Mongolia Brief December 18, 2014



Location Arranged for New Hospital
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, December 18 (MONTSAME) The cabinet meeting on December 17 discussed again an issue of establishing a new hospital for children with 150 beds. A decision was made that the hospital will occupy a Government Building No.13, the former building of Ministry of Road and Transport.

The Ministry will move to a building of recently dismissed Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. A Minister of Health and Sports G.Shiilegdamba was obliged to commission the hospital by early February of 2015.

Vice Ministers and State Secretaries Appointed
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, December 18 (MONTSAME) At its meeting on Wednesday, the cabinet appointed Vice Ministers and the State Secretaries.
M.Khurelsukh has become the Vice Minister of Environment, Green Development and Tourism; N.Oyundari--of Foreign Affairs; S.Purev--of Finance; Ts.Uugangerel--of Justice; Kh.Badelkhan--of Industry; A.Battor--of Defense; G.Baigalmaa--of Construction and Urban Development; Ya.Tomorbaatar and B.Tulga--two of Education, Culture and Sciences; Kh.Yerjan--of Road and Transportation; G.Temuulen--of Mining; J.Batkhuyag--of Labour; B.Monkhbaatar--of Population Development and Social Welfare; B.Batzorig--of Food and Agriculture; O.Purevbaatar--of Energy; T.Boldbaatar and D.Atarmaa--two of Health and Sports.
B.Boldbaatar has been appointed the State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Sh.Bulga-Erdene--of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sciences; R.Erdeneburen--of the Ministry of  Construction and Urban Development; and D.Delgertsogt--the Ministry of Energy.
State Secretaries of other Ministries will be elected soon through selections, heads of state administration management of the rest of the Ministries will serve as the State Secretaries until appointment of the new State Secretaries.

Some Removed from State Secretary Posts
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, December 18 (MONTSAME) In frames of appointing new Vice Ministers and State Secretaries, a current State Secretaries of several Ministries have been removed from their posts by the cabinet decision made Wednesday.
J.Batbold was freed from the post of the State Secretary of Environment and Green Development; B.Boldbaatar--External Relations and Economic Cooperation; Sh.Bulga-Erdene--Education, Education and Sciences; R.Erdeneburen--from a position of acting State Secretary of the Ministry of Road, Transportation and Urban Development; P.Altangerel--Culture, Sport and Tourism; Kh.Zoljargal--Industry and Agriculture; D.Delgertsogt--as acting State Secretary of the Ministry of Mining and Energy; P.Gantulga--as acting State Secretary of the Ministry of Labour; and A.Enkhtuya--Health.  

Composition of State Emergency Commission Changed
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, December 18 (MONTSAME) The cabinet meeting on Wednesday approved a new composition of the State Emergency commission.
It was necessitated by the changes in the government’s structure and members. In accordance with the cabinet decision, the Deputy PM U.Khurelsukh will chair the State Emergency Commission (SEC), his deputies will be the Minister of Defense and heads of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The SEC’s membership includes now the Ministers of Environment, Green Development and Tourism; Construction and Urban Development; Industry; Food and Agriculture; Mining; Energy; Health and Sport; First Deputy Heads of the Cabinet Secretariat for Government; Mayor of Ulaanbaatar; the State Secretaries of the Ministries of Finance; Education, Culture and Science; Vice Minister of Justice; head of the General Headquarters of Mongolian Armed Forces; heads of the Central Intelligence Agency; General Authority for Border Protection; General Police Department; General Customs Office; General Agency of Specialized Inspection; Department of Standardization and Measurement; Department of Hydrology and Metrology; Department of Information Technology, Post and Communication; head of Media and Public Relations of Government; and the secretary-general of the Red Cross Society of Mongolia.    

Minerals’ Sector Gathers for Open Discussion
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, December 18 (MONTSAME) "Transparency of agreements in minerals’ sector", a multilateral and open discussion is being held at the "Blue Sky" hotel.
Present at the event are B.Otgochuluu, a director of Mining Ministry's Department for Strategy and Policy Planning, Sh.Tsolmon, a working group secretary of Exractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), leaders of Ministry of Finance and representatives of civil society and scholars.

