Mongolia Brief December 15, 2014



Ch.Saikhanbileg Meets Russian Deputy PM
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, December 14 (MONTSAME) The Prime Minister Ch.Saikhanbileg received Friday Mr Yu.P.Trutnev, the Deputy Premier and Presidential envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District of Russia.

The visitor congratulated Mr Saikhanbileg on becoming the Premier of Mongolia. In response, Saikhanbileg thanked Mr Trutnev for supporting an implementation of projects that had been were concurred during the visit of the Russian President to Mongolia. He said Mongolia’s government launched the biggest infrastructure projects on constructing highways in a Altanbulag--Ulaanbaatar--Zamyn-Uud route in frames of the "Steppe Road" project on renovating the Ulaanbaatar Railway. "Our mutual efforts to intensify these projects are important," he noted. 
The Premier also said the trade turnover will definitely boost if nice for Mongolia conditions are created for supplying agricultural products, meat and light industrial goods to the Russian market and for realizing new projects.    

Heads of Government of Mongolia Meet Russia’s Presidential Envoy to Stimulate Bilateral Cooperation
December 15 (infomongolia.com) On December 12, 2014, Prime Minister of Mongolia Ch.Saikhanbileg received in his office the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation and Presidential Envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District, Yury Petrovich Trutnev.
At the beginning of meeting, Russia’s Presidential Envoy congratulated the newly elected Head of the Government and in response, Premier Ch.Saikhanbileg expressed his gratitude to the President V.V.Putin on advocating to stimulate largescale projects negotiated during his visit to Mongolia.
In this regard, Premier noted that the Government of Mongolia has started to commence big projects in infrastructure development such as renewing Ulaanbaatar Railway and under the “Steppe Road” project to construct highway road from Altanbulag (administrative division on the border with Russia, where Altanbulag Free Trade Zone is located) to Zamyn-Uud (administrative division on the border with China, where Zamyn-Uud Free Economic Zone is created) through Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia.
Furthermore, Premier Ch.Saikhanbileg underlined that in order to forward these projects, efforts from both sides are essential and pledged to pay particular attention on providing convenient condition to supply agricultural products to Russia such as meat and meat products, besides, to enhance bilateral trade turnover on new projects.
On the same day, Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia U.Khurelsukh has also received his counterpart Yu.P.Trutnev and during the meeting, parties expressed their satisfaction on strengthening bilateral cooperation and successful high-level reciprocal visits.
During the meeting, Deputy Premier U.Khurelsukh mentioned that Mongolia had requested to annul tax on import products from Mongolia for a certain period in order to balance and increase trade volume that has been decreasing in the past two years. For instances, on meat and light industry products and thus, he asked to support these issues and affirmed to work more constructive on biggest projects to implement between the two countries.
In response, Russia’s Presidential Envoy Yu.P.Trutnev said, if a Mongolian Government supports, Russia is ready to study on establishing a joint meat processing manufactory.
At the meeting, Minister of Roads and Transportation of Mongolia N.Tumurkhuu, Minister of Mining of Mongolia R.Jigjid, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Mongolia I.K.Azizov, Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation A.S.Tsydenov, and First Vice President of Russian Railways JSC V.N.Morozov were present.
Related:
Deputy PM Meets Russian CounterpartMontsame, December 15

