Mongolia Brief October 8, 2014



“Transparent Ulaanbaatar” adopts declaration
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, October 8 (MONTSAME) A "Transparent Ulaanbaatar" international anti-corruption forum adopted the "Ulaanbaatar Declaration on anti-corruption" on Tuesday here. 

The first forum ran October 6-7 at initiative of the UB city Mayor with a participation of 258 representatives of 18 countries. The city administration considers the above document as a step toward achieving a goal to become a corruption-free city in the region and in the world.
One of the key lectors of the forum Larry Diamond, a professor of Stanford University said the Mayor's bravely voicing against the corruption and studying experiences of many countries is not only a new initiative but also a new political phenomenon. "Two-day forum cannot eliminate the corruption, but an experiences sharing and the Declaration adopting were crucial solutions," he added.
A president of the co-host the International Republican institute Thomas Garrett thanked the representatives of civil societies for their active participation in the forum. “This is one of the reasons of our co-hosting this event, because cooperation with civil societies is an important approach in the anti-corruption fight," he said. The institute implements such projects in over hundred countries, and "we will closely cooperate with Ulaanbaatar in the future," he said.

Permanent Representative O.Och delivers speech
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, October 8 (MONTSAME) Mongolia appreciates efforts of the United Nations to tackle challenges and difficulties the international community faces and considers that there are achievements in designing the UN’s long-term goals.
It was said by Mr O.Och, the Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the UN, at a general meeting on Tuesday for discussing reports of the UN Secretary-General at the 69th session of the UN General Assembly in New York, USA. "Mongolia also highly evaluates opinions of the UN Secretary-General about an importance of national governments’ endeavour to intensify the realization of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as well as efforts and works of the General Assembly’s working group," he went on.
Underlining an importance of reflecting human rights and justice matters in the MDGs, Mr Och introduced to the gathered Mongolia's state policy and actions on the issues. He applauded efforts of the UN to ease disasters and conflicts in Syria, the Republic of Central Africa, Mali, South Sudan and Ukraine, saying the UN peacekeeping operations still keep their vital role in protecting against battles, conflicts and crimes caused by terrorist groups, in preventing these crimes, and in taking  intermediate actions.
Mr Och also expressed a hope that UN members will back draft resolutions formulated by Mongolia on its nuclear weapon-free status and on education for literacy, which will be discussed by the 69th session.

Parliament adopts drafts on changes in government
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, October 8 (MONTSAME) A plenary meeting of the autumn parliamentary session on Tuesday evening approved amendments to laws on government structure and on government composition. 
After having considered some controversial matters, a majority of MPs (74%) passes the draft amendments to these laws and to the draft resolution of parliament on altering the parliamentary resolution appendix on approving the structure of state administrative bodies.
Accordingly, six Ministries merged into three, others remained as they are. The government for reforms will have 13 Ministries--of Environment and Green Development; Defense; Education and Sciences; Foreign Relations and Economic Cooperation; Finance; Justice; Road, Transportation, Construction and Urban Development; Culture, Sport and Tourism; Mining and Energy; Labour; Population Development and Social Welfare; Industry and Agriculture; and of Health.
The altered laws and resolutions will come into force when new Ministers will be appointed.

antidoping.mn web site launched
October 8 (news.mn) For the first time, an official launch of the antidoping.mn web site has been announced during a press conference on Tuesday at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Since 1972, the practice of doping in sports was first discovery in Mongolia. Since then, over 30 athletes have failed doping tests in both national and international competitions. In 2007, Mongolia was ratified into the UNESCO International Convention against Doping in Sports
Since this ratification, Mongolia became eligible to apply to the UNESCO Voluntary Fund for grants for anti-doping activities. UNESCO has granted Mongolia 12,600 USD of financial assistance for anti-doping projects for the years of 2014-2015. The website will include information, events and education against doping in sports for Mongolia.

Legislature passes government restructuring bill
October 8 (news.mn) On Tuesday`s parliamentary session meeting, final discussions were made on drafting bills which would add amendments to the laws of Mongolia concerning governing laws and state structure.
Head of the Standing Committee on State Structure, A.Bekei introduced SC’s stance on the bill.  On Tuesday evening, final discussions were made at the plenary council meeting. Those in attendance of the meeting passed the bill to make amendments to the law of Mongolia on Government and Law on Government structure with a 73.9 percent approval rate, 51 out of 69 MPs.
At that time, MP D.Erdenebat proposed additional amendments related to heavy equipment industries concerning the Ministry of Mining and Energy to be approved by the majority of MP’s. Also to be noted, MP R.Gonchigdorj`s proposal of compliance with the implementation of laws on their day of ratification was approved by the Standing Committee members`.

