Mongolia Brief May 15, 2014



Parliamentarian Kh.Battulga is No Longer as Minister for Industry and Agriculture of Mongolia
May 15 (infomongolia.com) At the plenary session of the State Great Khural (Parliament) held on May 15, 2014, one of the issues to revise was dismissing the Minister for Industry and Agriculture of Mongolia, MP Khaltmaa BATTULGA from Minister’s post at his request.

The affiliated Standing Committee summary from May 14, 2014 was introduced by Committee Chairman, MP S.Demberel and following the voting, 54 Parliamentarians out of 69 attended or 78.3% have agreed to accept the request, so from the date of approval Parliamentarian Kh.Battulga is longer as the Minister of Industry and Agriculture and member of the Cabinet.
The other subject to discuss today at 02:00 pm is also relevant to dismissing the Minister of Agriculture and Industry, MP Kh.Battulga from his duty as Minister and keep as a Parliamentarian.
Related:
Agriculture Minister dismissednews.mn, May 15


Mongolia Joins Geneva Centre for Democratic Control of Armed Forces as 62nd Member-State
May 15 (infomongolia.com) On May 13, 2014, Mongolia was officially recognized and became the 62nd member of the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF), an international foundation.
Accordingly, representing the country, Permanent Representative of Mongolia to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva, Ambassador V.Purevdorj has attended and delivered a speech.
The DCAF is an international foundation established in 2000 on the initiative of the Swiss Confederation, as the “'Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces”. DCAF contributes to enhancing security sector governance (SSG) through security sector reform (SSR) and currently comprises 62 Member States and 4 governments and 2 international organizations as the Members with Permanent Observer Status from across the globe.
The membership opens up an opportunity for developing the defense sphere based on democratic principles and norms, benefitting from technical assistance and recommendations on the improvement of the legal environment, participating in multilateral activities carried out by the organization in this direction.
Related:
Mongolia Becomes DCAF MemberMontsame, May 15




Discussion Issue to Dismiss MP Kh.Temuujin from Post of Minister for Justice of Mongolia Cancelled and Not to Be Re-Considered Anymore
May 15 (infomongolia.com) It was previously reported that the final revision of the issue whether to dismiss or not the Minister of Justice Kh.Temuujin from his minister’s post was scheduled to take place at the State Great Khural (Parliament) session on May 15, 2014.
So today morning (May 15, 2014), the first subject to discuss at the plenary session of the Parliament was a revision of the Minister of Justice Kh.Temuujin’s issue, but it was introduced that Parliamentarian O.Baasankhuu, who submitted the proposal, backed down his statement earlier delivering a written request to the Speaker of Parliament.
According to MP O.Baasankhuu, he explained the reason as, “I am returning back my statement, because some information is needed to consider and some are controversial”. 
Therefore, it was finalized the issue to dismiss will not be re-considered anymore, according to law.
The other subject to discuss today at 02:00 pm is also relevant to dismissing the Minister of Agriculture and Industry, MP Kh.Battulga from his duty as Minister and keep as a Parliamentarian.
At the joint meeting of Economic Standing Committee, and Environment, Food and Agricultural Standing Committee held on May 14, 2014, members agreed to accept Minister’s request and submitted his petition to the Parliament.
Minister Kh.Battulga’s reason to leave the post is explained as the Parliament of Mongolia did not support the draft bill on “double coat” submitted by the President Ts.Elbegdorj, therefore he is continuing to stand on that any Minister of the Government should focus and do only his/her duty as designated and not to hold a post simultaneously as a Parliamentarian.
Related:


Today is International Day of Families
Ulaanbaatar, May 15 (MONTSAME) The International Day of Families is being marked by the Ministry of Population Development and Social Protection together with the National Authority for Children, here.
For this celebration, an event of honor has been held at the Central Cultural Palace and the Minister S.Erdene has made an opening remark at the action.
At the measure, officials of the Ministry are giving information relating to state policies on family and actions being carried out in frames of family support year. 
This day is proclaimed by the UN General Assembly proclaimed in 1993 with resolution A/RES/47/237 to reflect the importance the international community attaches to families. The first was observed on May 15, 1994.



