Mongolia Brief April 29, 2014
Press
release: Mongolian University of Science and Technology team wins Robocon
Mongolia 2014
Ulaanbaatar,
Mongolia April 28 (Oyu Tolgoi) - Telecom Mongolia, a team of Mongolian
University of Science and Technology (MUST) students has won the annual competition
to select the team to represent Mongolia in the international “Robocon 2014”
contest. “
Robocon is an
international contest organised among university engineering students who study
robot design. In this year’s national competition, 13 teams from MUST,
Darkhan-Uul aimag Technological school, University of Technology, National
University of Mongolia (NUM), Choir Polytechnical college, Mongolian State
University of Agriculture, and the University of Defense took part. Oyu Tolgoi
LLC was the General sponsor of the competition.
Speaking at the
opening of the competition, G.Agaanorov, general producer of the Robocon
programme and head of the programming department of the Mongolian National
Public Broadcaster said: “We would like to express our gratitude to Oyu Tolgoi,
the leading mining company, which sponsored the Robocon competition. This
supports students and youth to develop their creativity by applying what they
have learned in class to making actual robots and creating real value. I’m
confident that our cooperation will promote prosperity and development and will
contribute significantly to training world-class, future engineers who will
make Mongolia’s name famous all around the world.”
The Asia
Pacific Broadcasting Union, which represents 111 TV stations in around 50 Asian
countries, first organised the Robocon contest in 2001 with the aim to create
friendship among young people with similar interests who will lead their
countries in the 21st century, as well as help advance engineering and
broadcasting technologies in the region.
B.Oyunbat, head
of the “Talst” team from the Polytechnical college of Gobi-Sumber aimag said:
“Our team is taking part in this competition for the first time. We couldn’t
build as good a robot as we wished since we couldn’t find some equipment and
spare parts. However, we gave it our best.”
B.Sukh-Erdene,
head of the “Mongol Robot” team from NUM said: “We have been preparing for this
contest since last fall when the rules of the contest were announced. Our robot
executed all of the tasks. We are a very experienced team, but the other
competitors were very strong too.”
The
Real Economic Situation
April 29
(Mongolian Economy) Politicians have repeatedly stated that the economy was not
in crisis and that livelihoods were still safe. Many people in Mongolia have
not felt the same way, however.
“It has been a
while since the number of customers declined after the traditional celebration
of Tsagaan Sar,” said G. Anar a garment seller at Narantuul Market at 12:00 on
a Tuesday in April. “These days are really something. I’ve never seen customers
be so rare.”
People do not
have as much to spend as they used to, she said. And the lack of business was
having its own toll on those who work at the market.
“After some
months, we won’t be able to pay for the lease, and we have no other option than
to take out a loan,” said Ts. Bayandalai, another salesperson at Narantuul who
pays up to MNT 70,000 a month for her space at the market. “I am worried about
how we can sustain our livelihood for the future.”
Anar and
Bayandalai are just two of the 5,000 booth operators leasing space at
Naranutal, in addition to the 200 pushing carts at the market. Their revenues
have fallen from between MNT 15,000 and MNT 20,000 a day to MNT 5,000 and MNT
10,000 because of the decline in the number of customers. And their stories are
not so unique.
The situation
is better in the parking lot outside the market, where salespeople sell small
goods to incoming travellers. Continued transit in and through the city have
sustained sales, they say, as Narantuul is still the destination where many
vans and trucks drop off passengers.
“Our revenue
has not dropped from MNT 200,000 a day as the prices of our products are from
MNT 20 to MNT 30, which is cheaper compared to Narantuul,” said Kh. Khulan, who
sells food outside the market.
But deliveries to the market are falling too. According to Mendbayar, a truck driver who travels 800 kilometres to Ulaanbaatar from Zavkhan Aimag, he is making half as many deliveries as he did a year ago, travelling once a month rather than twice a month as he used to.
But deliveries to the market are falling too. According to Mendbayar, a truck driver who travels 800 kilometres to Ulaanbaatar from Zavkhan Aimag, he is making half as many deliveries as he did a year ago, travelling once a month rather than twice a month as he used to.
“It has turned
difficult to find customers and I ask my relatives if they have any goods to be
transported,” he said.
Bumbugur market
was nearly empty the same day on April 1, just a few hours after arriving at
Narantuul. Bumbugur’s more central location should make it a more popular
destination, but the depreciation against the Chinese yuan has made clothes and
home appliances too costly for customers here too. Those who sell home
appliances there said that compared with year-long daily income of MNT 150,000
to MNT 200,000, today they are lucky to get MNT 100,000.
“We used to
import goods from China two times a month. But now we do it only once a month
and sometimes we do not do it at all,” said R. Buyan, who sells home appliances
at the market.
Wholesale meat market Khuchit Shonkhor – popular because of the relatively cheaper price for meat and the variety of options – is also seeing goods growing more expensive. Meat prices have seen up to an additional MNT 2,000 a kilogram from the month before.