Recycling Plant in Ulaanbaatar to Process Construction Waste to Be Operational in May 2015
October 8 (infomongolia.com) On October 03, 2014, a groundbreaking ceremony to build a recycling plant to process construction waste was held at the landfill site namely Naran in Ulaanbaatar.
This plant will be constructed with 100% of investment from South Korea and at the ceremony the UB Administration headed by General Manager B.Badral and Korean delegates from relevant organizations working on environmental were also present.
The plant with capacity to crush 1,500-2,000 tons of construction waste up to 5 mm and following washing and milling procedures, the basic raw materials will be extracted up to 0.7 mm. After which, the ready raw materials will be mixed with cleaned ash and other substances to produce the end product for road side curbs, paving, bricks and other purposes.
According to officials, the plant will be operational in May 2015 and it estimates to recycle 61,084 tons of construction waste in winter period and 127,428 tons of waste in summer to ensure a healthy and safe environment.

Mongolian Students Granted with Free Studies in Armenia
October 8 (infomongolia.com) A non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to Mongolia, Mr. Armen Sargsyan is paying an official visit to Mongolian on October 05-09, 2014.
During his visit in Ulaanbaatar, Ambassador A.Sargsyan held a bilateral meeting with authorities of the Ministry of Education and Science headed by Deputy Minister B.Urgamaltsetseg. At the meeting, Ambassador announced that the Government of Armenia pledges to provide scholarships for six students from Mongolia to study in Armenia. Also, parties exchanged views on boosting Mongolian-Armenian friendly relations in particular in the development of educational and sciences collaboration.
Related:
Mongolians to study in ArmeniaMontsame, October 8

Parliament of Mongolia Ratifies to Restructure Cabinet Diminishing Government Ministries from Current 16 to 13
October 8 (infomongolia.com) At the Plenary Session of the State Great Khural (Parliament) held on October 07, 2014, the final discussion on amendments to the Law on Government to restructure the Cabinet submitted by Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag was revised and approved with 73.9 % of votes.
Some 51 members out of 68 parliamentarians attended have agreed to diminish the Government Ministries from current 16 to 13 with 11 Regulatory Agencies and 19 Implementing Agencies, whereas 6 Ministries will be merged into 3 Ministries and in addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be renamed as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Economic Cooperation.
According to new regulation, the following 13 Ministries of Mongolia will be acting:
1. Ministry of Finance (merged from Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Economic Development);
2. Ministry of Mining and Energy (merged from Ministry of Mining and the Ministry of Energy);
3. Ministry of Roads, Transportation, Construction and Urban Development (merged from Ministry of Construction & Urban Development and the Ministry Roads & Transportation);
4. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Economic Cooperation;
5. Ministry of Environment and Green Development;
6. Ministry of Justice;
7. Ministry of Defense;
8. Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism;
9. Ministry of Industry and Agriculture;
10. Ministry of Labor;
11. Ministry of Population Development and Social Protection;
12. Ministry of Education and Science;
13. Ministry of Health;
Moreover, the newly amended law will enter into force as soon as Cabinet members or newly promoted Ministers will be approved by the Parliament.

Days of Russian-Mongolian Friendship and Cooperation to Be Continued until End of November 2014
October 8 (infomongolia.com) On October 06, 2014, an inaugural ceremony for the Days of Russian-Mongolian Friendship and Cooperation was held at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture (RCSC) in Ulaanbaatar.
In the scope of the Days, many events and measures are being hosted to continue the end of November 2014, and as part of the programs “Russian Language Days” promotional events with aims to bring the cooperation in educational sector into a new level will be held throughout October organized by the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Ulaanbaatar in association with the RCSC.
In conjunction with educational program, the registration and selection of over 400 Mongolian students to obtain higher education in Russian Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Tomsk, Irkutsk, Rostov-on–Don, Krasnodar, Omsk and Vladivostok cities have been accomplished last month and these students are studying under the Russian Government scholarships beginning from 2014-2015 Academic Year.