Belarus-Mongolia cooperation agreement on education ratified
MINSK, 14 May (BelTA) – The House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus ratified the agreement on cooperation in the education sector between the governments of Belarus and Mongolia on 14 May, BelTA has learned.
The agreement was signed in Ulan Bator in 2013. The document spells out the main cooperation areas in education. It first of all pertains to the exchange of working experience on the pivotal areas of development, planning and organization of the national education systems; establishment and development of direct contacts between educational establishments; the exchange of students, postgraduates, scientists and pedagogues as well as official delegations; organization of joint conferences, seminars, symposiums, and other events in the education sector and scientific research.
Apart from that, MPs ratified a number of other international agreements, including the agreement between Belarus and the Council of Europe regarding the privileges and immunity of the members of the Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings and other members of the delegations traveling to countries. The agreement was signed in Strasburg in 2013 for efficient implementation of the provisions of the Council of Europe's Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings of 16 May 2005. 
The MPs also ratified the Belarusian-Kazakh agreement on the order of stay in the two countries.


Mongolia received ratification for intangible heritage inscription to UNESCO
May 15 (news.mn) A ceremony was held at the Mongolian children`s palace on May 14th to acknowledge the receipt of the registration by UNESCO of certain Mongolian cultural heritages. Mongolian calligraphy has been inscribed to the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding and the Traditional craftsmanship of the Mongol Ger and its associated customs has been inscribed to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
At the ceremony the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and the chairperson of the National Commission for UNESCO, L.Bold handed over the ratifications to the Minister of Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ts.Oyungerel.


The 3rd Annual Mongolia Trade and Commodity Conference
May 15 (Mongolian Economy) The 3rd Annual Mongolia Trade and Commodity Conference took place in Ulaanbaatar on May 13 this year. More than 200 delegates from public and private sectors in the event organised by GTR Exporta Group. 
Chief executives of Newcom Group, Wagner Asia Equipment, MSM Co and Mongolian Growth Group attended in a session called “A Strategic Assessment on Finance and Investment of Mongolia’s Leading Companies” moderated by Jim Dwyer, chief executive at Business Council of Mongolia. 
During this session the crowd was warned to fasten their seatbelt and prepare for the next boom. The panel agreed that Mongolia’s economic situation was not great but consider this just a bump in the road. 
During a session called “Directing International Partnership towards Trade Finance”, Vice President at Transaction Service Asia, ING Arnold Morrison said: “Mongolia’s trade and commodity sector absolutely needs investment. If it uses a traditional way, it cannot step forward. It needs to treat foreign investors politely and friendly.” 
He also warned over public awareness on trade finance, alteration of a traditional attitude and cutting of a financial cost. 
“The government and commercial banks have reached a number of deals. One of the deals is a mortgage programme implemented by the government. In connection with the programme, the banks’ loan has been expanded to 11 percent. Of course, it is beneficial for the banks, but the loan repayment still remains quite risky,” said Norihiko Kato, chief executive at Khan Bank. 
The representatives from Trade and Development Bank and Golomt Bank said: “2013 was a relatively good year for the banks such as the launch and implementation of the Government’s Mortgage Programme and Price Stabilisation Programme. In fact, a sharp increase in the exchange rate has brought some losses to the banks in both direct and indirect ways.” 
They said that the banks are only issuing foreign currency loans to companies that generate revenue in foreign currencies, but not to their clients. This is because of their intention not to bring any exchange rate-caused loss to the clients. According to them, the banks are taking measures to convert foreign currency loans to Mongolian tugrug. 
Some delegates during the conference were saying that the new Investment Law has not been able to bring a significant change so far. 
“Revised FDI law necessary to bring Mongolia out of slump but will not happen w/out supplementary action” Stephen Tricks, consultant to Clyde & Co. 
The one-day conference repeatedly mentioned issues related to Oyu Tolgoi. 
“We all know that the implementation of OyuTolgoi project would be highly important for Mongolia. The project’s successful implementation would substantially encourage foreign investors and bring them confidence. Also it is important that a legal setting and the government’s policy have to be stable,”said Masashi Onodera, regional head ofAsia Pacific ECA (Export Credit Agency), Commodities & Trade Finance Dept., Asian Investment Banking Division.
Arnout van Heukelem, head of Metals and Mining Asia explained that Mongolia is in the centre of global attention while it is one of leaders among the countries that are not friendly with foreign investors. Mongolia needs to provide the investors with information about investment and treat them friendly. 
Director of finance and investment department at Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi, L. Ochirsaid, said that there are a number of initiatives for infrastructure projects to be implemented in energy, railway, road and water supply sectors. He also said that a huge investment is required in the implementation of these projects. So, there is no way, but to issue an initial public offering on international capital market. 
The conference was attended by a number of delegates from different sectors discussing awide range of issues a whole day. Mongolian Economy Magazine worked with GTR Exporta Group, an organiser of the conference, as a media partner. 