Opening Ceremony for "History of Mongolia" Book Runs
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, December 18 (MONTSAME) An opening ceremony for the six-volume "History of Mongolia" book ran at the Citizen’s Hall on December 17. A Chief of Staff of the President’s Office P.Tsagaan made opening remarks.
The creation consists of six 6 books: "Short History of Mongolia" by A.Amar; "Brief History of Mongolia" by B.Ishdorj; "The History of Manchu and Mongolia" by B.Buyanchuulgan; "Modern History of Mongolia" by N.Magsarjav; "Brief History of Mongolia" by L.Dendev, and "A Brief History of Mongolian People’s Revolution" by Kh.Choibalsan, D.Losol and G.Demid.
Another ceremony ran at the same time to introduce the Mongolian online dictionary project with a participation of famous academicians and scientists, experts and teachers from Mongolian top universities. 

Mongolia’s Two Judokas Included in 2014 IJF World Prestige Ranking List
December 18 (infomongolia.com) On December 15, 2014, the International Judo Federation (IJF) announces best judokas of Prestige World Ranking List to become the inaugural male and female end-of-year winners.
There is one definitive ranking list for men and one for women, which includes all weight categories. The judoka who has earned the most ranking points in the year, to top the IJF World Prestige Ranking List, are now being further rewarded for their outstanding achievements in 2014 with 50,000 USD in prize money, where Majlinda Kelmendi (KOS) and Avtandil Tchrikishvili have topped the World Ranking List.
The second top monetary award of 40,000 USD were conferred to each Teddy Riner (FRA) and Ilias Iliadis (GRE) for extraordinary services brought to the popularization of judo around the world, as well as excellent results in their sports career.
Olympic Champion T.Riner won a record-equalling seventh world title in 2014, while Athens 2004 Olympic Champion I.Iliadis sealed 10 years at the top of pinnacle of the sport by winning his third world crown in 2014. The remaining world number one’s each receive 10,000 USD.
The 2014 IJF World Prestige Ranking List Monetary Prize Winners:
Majlinda Kelmendi (KOS), Women’s 52kg, 4230 pts - 50,000 USD
Avtandil Tchrikishvili (GEO), Men’s 81kg, 3610 pts - 50,000 USD
Teddy Riner (FRA), Men’s +100kg, 2500 pts - 40,000 USD
Ilias Iliadis (GRE), Men’s 90kg, 1941 pts - 40,000 USD
Munkhbat URANTSETSEG (MGL), Women’s 48kg, 3180 pts - 10,000 USD
Automne Pavia (FRA), Women’s 57kg, 2460 pts - 10,000 USD
Clarisse Agbegnenou (FRA), Women’s 63kg, 3510 pts - 10,000 USD
Kim Polling (NED), Women’s 70kg, 2860 pts - 10,000 USD
Audrey Tcheumeo (FRA) Women’s -78kg, 2450 pts - 10,000 USD
Idalys Ortiz (CUB) Women’s +78kg, 2808 pts - 10,000 USD
Ganbat BOLDBAATAR (MGL), Men’s 60kg, 2676 pts - 10,000 USD
Mikhail Pulyaev (RUS), Men’s 66kg, 1961 pts - 10,000 USD
Dex Elmont (NED), Men’s 73kg, 1880 pts - 10,000 USD
Varlam Liparteliani (GEO), Men’s 90kg, 2470 pts - 10,000 USD
Lukas Krpalek (CZE), Men’s -100kg, 2588 pts - 10,000 USD
Related:
Our Judokas Receive Cash Prizes from IJFMontsame, December 18

National Center for Maternal and Child Health ties with Flying Eye Hospital
December 18 (news.mn) It has been long since Orbis International operated in Mongolia. Since 1989 Orbis International has conducted various programs including 7 Flying Eye Hospital programs and 9 hospital based programs in Mongolia.
Orbis International is now focusing on strengthening and supporting the Model of Excellence in Modern Ophthalmology (MEMO Mongolia) Adult and Pediatric Vision Network projects that have been planned in cooperation with the Mongolian Ministry of Health.  September in collaboration with the National Center for Maternal and Child Health, Orbis International  have launched a program to create a model comprehensive vision care network in  5 provincial  (county-level) hospitals in rural Mongolia for five years period.
Launching the program the country can continue to build a strong, high-quality service for children and avoid and cure visual impairment.
Orbis International conducts Flying Eye Hospital comprised a team of the best ophthalmologists from various countries.
Related:

Deputy Ministers of New Coalition Government of Mongolia Appointed
December 18 (infomongolia.com) The 18 Ministers of the new Coalition Government excluding Prime Minister were accredited by the State Great Khural (Parliament) on December 09, 2014.
So, the complete Cabinet Members have resolved to downsize the number of total existing Agencies by 15% that aims to save Government expenditure and eliminate duplicated functions and roles at its Cabinet meeting held on December 15, 2014.
On December 17, 2014, the Cabinet Members called its irregular meeting to appoint 17 Deputy Ministers of incumbent 15 Ministries, of which Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, and the Ministry of Health and Sports have two Deputies each.
Deputy Ministers of Coalition Government (December 17, 2014 - 2016):
1. Mr. Magvansuren KHURELSUKH, Deputy Minister for Environment, Green Development and Tourism of Mongolia (used to serve as Director of Environment Protection Fund under Ministry of Environment and Green Development since 2014, promoted by Civil Will Green Party)
2. Mrs. Navaan-Yunden OYUNDARI, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mongolia (Trade Representative of Mongolia to the PR of China in 2008-2012, promoted by Mongolian People’s Party, MPP)
3. Mr. Surenjav PUREV, Deputy Minister for Finance of Mongolia (Deputy Minister of Finance since 2012, promoted by Democratic Party, DP)
4. Mr. Tsogoo UUGANGEREL, Deputy Minister for Justice of Mongolia (Deputy Minister of Justice since 2012, promoted by ‘Justice’ Coalition merged from MPRP and MNDP)
5. Mr. Khavdislam BADELKHAN, Deputy Minister for Industry of Mongolia (Advisor to MPP Group at the Parliament since 2012, promoted by MPP)
6. Mr. Avirmed BATTUR, Deputy Minister for Defense of Mongolia (Deputy Minister of Defense since 2012, promoted by DP)
7. Mrs. Gochoosuren BAIGALMAA, Deputy Minister for Construction and Urban Development of Mongolia (Deputy Minister of Construction and Urban Development since 2012, promoted by DP)
8. Mr. Yadmaa TUMURBAATAR and Mr. Buya TULGA, Deputy Ministers for Education, Culture and Science of Mongolia (Ya.Tumurbaatar, Director of ‘Strategy’ Academy promoted by MPP and B.Tulga, Deputy Minister of Education, Culture and Science since 2012 by ‘Justice’ Coalition)
9. Mr. Khabshai YERJAN, Deputy Minister for Roads and Transportation of Mongolia (Deputy Minister of Roads and Transportation since 2012, promoted by DP)
10. Mr. Ganzorig TEMUULEN, Deputy Minister for Mining of Mongolia (Board Member of Oyu Tolgoi LLC since 2013, promoted by MPP)
11. Mr. Jamiyandorj BATKHUYAG, Deputy Minister for Labor of Mongolia (Deputy Minister of Labor since 2012, promoted by ‘Justice’ Coalition)
12. Mr. Begzjav MUNKHBAATAR, Deputy Minister for Population Development and Social Protection of Mongolia (Deputy Mayor in 2008-2012 and Advisor to Secretary General of MPP in 2012-2013, promoted by MPP)
13. Mr. Batjargal BATZORIG, Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture of Mongolia (Governor of Bayanzurkh District in 2008-2012, promoted by MPP)
14. Mr. Ulziikhutag PUREVBAATAR, Deputy Minister for Energy of Mongolia (DP Chairman of Songinokhairkhan District since 2013, promoted by DP)
15. Mrs. Dashdorj ATARMAA and Mr. Tumurtogoo BOLDBAATAR, Deputy Ministers for Health and Sports of Mongolia (D.Atarmaa, Director of National Centre for Occupational Disease under Ministry of Labor in 2009-2013, promoted by MPP and T.Boldbaatar, Director of National Center of Auto Transportation under Ministry of Roads and Transportation since 2012, promoted by DP)
Moreover, four State Secretaries have been appointed and other State Secretaries will be announced following a selection process, until then Chairpersons of State Administrations of affiliated Ministries will be acting temporarily.
State Secretaries at the following Ministries:
1. Mr. Bat-Amgalan BOLDBAATAR, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
2. Mr. Shagdarsuren BULGA-ERDENE, State Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science,
3. Mr. Ravjikh ERDENEBUREN, State Secretary at the Ministry of Construction and Urban Development,
4. Mr. Davaadorj DELGERTSOGT, State Secretary at the Ministry of Energy.
Related:
Deputy Minister nominations approvednews.mn, December 18