UB Mayor opposes draft budget for 2015
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, October 8 (MONTSAME) The Mayor and the governor of Ulaanbaatar E.Bat-Uul called Wednesday for immediate discussion among the city administrators to sound his position over the state draft budget for 2015.
"If this draft adopted, the city's construction will stagnate," he said. "Shocked with this unprecedented version of a draft budget", he said the Premier "has been neglecting the addressing of this issue repeatedly and has presented such a draft that will stop all the daily works and constructions of the city".
According to this draft, he went on, Ulaanbaatar will have to spend its yearly budget of 450-500 billion Togrog for salaries of teachers, health and culture sectors personnel and routine maintenance. "It is impossible, because Ulaanbaatar cannot providing some 330 billion for the above costs, it will make the city go bankrupt,' he stressed.
He also informed the gathered about his intention to present an official letter regarding the issue to the Speaker Z.Enkhbold. In case this draft is approved by parliament, "I will not--for the sake of interests of the UB people--present the draft to the Citizens Representatives Khural of Ulaanbaatar", he said. 

Speaker meets International Republican Institute delegation
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, October 8 (MONTSAME) The Speaker of parliament Z.Enkhbold Wednesday received a delegation led by Mr Thomas E. Garrett, the vice president of the International Republican Institute (IRI).
He thanked the delegation for visiting Mongolia and said our parliament has been collaborating with the IRI for many years and that he hopes these ties will last for a long time.
Mongolia has shared its experience in th4e democracy with Kyrgyzstan and Myanmar, furthermore, Mongolia has been contributing to the regional development, and will continue sharing its experience with others," he said.
In turn, Mr Garrett said the IRI has been running activities in Mongolia for many years and has seen its big achievements in developing the democracy. He added that IRI also delivers Mongolia's success and experience to "our partner organizations, and I am confident that our bilateral collaboration will forward".
Present at the meeting were B.Boldbaatar, the secretary-general of the Parliamentary Office; Gretchen Kunze, the IRI Asia division director; Gregg Kastana, an IRI expert.
Founded in 1983, the IRI is a UN-partnered organisation, partially funded by the US House of Representatives, that conducts international political programs, sometimes called democratization programs with a special emphasis on promoting women's involvement in politics. Initially known as the National Republican Institute for International Affairs, the IRI's stated mission is to "expand freedom throughout the world". Its activities include teaching and assisting center-right political party and candidate development in their values, good governance practices, civil society development, civic education, women’s and youth leadership development, electoral reform and election monitoring, and political expression in closed societies.
The IRI has been cooperating with Mongolia since 1992 in developing the democratic governance and practice.

MPs want "better life for leaders of Democratic revolution"
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, October 8 (MONTSAME) A draft resolution on issuing benefits for the very first leaders of the 1990 Democratic revolution was presented to the Speaker Z.Enkhbold by Kh.Battulga, D.Ganbat, L.Erdenechimeg and M.Zorigt MPs on Wednesday.
The State has been pursuing policies on paying benefits and glorifying the veterans and figures who fought and contributed in the national revolution of 1911, the People’s revolution of 1921, the Khalkh river battles of 1939, and the Liberation war of 1945, noted Battulga," now the time has come to improve the life of those who formed the Mongolian Democratic Union, were in the vanguard of the Democratic revolution and saw its results in 1990, the Year of a white horse".
The history of the Mongolian Democratic Union is the history of the country’s democracy. Its 25th  anniversary is happening this year, "so it is vital to resolve the social problems of these figures", he said, adding that the draft resolution has been formed on the basis of the Constitution of Mongolia and the law on Parliament.

Mongolia and CERN to cooperate in high energy physics
By N. Khaliun
Ulaanbaatar, October 8 (MONTSAME) The Government of Mongolia on Monday signed the Agreement on a development of scientific and technological cooperation in high energy physics with CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research).
The document was inked by L.Gantomor, the Minister of Education and Sciences, and by the head of International Relations of CERN R.Voss.
As the sides suppose, the document will give impetus to fundamental researches of high energy physics and sciences-and-technology development of our country, and will facilitate our scholars, engineers and technological personnel with a long-term involvement in the CERN researches. 

