Mongolia Brief March 31, 2014



No Medals from Judo Grand Prix, Samsun 2014
March 31 (infomongolia.com) Mongolian 14 judokas have participated in the Judo Grand Prix, Samsun 2014 that took place in Turkey on March 28-30, 2014.

Mongolian judo team competed in the Women’s three and Men’s five weight divisions, but unfortunately nobody won a medal and the highest successful result was placing in the fifth place by D.Altansukh in the Men’s 66 kg, he was defeated in the Bronze medal contest to Brazilian wrestler Charles Chinaba.
The Judo Grand Prix, Samsun 2014 by overall score was led by German team with 4 Gold, 4 Silver and 4 Bronze, followed by France (3+1+4) and Russia (2+1+2).
Final Results for Men’s 66 kg
1. LAROSE, David (FRA)
2. KORVAL, Loic (FRA)
3. CHIBANA, Charles (BRA)
3. OATES, Colin (GBR)
5. Dovdon ALTANSUKH (MGL)
5. SANDAL, Sinan (TUR)
7. HAGYO, Gabor (HUN)
7. TATARASHVILI, Tornike (GEO)
Fifth place by D.Altansukh in the Men’s 66 kg (blue)


Cabinet Meeting in Brief
Ulaanbaatar, March 30 (MONTSAME) At its regular meeting on Friday, the cabinet decided to submit to parliament a draft resolution on a state policy on education. This is an alteration of the state policy on education which was passed in 1995, and it reflects a long-time policy and directions that meet a present time’s needs and requirements.
- The cabinet decided to submit to parliament a draft new wording of the law on crime and other related amendments. The new wording amends 69 contents that aim to make clear some norms and correct some non-understandable terms.
- The cabinet discussed a draft new wording of the law on combating violence in families and draft amendments to some related laws, and then decided to submit them to parliament. Adopted in 2004, the law is required to be amended because it neglects a procedure of protecting the security of victims and their family members and makes it trouble to properly tackle this kind of crime.
- The cabinet decided to submit to parliament a draft amendment to the law on criminal procedure. The cabinet also discussed a bill on Mongolian language initiated by M.Batchimeg MP and other parliamentarians, and then decided to convey proposals and conclusion on the bill to the draft initiators. Related Ministers have put forward 11 principal proposals to the bill.
- In accordance with a cabinet decision, money will be allotted from the package of the Minister of Culture, Sport and Tourism for events of the Mongolia-China cultural week in frames of the 65th anniversary of the Mongolia-China diplomatic relations and the 20th anniversary of the Treaty on Friendly Relations and Cooperation.


Mongolia to Act as Co-Founder of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
March 31 (infomongolia.com) The regular Cabinet meeting of the Government of Mongolia was held on March 28, 2014, where one of the issues revised was to accept the proposal of the Government of China to participate in the creation of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) as Founder.
The initiation to create the AIIB was announced by the President of the PR of China Xi Jinping just before the October 2013 APEC meeting in Bali that aims to promote the economic integration of Asia Pacific and provide financial support for infrastructure construction in developing countries in Asia.
In order to create the Bank some developing economies in Asia such as Mongolia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were invited to act as co-founders of the Bank and the Government of Mongolia at its Friday Cabinet meeting resolved to accept the proposal, where Mongolia’s Minister of Finance Ch.Ulaan is entrusted to submit relevant documents for further steps of approval.
According to the OECD estimation made in 2011, it was calculated the global infrastructure requirements over the next two decades would cost around 50 trillion USD and the Asian Development Bank estimates that developing Asian economies need to invest 8 trillion USD from 2010 to 2020, just to keep pace with expected infrastructure needs.
In October 2013, the Government of China proposed setting up an Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and if it happens the benefits could be enormous for everyone and in time the impact could be greater than both the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.
Related:


“Monitoring, Responsibility and Implementation” Meeting Runs
Ulaanbaatar, March 30 (MONTSAME) The “Monitoring, responsibility and implementation” monthly online meeting was held Friday.
It was chaired by D.Tsogt-Ochir, first deputy head of the Cabinet Secretariat for Government.
The participants reported that the governmental service machine (GSM) has launched to register applicants to book apartments in the “Buyant-Ukhaa” apartment town. It managed to abolish a long queue of the applicants and other problems.
The cabinet for reforms has resolved a capital of MNT 1.2 billion for buying medical facilities and equipment to do liver transplantation surgeries. Thus, the liver transplantation team at the #1 Central Hospital has successfully performed 12 such surgeries so far together with doctors of the S.Korean “Asan” medical center.
D.Tsogt-Ochir emphasized that the procurement actions must be done urgently. By March 25 of this year, plans and budgets of 38.6%of 127 projects and measures have not been conveyed from Ministries, and these projects shall be realized by the Procurement Agency.
It was reported that constructions works and road works will be launched from April. So, the related Ministries and organizations must take urgent measures for these works.