Ulaanbaatar Railway, Mongolian-Russian Joint Venture,
Announces Management Changes
December 15 (infomongolia.com) The regular General Committee Meeting of Ulaanbaatar Railway JSC, a Mongolian-Russian joint venture, was successfully held in Ulaanbaatar on December 11-12, 2014.
During the two-day meeting, sides reviewed the 2014 Report and Rail Transport Planning & Management Issues for the upcoming year. Moreover, the Mongolian-Russian joint venture announced management changes by appointing the Head of Ulaanbaatar Railway JSC (UBTZ) as Mr. Luvsandagva PUREVBAATAR, who used to serve as Deputy Director of UBTZ.
In accordance with the rules of Ulaanbaatar Railway JSC, the General Committee consists of six members representing 3 members from each side for the term of three years. Besides, the General Committee’s Chairman and Deputy Chairman are also elected for three years.
The UBTZ General Committee’s six members are:
Russian side:
- V.N.Morozov, UBTZ General Committee’s Chairman and the First Vice President of Russian Railways JSC,
- A.S.Tsydenov, Deputy Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation,
- V.V.Morozov, General Representative of the Russian Railways JSC to Mongolia;
Mongolian side:
- Kh.Yerjan, Deputy Minister of Roads and Transportation,
- Ch.Surenkhorloo, President of Mongolian Association of Railway Engineers,
- D.Naranpurev, Head of United Association of Mongolian Transporters;
The Committee’s three members representing Russian side were remained as previous panel, but made changes for Mongolian side and due to appointment of the Head of UBTZ as L.Purevbaatar, the Acting Head G.Sereenendorj is appointed as the General Engineer of Ulaanbaatar Railways JSC. 
Related:
L.Purevbaatar Becomes Head of UB RailwayMontsame, December 15

Nat’l Training and Consultation of IMO to Be Held
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, December 15 (MONTSAME) The International Maritime Organization (IMO) will hold a training and consultation for the first time in Mongolia on December 15-19.
The events are expected to be attended by Ms Sezin Sinanoglu, the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia; Mr Moin Ahmed, a Member State Audit Officer at IMO; and N.Tomorkhuu, the Minister of Road and Transportation.
Mongolia joined the IMO as member in 1996. Mongolia is a landlocked country but has joined some 20 treaties and conventions such as the 1989 International Convention on Salvage and the 2006 ILO Convention on marine labour. 

Young Judokas Grab Medals at Asian Championships
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, December 15 (MONTSAME) Judokas of our national juniors’ team have competed in the 8th Asian Cadet and 15th Junior Judo Championships 2014 which took place December 11-14 in Hong Kong, China.
A judoka from Ovorkhangai aimag B.Khoroldoi and B.Uranbileg from Orkhon province captured gold medals in the girls 48kg and girls +70kg. Silver medals were grabbed by B.Bayaraa, a judoka at the “Genco” club (boys’ 55 kg) and M.Davaasuren, Tov aimag's “Borjin” club (girls’ 70 kg). Two bronze medals went to B.Tuvshintogs (boys’ 81 kg) and S.Otgonsuren (girls’ 40 kg). 

Warnings issued on illegal fireworks and flares
December 15 (news.mn) Capital City Governor and Ulaanbaatar Mayor E.Bat-Uul issued a warning about the dangers of using flares and pyrotechnic devices for upcoming New Year's celebrations.
Fireworks related deaths and injuries resulting from a lack of proper safety precautions are registered, as there are a large number of incidents each year.
The Metropolitan Police Department is working to protect residents from possible danger during New Year's celebration; intercepting illegal trade, use and sales of pyrotechnic devices; intensifying police control and compliance measures pursuant to regulations on fireworks possession, storage, and protection in collaboration with district police divisions, the police department at the Civil Aviation Authority, and the police department at Ulaanbaatar Railway Station.
The warning advises residents to only purchase fireworks and pyrotechnic devices and services from licensed and professional persons and companies, and to avoid the use of illegal pyrotechnic devices.

228.5 thousand youth unemployed in Mongolia
December 15 (news.mn) Young people between 15 and 34 make up 38.5 percent of the population in Mongolia.
Recent studies show that 228.5 thousand (24.1 percent) of the nation's youth are unemployed. While 125.9 thousand young people work in animal husbandry, they represent only 13.1 percent of the younger generation.
The Government of Mongolia and Ministry for Population Development and Social Welfare have created the Youth Department, for the first time in the past two decades, to be in charge of youth issues and focusing on youth development.
In the scope of youth development issues, the government will put greater effort towards meeting with non-governmental youth organizations to discuss youth issues and consider incorporating them into government programs.
Through the “Youth Development Project” with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Government of Mongolia has established Youth Development Centers in nine provinces in Mongolia.