Parliament Accepts MP D.Battsogt’s Request to Withdraw from "Justice" Coalition’s Membership
May 15 (infomongolia.com) On April 22, 2014, Chairman of the Social Policy, Education, Culture and Science’s Standing Committee, Parliamentarian Dogsom BATTSOGT delivered a Letter of Resignation to withdraw from faction membership to the Head of "Justice" Coalition (MPRP - MNDP) in the Parliament N.Battsereg.
According to Parliament Law, the Letter was submitted to the Speaker of the State Great Khural (Parliament) and at today’s (May 15, 2014) plenary session Speaker Z.Enkhbold introduced the request, after which, 52 MPs or 68.4% of attendance have voted and majority members agreed to accept MP D.Battsogt’s petition.
In his explanation, D.Battsogt said, “There were many compromises during the discussion of the draft bill on “double coat”, but I am not leaving the MNDP”.
Parliamentarian D.Battsogt was elected from the 16th Electoral District or Khovd Aimag promoted by "Justice" Coalition (MPRP - MNDP) during the 2012 Parliament Elections.


Mongolian Embassy Holds Business Seminar in Japan
Ulaanbaatar, May 15 (MONTSAME) The Embassy of Mongolia in Japan ran its series business seminar under themed “Cooperation opportunities of Mongolia and Shizuoka prefecture” on last Tuesday.
With around 40 local officials, business delegates, and members of friendship society, this action was co-organized by the administration of the prefecture in frames of strengthening economic ties between Mongolia and Japan by running mid-period program on bilateral strategy partnership development.
At the meeting, the Embassy gave information relating to present situation of Mongolian economy and investment environment and the Deputy Minister of Industry and Agriculture B.Tsogtgerel made a speech at the seminar during his visit in Japan.
The participants highly spoke about wide opportunities of running cooperation with our country in spheres of mineral resource, energy, heavy and light industry and food product manufacturing.
Same day, a cooperation memorandum between the Ministry of Industry and Agriculture and Shizuoka prefecture was inked by the Deputy Minister B.Tsogtgerel and by the governor of the prefecture.
Last February, the Embassy hosted such an economic seminar in Hokkaido prefecture and is now planning to organize the Business Forum together with Japanese economic organizations in Tokyo, this July as well as same actions in Niigata and Oita prefectures within this year.


GDP in Statistics
Ulaanbaatar, May 15 (MONTSAME) The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by production approach reached MNT 3,439 bln at current price and MNT 1,148.1 bln at 2005 constant price in the first quarter of 2014.
Thus, GDP went up 18.3 percent at current price and 7.4 percent at constant price compared with the same period of the previous year.


Bank of Mongolia Reports
Ulaanbaatar, May 15 (MONTSAME) The Bank of Mongolia reports that  money supply (broad money or M2) at the end of April 2014 reached to 10,197.8 bln.tog, going up 281.4 bln.tog or 2.8 percent from the previous month and 3,013.6 bln.tog or 41.9 percent compared with the same period of the previous year.
At the end of April 2014, currency issued in circulation reached 841.6 bln.tog, increasing by 40.4 bln.tog or 5.0 percent from the previous month, and by 81.8 bln.tog or 10.8 percent against the same period of 2013.
Loans outstanding amounted to 11,737.7 bln.tog, going up 356.8 bln.tog or 3.1 percent from the previous month and increasing by 3,966.7 bln.tog or 51.0 percent from the same period 2013.
Principals in arrears at the end of April 2014 reached 299.0 bln.tog, increasing 19.4 bln.tog or 6.9 percent from the previous month, and 188.1 bln.tog or 2.7 times from the same period of the previous year.
The non-performing loans over the bank system reached 616.2 bln. tog, increasing 21.7 bln.tog or 3.6 percent from the previous month, and 305.4 bln.tog or 98.3 percent from the same period of the previous year.
In the first four months of 2014, the Stock Exchange Market traded 15.2 mln.shares valued at 59.2 bln.tog.


