Mongolia Brief May 20, 2014



Demo-Training on Safety for Tourists to Run

Ulaanbaatar, May 19 (MONTSAME) A demonstration-training on ensuring safety for tourists to prevent accidents caused by disasters will be held Monday in the “Corporate-3” hotel, Ulaanbaatar.

Co-organized by the Tourism Department of City, the City’s Emergency Department and the Health Department, this training will involve directors, managers, engineers and technical experts of the biggest hotels in the city, and its key objective is to give understanding and knowledge about helping guests and tourists in case of natural disasters or accidents.
It is vital now for hotels and other service organizations to gain knowledge on the above issue in conjunction with constructing buildings with many floors, the organizers said.


‘11 11’ Center Reports

Ulaanbaatar, May 19 (MONTSAME) Last week, the ‘11 11’ Center of the Cabinet was accessed by 900 people.
People mostly asked questions about following three issues: the deadline to receive applications of working year amendments for a pension; the place to see results of a recently conducted housing raffle: and the road use payment for a countryside travel.
Responding to these questions, the Center officers said that the deadline of applications of working year amendments for a pension has been extended until 1 June, 2014; the results of the housing raffle are accessible at tosk.gov.mn website; and an annual road use payment of 20 thousand togrog is paid by vehicle owners for road use in the capital city, while countryside travelers (vehicle drivers) pay 500 togrog for use of transnational and provincial roads in the countryside.


Just 20 Minutes to Travel from One Corner of City to Another

Ulaanbaatar, May 19 (MONTSAME) A ceremony took place last Friday in the Central Railway Station of Ulaanbaatar city to receive the first two “Railbus” RA series of high-speed trains. These trains came into the public transport service of the city in order to reduce a massive traffic jam in the city and to make the public transport more sufficient, rapid and comfortable.
The railbuses, made in the Russia's "Metrovagonmash" factory will go for the service from the 6th of June. Having 136 seats, the railbus has a capacity of transporting 350-400 passengers in one race, speeding up to 100 km/hour. Thus, it will take just over 20 minutes to go from the Tolgoit to Amgalan railway stations.
Construction works have started to build 3.7 km railways for the buses, and it is expected to be put into use next year. For this year, the railbuses will run on the rails used by domestic and international trains. Due to duplication of timetables of other trains, the railbuses will transport passengers just three times a day.
Next year, the race frequency will increase to six times a day. Money of 300 million togrog will be allotted from the city's budget for erecting six extra stations. The tariff for the buses has not been fixed yet, and it will be released soon after consulting with the "Ulaanbaatar Railways" joint venture.
Present at the ceremony were A.Gansukh, the Minister of Road and Transportation, E.Bat-Uul, the Mayor of Ulaanbaatar city and other officials.
"Having high-speed trains is important step for the public transport service of our city. It definitely will enhance the public transport service and will give us possibilities to prepare new urban planning. In other words, the improvement of the public transport will eliminate the difference between the city center and suburbs. It will bring many advantages such as reducing traffic jam on autoroads," Mr Bat-Uul said.


Orbis Flying Eye Hospital to Arrive Here

Ulaanbaatar, May 19 (MONTSAME) The Orbis Flying Eye Hospital will arrive in Mongolia in June of this year at an invitation of the Mongolia’s Ministry of Health in line of the “Virtu Foundation” NGO.
This is the sixth time for the hospital to arrive in Mongolia. This time, the hospital will work here for two weeks for give medical treatment to patients with eye problems and run training for medical doctors.
The Orbis Flying Eye is a hospital at the Orbis international non-profit non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to saving sight worldwide. Orbis programs focus on the prevention of blindness and the treatment of blinding eye diseases in developing countries.
Since 1982, Orbis capacity-building programs have enhanced the skills of 325,000 eye care personnel and provided medical and optical treatment to more than 23.3 million people in 92 countries.
The flying hospital and its teaching facility is located on board a DC-10 jet aircraft. Orbis volunteer pilots fly the plane and its international medical team to developing countries around the world to teach urgently needed sight-saving skills. Local patients receive free treatment during this training.
The NGO’s headquarter is located in New York, with offices in Toronto, London, Dublin, Hong Kong, Macau, Shanghai, Taipei and Cape Town.
In addition to the Flying Eye Hospital, Orbis operates hospital-based programs in several countries and works with local medical research and health-care organizations on blindness prevention and eye disease treatment. An Orbis telemedicine program called "Cyber-Sight" uses the Internet to connect ophthalmologists for one-on-one collaboration and mentoring.