FM addresses North America-Mongolia Business Council conference
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, October 8 (MONTSAME) The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia L.Bold has attended the 17th annual investors' conference of North America–Mongolia Business Council (NAMBC).
The measure ran October 7-8 in Ulaanbaatar. He took the floor to highlight the "Third neighbors" roles in Mongolia's foreign policy, particularly matters on expanding the economic cooperation with the USA and Canada, to introduce the results of high level visits, and to answer questions of the gathered. Other speakers were ex-president P.Ochirbat, the State Great Khural Chairman Z.Enkhbold, Senior US Commerce Department official and top private sector experts.
This conference takes place every year in Ulaanbaatar, Washington or Ottawa in rotation. The organization aims at promoting Mongolia-the USA and Mongolia-Canada trade, investments and economy cooperation.

G.Batkhuu MP meets founder of “New Village” movement
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, October 8 (MONTSAME) A parliamentarian and president of the National Union of Mongolian Bagas and Soums (NUMBS) G.Batkhuu Wednesday received Mr Ha Sa Yong, a Hero of Labour of the Republic of Korea and founder of the S.Korean "New Village" movement.
The MP thanked Mr Yong for visiting Mongolia to share experiences with Mongolian land farmers and said the NUMBS operates some 300 branches in all localities, "through which Your life experience is delivered". He noticed a success of the Mongolia-S.Korea economic forum, organized by the union, "its objectives are to introduce new technologies of South Korea in Mongolia".
In response, Mr Yong said he "enthusiastically lets everybody know that he/she has a big chance and possibility to live happily", and stressed that he wants to share his experience with the Mongolians, for example, to give advice to agrarians. Then he proposed collaborating with them.
Mr Batkhuu granted Mr Yong the NUMBS's prize--the Leadership order. 

US scholar holds meeting with diplomats
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, October 8 (MONTSAME) One of the participants of the “Open Ulaanbaatar-2014” forum, a US scholar and researcher Larry Diamond Wednesday held a meeting with diplomats of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mr Diamond introduced to them an edited by him book "Liberation Technology Social Media and the Struggle for Democracy", which tells about an impact of IT and communications on the global democracy process.
Some diplomats asked Mr Diamond about advantages and opportunities of the social media, new challenges and other relevant matters.
Mr Diamond serves as senior fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies and at the Hoover Institution. He also works as a director of the Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law.

L.Khangai appointed as acting agent of President
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, October 8 (MONTSAME) Pursuant to the decree of the President, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Mr L.Khangai has been appointed the acting agent of the President of Mongolia.
He will serve as such on cooperation affairs with the Russian Federation in economy, infrastructure and investment sectors.

Education Vice Minister meets Russian Academy of Education head
By N. Khaliun
Ulaanbaatar, October 8 (MONTSAME) The Russian Academy of Education and Saint Petersburg State University want to cooperate with Mongolian at all levels of education on developing of educational-methodical manuals in order to improve skills of Russian language teachers.
It was said by Ms L.Verbitskaya, the president of this Academy at a meeting with the Vice Minister of Education and Science of Mongolia B.Urgamaltsetseg on October 7. After this she took part in a celebration of the Mongolia-Russia friendship days.

Bank of Mongolia hosts SEACEN Course on Assessing Liquidity Risk of Bank
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, October 8 (MONTSAME) The Bank of Mongolia successfully hosted the SEACEN Course on Assessing Liquidity Risk of a Bank here on this September 29-October 3. 
The SEACEN Course on Assessing Liquidity Risk of a bank was designed to specifically build capacity of bank supervisors in the application of the liquidity ratios according to international sound practices and methodologies and strengthen the understanding of liquidity risk management measures taking into account changing financial market landscape.
A total of 34 participants representing 15 institutions of 13 countries have been nominated to participate and six speakers specialized in Liquidity Risk Assessment representing Australia, United States, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan and Mongolian Regulatory Authorities and Commercial banks have shared their insights into the topic mentioned.
Deputy Governor of the Bank of Mongolia E.Batshugar and an executive director of the SEACEN Centre Hookyu Rhu have attended the opening and closing ceremonies as the guests of honors and delivered their remarks.