Wholesale meat market Khuchit Shonkhor – popular because of the relatively cheaper price for meat and the variety of options – is also seeing goods growing more expensive. Meat prices have seen up to an additional MNT 2,000 a kilogram from the month before.
Herders were
asking for more money for their meat, said salespeople, which was being passed
on to the customers. Fodder prices have risen alongside the price of flour in
Mongolia. Herders have grown frustrated with the jump in prices, just as their
livestock are beginning to breed.
Although the
government claimed enough wheat was produced in Mongolia last year to meet domestic
demand, Mongolia still had to import 100,000 tonnes of wheat last September to
prevent any change in price. It was for nought, however, as the prices for
wheat and fodder grew anyway. A package of fodder has doubled in price to MNT
10,000 from previous months.
Taxes at the Border
The same
situation was seen at the Bars market. Bars is a popular market for the sale of
imported fruits and vegetables. Salespersons here, too, are suffering from
fluctuations in the exchange rate, but also because of added tax at the
border.
The prices of
fruits and vegetables increased from MNT 10,000 to MNT 25,000 per box from last
year. For example, the price of a box of bell peppers has grown from MNT 28,000
last year to up to MNT 48,000 this year.
Mongolia’s
customs since last February have enforced a new standard so that the taxes
match exactly with Chinese customs. The prices of fruits in China are still the
same as that of last year, but because the tugrug has depreciated and customs
taxes have grown, fruit stands have had to raise their prices.
According to B.
Baigalmaa, a leaseholder at Bars market, the 5 percent customs tax, 10 percent
value-added tax and 20 percent increase in the prices of fruits because of the
exchange rate depreciation are making it impossible to maintain cheap prices
for produce.
“The customs
tax is being raised much higher,” she said – 80 percent from before the changes
in customs were implemented.
“Politicians are trying to cover the loss of export revenue by increasing import tax. It would obviously lead to the increase in the prices of imported goods. Poverty is expanding because citizens’ wages are not increasing.”
“Politicians are trying to cover the loss of export revenue by increasing import tax. It would obviously lead to the increase in the prices of imported goods. Poverty is expanding because citizens’ wages are not increasing.”
Across town at
Zuun Ail, the arrival of spring is expected to place greater demand on
construction materials. It is another market being ravaged by the exchange
rate. The price for cement mix, for example, had grown from about MNT 8,000 a
packet to MNT 12,000 this year.
The greater
expenses for construction materials and tools have put many construction
projects on hold.
Most of the merchants that operate at Zuun Ail said they use bank loans to fund purchases to stock their shelves. They pay back those loans after they have started selling their goods, but the delays to construction projects will make it harder to repay those loans this year.
Most of the merchants that operate at Zuun Ail said they use bank loans to fund purchases to stock their shelves. They pay back those loans after they have started selling their goods, but the delays to construction projects will make it harder to repay those loans this year.
The operators
at Zuun Ail said business had never before been so slow during spring, and many
blamed policy makers.
“There are a
number of citizens like us who do not ask the government for money and pay our
taxes. We are sustaining our lives on our own,” said O. Saran, a merchant at
Zuun Ail. “Under the names of monitoring and checking, customs officers are
searching us thoroughly at border point to impose more tax on our imported
goods because they think that the current amount of customs tax is
insufficient.”
These
testimonials are just a few examples of how small business is suffering. Many
small business operators suggested that elected officials come and visit these
local shops to see the truth of the economy. That might be a bitter pill to
swallow.
Mongolia
Attends SCO Meeting of Observers
Ulaanbaatar,
April 29 (MONTSAME) Representing Mongolia, Director of the Neighbour Countries’
Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs T.Togsbilguun took part in the
meeting of National Coordinators of SCO Member States with Authorized
Representatives of SCO observer states held April 26 in Beijing, China.
During the
meeting, the SCO expressed a willingness to activate cooperation with its
observer states, and then exchanged views on expanding the multilateral
cooperation in various spheres.
The meeting was
chaired by D.F.Mezentsev, the SCO Secretary-General, and it was attended by
A.A. Pirov, deputy director of Executive Committee of the SCO Regional
Counter-Terrorist Structure.
Japanese
Delegation Visits Khoshigt Valley Airport
Ulaanbaatar,
April 29 (MONTSAME) A Japanese delegation led by Transport Minister Mr Akihiro
Ota visited last Sunday an international ariport that has been under
construction in Khoshigt valley in central Tov province.
Seeing the
ongoing project to build up an international airport, Mr Ota expressed a
satisfaction with project realization that is significantly ahead of its
schedule and is expected to be completed by December 2016.
The New
Ulaanbaatar International Airport or the Khoshigt Valley Airport is a new
international airport presently under construction in 52 km from
Ulaanbaatar city center in Sergelen sum, Tov Province. It will serve
Ulaanbaatar and its metropolitan area.