CEO of Millennium Challenge Corporation Informs Mongolia Elected as Eligible to Develop Second MCC Compact
December 15 (infomongolia.com) On December 11, 2014, the Chief Executive Officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) of the United States, Ms. Dana Hyde spoke over phone with President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj to inform that Mongolia has been selected by the MCC’s Board of Directors as eligible to develop a second MCC compact.
Ms. Dana Hyde underlined that Mongolia has been selected for its contribution to enhancing good governance and noted that MCC will focus on few development projects in Mongolia. Also, MCC will pay attention to improve legal environment and implement projects consistent with the policies and measures of the Government of Mongolia. Ms. Dana Hyde said that MCC will promote private sector involvement, enhance partnership between state and private entities, improving business and investment environment.
President Ts.Elbegdorj expressed gratitude to all members of the Board of Directors of the MCC and noted that this decision demonstrates the United States’ significance to the bilateral relations of the two countries and democratic development in Mongolia.
MCC Board of Directors voted to make Mongolia, Philippines and Nepal eligible for a compact and selected Cote d’Ivoire for Threshold Program, approving efforts to continue developing compacts with six previously selected countries.

Mr. S.Enkh-Amgalan Appointed as President and CEO of SouthGobi Resources Ltd.
December 15 (infomongolia.com) According to SouthGobi Resources Ltd. press release, the Company announces the stepping down of the President and Chief Executive Officer Ross Tromans, effective December 12, 2014 and appointment of Sengee ENKH-AMGALAN as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Tromans will remain with the Company and on the Board of Directors of SouthGobi until December 31, 2014.
Mr. S.Enkh-Amgalan has been President and Executive Director of SouthGobi Sands LLC (“SGS”), the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, since July 2013. Mr. S.EnkhAmgalan joined SGS from Clean Energy LLC, a subsidiary of Newcom Group, where he was CEO and led the successful development of the first commercial scale wind farm in Mongolia. Prior to this, he gained extensive experience in the extractive industry through a number of senior management positions at the MCS Group of Companies.
Mr. Lancaster, Interim Chair, said, “I would like to thank Ross for his leadership of the Company in very challenging market conditions. Under Ross’s leadership SouthGobi returned to safe operations with significantly improved cost performance. I am pleased to welcome Mr. Enkh-Amgalan to his new role in SouthGobi. S.Enkh-Amgalan is a seasoned executive with extensive management skills and in-depth knowledge of the Mongolian mining and energy industries.”

Finance Minister of Mongolia and Rio Tinto Copper CEO Agree to Set Working Group
December 15 (infomongolia.com) On December 12, 2014, Finance Minister of Mongolia J.Erdenebat received in his office the Rio Tinto Copper CEO Jean-Sebastian Jacques.
During the meeting, parties exchanged views and information on current activities at Oyu Tolgoi LLC as well as on Mongolia’s commences exporting of copper concentrate to Japan and economical beneficial issues from underground mining operations.
Moreover, sides agreed to collaborate on establishing a working group in the near future to develop calculating system and registration of mineral royalties, corporate income tax and other tax levy and records.
Related:

Asashoryu D.Dagvadorj Delivers Lecture “Sound Mind in Sound Body” to Mongolians Residing in UK
December 15 (infomongolia.com) The 68th Yokozuna of Japanese Sumo, Asashoryu, Hero of Labor and Merit Athlete of Mongolia, Dolgorsuren DAGVADORJ delivered a lecture themed “Sound Mind in a Sound Body” at the Embassy of Mongolia in London on December 13, 2014.
D.Dagvadorj was visiting London to support Mongolia’s beauty contestant T.Battsetseg, who has successfully participated in the World Miss 2014 and during his stay, he accepted an invitation to meet and deliver a lecture to Mongolians residing in the country organized by Mongolian Union in the UK.