IT Specialists Convene
Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) A meeting of information technology (IT) specialists working in public organizations was held at the State Residence last Friday.
Organizers of the event were Information Technology, Post and Communication Authority and National Data Center.
Attending the meeting, the Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag noted that introduction of the advanced technological solutions in public services has been improving service accesses to the public. Confident that this meeting would be effective in reaching a clear understanding about development of e-governance, the Prime Minister pointed out a need to study experiences of countries such as Georgia, Estonia and South Korea, who have greatly adapted electronic governance.
Having introduced some know-how in public services, such as ‘11 11’ Center, public service e-machines and non-cash traffic fee system, the Government for Reforms has been paying a special attention to development of e-governance aimed at improved communal services, Mr Altankhuyag noted.


Consultation Meeting Runs
Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) A consultation meeting named “Law reform program and development partnership in legal sector” ran successfully here on last Friday.
The meeting was organized by the Foreign relations department of the Public administration and management office at the Justice Ministry.
Addressing the meeting, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Justice J.Bayartsetseg spoke about law reform program, before the Justice Minister Kh.Temuujin gave information on the present situation and further prospect of reform actions in this sector.
After this, the gathered received answers for their concerns from related officials.
The action brought together delegates from more than 20 organizations of 15 countries and staffers of international organizations in Mongolia.


Speaker in Ovorkhangai
Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) Last Friday, the Speaker of parliament Z.Enkhbold and accompanied him officials got au fait with a farm of “Alpine” goat in Arvaikheer soum, Ovorkhangai aimag, within his local tour.
This farm brought these 202 heads of “Alpine” goats from France in last year’s June for testing to breed them in Mongolia. As of today, 80% of the animals have been inseminated, the farm’s owner J.Davaasuren said.
The “Alpine” goats are fed on pasture lands in summer and autumn, whereas they are kept in warm places in winter and spring times. They need special care, and give 3-5 liters of milk, an expert of the Animal Husbandry and Scientific Institute B.Beisin emphasized.
At an initiative of the Speaker, an innovation project on improving animal breeds and genetics has launched in Ovorkhangai aimag’s 19 soums. In frames of the project, animals of some selected breeds have been brought.
The same day, the Speaker legged a cattle farm owned by the “Arvaimilk” company in Ovorkhangai.
By the livestock census of end of 2013, Ovorkhangai aimag counted 3 million and 486 thousand heads of livestock in 17 thousand and 595 families, of which 1541.3 thousand sheep, 1574.1 thousand goats, 144.9 thousand cows and 19.7 thousand camels.  


Stock Exchange Weekly Review
Ulaanbaatar, March 30 (MONTSAME) Five stock trades were held at Mongolia's Stock Exchange March 24-28, 2014.
In overall, 197 thousand and 079 shares were sold of 49 joint-stock companies totaling MNT 273 million 104 thousand and 454.49.
"Sor” /75 thousand and 352 units/, "Remikon" /48 thousand and 354 units/, "Hai Bi Oil" /23 thousand and 852 units/, "Hermes center” /17 thousand and 012 units/ and "Genco tour bureau" /6,072 units/ were the most actively traded in terms of trading volume, in terms of trading value--"Sor" (MNT 148 million 217 thousand and 319), "Darkhan nekhii" (MNT 28 million 936 thousand and 670), "Tavantolgoi" /MNT 21 million 843 thousand and 165/, "Gutal " /MNT 13 million 558 thousand and 650.00/ and "Gobi" (MNT eight million 398 thousand and 385).