The airport is
designed with the capacity of up to three million passengers per year, and has
ability and space for a possible future expansion of up to twelve million
passengers yearly. It will also be equipped with 24 hour all-weather air
traffic control system.
In May 2008, a
¥28.8 billion (US$385 million) 40-year soft loan agreement at 0.2% interest was
signed between the Government of Mongolia and the Japan Bank for International
Cooperation to build a new international airport.
FM
L.Bold to Pay Official Visit Estonia
Ulaanbaatar,
April 29 (MONTSAME) The Minister of Foreign Affairs L.Bold is planning to start
an official visit to the Republic of Estonia at an invitation of his Estonian
counterpart Mr Urmas Paet on April 30.
By this visit,
the sides are intending to intensify friendly relations and cooperation between
Mongolia and Estonia, to make high level dialogues periodically, to get
familiar with structure of “e-governance”, to study shale producing experience
of Estonia, to talk about mutually concerned matters, to run fruitful
collaboration in trade and economy spheres.
Furthermore, an
inter-governmental agreement to waive visas between Mongolia and Estonia for
E-diplomatic passport holders will be inked by the sides during the visit.
During these
days on April 28-29, the FM L.Bold is participating in the 4th annual
conference Freedom Online Coalition in Tallinn.
Our Ambassador Participates New Jersey National Festival
Ulaanbaatar,
April 29 (MONTSAME) The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
Mongolia to the USA B.Altangerel attended in the National festival of New
Jersey state in Rutgers University, last Saturday.
This
traditional measure is celebrated annually on last Saturday of April with aims
to advertise national culture and custom of International nations living in the
state and natives.
This year, the
program included promotion events for Mongolian culture to foreigners and a
community of New Jersey-based Kalmuk and ran several promotion actions such as
to erect Mongolian national dwelling /ger/, and to cook national food and the
gathered enjoyed Mongolian national performances.
At the event,
Ambassador B.Altangerel thanked organizers for their effort in the promotion of
Mongolian culture abroad and congratulated the community of Khalimag for being
inherited Mongolian culture to generation to generation. During the event, the
Ambassador was presented “Honored guest” certification.
Ambassador
B.Altangerel also met with Ms Joanna Regulska, a vice president of the Rutgers
University for International and Global affairs and exchanged views on
relations' establishment then agreed to cooperate in seeking ways of expansion
of collaboration.
Transport Minister Receives Japanese Delegation
Ulaanbaatar,
April 29 (MONTSAME) Transportation Minister A.Gansukh received Monday a
Japanese delegation led by his counterpart of Japan Mr Akihiro Ota.
At the meeting,
the ministers exchanged views on an ongoing airport project in central Tov
province under a soft loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.
The delegation had visited earlier the airport and earned confidence that the
ongoing project shows the international airport in Khoshigt Valley is very
likely come to services in the scheduled time – by December 2016.
After sharing
opinions on bilateral partnership in transportation, the ministers established
an inter-ministerial memorandum of understanding for cooperation between the
sides.
N.Altankhuyag Meets Japanese Minister
Ulaanbaatar,
April 29 (MONTSAME) The Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag Monday received visiting
Mr Akihiro Ota, the Japan’s Minister for Land, Infrastructure, Transport and
Tourism.
Beginning the
meeting, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to the Japan’s Minister for
signing a cooperation memorandum between the Mongolian Ministries of Road and
Transportation, and of Construction and Urban Development, and the Japan’s
Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. He noted that
developing the relations and cooperation with Japan is one of the priorities in
the Mongolia’s foreign policy.
The Premier
expressed a satisfaction with strengthening of the mutual trust and forwarding
of the bilateral ties at a strategic partnership volume, and emphasized an
importance of establishment of the Middle-Term Programme on Mongolia-Japan
Strategic Partnership which was signed during the mutual visits of the two
Premiers. The document significantly contributed to developing the bilateral
cooperation in the politics, culture, education and economic fields, he added.
“Mongolia will
participate in the ITB Berlin international exhibition in 2015 as a partner,
and is aiming to boost its tourism sector for attracting tourists. Within these
goals, we are focusing attention to the infrastructure matter,” Mr Altankhuyag
said, and asked the Japanese Minister for paying attention to fortifying the
bilateral cooperation in the tourism and infrastructure sectors.
In turn, Mr Ota
said his country is ready to collaborate with Mongolia in developing the
infrastructure in Mongolia.
Construction Minister Meets Japanese Delegation
Ulaanbaatar,
April 29 (MONTSAME) Construction and Urban Development Minister Ts.Bayarsaikhan
met with a Japanese delegation led by Transport Minister Mr Akihiro Ota.
At the meeting,
the sides touched upon issues of collaboration in introduction of Japan’s
standards to Mongolia’s construction sector, and experience-sharing on city
planning, as well as educational exchanges between the countries that include
an opportunity to study civil engineering and construction-related profession
in Japan for one thousand Mongolian students.