Diplomats Refresh Their Knowledge
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, December 15 (MONTSAME) Officials working overseas at Mongolia's diplomatic missions attended December 11-12 online trainings arranged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Some changes were made by the Ministry to certain domestic laws, regulations, rules and duties, so the trainers aimed to give updated guidance on visa issuing, civil and consular activities and notary. The diplomats also received thorough answers to their questions of interest from the Consular department and state administration department of their Ministry, State Registration Office, General Authority for Citizenship and Migration, Chamber of Mongolian Notaries.
Such trainings will run regularly in future.

President Awards Young Scholars
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, December 15 (MONTSAME) The prize named after the President, Ts.Elbegdorj, has been bestowed upon three young scientists.
At the ceremony on Monday, the prize was given to Dr Kh.Altanzul, the Biology Institute at the Academy of Sciences; to Dr T.Khongorzul, immunology teacher at the National University of Medical Sciences; and to Ts.Soyol-Erdene, the School of Applied Science and Engineering at Mongolian State University.
Altanzul Khorolragchaa has written a research work themed “Biotechnological researches on some rare and extremely rare plants in Mongolia” which has proven through experimental work that it is possible to keep kinds and gene fond of rare plants in Mongolia, to augment their biological reserve and to extract large amount of herbal plants in a short time by biotechnological methods.
Khongorzul Togoo has conducted an important work for the rehabilitation of immune, this has been considered as a contribution to the immunology.
Ts.Soyol-Erdene’s works “Sedimentation in elements of platinum groups in Antarctica, and research on their origins” and “Research in ion and poisonous heavy elements in Gobi region’s aeropalynology” generally focus on the world and Mongolia's climate, its changes and environmental pollution. 

Minister S.Erdene Receives UN Population Fund Rep
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, December 15 (MONTSAME) Minister of Population Development and Social Welfare S.Erdene received Monday a Director for Financial Management of the UN Population Fund Subhash Gupta.
Mr Erdene said that younger generation is treated with more concerns these days. “This is a window for Mongolia’s population age chart,” he said. He also expressed a satisfaction with the cooperation with the Fund in implementation of state policies and programs for youth, and said the Government will promote young families and that our population will reach three million in the beginning of 2015.  Government intends to pursue a policy that promotes population growth and births, he added.
Mr Gupta is glad that the Government "has formed this Ministry", "this is an indication that Mongolia starts to stress the human development issues", he said. Mongolia has been showing active engagements in the matters of children, women, old people and gender equality and youth, he added.
He is satisfied with Mongolia’s regular and active participation in the meetings and conferences arranged by the UN, he went on and advised that Mongolia identify and use potentials of its youth and reflect their aspirations in related policies and programs. 

US Secretary of State Congratulates Ch.Saikhanbileg
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, December 15 (MONTSAME) The US Secretary of State Mr John Kerry has sent a congratulatory letter to Mr Ch.Saikhanbileg on being appointed the new Prime Minister of Mongolia.
Mr Kerry writes that the USA, the "Third neighbor" of Mongolia, highly values Mongolia who has formed the democracy and free market system in Northeast Asia, is chairing the Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) and is active in the UN peacekeeping operations.
Mr Kerry is also deeply confident that he will collaborate with the PM in determining ways of strengthening the Mongolia-USA relations. 

General Budget Statistics
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, December 15 (MONTSAME) In the first 11 months of 2014, total equilibrated revenue and grants of the General Government Budget (GGB) amounted to MNT 5,267.8 billion and total expenditure and net lending reached 5,708.3 billion, representing a deficit of 440.5 billion in the equilibrated balance.
Tax revenue increased 131.8 billion or 3.0 percent due to increases of 102.5 billion or 13.6 percent in social security contributions, 71.6 billion or 11.7 percent in other tax revenue, although income taxes decreased 11.6 billion or 1.2 percent due to declines of 33.4 billion or 6.0 percent in revenue from corporate income tax, 19.0 billion or 5.5 percent in taxes on foreign trade, 18.5 billion or 1.1 percent in taxes on domestic goods and services.
By the end of November, total expenditure and net lending of the General Government Budget reached MNT 5,708.3 billion increasing 580.7 billion or 11.3 percent compared to the same period of the previous year. This was mainly due to increases of 227.9 billion or 13.7 percent in subsidies and transfers expenditure, 191.7 billion or 9.3 percent in expenditure on goods and service, 181.1 billion or 2.1 times in Interest payments expenditure, 83.7 billion or 7.7 percent in capital expenditure although there was a decrease of MNT 103.7 billion or 78.2 percent in net lending.   

