Mongolia Brief September 18, 2014 Part I



Speaker Receives Russian Buryat Delegation
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, September 18 (MONTSAME) The Chairman of the State Great Khural (parliament) Z.Enkhbold received Wednesday a delegation headed by Ms E.Ludupova, a member of People’s Khural of Russian Republic of Buryatia.

The Speaker said Mongolia and Russian long-term friendly neighbors’ relations have been intensified on a level of strategic partnership, "for example, the Russian President V.Putin and a chairman of Federal council of Russian Federation V.Matvienko visited Mongolia in the last three months". He is satisfied with the development of the strategic partnership, but thinks that an economic collaboration ought to use up all the possibilities existing, he stressed. 
Since the inter-parliamentary relationship is the inseparable part of ties between the two countries, cooperation between the legislatures has to be of high importance in further consolidation of the Mongolia-Russian traditional relations and cooperation, he said.
In response, Ms Ludupova thanked Z.Enkhbold for the audience and spoke about how she had exchanged opinions with our women MPs on society, economy and women’s rights matters.
Present at the meeting were D.Arvin MP, the head of Mongolia-Buryatian parliamentary group; M.Batchimeg and C.Odontuya MPs; also T.Dumnova, a Minister of Economy of Russian Republic of Buryatia, and others. 

Vice Speaker Meets Delegation of Chinese Foundation
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, September 18 (MONTSAME) A Vice Speaker of parliament R.Gonchigdorj Wednesday received a delegation headed by Mr Xu Dunxin, a member of the Policy Council of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and chairman of the China Foundation for International Strategic Studies (CFISS).
Gonchigdorj expressed a satisfaction with meeting with the delegation and wished them an enjoyable visit here.
In response, Mr Xu thanked the Vice Speaker for the audience and said the two countries reached a general understanding on many matters during the state visit of China’s President Xi Jinping to Mongolia. "This visit opened a new chapter in the history of Mongolia-China relations," he emphasized. After this he introduced to the Vice Speaker accompanying him officials and shared views with the Mongolian side on ways of boosting the regional ties and cooperation.

Mongolia to compete in fencing and golf in Incheon's Asian Games
September 18 (news.mn) The 17th Asian Games will take place over 16 days in Incheon, Korea, from September 19 to October 4, 2014. Athletes will compete in 36 sports, including the 28 Olympic Games sports on the program for Rio de Janeiro 2016.  Incheon will also host the 2nd Asian Para Games 2014 from October 18-24th. 
The official opening ceremony for the Asian Games will be held on Friday, September 19th.
The Mongolian team of over 240 athletes will compete in 23 sports, including judo, freestyle wrestling, shooting, weightlifting, boxing, table tennis, tennis, soft tennis, swimming, archery, athletics, badminton, baseball, basketball, cycling, gymnastics, bowling, fencing, wushu, golf, triathlon, handball, and equestrian sports at the 2014 Asian Games.
Mongolian athletes will compete for the first time in fencing and golf.
The Mongolian team was ranked 21st among 41 countries with 16 medals, including two gold, five silver and nine bronze medals, at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China.
Mongolian freestyle wrestlers G.Mandakhnaran and G.Naranchimeg lead the gold medal race.
Related:
Asian Games OpeningMontsame, September 18

Former Mongolian leader's 98th anniversary celebrated
September 18 (news.mn) The 98th anniversary of the birth of former Mongolian leader, one of the nation's most powerful political figures, Yumjaa Tsedenbal, was celebrated and respect was paid to his statue on September 17th.
Hero of the People's Republic of Mongolia, Hero of Labor, Marshal Yumjaa Tsedenbal was born in Davst soum in Uvs aimag on September 17, 1916.
He governed the People's Republic of Mongolia from 1952 to 1984,  starting his career as deputy minister and being promoted to Prime Minister, Chairman of the Presidium of the State Great Khural, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Mongolian People's Party.
On the occasion of the 98th anniversary of the birth of Yumjaa Tsedenbal, Mongolian People's Party members and Tsedenbal Academy paid their respects and laid flowers on the statue of Tsedenbal on September 17th.
At the ceremony, the former Mongolian leader's sisters, Yumjaa Javzan and Yumjaa Ayush, and his granddaughter Anastasia Zorigovna arrived to pay respects too.
Yumjaa Javzan said, “We, family and grandchildren, are glad that the MPP is paying respect to Yumjaa Tsedenbal. I want to say thank you to all for coming here to pay respect and remembrance. I wish you all healthy, long lives. My brother was an ordinary herder's son who achieved success by studying hard.
Anastasia Zorigovna said, “We celebrate our grandfather's birthday normally within the family. Now, I am glad for this celebration. I remember my grandfather as a pretty normal person, and the best grandfather."