Aware of the
need of trained specialist in construction development of the nation, Mr Ota
supported the above proposal of educational program, and agreed about the
importance of experience sharing among civil engineers and technical staffers
of the two countries through involving Mongolian builders in construction
projects preceding the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Following the
meeting, the Ministers signed an inter-ministerial Memorandum of Understanding.
FM Attending Freedom Online Coalition Ministerial Conference
Ulaanbaatar,
April 29 (MONTSAME) Foreign Minister L.Bold is attending the 4th annual
high level Freedom Online Coalition Ministerial Conference, “Free and Secure
Internet for All”, that began on April 28 in Tallinn, Estonia.
Foreign Minister
of Mongolia L.Bold delivered a speech at the conference and held a press
conference along with the Estonian Foreign Minister.
The Mongolian
Foreign Minister called for active participation in the Freedom Online
Coalition Ministerial Conference to be held in Mongolia next year at a
ceremonial conference held by Google.
The Freedom
Online Coalition Ministerial Conference has been attended by over 400
representatives from 64 countries including Foreign and IT Ministers of 23
countries and over 180 representatives of civil society organizations, private
sector and international media and business.
At the
Ministerial Conference, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, United States
Secretary of State John Kerry, President of Estonia Toomas Hendrik Ilves,
President of Georgia Giorgi Margvelashvili and Speaker of the Kenyan National
Assembly Justin Muturi delivered speeches.
This year the
Freedom Online Coalition Ministerial Conference welcomed Moldova and Japan.
The Freedom
Online Coalition was created from a decision made at the Hague
intergovernmental meeting in 2011 with the aim to protect and promote freedom
of the internet globally and to thereby shape international decisions in that
realm.
In the
framework of the conference, Foreign Minister L.Bold held meetings with his
counterparts from Canada, Nigeria, the Netherlands, Finland and Sweden and the
Deputy Secretary of State of the United States and Secretary of State for
Commonwealth Relations of the UK.
Mongolia to Chair 5th “Online Freedom” Conference in 2014
April 29
(infomongolia.com) Mongolian delegates led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Mr. Luvsanvandan BOLD are participating in the 4th "Online Freedom"
conference themed “Free and Secure Internet for All” and organized by the
Freedom Online Coalition (FOC) in Tallinn, the Republic of Estonia on April
28-29, 2014.
At the
Conference over 400 representatives from 64 nations are taking in part, of
which 23 member-states’ Foreign Ministers and Ministers of Informational
Technology along with over 180 delegates from civil society and business
delegations are present.
The opening
remarks were presented by dignitaries including the UN Secretary General Ban
Ki-moon, the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, Presidents of Estonia and
Georgia, and Senate Speaker of Kenya.
Following the
first day of conference, the FOC members unanimously adopted a set of
"Recommendations for Freedom Online", also referred to as the
"Tallinn Agenda" that includes tasks to carry out next year and works
and tendencies must be under consideration, besides the Principality of
Moldavia and Japan became a new member-states.
Moreover, the
Freedom Online Coalition member countries unanimously agreed electing Mongolia
to chair the Coalition in 2014, where President of Estonia, Foreign Ministers
of Canada, the Netherlands and Sweden pledged to support Mongolia to host the
5th Conference in Ulaanbaatar during their presentations on the first day.
The Freedom
Online Coalition (FOC) is an intergovernmental coalition committed to advancing
Internet freedom worldwide in free expression, association, assembly and
privacy online. In its founding document, the “Hague Declaration”, the FOC
declared that the same rights apply online as well as offline.
Therefore, FOC
member states are committed to working together diplomatically to voice concern
over measures to restrict Internet freedom and support those individuals whose
human rights online are curtailed. Since its inception in 2011 in The Hague,
the Netherlands, the coalition has grown from 15 to 25 member countries
including the newly accredited Moldavia and Japan.
On April 30,
2014, Foreign Minister of Mongolia L.Bold will have official talks with his
counterpart of hosting nation Mr. Urmas Paet. During the meeting, parties are
scheduled to discuss and sign the intergovernmental agreement on reciprocal
visa liberalization for holders of diplomatic e-passports between the nationals
of the two countries.
Related:
Mongolia
to Chair Freedom Online Coalition Meeting in Tallinn – Montsame, April 29
Mongolia chairs Freedom
Online Coalition Meeting – news.mn,
April 29
Consular Department Director Works in Italy
Ulaanbaatar,
April 29 (MONTSAME) Director of the Consular Department of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, Sh.Sukhbaatar is working in Italy on April 28-29.
During his
working trip, organized within frameworks of comprehensive actions the
Government of Mongolia aimed at the protection of rights and interest of
Mongolian citizens studying and living abroad, Mr Sukhbaatar held a meeting
with Ms Maria Claudia Di Paolo, Regional Director (Lazio Region), Department of
the Penitentiary Administration, and discussed issues of mutual concerns.