General Government Budget in Statistical Mirror

Ulaanbaatar, May 15 (MONTSAME) In the first four months of 2014, total equilibrated revenue and grants of the General Government Budget (GGB) amounted to 1,675.8 bln.tog.
Total expenditure and net lending of the budget reached 1,781.5 bln.tog, representing a deficit of 105.6 bln.tog in the equilibrated balance of the GGB.
Compared with the same period of the previous year, tax revenue increased 17.3 bln. tog or 1.2 percent. This increase was largely attributable to decreases of 27.1 bln.tog or 7.5 percent in revenue from income tax, including 42.3 bln.tog or 18.1 percent in revenue from corporate income tax, and of 34.8 bln.tog or 19.7 percent in revenue from other taxes. However, there were increases of 37.9 bln.tog or 7.2 percent in revenue from taxes on goods and services, of 25.0 bln.tog or 9.6 percent in social security contributions and of 13.3 bln.tog or 14.7 percent in revenue from taxes on foreign trade.
In the first four months of 2014, total expenditure and net lending of the GGB increased 328.1 bln.tog or 22.6 percent to 1,781.5 bln.tog compared with the same period of the previous year. This increase was mainly due to rises of 94.6 bln.tog or 14.0 percent in expenditure on goods and services, of 80.4 bln. tog or 3.8 times in interest payments, of 75.1 bln. tog or 11.7 percent in subsidies and transfers, and of 72.4 bln.tog or 69.7 percent in capital expenditure.


Advancing Women Business Leadership in Mongolia

May 14 (Asia Foundation) While Mongolia has made important strides in achieving gender equality, it still has a long way to go when it comes to parity between women and men in business. Currently, it ranks 33rd out of 136 countries according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index (2013), which constitutes a significant improvement compared to 2012 when it ranked 44th but still lower than in 2010 when it ranked 27th.
Mongolia’s 2011 Law on the Promotion of Gender Equality prohibits gender discrimination, including in the labor force. Compared to other countries, Mongolia, with a female-to-male labor force participation rate of 82 percent, does not rank that badly. Yet significant wage gaps still persist between women and men. In addition, women were excluded from working in specific sectors due to labor regulations in force until 2008 that barred them from working in the more dangerous, yet higher-growth and higher-paying mining sector in which women are today significantly underrepresented. Women are more frequently engaged in unpaid labor, with a third of women working as unpaid family workers, one of the highest rates of female unpaid laborers in East Asia. Women’s economic participation is further curtailed by the Labor Law which sets the voluntary retirement age for women at 55 – five years earlier than for men and 10 years earlier, at 45, if a woman has four or more children. While women can work longer than the retirement age if they want to, in practice many employers encourage women to leave early so they can be replaced with younger staff.
While women are better educated than men, with a female to male ratio of 145 percent in tertiary education, they are still under-represented in management and decision-making positions, especially in the private sector. Women from poorer backgrounds who want to establish a business also face challenges in terms of access to property, networks, and finance, as they are often unable to provide the necessary collateral to obtain a mortgage or loan for their business. In addition, traditional stereotypes and social norms as to the roles expected of women and men still prevail and women often face a doubled burden when it comes to having a career and taking care of the family.
On May 14, over 60 women representatives from parliament, ministries, the business sector, and civil society convened in the capital, Ulaanbaatar, for a consultative forum on women in business organized by the National Committee on Gender Equality (NCGE) of Mongolia and The Asia Foundation.
Ms. Bolormaa, secretary of the NCGE, opened the meeting and two women MPs, MP Erdenechimeg, head of the Women Caucus in Parliament, and MP Odontuya, both business women themselves, spoke about the current challenges women still face in Mongolia and about the actions needed to encourage and attract more women to pursue business entrepreneurship. Meloney Lindberg, the Foundation’s country representative in Mongolia, shared some of the findings of the recent study on “Access to Trade and Growth of Women’s SMEs in APEC Developing Economies,” conducted by The Asia Foundation, the Department of State, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), as well as some of the lessons learned from the Foundation’s other women’s entrepreneurship projects in Bangladesh and China.
As part of a series of panel discussions on business case studies, young and established women entrepreneurs from different sectors shared their experiences and provided advice to aspiring women entrepreneurs on how to capitalize on their strengths and seize business opportunities to advance their careers. In particular, one of the young women entrepreneurs, Ms. Nominzul Baldandorj, had participants in awe as she described her experience of working previously in the NGO sector and subsequently starting her own construction company. “In the beginning, I did not know anything about construction, so it took me three years to get my business started and as a woman in my twenties I had to prove myself double as hard,” she said. Panelists from government and city agencies, commercial banks, and civil society commented on the case studies and also presented their policies and programs in support of women’s economic participation.
In the afternoon, participants were divided into three thematic working groups to discuss strategies and identify potential solutions to overcome some of the challenges women face in terms of the legal and regulatory framework, social and cultural norms, and access to finance. During the plenary discussion, participants specifically highlighted the need to for closer networking among women entrepreneurs to help overcome the challenges. One of the immediate actions from the forum was to establish a Facebook group as a platform for further discussion and experience sharing.
The event builds on the International Women’s Leadership Forum (IWLF) organized in July 2012 by Mongolia’s Presidency of the Community of Democracies together with The Asia Foundation, the Zorig Foundation, and MonAme Scientific Research Center. The NCGE and the Foundation will be working together in the course of the coming months to implement some of the actions identified during the consultative meeting and the IWLF to support Mongolian women’s business leadership.
Naran Munkhbat and Robbie Paras are senior program officer and program associate respectively of The Asia Foundation in Mongolia. Tirza Theunissen is the deputy country representative and can be reached attirza.theunissen@asiafoundation.org. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the individual authors and not necessarily those of The Asia Foundation.