Stock exchange news for October 8
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, October 8 (MONTSAME) At the Stock Exchange trades on Wednesday, a total of 15 thousand and 535 shares of 13 JSCs were traded costing MNT 23 million 963 thousand and 670.00.
"Genco tour bureau” /10 thousand and 120 units/, “APU” /2,100 units/, “Baganuur” /1,000 units/, “Gobi” /700 units/ and "Mongol shiltgeen” /700 units/ were the most actively traded in terms of trading volume, in terms of trading value were "APU” (MNT seven million and 875 thousand), "Gobi” (MNT five million and 670 thousand), “Talkh chikher” (MNT four million 514 thousand and 500), "Baganuur” (MNT three million and 500 thousand) and "Arig gal” (MNT one million 087 thousand and 450).
The total market capitalization was set at MNT one trillion 575 billion 272 million 992 thousand and 639. The Index of Top-20 JSCs was 15,721.40, increasing 62.31 units or 0.40% against the previous day.

Mongolia reports for Convention on Biological Diversity
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, October 8 (MONTSAME) Our Ministry of Environment and Green Development together with scholars and some NGOs presented results of an "AICHI 2020 in MONGOLIA" also known as Aichi goals) at the 12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity.
The meeting has been running October 6-16 in Pyeongchang county of S.Korea.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the Republic of Korea B.Ganbold has attended the event to say that it is a fundamental duty of humanity to protect the environment--the base of their health and well-being. Mongolia has been successfully realizing many works for studies and conservation of biodiversity, and has a capacity to collaborate with others in this field and to reach sustainable green development through reestablishment and efficient consumption of resources, he said.
This event is of great importance as it becomes a platform to present statuses of implementation of the Convention and planned frameworks, and to claim the need of further cooperation with donor countries and international financial organizations for environment.

Photography exhibition opened for Dilav Khutagt's birthday
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, October 8 (MONTSAME) The 131st birthday of the last Mongolian Khutagt Dilav happens Wednesday. On the occasion of his date, the "Ulaanbaatar" museum opened a photography exhibition, organized jointly with "Dilav Khutagt Jamsranjav" foundation.
The Khalkha Mongolian last khutagt, a lamaist dignitary was born October 8 of 1883 in Zasagt Khan, current Zavkhan aimag. He was a tutor of the 14th Dalai Lama when he stayed in Tibet for three years. The khutagt was assigned for a spy mission to Inner Mongolia in 1920, later was accused of false political crimes since everybody who knew his real mission in China was executed. Although he was not able to return to his homeland, he actively worked for international recognition of Mongolia’s independence, having become an influence on approval of Mongolia’s membership to the UN in 1961. The khutagt passed away in 1965 New York of the USA. He is still remembered by Mongolian people, who erected a statue for him in the “Stupa of Great Khutagts” in Zavkhan aimag, and solemnly celebrate his birthday every year.
The staff of the museum has announced its decision to make the exhibition an annual event.

Sumo wrestler Tsevegnyam celebrates his record-breaking
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, October 8 (MONTSAME) A Mongolian sumo wrestler N.Tsevegnyam celebrated last Sunday his breaking of a record in professional sumo that has been unbroken for 73 years.
He now owns the record of the “most career bouts” won by 40-year and older wrestler. In the professional sumo tournament held this September in Tokyo, the Mongolian sumo wrestlers achieved many successes that included 31st win by the 69th Grand champion Hakuho-titled M.Davaajargal, astonishing 13 wins of a young wrestler Ichinojo-titled A.Ichinnorov, and breaking of the “most career bouts” won by 40 year-old and older wrestler record by Kyokutenho-titled N.Tsevegnyam. 

Turkish film days to be organized
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, October 8 (MONTSAME) An opening ceremony will take place on Thursday at the “Tengis” cinema to launch Turkish film days here.
During the event, the screened will be “Night dream of butterfly”, “Winter burrow” directed by Nuri Bilge Jeilan; and “Sheep”.
Meetings will be held after every premiere together with creative artists of these films. This group includes Azize Tan, a director of the Istanbul Foundation of Culture and Arts and of the Istanbul International Film Festival; Kutlu Ataman, a director of the “Sheep” film; and another director Martin Fryer.
The Turkey-Mongolia Union for Businessmen participates in the event as a sponsor.