NSC Secretary-General Meets Japan Counterpart
Ulaanbaatar, April
29 (MONTSAME) In frames of a visit to Japan, the secretary-general of the
National Security Council of Mongolia Ts.Enkhtuvshin met last week with his
counterpart of Japan Shotaro Yachi in Tokyo.
During the
meeting, the NSC leaders agreed to establish permanent ties between the NSCs.
The Japanese
government set up its NSC in November of 2013 with a key responsibility to
manage the national security policy, and has decided to collaborate with
Mongolia in security matters.
Deputy FM Gankhuyag Meets with Vietnamese Deputy PM
Ulaanbaatar,
April 29 (MONTSAME) In a scope of a working visit to Vietnam, the Deputy
Minister of Foreign Affairs D.Gankhuyag was received by Mr Nguyen Xuan Phuc,
the Deputy Prime Minister of this country in Hanoi on April 28, vietnamplus.vn
website says, same day.
At the meeting,
the Deputy PM Phuc explained that greater ties will serve the two countries'
interests, contributing to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the
Asia-Pacific.
He also highly
praised the outcomes of the sixth Mongolia and Vietnam political consultation
at deputy foreign ministerial level, which took place in Hanoi earlier the same
day.
Furthermore,
the Deputy PM Phuc suggested the two sides closely coordinate in organising
activities to mark the 60th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in this
November, thus helping increase their mutual understanding and friendship,
especially among young generations.
He also noted
his wish that the two sides will actively partner with each other in
researching and developing the economic ties effectively, matching their
political bond.
The official
called on the two countries' businesses to enhance their exchange and
investment in order to access new cooperation opportunities.
In turn, the
Deputy FM D.Gankhuyag praised the socio-economic achievements that Vietnam has
recorded over the past years.
He expressed a
hope that the two countries will strengthen cooperation in investment and
trade, focusing on areas such as mining, tourism, agriculture, employment and
light industry, while continuing their collaboration at international forums.
Vietnam has
always attached importance to its friendship with Mongolia and wishes to
elevate the relationship in a more comprehensive and practical manner.
Vietnam-Mongolia Foreign Ministries Consultative meeting held
April 29
(news.mn) Deputy Foreign Minister of Mongolia, D.Gankhuyag chaired the regular
Foreign Ministries consultative meeting between Mongolia and Vietnam during his
visit to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam on April 28th as part of his
official visit to East Asian countries.
Minister
D.Gankhuyag exchanged views with Vietnamese Vice Foreign Minister and Ho Xuan
Son on the possibilities to intensify bilateral political negotiations at all
levels, expand their cooperation range into economy, trade, investment,
agriculture and defense and regarding cooperation in regional and international
arena.
Both parties
noted the significance of President Ts.Elbegdorj`s visit to the Socialist
Republic of Vietnam in 2013 in strengthening traditional good relations and
cooperation between the two countries.
Vietnam pledged
to support Mongolia`s bid to join the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum
(APEC), and to be a partner with negotiation on ASEAN and agreed to hold a
consultative meeting and seminar along with Mongolia.
Related:
Mongolia-Vietnam
Consultative Meeting Held – Montsame,
April 29
Premier Meets China’s Finance Minister
Ulaanbaatar,
April 29 (MONTSAME) The Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag met Tuesday with China’s
Finance Minister Lou Jiwei, who is paying an working visit to Mongolia at an
invitation of his counterpart of Mongolia Ch.Ulaan.
At the
beginning of the meeting, PM Altankhuyag expressed a satisfaction with joint
major-scale projects that had launched after his visit to China in 2013, and
said he was pleased with several pacts of cooperation that had been concluded
during Mr Jiwei’s visit to the country.
In turn,
Minister Lou Jiwei expressed an appreciation for Mr Altankhuyag’s support for
initiation of the Asian Infrastructural Investment Bank in Ulaanbaatar.
Aware of the
exceptional importance of infrastructure development in a landlocked country,
the Government of Mongolia decided to join as a founder to the initiation of
China to found the bank, the Prime Minister noted. A swap contract between the
two countries came to end in last month, and the Mongolian part has a
willingness to extend the contract with increased cash flows, said Mr
Altankhuyag, and asked the Finance Minister of China to support a prompt
solution of the issue.
At the meeting
the parties also talked about financial and economic actions of the two
Governments. The Prime Minister of Mongolia explained ‘100 day to intensify the
economic’ measures of his Government, which aim at enhanced cooperation with
other countries and increased attraction of investments to Mongolia, thus
improving government budget incomes.
In turn, the
Finance Minister of China briefed on proven-successfully measures of the
Chinese Government, in which it has trimmed spending of its all ministries, as
well as has decreased taxation to save 100 billion Chinese Yuan last year.
Democrats See No ‘Need’ to Dismiss Justice Minister
Ulaanbaatar,
April 29 (MONTSAME) The parliamentary caucus of the Democratic Party convened
on Monday afternoon to discuss a dismiss proposal for Justice Minister
Kh.Temuujin.