‘Development of Mongolia-Turkey Relationship’ Book Published

Ulaanbaatar, May 15 (MONTSAME) In celebration of the 45th anniversary of Mongolia-Turkey diplomatic relationship, the Embassy of Turkey in Ulaanbaatar has published a book named ‘Development of Mongolia-Turkey relationship’ in Mongolian and Turkish languages.
Taking a mirror to high level official visits between the two countries and documents established during those visits, as well as relations between financial, cultural, legal and educational organizations of the two countries, the book also illustrates some hundred pictures showing all these actions and practices.
The book as well tells stories of Mongolian workers and students residing in Turkey.


Asian nations work together to stop desertification

May 12 (korea.net) Asian countries, including Korea, China, Cambodia and Mongolia, have joined forces to combat desertification and to beef up cooperation in the forestry sector. 
As part of a series of joint efforts, the Korea Forest Service and the secretariat of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) jointly held their Asian Region Workshop in Songdo, Incheon, on May 7.
The UNCCD is an international agreement adopted in 1994 to combat desertification caused by indiscriminate forest development and land abuse. It is one of the UN’s three major environmental accords, along with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Throughout the three-day workshop, more than 90 representatives from UNCCD branches across the Asian and Pacific regions reviewed reports on desertification from Asian countries, especially those heavily struck by land degradation. They also held in-depth discussions on how to deal with the problem. 
“Korea has continued to work together to help other Asian countries cope with desertification and land degradation,” said an official from the Korea Forest Service. “We will continue to expand cooperative projects with these countries, based on our experiences in reforestation." 
The same day, across the seas in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, a new forest research institute opened its doors. Ground for the institute was broken in March 2012, as part of efforts by the Korean forest agency to help Cambodia restore its forests and to construct facilities designed for forestry studies. 
The newly opened institute will serve as the centerpiece for the country’s boosted response capabilities against rapid climate change and land degradation across the region. 
On top of that, a tree nursery in an annex of the building will develop strong, diverse species of trees using tissue cultures and distribute them to the government, companies and the public. It is hoped this would lead to enhanced abilities in forestry research and development. 
Along with the new forestry center, the 3rd Korea-Cambodia Forest Cooperation Committee meeting brought together both Korean and Cambodian representatives to discuss how to further help Korean investors in reforestation across the region, how to carry out pilot projects to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD+), and how to enhance bilateral cooperation on forest studies. 
"Korea and Cambodia have been actively engaged in cooperative efforts in the forestry sector, at both private and government levels,” said Lee Chang-jae, director of the Global Forest Resources and Trade Division of the Korea Forest Service. "The new Cambodian institute will hopefully play a pivotal role in expanding such cooperative projects, for example in restoring forests across the Mekong River area and in completing the REDD+ pilot project,” the director added.
Meanwhile, in China too, the Korean forestry body has been lending a helping hand to prevent that country’s rapid desertification. To this end, more than 3.2 million desert willows and poplar trees, both known to be well-adjusted to desert environments, were planted across 1,200 hectares of the Gobi Desert in Inner Mongolia, China, the origin of East Asia's "yellow dust" weather phenomenon. 
“We will continue to carry out a series of cooperative projects to help China combat desertification and 'yellow dust,'” said Choi Young-tae, director of the International Cooperation Division of the Korea Forest Service. Such efforts, he hopes, will improve the ecological environment across China’s arid regions. 
Similar efforts are underway in other Asian nations, such as Indonesia and Mongolia, as well. 
The Korea-Mongolia Greenbelt Forestation Project is an anti-desertification effort being made in Mongolia, a country with 70 percent of its territory at risk of desertification. 
The project, initiated in 2007, has had millions of poplar trees planted throughout the Lun Soum region and the Gobi Desert. With the effort, a 3000-hectare forest will have been created in the area by 2016. 