Bearded Vulture Becomes Provincial Bird of Omnogovi

Ulaanbaatar, May 19 (MONTSAME) Provincial administration of southern Omnogovi province has recently announced a decision to make the bearded vulture a provincial bird.
It follows an international practice to name a bird as a national bird, where Mongolia announced Saker Falcon as a national bird.
The bearded vulture (also known as thelammergeier) is a bird of prey, and the only member of the genus Gypaetus. It eats mainly carrion and lives and breeds on crags in high mountains in southern Europe, the Caucasus, Africa, the Indian subcontinent, and Tibet, laying one or two eggs in mid-winter that hatch at the beginning of spring. Populations are resident. In Mongolia, it mostly nested in Yol Am (Lammergeier Valley), a deep and narrow gorge in the Gurvan Saikhan Mountains of southern Mongolia.


Health Minister N.Udval at WHA

Ulaanbaatar, May 20 (MONTSAME) Representing Mongolia, the Minister of Health N.Udval and a head of the Monitoring, Analysis and Domestic Audit Department of the Ministry S.Togsdelger are participating in the 67th World Health Assembly /WHA/ in Geneva, Switzerland on May 19-24.
The event has been attended by more than 3000 delegates including representatives of 194 member countries, the UN agencies, and international non-government organizations, and observers.
This year, a discussion is running under themed “Climate and health”.
The WHA is the supreme decision-making body of WHO. It is attended by delegations from all WHO Member States and focuses on a specific health agenda prepared by the Executive Board. The main functions of the WHA are to determine the policies of the Organization, appoint the Director-General, supervise financial policies, and review and approve the proposed programme budget. The Health Assembly is held annually in Geneva, Switzerland.


Defense Minister Heads to South Korea

Ulaanbaatar, May 20 (MONTSAME) The Minister of Defense D.Bat-Erdene and accompanying him delegates headed to the South Korea to make an official visit at an invitation of his counterpart of S.Korea Mr Kim Kwan-jin, on May 19.
On Tuesday, the Minister D.Bat-Erdene will hold official talks with S.Korean part to discuss security issues on the Korean Peninsula.
The sides will also exchange views on security conditions in Northeast Asia, and discuss ways to enhance military exchanges and cooperation between Mongolia and S.Korea.
During the visit, our delegates are planning to visit the truce village of Panmunjom and the War Memorial of Korea.


President Xi Jinping Pledged to Support Mongolia on Joining APEC as Member State

May 20 (infomongolia.com) On Monday, May 19, the President of Mongolia, Mr. Tsakhia ELBEGDORJ left the country to attend the Fourth Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) taking place in Shanghai, the People’s Republic of China on May 20-21, 2014.
On the first day of his arrival in Shanghai, President Ts.Elbegdorj met with his counterpart of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Xi Jinping, where parties held bilateral talks and after President of China invited Mr. Ts.Elbegdorj to have a morning tea.
At the beginning of meeting, the two Presidents touched upon issues concerning bilateral political and economic cooperation and partnership broadening at regional spheres.
Also, parties exchanged views on developing bilateral relations in the scope of marking the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties as well as the 20th anniversary of the announcement of “Mongolia-China Friendly Exchanges” Agreement.
During the bilateral talks, Presidents of China and Mongolia discussed on cooperation in infrastructure, ongoing process of coal gasification project, transit transportation and opportunity of usage seaport. Parties also were satisfied with strengthening partnership in mineral resources and energy as considered as priority sectors of bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
Moreover, President Xi Jinping pledged to support Mongolia on joining APEC as a member state.
However, the meeting of the two leaders was scheduled to have about 40 minutes, but extended up to two hours exchanging opinions concerning many vital issues that held in a friendly atmosphere.
Following the meeting, President Ts.Elbegdorj extended his invitation to the President Xi Jinping to visit Mongolia noting, “Your visit to our country would bring bilateral relationship in a new stage”.
Today on May 20, President Ts.Elbegdorj will have a separate meeting with the President of the Russian Federeation, Mr. Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and on Wednesday, May 21 is scheduled to attend the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia.
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Ministry of Industry and Agriculture Reports at “Hours of Construction” Meeting