ZMEngineering becomes Hardox Wear Part Center
December 18 (Mongolian Economy) In 15th December 2014, ZMEngineering (ZME) LLC the Mongolian mining metal structure manufacturing and design engineering company, has started cooperation with the world-leading company in special steel, SSAB's Hardox Wearparts.
The aim is to together develop and provide top quality and cutting edge wear parts and service for mainly the mining, construction and energy industry in Mongolia. Hardox Wearparts has more than 140 centers which operate in more than 40 countries globally.
The company is one of the largest global actor within complementary products with the concept of one stop shop. The idea is to offer the customer an exceptional experience by a customized portfolio of optimized wear solution, product delivery, installation and keeping it up and running.
ZME was founded in December 2006, and has built on a reputation for service excellence. ZME’s highly skilled team of engineers and technicians, together with powerful, modern equipment, have met and exceeded all clients’ expectations. With the drive to become the leader in Manufacturing of Metal Structure and Design Engineering for all industrial sectors in Mongolia, ZME is taking the step to a stronger, lighter and a more sustainable world. 
ZME’ team is available to assist clients with inspection, maintenance, repair, and failure analysis.  ZME works closely with NDT specialists and laboratory technologists to provide innovative solutions for clients.  ZME is quickly becoming the leader in Design Engineering for all industrial sectors of Mongolia.
The next steps for this cooperation is to penetrate into new markets by introducing new wear parts and complementary products for all industries in Mongolia.

Exchange Note Signed to Establish Mongolia-Japan Teaching Hospital
December 18 (infomongolia.com) Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, Mr. Lundeg PUREVSUREN and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Mongolia, Mr. Takenori Shimizu have signed a Note to Exchange between the Governments of Mongolia and Japan at the Ministry in Ulaanbaatar on December 17, 2014.
The Exchange Note is to implement Projects on “Establishing Mongolia-Japan Teaching Hospital and Developing Complete Blueprint of the Hospital” with grant aid of 2.2 billion MNT as well as providing non-project aid of 3.1 billion MNT by the Government of Japan.
In the scope of launching the Mongolia-Japan Teaching Hospital, it will provide Mongolians with an access to high standard medical service with highly skilled personnel and the project is expected to be an important move within the framework of Mongolian Government healthcare system reform.
The 3.1 billion MNT grant aid provided by the Government of Japan is a part of non-project aids that has been a highly valued contribution for Mongolia to overcome difficulties since the transition to a market economy, to improve economic structures and targeted to reduction of foreign trade deficit.
In this regard, the 3.1 billion MNT will be spent to purchase necessary equipment for the School of Industrial Technology affiliated Mongolian University of Science and Technology featuring Japanese KOSEN style.

"Glass Account" Law to Come into Force in 2015
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, December 18 (MONTSAME) A fortnight left until this law preparation to complete. It will come into force in January 1 of 2015, said the head of Cabinet Secretariat S.Bayartsogt Thursday during a discussion at the State house.
At an anticipation of the upcoming enforcement, the discussion was held to provide guidance for the law implementing organizations, their leaders and finance officials.
Some five thousand budget managers of state ministries, agencies, kindergartens and schools of cities and localities, also 360 entities, including those with involvements of the State and local administrations, state-run industries along with others who conduct projects activities on the State Budget investing of more than MNT 10 million, will be obliged to disclose to the public in timely manner the list of information reflected in the law, said S.Bayartsogt. He also reminded that the organizations to implement this law will take a responsibility to openly inform the budget plans, its performance, implementation and reporting, and to deliver such information through website and bulletin boards. According to Ts.Jadamba, the head of Information Technology, Post and Communications Department, the "Glass account" website has been designed to be simple and comprehensible for all--the state servants, accountants, related officials, and ordinary people. The general website will become operational this December 25.