Birth Statistics

Ulaanbaatar, May 15 (MONTSAME) In the first four months of this year, 26,488 mothers delivered babies, a number of the alive born reached 26,669.
An increase in mothers was 929 or 3.6 percent and in children--984 or 3.8 percent against the same period of 2013.
At the national level, there was a decrease in infant mortality by 35 babies or 8.8 percent to 434, and an increase in 1-5 aged children by 30 or 6.2 percent to 516.  


Social Welfare Statistics

Ulaanbaatar, May 15 (MONTSAME) In the first four months of this year, revenue of social insurance fund reached 394.4 billion MNT while expenditure to 408.0 billion MNT, showing a decrease in revenue by 3.4 billion MNT or 0.8 percent and an increase of expenditure by 38.3 billion MNT or 10.3 percent against previous year.
Granting 44.8 billion MNT to 162.6 thousand people from social welfare fund means that a number of social welfare recipients decreased by 3.4 thousand people or 2.0 percent, estimated amount to be granted increased 1.8 billion MNT or 4.0 percent.
969.3 thousand children aged below 18 received 77.8 billion MNT from the Human Development Fund /HDF/.


Unemployment Decreases

Ulaanbaatar, May 15 (MONTSAME) In the first four months of this year, the number of unemployed registered decreased by two thous.562 persons or 6.8 percent against same period of 2013.
A total number of unemployed registered has reached 41,400 people and it means that an increase in unemployed was 789 people or 2.3 percent compared with previous month of this year.


Erchim Teams Bag First Wins in Semifinals

Ulaanbaatar, May 15 (MONTSAME) At semifinal matches of the national Spring volleyball open tournament, both Erchim teams of men and women bagged their first wins on Wednesday.
At semifinals, each team will have three matches, and teams first reached two wins will play for gold medals in finals of both men’s and women’s categories.
Besides the Erchim teams, Enacoree (women) and Khasu Mega Stars (men) achieved their first wins in semifinals against Monti and Tsairt Mineral respectively. Next matches are scheduled to be played on Thursday.



Young Basketball Players Leave for Poland

Ulaanbaatar, May 15 (MONTSAME) Boys’ team for basketball from the city’s 33rd secondary school and girls’ team from the 87th secondary school Thursday left for Poland to participate in friendly matches.
The basketball teams will have the friendly matches with junior selected teams of Poland’s Plotzk city. They are headed by T.Bayasakh, a deputy governor of Bayanzurkh district; B.Dashdorj, head of the Mongolia’s Federation of Physical Culture and Sports; and authorities of the schools.
The two teams were qualified to compete in the friendly matches from the junior league championships of Ulaanbaatar city which was held from February to April of this year.


Mongolians to Participate in Aerobic Gymnastics World Championships

Ulaanbaatar, May 15 (MONTSAME) The national team of aerobics and gymnastics will take part in the 13th Aerobic Gymnastics World Championships that will be held June 22-30 in Cancun, Mexico.
The Mongolia’s team has comprised nine athletes, one coach and one judge. This is not first time for Mongolia to compete in the world championships. In the 2012 world championships, Mongolia’s team won a bronze medal in the step category, in Sofia, Bulgaria.