Ulaanbaatar, May 20 (MONTSAME) The Vice Ministers of Industry and Agriculture Ts.Tuvaan and B.Tsogtgerel gave a report on some works done in the agriculture and industrial spheres, at the “Hours of great constructions” weekly meeting on Monday.
The Ministry has planned to perform 24 tenders for the animal husbandry and veterinary sectors with MNT 19.9 billion allotted from the 2014 budget. Contracts have been established with 83% of the projects, running in their implementation course, and 17% of them are going in the contract-signing level, Tuvaan said.
With an aim to promote the dairy industry, a decision has been made to give loans of MNT 13.4 billion to selected enterprisers that will implement projects on importing and acclimatizing high-productive milk cows. Realization of these projects will tackle the milk provision for the capital city by creating 25 intensive farms with 300 cows in suburbs, the Vice Minister said.
Besides the dairy industry, loans of MNT 38 billion and 130 million have been granted to 24 enterprisers for developing intensified animal husbandry and to increase meat provision. Some of the selected enterprisers have launched husbandry of beef cattle, hog and chicken farming.
As of today at a national level, there have been about 15.0 million offspring, of which 14.8 million have survived, the Vice Minister said.
Regarding the land farming sector, wheat will be planted on 304.5 thousand hectares area, potatoes--on 15.5 thousand hectares, vegetables--on 8.3 thousand hectares, fodder--on 10.3 thousand hectares, and oil plants--on 24.1 thousand hectares. For the time being, wheat has been planted on 144.3 hectares, potatoes--on 3.7 thousand hectares, vegetables--on 2.0 thousand hectares, and oil plants--on 18.8 thousand hectares. Dedicated to the planting works, 2.39 thousand tons of petroleum has been conveyed to 552 enterprisers, 8.2 thousand tons of grain seeds has been given to 220 enterprisers, and 7.9 tons of pesticide substances--to 245 enterprisers and citizens, Tsogtgerel said.      


Sharyn Gol Announces Drawdown of $5 Million from EBRD Non-Convertible Loan

Ulaanbaatar, May 20 (MONTSAME) Sharyn Gol JSC has announced drawdown of $5 million from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) non- convertible loan facility and execution of $5M convertible loan agreement with Firebird, says Mongolian Stock Exchange news on May 19.
According to that news, Sharyn Gol JSC has announced that it has drawn down $5 million under the terms of its $10 million debt financing package with the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development (“EBRD”), the multilateral development bank based in London.
The proceeds of the drawdown will be used to finance expenses related to the acquisition and installation of a coal washing plant and improvements to a smokeless fuel processing facility.
The coal washing plant, which will be operational by September, will supply washed coal to SharynGol’s subsidiary Naco Fuels JSC, which produces smokeless fuel for the domestic market; the washing plant will also allow Sharyn Gol to produce export quality coal for trial shipments through the Russian rail system, as well as premium coal for a range of domestic customers in Mongolia.
The investment will reduce emissions by allowing the production of higher quality coal, as well as to provide additional environmental benefits through the expansion of smokeless fuel production capacity.
Sharyn Gol is also pleased to announce that it has executed a $5 million Convertible Loan Agreement with SHG Investments Pte. Ltd., an entity controlled by an affiliate of Firebird Management LLC, Sharyn Gol’s controlling shareholder. Sharyn Gol will use the proceeds of the convertible loan facility for general working capital purposes and for the continued upgrading of mining equipment in order to execute its objective to grow annualized production to 2.5 million tons per year.
Graham Chapman, Sharyn Gol’s CEO, commented: “We are honored to work with the EBRD to improve Sharyn Gol’s ability to generate cash in order to create additional returns for stakeholders, while making a positive impact on air quality in Ulaanbaatar through the reduction in air pollution resulting from the substitution of raw coal with Naco Fuel’s environmentally friendly smokeless fuel. In addition, we are grateful for the continued support from Firebird, our company’s largest shareholder.”