At the meeting
that lasted until 11 pm that day, members agreed on a need of retaining
Kh.Temuujin in his current ministerial office. The meeting also reached an
agreement on effective dates for separate draft laws to amend the law on
Government and the law on State Great Khural (parliament). The caucus members
then agreed to set the effective date of a draft law to eliminate office
duplications in parliament and government cabinet as June 1 of 2016.
Wool and Cashmere Sector's Discussion to Run
Ulaanbaatar,
April 29 (MONTSAME) A discussion-meeting themed “Difficulties in wool and
cashmere sector and ways to overcome” is to run in the State House on April 30.
The action has
been co-organized by the Environment, Food and Agricultural Standing Committee,
the Ministry of Industry and Agriculture, and the Mongolian Wool and Cashmere
Association.
During the
meeting, relevant officials will deliver lectures relating to the topic and run
discussion on the matters among the participants.
Ulaanbaatar and Bangkok City Councils to Cooperate
Ulaanbaatar,
April 29 (MONTSAME) The Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) and the Ulaanbaatar
City Council (UCC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen
relations by promoting a student exchange program and mutual public health
development, said thainews.prd.go.th on Monday.
The MoU was
signed by Bangkok Metropolitan Council President Pipat Larbpratthana and the
Chairman of the Ulaanbaatar City Council, Dashjamts Battulga, and promises
mutual collaboration in the area of student exchange program and public health
development. The MoU signing ceremony took place at the Bangkok Metropolitan
Administration Bangkok City Hall.
Thailand and
Mongolia just celebrated the 40th anniversary of relations on March 5. The BMC
and the UCC began their relationship in 1999 and since then have promoted an
exchange of culture, sports and tourism.
The MoU that
was just signed expands the scope and areas of mutual development and
represents a good sign of positive collaboration which is expected to benefit
to both countries in the future.
Mongolian Kickboxer to Fight at One Fighting Championship
Ulaanbaatar,
April 29 (MONTSAME) Mongolian top kickboxer J.Narantungalag is to take on the
challenge of former ONE FC Featherweight World Champion Honorio Banario, as the
latter is to set to return to action on May 30.
ONE Fighting
Championship (ONE FC) has added the final three fights to the 10-bout fight
card of ONE FC: HONOR & GLORY, which is slated to take place on May 30 at
the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Hong Kong’s Eddie Ng will put his undefeated
streak on the line when he meets top Dutch kickboxer Vincent Latoel. In
addition, no-gi grappling champion Bruno Pucci returns to action against
exciting MMA prospect, Major Overall.
ONE Fighting
Championship (ONE FC) is a Singapore-based mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion
which was officially launched on 14 July 2011. It is widely recognized as the
biggest MMA promotion in Asia notable fighters on the roster includeShinya
Aoki, Bibiano Fernandes, Ben Askren, Masakatsu Ueda and Melvin Manhoef.
O.Gundegmaa Wants to Compete in 2016 Olympics
Ulaanbaatar,
April 29 (MONTSAME) A State Honored Sportswoman and Olympic silver medalist has
been qualified to compete in the 51st ISSF World Shooting Championships
that will take place September 6-20 in Granada, Spain.
She got the
right to participate in the World Championships by winning the Shooting
Championship Cup tournament of the Mongolian Shooting Sports Federation (MShSF)
held last week. Furthermore, she will compete in the World Championships in
order to gain a qualification right to take part in the 2016 Rio De Janeiro
Summer Olympic Games.
O.Gundegmaa had
a break in her sport career because of family matter after the Beijing 2008
Olympics.
She is one of
the prominent athletes of Mongolia, and has competed in Summer Olympics five
times since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. She has showed her biggest result at the
Beijing Olympics, winning a silver medal in the women’s 25 m pistol event. For
her success, she was awarded the state honored sportswoman title as well as
Hero of Labour.
Mongolian Women Table Tennis Team Bags First Win in Tokyo
Ulaanbaatar, April
29 (MONTSAME) The Mongolian women team bagged on Monday their first win in the
2014 World Team Table Tennis Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
The Mongolian
women’s team is competing in group A of zone C with Kazakhstan, Guatemala,
Salvador, Caledonia and Azerbaijan, while men’s team of Mongolia is playing
against Peru, Angola, Bahrain, Mauritius and Philippines.
Mongolian women
lost to Kazakhstan in 0:3, before winning Azerbaijan with 3:0 on Monday. They
will play against the Guatemala team, who has two wins so far. The teams in
zone C are competing to be placed 50th-90th.
Mongolian men
lost to Bahrain on Monday and are to play against Peru on Tuesday.
The 2014 World
Team Table Tennis Championships are taking place in Tokyo from 28 April to 5
May 2014. The Championships is being staged in Japan for the seventh time and
is becoming the 52nd edition of the team competition.