Ulaanbaatar roads welcome zipper method for safer lane merging
October 8 (news.mn) The administration of Mongolia will enact a national strategy providing a plan for traffic safety and security from 2012-2020.
According to the strategy, speed limits for motor vehicles on city roads will be decreased to as slow as 30 km/h in 2015, and 45 km/h in 2020.
In the cases where two lanes are reduced to one, the lane being reduced has to let cars merge appropriately.  If done suddenly this can sometimes lead to unexpected and dangerous lane switching causing serious accidents and road rage. In such situations some countries have implemented a strategy called the zipper method to merge traffic safely. The zipper method is a way of reducing traffic down to one lane safer. 
The Ministry of Roads and Transportation has collected votes from relevant state agencies and ministries for a resolution to reduce traffic congestion and increase flow. This draft will propose the zipper method merging strategy on city roads to reduce heavy traffic jams and increase traffic flow. The drafted resolution will be introduced to the government for approval.

A ban on feeding pigeons
October 8 (news.mn) Concerns about the rates of infectious disease on the rise has resulted in a proposed ban on feeding pigeons by hand, due to their large populations at Gandantegchinlen monastery.
Experts have emphasized birds are high-risk transmitters of viruses and bacteria of infectious diseases.
The Specialized Inspection Agency’s ban of selling seeds and feeding pigeons by hand at the monastery would help prevent children from contracting respiratory and contagious diseases from the pigeons.

Legislature passes government restructuring bill
October 8 (news.mn) On Tuesday`s parliamentary session meeting, final discussions were made on drafting bills which would add amendments to the laws of Mongolia concerning governing laws and state structure.
Head of the Standing Committee on State Structure, A.Bekei introduced SC’s stance on the bill.  On Tuesday evening, final discussions were made at the plenary council meeting. Those in attendance of the meeting passed the bill to make amendments to the law of Mongolia on Government and Law on Government structure with a 73.9 percent approval rate, 51 out of 69 MPs.
At that time, MP D.Erdenebat proposed additional amendments related to heavy equipment industries concerning the Ministry of Mining and Energy to be approved by the majority of MP’s. Also to be noted, MP R.Gonchigdorj`s proposal of compliance with the implementation of laws on their day of ratification was approved by the Standing Committee members`.

World Bank Update for Asia and Mongolia
October 8 (Mongolian Economy) In its biannual report, the World Bank found the developing East Asia Pacific—in which Mongolia is included—to be the fastest growing region in the world. 
Although the growth of countries in East Asia Pacific, excluding China, is projected to slow to 4.8 percent this year, it will accelerate to 5.3 percent in 2015. The World Bank forecasts a fast recovery of growth, as high-income economies mend from the global recession and increase their demand for exports from the region. With a rise in exports accompanied by positive domestic economic adjustments, the report states that “how each country benefits from the global recovery will depend on their investment and export environment.” Yet countries in the region remain vulnerable to global recovery instabilities, and a potential slowdown in China’s economic activity could severely hurt commodity exporters like Mongolia.
To expand export competitiveness and reduce risks stemming from a loose monetary policy, the World Bank recommends Mongolia reduce its fiscal deficit and tighten its monetary policy. “The best way for countries in the region to deal with these risks is to address vulnerabilities caused by past financial and fiscal policies, and complement these measures with structural reforms to enhance export competitiveness,” said Sudhir Shetty, Chief Economist of the World Bank’s East Asia and Pacific Region.
The report concludes that “In the long run, we encourage countries to carry out structural reforms needed to boost their export competitiveness and maximize the benefits from the global recovery. Key reforms include infrastructure investment, logistics, and the liberalization of services and foreign direct investment.”
On Mongolia
Although the Mongolian economy has great potential in the long-term—due to the country’s vast natural resources—there are still many alarming challenges that it must confront today. After several years of double-digit performance, Mongolia’s economic growth dropped alarmingly from 14.4 percent in H2 2013 to 5.3 percent in H1 2014. The final projection for 2014 is 6.3 percent growth, down from the 9,5 percent projected by the World Bank in its April 2014 update. The October 2014 report concludes the drop in growth is the result of years of accumulation of flawed policy measures. Despite the slowdown, Mongolia, at 6.3 percent, will still maintain above-average growth compared to the rest of the region.
The list of economic challenges Mongolia faces is long. High inflation and prolonged currency depreciation have led to sharply reduced domestic demand. The decay of foreign direct investment and insecurity in the investment environment has led investment to fall 32.4 percent, a key reason economic activity has slowed in every sector. In addition, low FDI—down a startling 70 percent from a year ago—has netted a large financing gap in balance-of-payments, which has led to a drop in the international reserve level. Although the balance-of-payments pressure is to expected to remain high, the report states, “Expansion of the bilateral currency swap agreement with the People’s Bank of China to Y 15 billion will likely provide a significant buffer to the declining international reserves in the near term. However, the current economic situation calls for structural changes in the focus of economic policies away from growth stimulus to economic stability in order to avoid a more vulnerable situation.”
The report recommends an immediate tightening of monetary and fiscal policy to preserve financial and fiscal soundness and prevent any economic disasters. In addition, the World Bank insists FDI should be restored, as that would regenerate investment and create jobs.
Countries such as Mongolia, “will continue to have the potential to grow at a higher rate—and faster than other developing regions—if policy makers implement an ambitious domestic reform agenda, which includes removing barriers to domestic investment, improving export competitiveness and rationalizing public spending,” said Axel van Trotsenburg, World Bank East Asia and Pacific Regional Vice President.
Yet the most troubling revelations of the challenges Mongolia faces today are at the end of the World Bank’s report on Mongolia. It appears lessons from the recent past have not been learned, as the flawed “fiscal policy still remains expansionary despite the expected tightening of the official budget and the smaller off-budget spending compared with last year. A large amount of capital spending channeled through the Development Bank of Mongolia (DBM) still remains outside the official budget, which will push the fiscal deficit, including DBM spending, to over 7 percent of GDP in 2014. All fiscal spending, including DBM spending, needs to be consolidated into the budget, and a proper medium-term fiscal consolidation plan needs to be established to reduce the consolidate structural fiscal deficit down to the 2 percent limit of the Financial Stability Law in the coming years.”