Regular Cabinet meeting scheduled for today
September 18 (news.mn) The Government plans to discuss a total of 26 issues in today's regular meeting.
The scheduled items for discussion include an intergovernmental protocol between Mongolia and China, and an intergovernmental agreement and protocol between Mongolia and the Russian Federation.  Foreign Affairs Minister L.Bold is expected to submit these issues during the regular cabinet meeting.
The appointment of a Permanent Representative of Mongolia to ASEAN will also be discussed.
Another issue of focus is the feasibility study for building a second line for Ulaanbaatar Railway. Minister for Roads and Transportation A.Gansukh is expected to raise the issue for discussion.
Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism Ts.Oyungerel will submit a draft law on casinos, lottery tickets, betting games and gambling in today's cabinet meeting.

Green Days of Autumn 2014 to Celebrate Harvest Festival Starts from September 20th
September 18 (infomongolia.com) Upon the initiatives of the Government, the "Green Days of Autumn" trade fair is being organized annually and this autumn for its consecutive 9th year in order to provide consumers with organic products from the new harvest.
The event is aimed not only to promote entities, but also to exchange experiences between farmers - suppliers - consumers in the scope of celebrating harvest festival and this year’s event will be held across the Ulaanbaatar city from September 20 to 26, 2014.
The “Green Days of Autumn 2014” will be organized in two categories as the “Healthy Food” under exhibition & trade fair and the “Golden Autumn” as harvest festival, where the main events will be held at Dunjingarav Trading Center.

Ulaanbaatar to Spend 35 Billion MNT Annually to Develop Tourism Sector
September 18 (infomongolia.com) In the scope of celebrating the 375th anniversary of founding the Capital City and the 60th anniversary of the development tourism sector in Mongolia, the City Tourism Department in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism have organized the “Friendly Ulaanbaatar” general consultation on September 17, 2014.
At the meeting over 650 representatives from tourist, sport, culture and other sectors have participated attended by Mayor E.Bat-Uul, Minister Ts.Oyungerel, State Secretary P.Altangerel and UB General Manager B.Badral and other officials.
The consultation was focused on the Development Program of Ulaanbaatar until 2020 and its tendencies to adhere until 2030, which was developed based on Friendly UB Program and ratified by the Parliament of Mongolia. In the frameworks of implementation the Friendly UB Program, the city aims to receive up to two million tourists by 2020 and double by 2030.
In order to implement the Program, the UB Administration estimates to spend about 35 billion MNT annually, which is equal to 5% of the City Budget and officials deem if to receive up to five million tourists per year by 2030, the City GDP would be increased by 2.5 times or sales income to reach 5 billion USD.

Mongolian and Turkish Justice Ministries Establish Joint Statement on Partnership for 2015-2017
September 18 (infomongolia.com) Mongolian delegates from the Ministry of Justice led by State Secretary J.Bayartsetseg are conducting an official visit to the Republic of Turkey upon the invitation of the Turkish Justice Ministry on September 17-19, 2014.
The visit is being conducted in the scope of implementation the Protocol of Partnership between the two bodies established in 2000 and on September 17th, Mongolian delegates were received by the Undersecretary Deputy of the Ministry of Justice Hasan Duduakli and other officials to discuss and exchange views on partnership and broadening issues between the two organs and its affiliated agencies.
Following the meeting, State Secretary Mrs. J.Bayartsetseg and Undersecretary Deputy H.Duduakli have inked the joint statement on partnership between the two Ministries in 2015-2017. At the signing ceremony, representing the Government of Mongolia, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the Republic of Turkey B.Batkhishig was also present.
Also, State Secretary J.Bayartsetseg conveyed warm greetings of the Minister Kh.Temuujin to his counterpart of the Turkish Ministry of Justice, Bekir Bozdag as well as an invitation to pay a visit Mongolia.
Moreover, as part of the visit programs, Mongolian delegation was familiarized with activities of Turkish Police Academy, local Police Department, Justice Academy, Prison Administration, the Istanbul Prosecutor's Office and got acquainted with some factories specialized in military shoes and uniforms.
Related:

“Khuvsgul Partnership 2014” Exhibition & Trade Fair to Take Place in Murun
September 18 (infomongolia.com) The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Khuvsgul Aimag in association with Aimag’s Department of Industry and Agriculture are organizing the “Khuvsgul Partnership 2014” exhibition & trade fair in its Murun center on October 03-05, 2014.
The exhibition & trade fair is purposed to promote local business entrepreneurs and its activities, besides to bring close collaboration between entities and partners as well as consumers.
Moreover, many business organizations from other territories such as Ulaanbaatar city, Darkhan, Orkhon, Tuv and Selenge Aimags are to participate at this event, where attendees are to exhibit in the following sectors:
- Camel wool coat
- Wool and Cashmere
- Leather shoes and handbags
- Genuine leather and leather products
- Food and food products
- Drugs and pharmaceutical plants
- National costumes

M.Batchimeg MP Meets Honorary Consuls
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, September 18 (MONTSAME) On Wednesday, M.Batchimeg MP received Honorary Consuls of Mongolia who are taking part in the 9th consultative meeting of Honorary Consuls here.
Ms Batchimeg briefed on measures of parliament and Standing committees and on newly adopted laws and regulations.
“Many Mongolians have been leaving their motherland to live and study abroad, whereas many foreigners are interested in doing business in Mongolia. So, the responsibilities and roles of the Honorary Consuls have been increasing," Ms Batchimeg said and thanked the gathered for protecting interests of Mongolians abroad.
She also gave details about issues touched upon by some Honorary Consuls and exchanged views on related matters. 