Joint Stock Companies Decide to Distribute Dividend

Ulaanbaatar, May 20 (MONTSAME) Joint stock companies such as “Khurd”, “Atar-Urguu”, “Gan Kherlen”, “Eermel” and “Ulaanbaatar Hotel” have submitted their decisions of dividends to the Mongolian Stock Exchange (MSE), says news of MSE.
As of 15 May 2014, 19 joint stock companies declared to distribute dividends total of 10.4 billion MNT, including Khurd with dividend per share of MNT 253.00, and sum dividend of MNT 34,222,298.00, Gan Kherlen with dividend per share of MNT 300.00, and sum dividend of MNT 52,240,800.00, Eermel with dividend per share of MNT 63.10, and sum dividend of MNT 219,545,092.00, Ulaanbaatar Hotel with dividend per share of MNT 330.00, and sum dividend of MNT 110,648,010.00, and Atar-Urguu with dividend per share of MNT 300.00, and sum dividend of MNT 52,240,800.00, says the Public Relations Department of the Mongolian Stock Exchange.


SUMO/ Hakuho punishes Endo, Kakuryu falls to 3rd defeat on Day 9

May 20 (Asahi Shimbun) Yokozuna Hakuho stayed undefeated and in the lead while giving Endo a sumo lesson on May 19 at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament, handing the rising star a harsh reminder that he has much to learn.
Mongolian Hakuho overpowered Endo and dispatched the up-and-coming No. 4 maegashira in a matter of seconds. The momentum from Hakuho's charge was so strong it carried both wrestlers off the raised ring and toppling into the first row of seats.
Endo beat grand champion Kakuryu earlier in the 15-day tournament at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo, but Hakuho wasn't about to be upstaged by the young wrestler, who has quickly become a fan favorite. Hakuho, bidding for his 29th Emperor's Cup, improved to 9-0 while Endo dropped to 4-5.
Hakuho has a one-win lead over ozeki Kisenosato and No. 5 maegashira Ikioi, who both won on Day 9.
Elsewhere, Kakuryu's yokozuna debut took another disastrous turn when the Mongolian was swatted down by Tochiozan to fall to an unseemly 6-3 record. Sekiwake Tochiozan also stands at 6-3.
Kakuryu was promoted to yokozuna after the spring tourney in March, but is off to an unimpressive start and with three losses critics will already be questioning his promotion to sumo's highest rank.
Grand champion Harumafuji was given a scare by No. 5 maegashira Shohozan but survived to earn his seventh win against two losses.
Harumafuji was pushed to the edge several times and almost lost his balance, but eventually maneuvered Shohozan to the edge where he shoved him out to his fourth loss.
Ozeki Kisenosato posted a hard-fought win over komusubi Yoshikaze to stay one win back at 8-1.
In an intense bout that could have gone either way, the two wrestlers exchanged a series of arm thrusts and slaps to the head before Kisenosato finally prevailed when Yoshikaze's knee touched the surface.
Yoshikaze fell to 3-6 but can take pride in having pushed the ozeki grappler to the brink of defeat.
In-form No. 5 maegashira Ikioi stayed right in the title chase when he swatted down veteran Aminishiki to improve to 8-1. Ikioi not only kept the pressure on Hakuho but secured a winning record for the tournament with the comprehensive win over the No. 3 maegashira, who dropped to 5-4.
Top maegashira Aoiyama used his weight advantage to dispatch komusubi Chiyootori with several powerful arm thrusts to the upper body. Bulgarian Aoiyama, who weighs 196 kilograms, improved to 4-5 while Chiyootori fell to 2-7.
Sekiwake Goeido stopped a three-bout losing streak when he swatted down Toyonoshima to pick up his fifth win against four losses. No. 4 maegashira Toyonoshima fell to 4-5.
Ozeki Kotoshogiki got both arms around winless Mongolian Kyokutenho and waltzed the No. 3 maegashira out to improve to a 5-4 record.