Agriculture Sector Financial Instruments Discussed
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, December 15 (MONTSAME) A “New financial instruments for agriculture” discussion is running at "Blue Sky" hotel here, on occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Bank of Mongolia and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture.
The event is being co-organized by the International Financial Corporation of the World Bank. The gathered are discussing the current state, strength and weaknesses of the state policies and value networks being conducted in order to sustain the financial system within the sector.
The discussion is also aiming to give information updates and to introduce the new instruments to the key stakeholders of the sector.

Statistics of Foreign Trade
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, December 15 (MONTSAME) In the first 11 months of 2014, Mongolia traded with 135 countries. Total external trade turnover reached USD 10.0 billion, 5,190.4 million of which was made up by exports and 4,832.2 million by imports.
Total external trade turnover increased USD 306.1 million or 3.2 percent. Exports went up USD 1,329.3 million or 34.4 percent, imports went down by USD 1023.1 million or 17.5 percent against the same period of 2013.
External trade balance showed a surplus of USD 358.2 million, compared to the same period of 2013 when the balance indicated a deficit of USD 2.0 billion.

Mining Sector Production Increases
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, December 15 (MONTSAME) The industrial production index (2010=100 seasonally adjusted and experimental estimation) in the first 11 months of 2014 decreased by 9.5 percent compared to the same period of last year, by 3.4 percent from the end of the previous year and by 6.0 percent from the previous month.
The mining products such as molybdenum with concentrate, gold, iron ore, copper concentrate, crude oil, fluorspar concentrate increased 5.6-60.8 percent in the mining and quarrying sectors, while the production of products such as bakery products, cigarettes, beer, metal foundries,  milk, knitted goods, cake, buuz, dumpling, soft drinks, bread, vacuum windows and doors, sausage food, cement, sawn wood, horse meat rose by 1.2 percent to 6.4 times in the manufacturing sector against the same period of 2013. 

State of World Population 2014 Reported at Ministry
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, December 15 (MONTSAME) The "State of World Population 2014" report by the UN Population Fund was presented at the Ministry of Population Development and Social Welfare on December 15. Mongolia has been included in a "final period of transition" countries' classification.
Such countries were suggested to intensify the economic growth and improve the employment of young people through macroeconomic management, open trade, good governance, and facilitating financial market operations.
According to the report, 38.5 percent of Mongolia’s population is youth aged 15-34. Their unemployment rate is at 16.6 percent, 24.1 percent of the youth or 228.5 thousand people were recorded being unemployed for indefinite reasons. A total of 125.9 thousand or 13.1 percent of the youth are engaged in livestock.
The Ministry has established a Department for Youth, which often holds meetings with youth-targeted NGOs to discuss facing the young people problems and aims to reflect their solutions in the Government frameworks.
Youth Development Centers were erected in nine aimags in frames of the “Youth development project” being co-implemented by the Government and the UN Population Fund, at the supports of Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Government of Luxemburg, and of the Fund.
According to the report, nine out of 10 young people, whose population totals to 1.8 billion, live in underdeveloped countries where accesses to educational and health services and safety from violence often lack. The officials highlighted that gender equality and human rights must be ensured among young people, their sexual and reproductive health should be protected, and knowledge and education must be improved.
Present at the conference were the State Secretary of the Ministry B.Otgonjargal, a director for Management Services of the UN Population Fund Subhash Gupta, a head of Department for Policy Implementation Management of the Ministry D.Amarsaikhan, a head of the Department for Youth G.Monkhtuvshin, and a permanent representative of the Fund to Mongolia Naomi Kitahara, to give information of the report.