Mongolian Bankers' Association Announces Management
Changes
December 18 (infomongolia.com) On December 16, 2014, the IX Plenary Session of Mongolian Bankers' Association (MBA) was held at its meeting hall, where one of the issues resolved was making changes in the MBA leadership.
According to local regulations, the MBA renews its management every two years with additional extension for 1 year and current President’s term of duty is ending this year being chaired by Mr. Magvan BOLD, Executive Director of Khas Bank (XacBank).
At the plenary session, members of MBA elected Mr. Onon ORKHON, First Deputy CEO of Trade and Development Bank (TDB) as the next President of MBA.
Moreover, the Mongolian Bankers' Association has three Vice Presidents and during the session, members have elected its two new Vice Presidents due to term endings.
The elected MBA Vice Presidents are Mr. Davaakhuu TUMURKHUU, Executive Director of Arig Bank (former Erel Bank) and Mr. Byadran LKHAGVASUREN, Executive Director of Deposit Insurance Corporation.
The preceding two Vice Presidents are CEO of TDM B.Medree and Director of Risk Management Committee of Golomt Bank M.Chingun, besides CEO of Khan Bank, Mr. Norihiko Kato is the third Vice President of MBA.
Related:

Partnership Meeting on Garbage Management Approaching
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, December 18 (MONTSAME) A partnership meeting titled "Cooperation and participation of sides" will be held December 19 at the UN Office in Ulaanbaatar.
It will be co-organized by Mongolia’s Ministry of Environment, Green Development and Tourism, the Mayor’s Office of Ulaanbaatar, the UNDP and the "Technoj" business incubation center within the "Turning garbage into gold" project co-realized by the UNDP and the business incubation center.
The meeting’s main objective is to have NGOs, state and international organizations, civil society, the private sector and the discuss how to attract people to the garbage management and to keep clean environment by recycling a waste. It will also aims to consider matters such as making vulnerable strata able to produce new kinds of goods, augmenting their income, supporting initiatives on encouraging people to produce things, rendering policy, financial and technological support to them, creating a network supplying recyclable garbage, and others.
Opening remarks will be made by Ms Sezin Sinanoglu, the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia; B.Tulga, the Vice Minister of Environment, Green Development and Tourism; and Ts.Buyandalai, Deputy Mayor of Ulaanbaatar in charge of employment and social welfare affairs. A manager of the “Turning garbage into gold” project Kh.Dorjkhand will give a report on the project’s introduction, actions and outcomes. Other reports will be delivered by G.Galaaridii, a director of the “Technoj” business incubation center; S.Ariguun, a chief expert on waste management at the Mayor’s Office; B.Sarantuya, an expert on reserve of clean water and environment protection at the Ministry of Environment; and E.Ganzorig, a manager of the National Union of Garbage Recycling.
During the meeting, a fair of products made of recycled garbage will be mounted. 

ADB Loan to Help Mongolia Overhaul TVET to Develop Skilled Workforce
ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA, December 17 (ADB) – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a concessional loan of $25 million to help Mongolia promote jobs through an overhaul of its technical and vocational education and training (TVET) system in three priority sectors—agriculture, construction, and road and transportation.
“Employers in these priority sectors face a shortage of skilled workers while the workforce is unable to take full advantage of opportunities created by investments in areas such as building, road and railway construction, and modern technology in agricultural production and processing,” said Asako Maruyama, an ADB Education Specialist. “The project will support the government’s reform initiatives in TVET and secondary education to better prepare the country’s labor force.”
The rapid growth of the Mongolian economy in recent years has changed the employment structure and demand for skills. The three priority sectors generated almost 46% of employment in 2012, but the supply of skills has not responded flexibly to labor market demand. As a result, only about 56% of TVET graduates found jobs in 2012, while national unemployment was running at 8.2%. The unemployment rate among youths aged 20-24 exceeded 17% in 2012.
The project—in collaboration with employers and industry and professional associations—will support the establishment of an industry-driven TVET system in the three priority sectors. Among the planned activities, the project will support sector subcouncils, industry and professional associations, and employers in setting standards for TVET programs and courses, establish accredited assessment and certification centers, upgrade training equipment and facilities for at least 20 TVET providers, and strengthen industry partnerships with selected TVET providers.
It will also establish training systems for TVET managers and teachers and 30 independent senior secondary schools which will offer occupation-oriented technology elective courses; and develop a credit transfer system between senior secondary education, tertiary education, and TVET.
The project will directly benefit young students who generally come from poorer families and adult students who are unemployed or looking for better job opportunities in selected TVET institutions. It will also provide all 8th and 9th grade students—almost 100,000—in junior secondary schools with career information to help them make informed choices between TVET programs and senior secondary education.
ADB’s loan comes from its concessional Asian Development Fund, carrying a 25-year term, including a grace period of 5 years, and an interest rate of 2.0%. The Government of Mongolia will provide counterpart financing of $3.59 million.
ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members—48 from the region. In 2013, ADB assistance totaled $21.0 billion, including cofinancing of $6.6 billion.

