government has been pursuing in the last decade resulted in high rates of growth and increased confidence in the Turkish economy. As structural reforms have strengthened the macroeconomic fundamentals of the country, the economy grew with an average annual real GDP growth rate of 5 percent between 2002 and 2013.
A country which cannot produce cannot reach much. So I very much agree with the target that Mongolia has to start producing. But to do so, you need know-how, you need experience and you need good partners. In that respect, Turkey is a very good, tailor-made partner for Mongolia.
I know that mining is the leading sector in Mongolia, but for a sustainable economy you need to diversify it. Therefore agriculture, animal husbandry, food, cashmere, and leather are all important sectors for the Mongolian economy where Turkey can contribute immensely in sharing its experience.
You share a border with Syria, Iran, Iraq and Jordan. What’s the foreign policy like for a country with such an interesting geopolitical position?
Turkey is strategically located at the epicenter of Eurasia. It is surrounded by three continents – Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its geo-strategic location belongs with its cultural and historical depth, giving the country its uniqueness. This has been an asset in forging economic partnerships with its neighborhood. Turkish membership in regional organizations such as BSEC, D-8, and ECO are a reflection of the multi-pronged character and regional orientation of Turkish foreign policy in the economic sphere. On the other hand, its membership in G-20 is an indicator for its growing role as a responsible stakeholder in the global economic governance.
Turkey sits in a tough neighborhood surrounded by hotspots but serves as an island of stability.
Of course, day-by-day the soft power of Turkey is growing. Maybe throughout the Cold War we were relying mainly on armed forces and our relationship with allied nations. But, particularly in the last 10 to 15 years, Turkey emerged as a regional power whose actions may create certain global consequences.
Turkey has various assets and capabilities. When it comes to conducting foreign policy, certainly my ministry, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, plays the central role in shaping the policy. However, there are other agencies and institutions which contribute to the successful implementation of that policy.
“TIKA” is one of them, Turkey’s cooperation and coordination agency. Yunus Emre Turkish Cultural Centers are another asset. Turkish Airlines, Turkish companies, TRT [Turkish Radio and Television Corporation], Anatolian Agency and the Turkish movie sector are yet other examples which play a central role in this field.

Economy ranking     World’s 17th largest,
Europe’s 6th largest
Population     76 million
Unemployment     9.7 %
Labor force     28 million
GDP    820 billion USD
GDP growth     4 %
GDP average growth     5.2 % /2002-2012/
GDP per capita    10.782  USD
Inflation     7.40%
Budget deficit     1.1 % of GDP
FDI inflow     12.7  billion USD
FDI outflow     3.2  billion USD
Trade volume/ growth    403.5  billion USD / 3.7 % annual increase
Export    151.8  billion USD
Import    251.6  billion USD
Tourism    39 million visitors
-Revenue    32.3  billion USD
-World ranking     6th largest
Neighbors / 8 countries     Bulgaria, Greece, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan, Iran, Syria 


Ambassador of Mongolia to United Kingdom Briefs about Government’s 100-Day Action Plan at EBRD Headquarter in London
June 2 (infomongolia.com) Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Mr. N.Tulga visited the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) headquarter in London on May 29, 2014.
During the visit, Ambassador N.Tulga briefed about some measures being carried out by the Government of Mongolia regarding “100 Days to Strengthen Economy" action-plan and the meeting was co-organized by the Department of External Action and Political Affairs at EBRD, where board members and other staff of the Bank have attended.
Since commencing its operations in Mongolia, the EBRD invested over 1 billion USD as long term direct investment and loan finances to help small and medium-sized businesses grow.


Mongolia Invited to Join Eurasian Economic Union
June 2 (infomongolia.com) On June 02, 2014, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Mongolia Kalybek Ibragimovich Koblandin and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Mongolia Iskander Kubarovich Azizov have called a press conference at “Mongol News” press center in Ulaanbaatar regarding the Eurasian Economic Commission.
The regular Session of the Supreme Eurasian Council was held in Astana, Kazakhstan on May 29, 2014, where the three founding members of the Customs Union - Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia - have signed a Treaty on Creation of Eurasian Economic Union, which is effective from January 01, 2015.
The Treaty was inked by the Presidents of Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia - Alexander Lukashenko, Nursultan Nazarbayev and Vladimir Putin.
By establishing the Eurasian Economic Union, the three countries assume commitments to guarantee free movement of goods, services, capitals and manpower and pursue a well-orchestrated policy in such key economic industries as energy, production industries, agriculture and transport sector. Moreover, creating together a powerful and attractive centre of economic development, a major regional market which brings together more than 170 million people, notes Ambassador K.I.Koblandin.
Ambassador of Kazakhstan also added that any country is enabled to join the Eurasian Economic Union and even for Mongolia is open. Currently, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan have submitted their requests to join the Union, besides over 40 states such as China, India, Israel, New Zealand, Turkey and Vietnam have forwarded its interests to become a member-state.
The Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) is a permanent supranational regulatory body of the Customs Union and the Single Economic Space functioning since February 02, 2012.
Major spheres of competence of the Eurasian Economic Commission are as follows:
- Payment and distribution of import customs duties;
- Establishing trade regimes in respect of third countries;
- Statistics of foreign and mutual trade;
- Macroeconomic policy;
- Competition policy;
- Industrial and agricultural subsidies;
- Energy policy;
- Natural monopolies;
- State and /or municipal procurements;
- Reciprocal trade in services and investments;
- Transportation and haulage;
- Currency policy;
- Protection of intellectual property rights and means of individualization of products, works and services;
- Labor migration;
- Financial markets (banks, insurance, foreign exchange market, securities market);

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