‘11 11’ Center Reports
Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) Last week, the ’11 11’ Center of the Government received about a thousand complaints, requests and gratitude.
Responding to a question on tax refunds, the Taxation General Authority said that tax returns will begin to get allocated within this March once the Capital city Taxation Agency finishes revising over documents submitted on the matter.
Answering questions on stocked meat sales, the Industry and Agriculture Ministry said that over 10% of the meat stocked has been sold as March 26, in 350 places permitted to conduct such sale in the capital city. Expanded sale is taking place in larger trade centers such as Khuchit Shonkhor and Narantuul-2 every day.


Mongolian Order for German Track Fasteners
Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) According to news published on machinery-market.co.uk on March 28, Vossloh Fastening Systems GmbH, of Germany, has won a contract from Samsung C&T Engineering and Construction Mongolia to supply its MNG 30 fastening system for a new heavy-haul railway line in the landlocked central Asian country.
The first consignment of fasteners, which will be manufactured in Werdohl, will be shipped by the end of the month, according to Vossloh; the contract will be completed in the first half of 2015. The MNG fasteners are a modification of the firm's W30HH type, used with concrete sleepers on ballasted tracks.
Vossloh says that the MNG 30s are suited for handling the coal shipments on the line, which will run from mines at Tavan Tolgoi to Gashuun Sukhait on the Chinese border. They have also been adapted to cope with Mongolia's harsh climate and the challenging soil conditions on the line, which runs through the Gobi desert.
Mongolian State Railways (MTZ) says that it expects freight traffic to almost double on its 1,815km network by 2020, after volumes reached record levels in 2013. MTZ carried 21 million tonnes of freight last year; it forecasts that volumes will increase to 34 million tonnes next year and reach 45 million tonnes in 2020. MTZ is a joint venture between Russian Railways and the Mongolian government. The company was created in 2008 under reforms that aimed to bring private-sector investment to the country's railways.


Earthquake Early Warning System Tested
Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) tested a new earthquake early warning system in Ulaanbaatar last Thursday.
Emergency officers set off sirens Thursday afternoon to instruct city residents on protection and minimization of possible earthquake disaster and casualties. NEMA had conducted this kind of test twice before.
Mongolia’s earthquake warning system was upgraded three months ago under the Government’s “Establishing Earthquake Warning System” project of 11.6 billion togrog. With the assistance of South Korea, Mongolia made upgrades and built forty new siren towers on roofs of tall buildings in the capital city for sooner reports of the earthquake disaster.
The testing on Saturday was especially effective as it proved the siren towers fully operational.
The training takes place in the fourth week of March of every year to check the readiness of disaster warning systems and people’s awareness on earthquake and other disasters.


Mongolian Economy Website Partners with Dow Jones
Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) Dow Jones & Company, a 130-year-old American publishing and financial information firm, has offered to partner with Mongolian Economy, said mongolianeconomy.mn last Saturday.
From this point on, stories published in English by Mongolian Economy and MongolianEconomy.mn will be provided to Dow Jones Factiva readers.
Mongolian Economy has signed an agreement of partnership with Dow Jones Factiva where Mongolian Economy agrees to provide them with content on Mongolia to be brought to readers of Dow Jones Factiva around the world.
Dow Jones sought out a professional media partner to provide economic updates on the country because of the world because of the attention Mongolia and its economy have received. Their choice was Mongolian Economy because of our comprehensive research and reporting on Mongolia’s economy, business and society.
Factiva is a business intelligence tool with a vast array of global news, business information and analysis from newspapers, magazines, newswires, trade publications, websites, blogs, and curated social media.
In 2007, Dow Jones acquired Factiva to extend the company’s suite of powerful business-to-business products. Factiva products provide access to more than 36,000 sources (such as newspapers, journals, magazines, television and radio transcripts, and photos) from almost 200 countries in 28 languages, including more than 600 continuously updated newswires. 