Int'l Scientific Conference on Mining-Based Economy Matters to Be Held

Ulaanbaatar, May 15 (MONTSAME) The International Scientific Conference on mining-based economy matters is to run here, on May 16.
This action has been co-hosted by the Consortium of organizations of management, training on economy and science institutes and by the National University of Mongolia /NUM/.
As supposed, this meeting will bring together domestic and foreign scientists and delegates including from the Ministries of Finance, of Economy Development and of Mining, Mongol Bank /Central Bank of Mongolia/, the World Bank, the Asian development Bank as well as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
At the conference, many topics will be discussed relating to management of mining projects, development strategy based on mining sphere, increasing contribution in sector's economy, strengthening competitiveness and intensifying production among the professional participants.


Young Artist to Display Solo Exhibition

Ulaanbaatar, May 15 (MONTSAME) A young artist and a member of “Blue Mon” Art Gallery E.Sainkhuu is to display his solo exhibition themed “Parallel Earth” at the Art Gallery on May 17-25.
The exhibition is expected to show 12 paintings and more than 20 graphic works and viewers will see incomprehension and affection between human beings through artist's inner world from his works.
An artist Sainkhuu received an award for his best artwork from an art exhibition titled “Graphic painting and Digital” by this Gallery in 2013 then he earned a certificate to exhibit his artworks at the Gallery.


Saint Muse Musical Nominees to Be Staged on Thursday

Ulaanbaatar, May 15 (MONTSAME) Nominees of musical play category of the Saint Muse Festival are to be played in the Puppet Theater and Drama Theater on Thursday.
Those are ‘Human Voice’ from Russia’s Tuva, ‘a Divan Almost like an Idol’ of Zavkhan Provincial Theater, and ‘Myth of Mongolian Chess’ of China’s Inner Mongolian ‘Ordos’ Theater.
Prior to these musical plays, another musical nominee, a musical based on William Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet was staged on Wednesday in UB Palace. The musical is a Mongolian staging of Romeo et Juliette: de la Haine à l'Amour, a French musical, with music and lyrics by Gerard Presgurvic, that premiered in Paris on January 19, 2001.
The 11th edition of the international drama festival ‘Saint Muse’ is to take place in Ulaanbaatar on May 19. This year, along with Mongolia-staged plays, plays from Egypt, Serbia, Russia’s Tuva and China’s Inner Mongolia are competing for the Saint Muse. The judging panel includes famous actor and producer Elizabeth Hess from the International Theater Institute.
The bests will be announced in four categories of drama, children’s play, musical and mono-play among twenty nominees including ‘Don Quixote’ of the State Drama Theater (drama), ‘The Chairs’ of Blackbox Theater (drama),  ‘Romeo and Juliet’ of the Classic Musical Production (musical), ‘Adventures of School Boy Norov’ of the State Drama Theater (children’s), ‘Wolf and Seven Little Kids’ of 'Little Fir Tree' Theater (children’s), ‘4.48 Psychosis’ of the Blackbox Theater (monoplay), ‘Human Voice’ from Russia’s Tuva (monoplay) and ‘Waiting’ from Serbia (monoplay).
During the festival, a red carpet ceremony will be held near this year's festival venue of the Cultural Central Palace.


Bests of ‘Spring Fashion’ to Be Announced

Ulaanbaatar, May 15 (MONTSAME) A ‘Spring Fashion - 2014’ event will continue in Ulaanbaatar until May 16, with a goal to promote young designers and advertise their creations.
The event gives students of national design universities opportunities to show their designs as well as to compete for the best awards. After individual shows on May 10-15, a gala show is planned to run on May 16, the last day of the event, with an award ceremony to announce bests in nine categories including best design school, best designer student, best national costume, best everyday design and best avant-garde design.