FM Addresses Consultative Meeting of Honorary Consuls
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, September 18 (MONTSAME) The Minister of Foreign Affairs L.Bold delivered a speech at the ninth Consultative Meeting continuing in Ulaanbaatar. He welcomed the Honorary Consuls and wished them successes in their "endeavors aimed at helping expand Mongolia’s foreign relations and image".
He noted that the Honorary Consuls of Mongolia "have been doing a great job in terms of protecting the legal interests of our citizens abroad, to present the real image of Mongolians, its economy, its politics, its culture and traditions.
“That is why as Foreign Minister, I must express my deepest gratitude to all of you for doing this prestigious at the same time difficult job to enhance friendships and cooperation among the peoples of Mongolia and countries you represent,” he emphasized, and then informed to them about Mongolia’s domestic economic policies.
“According to the World Bank data, Mongolia has transformed itself from a socialist country to a vibrant multiparty democracy with a booming economy. Mongolia is at the threshold of a major transformation driven by the exploitation of its vast mineral resources and the share of mining in GDP today stands at 20 percent, twice the ratio of a decade ago. The economic growth rate is estimated at 12.5 percent in 2013, compared to 6.4 percent GDP growth in 2010. GDP is expected to grow at a double digit rate over the period from 2013 to 2017.
"Mongolia has had strong macroeconomic growth, high literacy and education levels, advanced public financial management, and a decline in poverty. GDP per capita in Mongolia rose from US$579 in 1996 to US$3,365 in 2012.
“In recent years, the economy has grown consistently, driven by advances in key sectors such as agriculture, mining, and communications. Although the agriculture sector remains the backbone of the economy, the industrial sector has significantly expanded in the last few years due to rapid growth in the mining and minerals sector.
"Our priority now is to maintain high growth rates and use them to develop a diversified economy that creates value locally.
"This is potentially within our reach as we have started major infrastructure and industrial development while continuing our mining projects, such as the development of the world’s largest new source of copper Oyu Tolgoi and one of the world’s biggest coking coal deposits Tavan Tolgoi,” he said.
“Mongolia supports foreign investment in all sectors of the economy. It has one of the lowest tax rates in the Asia-Pacific region.
"New 'Investment law' and 'Investment funding law' have been approved by the parliament last year. We believe that it is a major improvement on enabling favorable foreign investment environment. According to the new law, foreign and national investors will not be distinguished; they will be treated the same. Therefore, registration process is much more simplified. Moreover, the new law enables a possibility to provide tax stabilization opportunity for investors depending on their investment amount ranging from 5, 10 to 15 years. This certificate of tax stabilization can be provided before investment is made and ensures tax rates of current period for the next 5,10, 15 years. Income tax, customs, VAT and royalty tax will be stabilized."
The Minister referred briefly to government policies with regard to education, culture, sciences and tourism. “In restoring and protecting Mongolia’s historical, cultural and natural heritage and assets and in sharing them with other nations, Mongolia shall cooperate with Asian countries which have similar historical, religious and cultural legacies as well as with other interested countries, UNESCO and other related international organizations.
"In promoting cultural and humanitarian cooperation, Mongolia will practice both Government and people’s diplomacy, and apply the principle of respect for human rights, freedoms, equality and mutual benefit.
"The first priority of the government is to improve the quality of the education in this country to levels of developed countries. The Government also pursues to increase the number of Mongolian students abroad especially in the field of engineering and natural sciences.
"In the science field, very important goal is the creation and support to foreign centers of Mongolian studies and to foreign young Mongolists, to offer to them financial support  if possible from the Mongolian government,” Mr Bold said.
"To support Mongolian scientists to take part in international projects in the field of biotechnology and nanotechnology and quantum physics. Such a cooperation is underway, for instance, with the Russian Federation.
“In the cultural field we will continue our policies to include   the best examples of Mongolian folklore and culture in the UNESCO common heritage and promote our culture abroad.
"To develop domestic and international tourism is one of the very important fields of our government’s policies. It comprises three main components, for instance, tourism of special interest, natural and adventure tourism and cultural tourism. In that sense our government is taking step by step measures to create infrastructure and touristic facilities in accordance with the local particularities. Especial attention is to be paid to the Gobi, Orkhon and Khovsgol touristic zones. In coming years a number of paleontologic laboratories and Dinosaur museums    will be set up in the capital city and in country side.
"As a member of the international community, Mongolia is committed to helping protect human rights and freedoms around the world. We successfully chaired the Community of Democracies for the years 2011-2013, a global intergovernmental coalition of over 130 democratic countries with the goal of promoting democratic norms and institutions around the world.
"Mongolia made promotion of democracy education the main priority during its Presidency of the Community of Democracies. Last December, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted the first-ever resolution on Education for Democracy, submitted by the Mongolian Presidency of the CoD.
"Given Mongolia’s geographic position, it is only natural that our relationship with China and Russia is our top foreign policy priority.
The past few years marked a very important development in our relationship with China and Russia. We have established strategic partnership with both of them. We consider strategic partnership to be highest level of cooperation,”
“China has been our largest trade and investment partner for over a decade. It is also our biggest export partner.
"It is not casual that we established a comprehensive strategic relationship with China signed during the state visit of Chairman Xi Jinping to Mongolia just few weeks ago. So far no country with Mongolia has such kind of relationship.
"Russia is our biggest import partner and after the working visit of Mr. Putin relations with it improved and have got new momentum in terms of level of relationships. A number of documents were signed during his visit to our country, which shows the extent of our deepened ties with this country,” he said.
Mr Bold emphasized that the ‘third neighbor’ policy is not only about politics. It also helps us diversify our foreign trade and investment. Economic linkages with its ‘third neighbors’ are very much growing. For example, Canada is our largest export partner after China; US, Japan, ROK and Germany are our largest import partners after Russia and China; Singapore, Canada, ROK, US, Hong Kong, Australia and Japan are among our top 12 investment partners.
“‘Third neighbors’ play a critical role in bringing financial capital, high technology, and much-needed eco-friendly strategies and management to Mongolia.
For last 2 years we have received visits from a number of foreign ministers, who never visited Mongolia before. The Foreign Secretary of UK, the German, the French Foreign Ministers, the Canadian, Australian and South Korean Foreign Ministers visited Mongolia, all of them for the first time visited Mongolia. To this list I must add foreign ministers of China and Russia who accompanied their presidents in their high level visits to Mongolia.
Our country aiming at having friendly relations is eager to establish diplomatic relations with all the member states of the Organization of United Nations. Since 2013 we did so with Antigua Barbuda, Burundi, Vanuatu, Palau, Surinam, Sierra Leon, Togo, Eritrea and Jamaica, expanding our foreign relations and reaching the record number of 173 countries that we have diplomatic relations.
As a matter of fact, one of the top priorities of our foreign policy is to support efforts to strengthen strategic stability and develop security cooperation in Northeast Asia. And we have made sustained efforts to that end.
It was in this wider context that our President came up with an Initiative for “Ulaanbaatar Dialogue on Northeast Asian Security” in March last year. The ultimate goal of the Initiative is to defuse tensions on the Korean Peninsula and help promote confidence building and peacemaking in Northeast Asia,” he said.
“The Ulaanbaatar Dialogue Initiative is based on premises similar to the Helsinki process that led to the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe and then the OSCE.
Mongolia is not proposing “the copying and pasting” of the European process. The starting conditions are not the same. But the idea is clear. When we talk about the Helsinki process, we first think about the set of guiding principles which must be abided by the nations of the region. The Helsinki process is a great pool of experience which Northeast Asian countries can draw on.” 
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