"Script of Eternal Sky 2014" Exhibition and Training in Khentii
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, December 15 (MONTSAME) At initiative of the President, the "Script of Eternal Sky 2014", national calligraphy exhibition, also calligraphy lessons and lectures took place in Khentii aimag on December 12-13.
The events have been preceded by the President's decree of July of 2010 on to promoting an official use of traditional Mongolian script.
The aimag is working hard to ensure the implementation of this decree. A director of MONTSAME's “Khumuun Bichig”--the only in Mongolia on the traditional script newspaper--B.Elbegzaya delivered lecture on ways of teaching the Mongol script. At the exhibition opening, teachers of the Mongol script, students and ordinary people were present.
These events have been already organized in Selenge, Bayankhongor, Dundgovi, Arkhangai and Orkhon provinces and in the UB city's Baganuur district. The official website of the President also launched the Mongolian traditional script version to share news and actions of the President.

Birth Rate Rises
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, December 15 (MONTSAME) In the first 11 months of this year, 74 thousand 767 mothers delivered children, a number of live births reached 75 thousand 213.
The number of the mothers who gave births increased by 1,692 or 2.3 percent, the number of children rose by 1,768 or 2.4 per cent against the previous year. 
Infant mortality reached 1,117, increasing 84 children or 8.1 percent, under 5 year-old babies’ mortality reached 1,356, increasing by 72 or 5.6 percent against 2013. 

Unemployment Rate and Social Insurance
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, December 15 (MONTSAME) A number of unemployed reached 35.9 thousand by the end of November of 2014 decreasing 7.0 thousand people or 16.3% against the previous year.
The revenue of the Social Insurance Fund amounted to MNT 1,201.6 billion, reflecting an increase of 1,24.2 billion or 11.5%, the expenditure of the fund reached MNT 1,180.1 billion, increasing 2,19.6 billion or 22.9% against 2013.
Some 1,28.2 billion Togrog was granted to 203.1 thousand people for pensions and welfare benefits from the Social Welfare Fund (SWF). Compared with the same period of 2013, the number of people who received pensions and welfare allowances went up 14.0 thousand people or 7.4%, the amount of the pensions and allowances--by MNT 2.4 billion or 1.9%.
Some 2,18.2 billion was granted from the Human Development Fund to 990.5 thousand children below 18 as a cash benefit.

Advanced prenatal screening tests now available in Ulaanbaatar
December 15 (news.mn) The National Center for Maternal and Child Health is now equipped with the latest technology for advanced prenatal screening to identify birth defects.
Before the arrival of the new diagnostic equipment, it was difficult to accurately diagnose birth defects in the early months of pregnancy. But now, birth defects can be diagnosed in the first three months of pregnancy at the National Center for Maternal and Child Health.
Worldwide, it is estimated that most birth defects can develop in the first three months of a pregnancy. The cause of half of all birth defects which develop during pregnancy are unknown, while 25 percent are the result of genetic disorders. Environment, drug use, and some medications are also believed to be factors.
One study has shown that in 2014, birth defects occurred in 2.7 percent of all pregnancies in Mongolia. Researchers believe that there has been an increased number of birth defects due to air pollution and drug use in recent years.

Government House faces parking problems
December 15 (news.mn) Available parking at the west and east sides of the Government House is one of the busiest places in the city center, as it is where state agencies and ministry staff work and serve the public.
The west side parking at the Government House will now only be available to parliamentarians, as MPs Z.Bayanselenge and G.Uyanga have complained about the lack of parking and made a request for separate parking for parliamentarians.  Responding to the request, Speaker Z.Enkhbold ordered that only parliamentarians will be able to park their vehicles on the west side.
That leaves over 1,000 staff members and visitors to park on the east side only.
The new parking regulation has already resulted in confusion and difficulties. 
Observers have noticed that the west and east sides of the Government House parking areas see different "rush" times. The east side parking is full all day long, and west is often empty as many parliamentarians fail to show up to work on time during normal business rush hours.