“Erdenes MGL” LLC Changed Its Name into “Erdenes Mongol” LLC

May 20 (infomongolia.com) According to official announcement released on May 20, 2014, "Erdenes MGL" LLC has been changing its name into "Erdenes Mongol" LLC, which is effective from the date.
Today, the Company owns 100% of “Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi” JSC, 100% of “Erdenes Oyu Tolgoi” LLC, “Baganuur” JSC’s 75% of state-owned shares, “Shivee Ovoo” JSC’s 90% of state-owned shares, “Oyu Tolgoi” LLC’s 34% of state portion, “Erdenet Factory” LLC’s 51% of Mongolian part, and 100% of auto road constructed between Tavan Tolgoi and Gashuun Sukhait as well as Gashuun Sukhait border port and its affiliated infrastructure.
Last weekend, Ministry of Mining of Mongolia hosted the Open Day at Chinggis Square, where newly changed “Erdenes Mongol” LLC has participated with its sub-companies to promote and introduce its activities.
The Company’s operation has been enlarging and strives to become a National scale Corporation and in the scope of activities, the Company converted its name into “Erdenes Mongol” LLC and introducing its new logo.


International Atomic Energy Agency Representative, Mr.

Oscar Acuna Visits Mongolia

May 20 (infomongolia.com) Upon the invitation of the Head of the Nuclear Energy Agency N.Tegshbayar, Director of the Division for Asia and Pacific at the Department of Technical Cooperation, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Mr. Oscar Acuna is visiting Mongolia these days.
In the frameworks of his visit, Director O.Acuna will be got acquainted with projects implemented in the scope of IAEA Technical Cooperation of 2012-2013 Program, also new projects to implement with affiliated organs in 2014-2015 as well as project forecasts for 2016-2017 Program, and meet relevant authorities from Ministries and academic institutions.
The visit program includes meeting with officials from the Ministry of Industry and Agriculture, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Health, Country Representative of the United Nations to exchange views on current implementing projects and issues to consider. He also plans to visit Nuclear Research Center of the National University of Mongolia, Institute of Physics and Technology of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, National Cancer Center of Mongolia, Veterinary Research Institute of the Mongolian State University of Agriculture, and Central Laboratory of Veterinary Sanitation.
As a result, the visit aims to develop the project of the implementation of the technical cooperation program for 2015-2020 between the Government of Mongolia and the IAEA.
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Minister Ts.Oyungerel Receives Mongolian Honorary Consul in Scotland

Ulaanbaatar, May 20 (MONTSAME) The Minister of Culture, Sport and Tourism Ts.Oyungerel Monday received Mr David Scott, an Honorary Consul of Mongolia in Scotland and delegates of British “Trinity Mirror” newspaper and magazine publisher company.
At the meeting, the sides agreed to involve top ten students majoring as journalist in one year-exchange program in Scotland.


Vice Minister B.Tulga Visits China

Ulaanbaatar, May 20 (MONTSAME) Last week, the Vice Minister of Environment and Green Development B.Tulga made a working visit in Beijing, China.
In frames of this four-day visit, the vice Minister B.Tulga attended in the sixth meeting of the Joint Committee of Mongolia and China on trans-boundary water and held meetings with officials of the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the State Forest Management of this country.
At the meeting with Mr Lee Dung Shin, a deputy director of the State Forest Management, the sides talked about bilateral cooperation matters in forest sector.
Furthermore, the parties agreed to organize the third meeting of forest sector in 2015 in frames of cooperation memorandum that was established between the Ministry and the State Forest Management in 2008.
Expressing a readiness to cooperate with our country in Gobi bear protection and growth fields, Chinese part invited our working group for Gobi bear protection to share its experience on Panda bear.
After this, the Vice Minister B.Tulga met with Mr Lee Ganji, his counterpart of China and they exchanged opinions on the matters relating to activating realization of a memorandum established in 2012 between the Ministries and putting forward bilateral cooperation and several regional cooperation issues were touched upon as well.