Tourism Sector to Mark Its Anniversary
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, December 18 (MONTSAME) Mongolia’s tourism sector turns 60 this December 19. The Bureau for Tourist Services was established in 1954 as the foundation of the sector.
In the 1990’s, the sector was privatized and this made it develop faster. In 1995, the Government approved Basic Guidelines for tourism development for 1995-2005, in 2000, parliament adopted the law on tourism. In the outcome of consistent efforts by this sector during the transition to democracy and free market economy, the tourism and hospitality services expanded into many spheres and developed rapidly through improving foreign advertisements and legal environment.
Mongolia faces a necessity to advertize its tourism industry, to improve the quality and range of services, to prepare professionals, and to refine the legal environment. In the frames of such demands, the Government is pursuing a task to develop the draft new version of the Law on Tourism and a national program on development of tourism, and to present them to parliament.

Former USCA standout Brown to play in Mongolia
December 17 (aikenstandard.com) Former USC Aiken men’s basketball standout Alvin Brown will begin his international career in Mongolia with the Erdene Drilling Rigs of the National Super League. Brown left Sunday evening for his new team.
During his time with the Pacers, Brown was twice named the Peach Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year. A key part of last year’s team that had a school-record 33 wins and a Final Four appearance, Brown led Division II with 4.11 blocks per game.
Brown tied the Elite Eight record for blocks in a game when he stuffed eight in the victory over Chico State. For the season, he swatted 144 shots, reaching double figures in wins over P.R.-Mayaguez and Young Harris. He blocked five or more shots 12 times during his senior season. Brown was named to the NCAA Southeast Region all-tournament team.
When he begins playing for the Rigs, it will be his fourth team during his rookie campaign.
“It has been a journey. There have been ups and downs, but I’m staying focused. I’ve learned so much from every place that I’ve been,” Brown said. “I’m going to give it my all. The Rigs were looking for a defensive big man and I feel that I fit what they are looking for.”

Ichinojo fights to lose weight
December 18 (news.mn) Mongolian sumo wrestler Ichinojo Inchinnorov, who was bumped up to the rank of sekiwake after debuting in the elite makuuchi division, now fights to lose weight.
Sumo experts and his master believes that if he loses some weight, he will see dramatic improvement in his performance and skill.
The 199 kg monster Ichinojo now wants to reach 185-190 kg and is running and training hard.
Japanese media says that Ichinojo is wrestling against his weight not a rival.

Government of Mongolia Undertakes Selection Process of Strategic Investor to Develop Tavan Tolgoi Coal Deposit
December 18 (infomongolia.com) A working group meeting to organize a tender on selecting investor as partner to develop Tavan Tolgoi coal deposit and establishing contracts with winning party was held in Ulaanbaatar on December 17, 2014.
To set up such working group was obliged under Prime Minister’s Decree No.135/2014 and accordingly, the meeting was chaired by Minister of Mongolia M.Enkhsaikhan, where Finance Minister J.Erdenebat, Mining Minister R.Jigjid, State Secretary at the Ministry of Environment, Green Development and Tourism J.Batbold, State Secretary at the Ministry of Justice J.Bayartsetseg and Executive Director of Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi JSC Ya.Batsuuri have attended as members of the working group.
Under the Decree, a sub-working group had also been established that has been working with representatives from affiliated state and private entities as well as state-owned companies.
The above two groups will be continuing to accomplish the “Selecting Strategic Investor as Partner for the Tavan Tolgoi Deposit” under Decree No.268/2014, which earlier announced and ratified by Government and Parliament Resolutions back in 2010.
According to criteria, six companies had claimed, but five firms have submitted their bids to develop the giant Tavan Tolgoi deposit on December 01, 2014.
These five strategic investors are:
- A Consortium comprised of China Shenhua Energy Co., Ltd., Japan's Sumitomo Corporation and Energy Resources LLC
- Peabody Energy Corporation
- A Consortium comprised of Itochu and Sojitz Corporations
- Mitsui Group
- Tavan Tolgoi JSC
Following the estimation of technical and financial evaluations, the Government of Mongolia will be starting to establish an Agreement with winning-bidder to develop the Tavan Tolgoi.
Currently, the “Shenhua Energy, Sumitomo and Energy Resources” Consortium and Peabody Energy Corporation have overcome the technical thresholds and the working group obliged its sub-group to open the financial offers of these two bidders.