Ambassador of Turkey to Mongolia, Murat Karagoz Attends in Presenting Ceremony of 20 Matured Reindeer in Murun, Khuvsgul Aimag
December 15 (infomongolia.com) On December 13-14, 2014, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Mongolia Mr. Murat Karagoz, the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA) Project Coordinator, Associate Professor Ekrem Kalan along with Turkish press and media have conducted a working visit to Murun city of Khuvsgul Aimag, Mongolia.
The visit was aimed to participate in the official presenting ceremony of 20 matured reindeer purchased from Tyva Republic that were provided by TIKA with a fund of 35,000 USD.
The Turkish delegation drove on the recently launched Ulaanbaatar-Murun paved auto road that took about 10 hours of travel and attended the ceremony, where it was approximately -30°C in Murun.
In his remarks, Ambassador Murat Karagoz underlined the Turkish contribution to support the development of Mongolia and noted the bilateral ties in historical and cultural spheres. Moreover, he emphasized the projects and programs being successfully implemented by TIKA and conveyed greetings of the people of Turkey to the residents of Khuvsgul Aimag and people of Mongolia on the occasion of celebrating the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries marking in 2014.

Restriction Hours for Drivers on City Road Reduced
December 15 (infomongolia.com) On December 15, 2014, the regular Citizens' Representative's Khural of the Capital City (City Council) took place in the Khangarid Palace in Ulaanbaatar, where one of the issues awaited to resolve was a new regulation to reduce the limit hours of restricted vehicles.
According to new decision, authorities agreed to change the hours of limit, which is effective from 8 o’clock in the morning until 8 in the evening.
Before, drivers were not allowed to participate in the city traffic once a week between 07:00 am and 10:00 pm depending on their plate number endings in order to reduce the city traffic as well as air pollution.
In other words, all vehicles those plate numbers ending with 1 or 6 will not drive on Mondays, those ending with 2 or 7 on Tuesdays, 3 or 8 on Wednesdays, 4 or 9 on Thursdays and vehicles ending with 5 or 0 will not run on Fridays, where the regulation does not comply on weekends.

Stock Exchange news for December 15
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, December 15 (MONTSAME) At the Stock Exchange trades on Monday, a total of 134 thousand and 601 units of 20 JSCs were traded costing MNT 231 million 486 thousand and 361.00.
"Sor” /123 thousand and 839 units/, “APU” /8,000 units/, “Genco tour bureau” /1,938 units/, “State Department Store” /149 units/ and "Khokh gan” /145 units/ were the most actively traded in terms of trading volume, in terms of trading value were "Sor” (MNT 199 million 999 thousand and 985), "APU” (MNT 30 million and 008 thousand), “Tavantolgoi” (MNT 409 thousand and 800), “Baganuur” (MNT 331 thousand and 500) and "Makh impex” (MNT 213 thousand and 700).
The total market capitalization was set at MNT one trillion 435 billion 064 million 873 thousand and 937. The Index of Top-20 JSCs was 14,679.77, decreasing 339.34 units or 2.26% against the previous day.

Advisor to Turkish Premier visits MONTSAME
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, December 15 (MONTSAME) Director of the MONTSAME National News Agency A.Baatarkhuyag received a Turkish delegation led by a press and communications advisor to the prime minister of Turkey Mr Yalchin Betal Getin on December 15.
Mr Baatarkhuyag noted that our agency has kept a good cooperation for many years with the Turkish Anadolu Agency, and expressed his interest in extending the existing agreement thus expanding the cooperation spheres.
“I intend to renew the agreement with Anadolu during the meeting of the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) to be held in 2015. Press plays an important role in developing Mongolia-Turkey relations” said the director of MONTSAME and requested the Turkish side to deliver news in purposes of advertizing Mongolia in the Republic of Turkey. He also said that he will make this request again during the renewal of the agreement with Anadolu.
Advisor to the Turkish Premier Mr Yachin Betal Getin expressed desire to upgrade the cooperation between Mongolia and Turkey, and emphasized the role of press and media in achieving this. He also requested MONTSAME to refer to Anadolu Agency on writing news about Turkey.

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