Mongolian B.Gundavaa Placed Sixth 14th at Asian Chess Championship
Ulaanbaatar,
April 29 (MONTSAME) Mongolian chess players successfully competed at 13th Asian
Continental Individual Open and Women's Chess Championships running in Sharjah,
United Arab Emirates (UAE) on April 16-26.
In the men’s
tournament, a Grand Master Ts.Batchuluun placed 27th at the end of the
tournament, while B.Gundavaa finished it at 14thwith 5.5 points, and G.Monkhal
with 4 points. Chess players from China and India led the men’s contest.
An
international master and woman grandmaster B.Mongontuul finished Women’s Chess
Championship at 14th; whereas another Mongolian B.Anu completed the tournament
with 3.5 points.
The top five
from the 2014 Asian Open Championship qualified for the 2015 World Cup, whereas
the 2014 Asian Women’s champion qualified for the 2015 Women’s World
Championship.
Mongolians at World Amateur Championship
Ulaanbaatar,
April 29 (MONTSAME) Chess players of Mongolia are taking part in the 2014 World
Amateur Chess Championship that started on last Saturday in Singapore.
The men’s team
has comprised E.Baasansuren, a FIDE master; B.Nyamdavaa, a sports master; vice
masters A.Bayarsaikhan, Sh.Batbileg, Kh.Bayarkhuu, B.Ariunbold, U.Agibileg,
G.Monkhbayar, Ts.Bat-Erdene, B.Irmuuntulga and B.Batsuld. The women’s team
included a sports master O.Nyamtuya; vice masters U.Uuriintuya and B,Ganchimeg.
They coached by a Grand Master D.Sharavdorj; and a FIDE master U.Nasanjargal.
Kh.Bayarkhuu
and Ts.Bat-Erdene bagged two wins after two rounds, while G.Monkhbayar,
E.Baasansuren, U.Agibuileg, B.Irmuuntuya, A.Batchuluun, B.Batsuld.
A.Bayarsaikhan, B.Nyamdavaa and Ya.Sukhbold reached one win so far.
Co-organized by
the Singapore Chess Federation and the World Chess Federation (FIDE), the World
Amateur Chess Championships is held in Singapore April 25 to May 4th. The championships
are governed by the General Regulations for FIDE Competitions (approved in
2011) and the Rules of the FIDE World Amateur Championships (approved in 2011).
Famous Circus Dwarfs to Perform Here
Ulaanbaatar,
April 29 (MONTSAME) Invited by the Mongolian National Circus, a world-famous
circus dwarfs will stage performances themed “Little stars' wonder” here, on
May 25- June 1.
The team will
consist of 35 actors and more than 20 kinds of animals including bear, dog,
sheep and goat and will perform together with Mongolian circus actors.
Around 20 years
ago from now, Mongolian audiences met with these talented dwarfs for the first
time.
Our Artists Perform Cio Cio San Opera in South Korea
Ulaanbaatar,
April 29 (MONTSAME) Artists of the Mongolian State Academic Theater of Opera
and Ballet performed “Cio Cio San” opera at theater of Daejeon city of South
Korea on April 25-27.
Under an
instruction of Italian opera producer, our team together with S.Korean artists
got play rehearsal in this theater for a month with a complete financial
support of the opera theater.
Opposition party leader meets Russian Ambassador
April 29
(news.mn) Deputy Speaker of Parliament and leader of the Mongolian People`s
Party (MPP) M.Enkhbold received the Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to Mongolia, Iskander K. Azizov, at
Government House on Monday April 28th.
During the
meeting the parties discussed cooperation matters between Mongolia and Russia
relating to bilateral political and socio-economic relations.
Ambassador
Azizov noted that the two sides are jointly marking the 75thanniversary of the
victory of the Khalkh Gol battle this year.
The Russian
Ambassador also invited Deputy Speaker M.Enkhbold to the St. Petersburg
International Economic Forum (SPIEF) that is scheduled for May.
New
International Airport at Khushigt Valley to Be Operational by December 2016,
Assures Japanese Minister Akihiro Ota
April 29
(infomongolia.com) Japanese delegates from the Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, who are paying a working visit to
Mongolia on April 26-29, were received by the Minister of Roads and
Transportation of Mongolia Mr. Amarjargal GANSUKH on April 28, 2014.
Japanese
Minister Mr. Akihiro Ota and Minister Mr. A.Gansukh have exchanged views
seeking to broaden bilateral partnerships in the sector; afterwards the two
Ministries have established a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate.
During his stay
in Mongolia, Minister A.Oto familiarized with current constructions in progress
of a new international airport at Khushigt valley in Tuv Aimag and expressed
his satisfaction with the project ongoing activities.
During the
meeting with Minister A.Gansukh, Japanese delegates noted that the project
execution is significantly ahead of the schedules and assured the airport would
be able to complete commissioning and operational by December 2016.