World Press Freedom Index 2014: Mongolia
December 18 (infomongolia.com) The press freedom index that Reporters Without Borders publishes every year measures the level of freedom of information in 180 countries. It reflects the degree of freedom that journalists, news organizations and netizens enjoy in each country, and the efforts made by the authorities to respect and ensure respect for this freedom.
It is based partly on a questionnaire that is sent to partner organizations (18 freedom of expression NGOs located in all five continents), to the network of 150 correspondents, and to journalists, researchers, jurists and human rights activists.
The 180 countries ranked in this year’s index are those for which Reporters Without Borders received completed questionnaires from various sources.
The questions consider six general criteria including Pluralism, Media Independence, Environment and Self-censorship, Legislative Framework, Transparency and Infrastructure. Using a system of weighting for each possible response, countries are given a score of between 0 and 100 for each of the six overall criteria.
The 2014 World Press Freedom Index spotlights the negative impact of conflicts on freedom of information and its protagonists.
The ranking of some countries has also been affected by a tendency to interpret national security needs in an overly broad and abusive manner to the detriment of the right to inform and be informed. This trend constitutes a growing threat worldwide and is even endangering freedom of information in countries regarded as democracies.
Finland tops the index for the fourth year running, closely followed by Netherlands and Norway, like last year. At the other end of the index, the last three positions are again held by Turkmenistan, North Korea and Eritrea, three countries where freedom of information is non-existent.
As of Mongolia, the country stands at the 88th place and compare to 2013 Index, Mongolia scaled up 10 places.

FM meets Kuwaiti Ambassador
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, December 18 (MONTSAME) The Foreign Minister L.Purevsuren received Kuwaiti Ambassador to Mongolia Mr Khaled Al-Fadhli on December 17.
The sides talked about the means of developing bilateral cooperation in all domains and activating functions of joint Ministerial committees. The meeting also shed light on current global issues and common interests.
The Mongolian Minister expressed an appreciation to an invitation by First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah to visit the State of Kuwait in the foreseeable future.

Secretary-General’s Message for 2014
December 18 (un.org) On International Migrants Day, we call for the fulfilment and protection of the human rights of the world’s 232 million migrants.
Far too many migrants live and work in precarious and unjust conditions.  Many risk their lives at sea, attempting to seek sanctuary. They and their children are extremely vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Many are deprived of their liberty, rather than met with empathy and necessary protection.  Persistent discrimination against migrants generates sharp inequalities, threatens the social fabric and, all too often, leads to violent and deadly attacks.

The post-2015 development agenda offers an opportunity to ensure that the needs of the poorest and most marginalized are made a priority. To meet the new framework’s core objective of ‘leaving no one behind’, we must devote greater attention to the precarious situation of the world’s migrants.
I call on all States to ratify and implement all core international human rights instruments, including the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of their Families, as well as relevant instruments of international labour law. I also urge States to adopt comprehensive and human rights-based migration policies that promote legal migration channels.
Accurate data is essential if States are to include migrants in their development strategies and enable them to contribute their skills and experiences to the advancement of their societies. Migration policies must be evidence-based, rather than rooted in xenophobia and misperceptions.  
On International Migrants Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to shape diverse and open societies that provide opportunities and lives of dignity for all migrants.

Stock Exchange news for December 18
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, December 18 (MONTSAME) At the Stock Exchange trades on Thursday, a total of 4,900 thousand units of 10 JSCs were traded costing MNT 815 thousand and 057.
"Khokh gan” /2,900 thousand units/, “Genco tour bureau” /1,556 units/, “Merex” /200 units/, “Hai Bi Oil” /147 units/ and "APU” /58 units/ were the most actively traded in terms of trading volume, in terms of trading value were "Khokh gan” (MNT 278 thousand and 400), "APU” (MNT 243 thousand and 600), “Genco tour bureau” (MNT 130 thousand and 704), “Hai Bi Oil” (MNT 83 thousand and 850) and "Makh impex” (MNT 26 thousand and 243).
The total market capitalization was set at MNT one trillion 463 billion 773 million 398 thousand and 366. The Index of Top-20 JSCs was 15,264.58, increasing 669.68 units or 4.59% against the previous day.

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