International Fashion House Might Launch in Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) As booming fashion chain Karen Millen heads up-market with new stores for New York’s Fifth Avenue and London’s Knightsbridge, it comes as a surprise to hear chief executive Mike Shearwood also talk enthusiastically about a launch in Ulaanbaatar.
A Britain-based website thisismoney.co.uk reported about it on last Sunday.
It seems an odd choice, but Shearwood is convinced the newly wealthy women of Asia are a key market. ‘I had no idea where Ulaanbaatar was until one of my team came up with a proposal to open a shop there,’ he admits. But he believes Mongolia fits well with the strategy of targeting the world’s shopping elite.
‘In emerging markets there are a growing number of independent women with access to money – and they want to wear brands like ours.  In any country with natural resources in abundance, there’s newly generated wealth,’ he says.
The edge of the Gobi Desert marks an extraordinary new direction in the history of Karen Millen, but it is a firm that has never failed to beat the odds. Its founders, Karen Millen and Kevin Stanford, set up the firm in 1981 with a loan of just £100, selling shirts to friends. A shop in Maidstone, Kent, followed and in 20 years it had become a household name.
‘We chose the location to represent us in the UK as it is heavily shopped by international customers. They come here and want to see the true evocation of the brand and we’ve never really been able to give them that until now,’ Shearwood says.
‘We probably have too many locations to retain the level of exclusivity we desire. So we’ll look to slowly reduce that and get a balance between shops and online,’ he says. But he insists the new flagship stores are not just about prestige.
‘We’re not in a position to have vanity stores. Our pockets aren’t deep enough. They all have to work and they all have to make money.’
Including the one in Ulaanbaatar.


Metropolitan Fine Arts & Antiques Announces Display of Mongolian Bronze Swords
Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) Metropolitan Fine Arts & Antiques has announced the immediate display of Mongolian Bronze Swords, reported news on prweb.com website, March 28.
The swords will be included as a part of W 57th Metro Antiques' European Collection, a vast array of items from various time periods and locations throughout Europe.
The swords are quite unique and each one features intricate designs throughout, though the scabbards are handles are often the most decorative components of the pieces. While there are several different types of swords on display as a part of this collection, the swords themselves are Mongolian and feature many Mongolian design elements throughout.
"We are very excited about all of the pieces in this collection, particularly the Mongolian Bronze Swords," said Irving Morano of Metro Antiques West 57th Street. "Here at Metro Antiques NYC, it is a specific goal of ours to make sure that we offer a variety of historically significant pieces both for display and for sale. We feel that the many pieces within this European collection accomplish that, as there is a great deal of variety in our displays."
Metro Fine Arts & Antiques not only displays items, they also offer a number of items for sale, including Oriental and European jade, both of which are experiencing high levels of demand on the current market. Additionally, Metropolitan Antiques & Gems W 57th Street carries a full line of jewelry, along with a complete line of antique furniture, French hand-cut Lalique, Baccarat Crystal and a number of one-of-a-kind items.
"It is important to us that we present the finest antiques available on the market today to our wonderful clients," said Samuel Morano of Metro Antiques. "57th Street Antiques has long strived to make sure that our clients can view and purchase a full range of antiquities from many different time periods and geographic locations."
The company has become known for their emphasis on variety, yet the quality of their collections has never wavered. As a result, the metropolitan antiques store has developed an excellent reputation throughout the industry, a reflection of their many efforts in presenting the most exquisite collections.


Disabled people to learn how to drive
March 31 (news.mn) Having a medical condition or disability does not necessarily mean you cannot or will not be allowed to drive. Driving courses have been opened to disabled people in Ulaanbaatar City, Darkhan-Uul, Orkhon provinces for the first time in Mongolia on the initiation of the Center for Protecting the Rights of Disabled People Mongolia. 
Due to the lack of rules in law and facilities for disabled people, people with disabilities are still not able to take driving courses. There was no rule related to people with disabilities in traffic regulations except articles that allow disabled people access to driving courses even if they are visibly impaired but can recognize colors. People with speech and hearing impairments can access driving courses under the guidance of a sign language teacher. 
Therefore the Centre for Protecting the Rights of Disabled People Mongolia decided to act to seek a solution for the disabled to learn to drive according to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The proposal was successfully supported during an experts board meeting of the Traffic Police of the Metropolitan Police. A petition for permission to conduct driving courses for the people with disabilities was submitted to the Ministry of Education and Science. In July 2013, new amendments were made into Traffic regulations that allows the disabled to conduct driving courses by a vehicle equipped with a wheel on the right side and an automatic gear box. 
No employability is outlined in the rules but people with disabilities can learn to drive when their physical and mental abilities have been determined based on a summary by medical experts. 
However intellectually disabled people and blind people are not able to take a driving course. 