Ulaanbaatar Marathon held to promote sport

May 15 (news.mn) Creating a public physical sports day and promoting the city to the rest of the world, the Ulaanbaatar Marathon will be held on a Car-free day on June 7th.
The Ulaanbaatar Marathon is expected to involve 25-30 thousands participants from state agencies, NGOs, other organisation, and representatives of foreign embassies and diplomatic mission as well as international marathon runners and athletes.
The marathon will be organized by the Capital City Governor`s Office, the Ulaanbaatar City Tourism Board, the Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism, and the Mongolian Youth Federation as well as other organisations.
The registration for the marathon will continue until June 1st. The Ulaanbaatar Marathon will start from Chinggis Khaan Square at 9.00 am on June 7th .


“Khutul” Cement Plant in Selenge Aimag to Produce up to

One Million Ton of Cement is Now Operational

May 15 (infomongolia.com) Prime Minister of Mongolia Mr. Norov ALTANKHUYAG is conducting a working to Selenge and Darkhan-Uul Aimags and during his visit to latter region on May 15, 2014, Premier got acquainted with "Darkhan” Metallurgical Plant’s activity that has been recently expanded its capacity and enabled to be operational for year-round.
He also visited the “Erel” cement plant in Darkhan that has been produced over 50 thousand tons of cement last year and this year plans to produce hundred thousand tons.
On the same day, Premier N.Altankhuyag visiting Selenge Aimag has attended in the opening ceremony for renewed “Khutul” cement plant and in the frameworks of its expansion works, a new factory is opened its doors that creates more jobs and considered as one of the big construction developments in the country.
During his opening remarks, Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag noted, “The “Khutul” cement plant has been enlarged its capacity by four times and from now on will provide up to 50% of domestic cement demand. The new factory was built under support of domestic national companies and Development Bank and was commissioned in one year and half. Last year, Mongolia used a total of 2 million tons of cement and by accomplishing this new facility, the factory will supply a half demand solely. Besides, three new cement factories are under construction in Dornogovi Aimag that would produce up to 2 million and 240 thousand tons of cement annually and will be commissioned next year. In the construction of these biggest national companies, the Government will support and provide financials from the Chinggis Bonds”.

Second Winner of “Best Work in Study of Military History of Mongolia” Biennial Award Announced

May 15 (infomongolia.com) On May 14, 2014, "Best Work in Study of Military History of Mongolia" an awards ceremony named after famed military historian, Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Dendevsuren GOMBOSUREN to bestow the winner was held in the “Great Accord” conference room of the Defense University in Ulaanbaatar.
This is the second event organized biennially since 2012 by late D.Gombosuren’s family members and Center for Military Studies at the Defense Ministry chaired by Director, Sc.D, Colonel Sh.Ganbold in collaboration with the Defense University that aims to promote the study of military history of Mongolia and encourage and support those historians and scholars who devote their studies for the development of Mongolian military history.
This year’s “Best Work in Study of Military History of Mongolia” reward was conferred to “Military Affairs of Ancient Nomads of Mongolia” book co-written by Sc.D Nasan-Ochir ERDENE-OCHIR and his teacher a Russian scholar Yulii Sergeevich Khudyakov and published in Russian language.
Sc.D N.Erdene-Ochir is a research officer at the Institute of Archaeology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences and obtained his Doctoral Degree in Novosibirsk, Russia in 2011 majored in archaeology and weapons studies.
Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Yu.S.Khudyakov is an archaeologist and weapons researcher and senior officer at the Institute of Archaeological and Ethnographic Studies, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. He is also a Head of the Department of Archaeological and Ethnographic Studies at Novosibirsk State University, and this is the first award given for his contribution by Mongolian side.
Doctor of Historical Sciences, Professor Dendevsuren GOMBOSUREN (1937-2011) spent his 37 years in study of military history, who greatly contributed to development of the science history of Mongolia and had been not only a good father to his children, but also had been respected as a “father” by military historians.
According to organizers, next winner of the “Best Work in Study of Military History of Mongolia” will be announced in 2016 and open to all as for foreign and domestic scholars, who can submit their studies or books addressing the Center for Military Studies at the Defense Ministry, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Photos were taken by Defense University photographer O.Nyambayar and agreed to share with our website, to note, late D.Gombosuren’s son G.Kherlen is an Editor-in-Chief of the www.InfoMongolia.com.

Comments

  1. The North piece of the Nordic nations and Canada are likewise inadequately populated. Mongolia has a high elevation and a cold and dry extraordinary mainland atmosphere, with the Gobi desert in the South and mountain chains and volcanoes in the North and West.

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