Also, Minister
A.Oto added, “This international airport is not only a big air transport
facility, but is also considered as the biggest economic effective project and
landmark. We are paying a significant attention as our companies are involved
and investing, and we are willing to further cooperate on management issues of
the airport. The delegation visiting this time is accompanied with leading
civil air carriers’ representatives and corporate presidents to familiarize
with the project”.
Memorandum
of Understanding Established between Ministries of Mongolia and Japan
April 29
(infomongolia.com) On April 28, 2014, Japanese officials led by Minister
Akihiro Ota met the Minister for Construction and Urban Development of Mongolia
Mr. Tsevelmaa BAYARSAIKHAN.
During the
meeting, parties touched upon issues to collaborate on introducing Japanese
standards and regulation for building construction, and involving the sector’s
1,000 students from Mongolia to study in Japan in term of Japanese soft loan
agreement.
In his meeting
with Minister Ts.Bayarsaikhan, Minister A.Oto said, “We support your proposal
to train Mongolian staff in Japan in the construction sector and we do
understand how it is important for Mongolia’s development, if highly qualified
personnel will be prepared before 2020. Welcoming the Tokyo Summer Olympics
2020, we pay particular attention in our construction sector and this is a big
opportunity to involve representatives from Mongolian construction industry and
exchange experiences between engineers and technicians, thus we accept your
request to implement the program”.
Following the
meeting, two Ministers have signed the Memorandum of Understanding to
cooperate.
Mongolia
and Japan to Bolster Partnerships in Transportation and Construction Sectors
April 29
(infomongolia.com) Following the meetings with Mongolian Minister of Roads and
Transportation, and Minister of Construction and Urban Development, Japanese
Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Mr. Akihiro Ota was
received by the Prime Minister of Mongolia Mr. Norov ALTANKHUYAG on April 28,
2014.
During the
meeting, Premier N.Altankhuyag appreciated Japanese side for establishing
Memorandums of Understanding and underlined one of the Mongolia’s priority
foreign policies is to develop relations and partnerships with Japan.
Premier
N.Altankhuyag expressed his satisfaction with strengthening and forwarding
collaboration between the two countries in terms of strategic partnership. The
reciprocal visits at Prime Minister-level have strengthened the ties, where
Mongolia-Japan strategic partnership mid-term program has also provided to
boost mutual beneficial cooperation in political, cultural, educational and
economic relations, said Premier.
In addition,
Mongolia to participate in the ITB Berlin 2015 as a partner country to take
place in Germany in March 2015 and we are working to develop Mongolia’s tourism
by promoting its sector and aiming to increase the number of tourists to visit
our country. In the frameworks, we are focusing on Mongolia’s infrastructure
enhancement, underlined Premier N.Altankhuyag.
In response,
Minister A.Oto said it would be delighted to collaborate in the development of
the country's infrastructure.
Memorandum
of Understanding to Establish Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank Signed between
Finance Ministries of Mongolia and China
April 29
(infomongolia.com) Upon the invitation of the Minister for Finance of Mongolia
Mr. Chultem ULAAN, Minister of Finance of the Government of the People's
Republic of China, Mr. Lou Jiwei is conducting a working visit to Mongolia on
April 28-29, 2014.
Within the
frameworks, the two Finance Ministers have signed a Memorandum of Understanding
on April 28 to collaborate on establishing the Asian Infrastructure Investment
Bank (AIIB), broadening mutual beneficial cooperation between the two
Ministries and exchanging information and experiences within their portfolios.
The Asian
Infrastructure Investment Bank was announced to create by the President of the
PR of China, Mr. Xi Jinping in 2013 that aims to finance commercially viable
investments in economic infrastructure and the Government of China is actively
working to open the Bank near future.
Currently, 15 member-countries
are conducting discussions to found the AIIB including China and Mongolia.
Government
of Mongolia Requests China to Extend Validity Period of Swap Agreement to Exchange
National Currencies
April 29
(infomongolia.com) On April 29, 2014, Minister of Finance of the Government of
the People's Republic of China, Mr. Lou Jiwei was received by the Prime
Minister of Mongolia N.Altankhuyag in the Government House.
During his
meeting, Finance Minister Lou Jiwei expressed his appreciation to the
Government Head of Mongolia for accepting China President’s initiation to found
the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
Premier
N.Altankhuyag noted that the infrastructure development is crucial for
landlocked countries' economic cooperation, thus the Government of Mongolia
decided to join and be a co-founder of the Bank by supporting China’s
initiation to develop infrastructure industry.
He further
said, “Within the frameworks of bilateral cooperation in financial sector
between Mongolia and China, the Central Banks of the two countries have
established a swap agreement to exchange their national currencies. The
agreement that aims to accelerate bilateral trade and investment, besides to
provide financial stability has been expired last month, therefore Mongolia is
willing to extend the validity period, but with an increased volume of national
currencies to exchange. We believe the Finance Minister would pay more
attention to resolve this issue on a timely basis”.
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