Government of Mongolia Releases List of Important Objects under Police Protection
March 31 (infomongolia.com) At the Cabinet meeting held on March 28, 2014, it was renewed the list of important objects that require police protection in case of attack that may affect negatively to public safety. The new list of important objects under police protection is effective from April 01, 2014.
These facilities are classified into three groups - First or “A” class, protected 24/7 under police management and budget; Second, protected under contract by police or securities, which means object owner or roomer will pay the service and the Third, some objects will be protected by police in case of emergency or in urgent situation.
According to new decision, some facilities were removed from the list of the “A” Class protection and moved to the second to be protected under contracts with security organizations such as the Headquarter of Mongolian National Broadcaster, Mongolian Stock Exchange, Montsame Agency, General Department of Taxation and Mongolian Immigration Office. In case of a conflict, these objects will be able to cooperate with police.
Moreover, some objects such as Erdenet Corporation, Gunpowder & Explosive Factory and Warehouse, “Altanbulag” and “Tsagaan Nuur” (Tsagaannuur) Free Trade Zones being protected by domestic military contractors were also removed from “A” Class to the second, further will be protecting under contracts with the police.
Related:


April Fools' Day to Be Celebrated with “The Best of Comedy” Festival
March 31 (infomongolia.com) Mongolian top comedy theatres and productions celebrate biennial "The Best of Comedy" Festival since 2012 and the second festival dedicated to April First or April Fools' Day is scheduled to take place at the Central Cultural Palace in Ulaanbaatar on April 01-02, 2014.
At the comedian performance that will be lasting over 5 hours of a single entertain will be attended by Shine Uye Production, Mask Production, X-Tuts Production, Emotion, Ungut Ineed Entertainment, TV-Cocktail and Dream Theatre.
Organizers are pledging to stage their best pieces and a ticket costs between 35 and 40 thousand MNT (Tugrug), depending on a seat location.
Related:


JETRO and MNCCI agreed to Collaborate on Accelerating Intergovernmental Agreement of Free Trade between Japan and Mongolia
March 31 (infomongolia.com) On March 31, 2014, Chairman of Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), Parliamentarian S.Demberel received in his office in Ulaanbaatar the newly appointed Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) country officer in Bejing Mr. Yoshihisa Tawata.
During the meeting, parties discussed the partnership expanding issued and negotiated to collaborate in the following spheres:
- In the frameworks of accelerating the intergovernmental agreement of free trade between the Japan and Mongolia, JETRO and MNCCI are to conduct a joint training and seminar on studying Japan’s and other nations’ experience on free trade.
- JETRO to assist on Product Development Program on selecting appropriate export product.
- To organize reciprocal joint exhibition.
- JETRO to support MNCCI organizing partnership development with Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
- MNCCI will release all supporting information in Japanese language from the second quarter of 2014 that would helpful to exchanging information and broadening cooperation between JETRO and MNCCI.
Related:
MNCCI and JETRO to collaborateMontsame, March 31
13th National Report on Human Rights and Freedom in Mongolia Submitted
Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) Head of the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) J.Byambadorj Monday submitted to M.Enkhbold, a Vice Speaker of parliament the 13th national report on human rights and freedom in Mongolia.
The annual report focuses on making reforms at a policy level with aims to attract attention of the State Great Khural, government, their associated bodies and public organizations to urgent problems on human rights, to stop human rights violations and to improve realization of human rights.
Since its establishment, the NCHR has been presenting the report to parliament. This year’s report reflects safety at the construction sector, forced labour, rights of being employed, some matters of women’s and children’s rights within family violence, and gender equality.


Consultative meeting between Mongolia and Lithuania
March 31 (news.mn) A consultative meeting was held between Mongolia and the Republic of Lithuania in Vilnius on March 28th chaired by the Deputy Foreign Minister D.Gankhuyag.
At the consultative meeting, parties exchanged views on reciprocally raised issues of bilateral cooperation on politics, economy, education, culture, and science as well as regional and global issues. 
The two sides also agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation to ease mutual visa requirements, in particular to exempt holders of diplomatic and official passports from visas, and collaborate on road and transport as well as in sports in the scope of intensifying bilateral relations. 
Parties also emphasized the importance of collaborating in the agricultural sector that would contribute much for both economies of Mongolia and Lithuania, by exchanging officials, sending representatives for exhibition and forums that would boost bilateral relations encourage the private sectors participation. 
During the meeting Deputy Foreign Minister D.Gankhuyag met Lithuania"s Deputy Transport and Communications Minister Arijandas Sliupas to exchange views on Mongolia-Lithuania transport development and collaboration opportunities in the field.  
At the meeting an invitation for Mongolia to the International Transport Ministers forum scheduled in Vilnius Lithuania on June was also given. 
Both sides agreed to seek mutual cooperation in the scope of Mongolia`s President Ts.Elbegdorj`s initiative “From Big Government to Smart Government”.
Related:


City to Cooperate with Center for Civil Registration and Information
Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) The State Center for Civil Registration and Information (SCCRI) and the Capital city Governor's Office have established a cooperation memorandum on Monday.
Signing the memorandum, the parties intend to bring public services closer to citizens and make it more prompt and sufficient.
Under this document, 42 khoroos (the smallest administrative unit in the city) that are connected to united network of the SCCRI will deliver five kinds of registration services to people. A total of 152 khoroos are expected to be connected to this network within this year.


Ch.Saikhanbileg Informs on ‘11 11’ Center
Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) The Chief of Cabinet Secretariat of the Government Ch.Saikhanbileg informed on this year’s first quarter actions of the ’11 11’ Center of the Government.
During last three months, the center has been accessed by ten thousand people, mostly delivering requests (7 thousand 500).
Every Wednesday, the center has been holding online interviews with parliamentarians and government members, enabling direct communication with 36 thousand people.
The requests and complaints mainly focused on health and social services, state registration and capital city development. The center submitted the requests to relevant ministries and agencies, and received answers to most of them (82%).
The Secretariat Chief praised Health Ministry, Finance Ministry, State Registration General Authority and Social Welfare and Services Authority for their timely responses.


Governor Meets with Kazakstan Ambassador
Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) The governor of Orkhon province G.Zorigt Friday met with Mr K.I.Kalybek, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Kazakhstan to Mongolia.
During the meeting, the sides talked about the ways of cooperation, and exchanged opinions on this matter. Governor G.Zorigt informed that a forum on Mongolia-Kazakhstan cooperation is planned to run next month with participation of politicians and business delegation of the the two countries. He said Orkhon province wants to collaborate with Kazakhstan in industry and technology matters.
In response, Ambassador Kalybek underlined that Orkhon-based Kazakh people have become a bridge enabling cooperation between the two countries.


French Delegation of Defense Visits Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) A delegation headed by Brigadier-General Pascal Ausseur, a director of the French Defense Ministry’s Division of Arming for Asia-Pacific Affairs paid a working visit to Mongolia on March 25-27, 2014.
On the first day of the visit, the Mongolia’s Vice Minister of Defense Mr A.Battor received the French delegation. Mr Battor mentioned that the Mongolia-France cooperation has been boosting in the politics, economics and social spheres, and hopes that the visit of Brigadier-General P.Ausseur is an expression of the French side to attach a great importance to the bilateral defense cooperation. He highlighted an importance of seeking all opportunities to expand the cooperation and to closely cooperate in it.
Noting that the countries have finally completed a draft agreement of cooperation between the Ministries of Defense, the Vice Minister hopes the sides will sign it in the nearest future.
In response, Mr Ausseur thanked the Vice Minister for an audience, and briefed about the French Defense Ministry’s Division of Arming and his duties. France is the only country among EU nations to independently carry out this industry, he emphasized and then expressed a willingness to collaborate with Mongolia in it.
After this meeting, the French delegation was received by Brigadier-General M.Khurlee, a department head of the General Headquarters of Mongolian Armed Forces (GHMAF).


Housing Loan Application Total Reached One Trillion Togrog
Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) Since commencing a low-interest housing loan program last June, commercial banks have received loan applications totaling one trillion togrog, said the Mongolbank last Friday.
After a careful consideration over the new requests, the banks decided to grant mortgage totaling 930 billion togrog to 16 thous.715 applicants.
During that time, the banks have also received requests to refinance already awarded housing loans of 845 billion togrog, which were delivered under the Government program to stabilize the mortgage system of the nation. Refunding requests for the loans totaling 499.7 billion from 17 thous.614 citizens have been approved by the commercial banks.