USD 13.2 million invested in nuclear energy
By S. Az
October 8 (Mongolian Economy) The joint ‘Technical Cooperation Programme,’ a medium-term project, will be signed by the government of Mongolia and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The agreement forms the basis for further short- and medium-term cooperation in leading sectors in social and economic development as well as for developing policies in technical cooperation for nuclear energy.
The progamme will incorporate government and research organisations that operate in the health, nuclear and radiation monitoring, food, agriculture, environment, geo-ecology, nuclear physics, geology, mining, and industrial sectors, while improving Mongolia’s technological equipment and human resources. The IAEA will finance the projects. 
Mongolia joined the IAEA in 1973. Since then it has received USD 13.2 million for 63 projects, implemented in the afore-mentioned sectors. 

Puppet Theatre 2014 Autumn Season
October 8 (infomongolia.com) The Puppet Theatre of Mongolia announces its 66th Autumn Season, which is to start from this Saturday, October 11, 2014.
In the scope of the Program, the theatre has released two packages of entertaining for kids aged between 3 and 7, and for children over 8 years old. Each package includes three different plays and a ticket for one package costs 5,000 MNT (Tugrug).
Moreover, there is no difference in ticket prices for a child and an accompanying adult, which is another surprise presents by the theatre.
Children plays package for Kids:
- “Magic seven-petal flower” by Katayev V.P
- “Boldoggui Bor Uvgun” Mongolian folk tale
- “The Tale of a Silly Mouse” by Samuil Marshak
Children plays package for Children:
- “Daughters of Mermaid King” by S.Erdenebold and Ts.Khulan
- "The Happy Prince" by Oscar Wilde
- "The Twelve Months" by Samuil Marshak
Schedule for the children plays:
1. “Magic Seven-Petal Flower” at 01:00 pm & 03:00 pm on October 11, 12 & 31, 2014
2. “Daughters of Mermaid King” at 02:00 pm on October 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 & 26, 2014
3. “Boldoggui Bor Uvgun” at 02:00 pm on November 01, 02, 07, 08, 09 & 14, 2014
4. “The Happy Prince” at 02:00 pm on November 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 & 30, 2014
5. “The Tale of a Silly Mouse” at 02:00 pm on December 05, 06, 07, 12, 13 & 14, 2014
6. "The Twelve Months" at 02:00 pm on December 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 & 30, 2014

Comments

Popular posts from this blog