Mongolians at Asian Dinosaurs Symposium
Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) Mongolian scientists participated in International Symposium on Asian Dinosaurs in Japan’s Fukui prefecture on March 21-23.
Mongolians -Dr R.Barsbold and Dr Kh.Tsogtbaatar both from Palaeontological Centre, The Mongolian Academy of Sciences- delivered presentations on ‘Mongolian Carnivore Dinosaurs Oviraptors’ and on ‘the Study of Primitive Hadrosauroid Dinosaur from Mongolia’ at the symposium.
The International Symposium on Asian Dinosaurs, Fukui was organized by Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, Asia Dinosaur Association, and the Dinosaur Research Institute, Fukui Prefectural University in commemoration of the establishment of Asia Dinosaur Association on July 12th, 2013. The symposium focused on dinosaurs and other Mesozoic biota in Asia. Through research presentations, it aimed to provide opportunities of discussions and interactions for those who are interested in dinosaurs and related paleoenvironments and paleoecology.
The next edition of the symposium is planned to run in Thailand in 2015.


Seminar in Stanford to Discuss Health Challenges of Mongolia
Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) Asia-Pacific Research Center of US-based Stanford University is planning to run a seminar to discuss overcoming health issues facing Mongolia on April 9.
Speaker for the seminar will be G.Baigalmaa, who Developing Asia Health Policy Fellow at Stanford University, who joined the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (Shorenstein APARC) during the 2013-2014 academic year, together with Dr N.Dashdorj, Founder and Chairman of Onom Foundation and a 2014 Sloan Fellow at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Average life expectancy in Mongolia is 65 years, much shorter than that of other East Asian countries such as South Korea (78.5 years) and China (72.5 years). Furthermore, healthy life expectancy in Mongolia is even shorter, rendering the situation even more tragic. The World Health Organization estimates that the healthy life expectancy is 53 years for males and 58 years for females.
This colloquium will provide an overview of health in Mongolia and its healthcare system, with expertise from two speakers. First, Dr Baigalimaa, Developing Asia Health Policy Fellow at Shorenstein APARC, will discuss her comparative study of how knowledge of cervical cancer risk factors has influenced behavior changes in Mongolia before and after the introduction of the National Cervical Cancer Program.
Second, Dr. Dashdorj will present on overview of the healthcare initiatives of the Onom Foundation, designed to mitigate excess and premature mortality of Mongolians via knowledge transfer and entrepreneurship. He will report on a March national health policy meeting in Mongolia’s capital and recent strides in health improvement made with the support of the Onom Foundation.


Memoir “Mongol” by Uuganaa Ramsay Tackles Her Experience of Giving Birth to Child with Down's Syndrome
March 31 (infomongolia.com) The launching ceremony for "Mongol" book by Uuganaa Ramsay, a Mongolian national living in Scotland with her spouse and three children, has been held in London on March 25, 2014.
Uuganaa Ramsay is a campaigner against the misuse of the term - Mongol, since her newborn son Billy was diagnosed with a Down’s syndrome and died aged just three months old in February 2010.
In the weeks following Billy’s death, Uuganaa began writing letters to her son, telling him how much he was loved and how much he was missed. These letters led to her starting to write a book in his memory.
Uuganaa first started putting her story down on paper and submitted to Scottish Book Trust project encouraging new writers as part of their Family Legends competition.
Her moving story, Fairytale Hero, was chosen for inclusion in the Scottish Family Legends book and the Memoir “Mongol” became winner of Scottish Asian Women’s Awards with a ceremony held on March 13, 2014.
The reason to write a book is described when a doctor said when Billy had just been diagnosed with Down’s syndrome, “It may not be so obvious that Billy has Down’s because of your ethnic background”.
Further author commented, “Writing this book is about letting people know more about the real Mongolia, its people, family traditions and culture. It’s also about helping the world become a place, where people with disabilities and their loved ones won’t have to hear the word Mongol being used as an insult”.
“It had been considered normal to use the term Mongol from the 1860s to 1960, when the World Health Organization officially dropped all references to the term Mongolism. But here, in 2009, was a doctor showing that such prejudices were still under the surface”, says Uuganaa Ramsay, who love saying, “I won’t change my child for the world, but I want to change the world for my child”.
World Down’s syndrome Day observes annually on March 21st since 2006. 
Uuganaa Ramsay shares 3 facts, only 3 facts for people to remember about Down’s syndrome:
1. Down’s syndrome happens because of the extra chromosome 21 (3 instead of 2)
2. Down’s syndrome is named after British Dr John Langdon Down
3. Down’s syndrome is NOT related to Mongol ethnicity
Related:
"Mongol" Book PublishedMontsame, March 31


Mongolian Rock Band to Attend Asian Music Festival

Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) Mongolian ‘Khurd’ band is planning to take part in Shanghai Music Festival that will kick off on April 28.
Celebrating their 20th anniversary, the band is nowadays in Canada to perform for their fellow country people there. In March, the band toured big cities of USA to deliver live concerts for US-based Mongolians, before heading to neighboring Canada.
The band might also give a concert during Dalai Lama’s visit to India, a local website says. It says that the band has received an invitation to play during the 14th Dalai Lama’s visit to India on October 23.


Minister is visiting Czech Republic

Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) The Minister of Environment and Green Development S.Oyun is paying a visit to the Republic of Czech at an invitation of her counterpart Mr Richard Brabec on March 30- April 2.
During her visit there, Minister S.Oyun is expected to hold meetings with Mr R.Brabec, the Minister of Environment and Mr Ya.Krige, the Vice Minister of Environment.
Accompanying delegates will be also received by Mr R.Bokhnish, a chairman of the Standing Committee of Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament on Environment and other members to exchange views on the matters about relations and cooperation between the two sides.
Our delegation will also witness process of the “Takhi (Przewalski's horse) reintroduction to Mongolia” and other projects being carried out in frames of cooperation program of development.
The Mongolian delegation will also visit a control center for petroleum shipping, storage and pipe line at Forestry Academy and Charles University.


CRKh members in Bagakhangai district trained

Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) Members of the Citizens’ Representative Khural of the city’s Bagakhangai district were involved in a series of trainings on empowering members of Citizens’ Representative Khural (CRKh) and self-governance bodies of localities held last Friday.
Launched from June of 2013, the project on empowering members of Citizens’ Representative Khural (CRKh) aims to improve responsibilities of the local administrations and services, to let work out a national training programme for local self-governance members, and to modify the legal environment of the local self-governance bodies.
A survey has been conducted among the trainees on what contents and themes should be reflected in the training programmes, and majority of them suggested that seven topics--the Constitutional and legal fundamentals of local self-governance bodies, civil participation and communicating with civilians, organizing meetings of the CRKh, the local budgetary and financial management, prevention of corruption, environment and green development, human rights and gender--are vital to promote the duties and responsibilities of the CRKh.
In 2013, the training involved 2,100 members of the CRKh of Khentii, Omnogobi, Tov, Bayankhongor, Bayan-Olgii provinces, the city's Songinokhairkhan, Sukhbaatar and Bayanzurkh districts. From this year, it has been attended by the members of Bulgan, Dornod, Dundgobi, Gobisumber, Gobi-Altai, Ovorkhangai, Zavkhan, Darkhan-Uul, Khovd, Khovsgol, Orkhon, Selenge aimag, the city's Nalaikh, Baganuur, Khan-Uul, Bayangol and Chingeltei districts.


Housing Expo runs

Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) In connection with upcoming construction season, “Coordinate’ advertisement center hold a housing trade fair in Trade Union’s culture center on March 29-30.
The fair was attended by some fifty firms operating in construction, banking and property sectors.
The fair enabled the business people opportunities to advertise their products in four sections of standard, standard high, business and luxury housings, said G.Tumenjargal, director of Coordinate Center.


Mongolian-made bikes to appear in domestic market

Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) A first ever bike factory is to open its door here, in this May.
A founder of the “Nickel Ganba” company G.Dashnyam says that the factory will produce a hundred bikes a day. The bike’s brand name is Zetro and will come in large and small sizes, designed for cycling in the city. The factory is also planning to produce a cycling helmet.
The Cycling Ulaanbaatar project, initiated by the Mongolian Youth Federation, is cooperating with this factory to support domestic manufacturing.


Mongolians at world rifle-pistol cup

Ulaanbaatar, March 31 (MONTSAME) Eight Mongolian shooters are attending ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol in Fort Benning, USA from March 26 to April 3.
Some events have already finished, such as the men’s 10m air rifle, where Mongolian N.Bayaraa placed 20th among 66 and the women’s air pistol event where Ts.Monkhzul of Mongolia came 33rd among 47.
The Cup is attended by some 430 shooters from 53 countries in 10 events.

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