Khan Bank Contributes to Attracting Foreign Direct Investment

Ulaanbaatar, May 20 (MONTSAME) The commercial Khan Bank sponsored the third Annual Mongolia Trade and Commodity Finance Conference which was held last week in Ulaanbaatar as a Golden Sponsor. The conference has gathered over 175 delegates from 13 different countries, the banks website published Tuesday.
The bank said it always attends and collaborates with internationally and locally renowned conferences and forums that intend to contribute to the Mongolian social economy and improving sectors. Therefore, the Bank sponsored and collaborated with the Mongolia Investment Summit 2014 and the third Annual Mongolia Trade and Commodity Finance Conference which made a huge contribution to improving the Mongolian economy and foreign direct investment as well as foreign trade.
Mongolia Investment Summit-2014 was held in London, the world’s leading financial center from 29th to 30th April and this year the summit was focused on Mongolia’s current macroeconomic outlook and new positive changes in the legal environment following the new investment law was introduced to foreign investors.
Norihiko Kato, CEO of Khan Bank delivered a presentation entitled “Examining how Mongolian banks and financial institutions are dealing with the challenges and opportunities of a fast growing economy” and joined a panel discussion about the Mongolian banking sector as a panelist.
With its focus on Mongolia’s mining, minerals and vast commodity-led growth, this was the key trade gathering for the country’s senior business leaders, providing timely insight into the challenges facing the local banking and private sectors, as well as offering perspectives from the industry’s key supporting actors.
Norihiko Kato, CEO of Khan Bank and other finance and trade finance specialists attended the conference as panelists discussing issues such as “Utilizing international partnerships to extend access to trade finance” and “Providing perspectives from the domestic banking sector”.
Khan Bank maintains account relationships with 60 international banks and the bank actively utilizes this facility to support its trade finance transactions while maintaining its strong liquidity with funding from international financial markets while collaborating with the European Reconstruction and Development Bank.
For its dynamic service of Trade Finance in Mongolia, for the fourth consecutive year; the EBRD awarded Khan Bank “The Most Active Issuing Bank in Mongolia”.
As one of the Mongolia’s leading banks, Khan Bank actively attends and sponsors internationally and locally well-known forums and conferences to define sustainable development of the Mongolian economy and discuss challenges the sectors faces and seek the ways to overcome and raise its voice to contribute to the development of the sector.


Banks Grant Housing Loans of One Trillion Togrog

Ulaanbaatar, May 20 (MONTSAME) Commercial banks of Mongolia decided to grant mortgage totaling one trillion 78.2 billion togrog to 19 thousand 228, after receiving low interest mortgage loan applications totaling 1.1 trillion togrog.
Since commencing the annual 8% mortgage program last June, the banks have received requests to refund already awarded housing loans of 847.4 billion togrog, which have been delivered under the Government program to stabilize the mortgage system of the nation. Refunding requests for the loans totaling 520.5 billion from 18 thousand 210 citizens have been approved by the commercial banks. 


Top Five Named among Government Bond-Funded Projects

Ulaanbaatar, May 20 (MONTSAME) The Development Bank of Mongolia has announced the best five projects among those financed from the Chinggis Bonds capital.
Those are the Power plant no.3 capacity enhancement project, the Baganuur LLC capacity enhancement project, the Mongolian Airlines Boeing 767 300ER jet airliner financing project, Tumensuikh LLC Winter Greenhouse project and Transport Ministry’s Ulaanbaatar-Mandalgovi road building project.


Disaster Preparedness Training Held in Ulaanbaatar

Ulaanbaatar, May 20 (MONTSAME) In connection with goals stated in the action plans of the Ulaanbaatar Mayor to create ‘Safe Ulaanbaatar’, an emergency and disaster preparedness training was held in the Corporate-3 hotel in Ulaanbaatar on May 19 by the Municipal Tourism Authority, Emergency Management Agency and the Health Authority.
This training aimed to show how to render first aid and other services during probable emergency, and was attended by managers and engineers of 33 hotels operating in Mongolia. “In late years, many tall buildings (skyscrapers) have been built in Ulaanbaatar, and majority of them are used as luxury hotels to receive foreign tourists visiting the country. It has become increasingly necessary to raise awareness on provision of safe accommodation and on preparedness for possible disasters among hospitality workers, said an officer at the Municipal Tourism Authority.


Our Health Sector's Delegation Attends in Int'l Training on Immunization

Ulaanbaatar, May 20 (MONTSAME) Mongolian delegates participated in the Training Workshop on Adverse Effects Following Immunization (AEFI) Causality Assessment and Communication Capacity Building for Immunization in Manila, Philippines on May 12-16.
Organized by the Regional Office for Western Pacific of the World Health Organization /WHO/,   the action was attended by more than 50 representatives and relevant specialists from Mongolia, South Korea, China, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, and New Guinea.
Our delegation team consisted of D.Narangerel, a head of Social health department of the Ministry of Health, B.Altanzul, a doctor for immunization department of the National Research Center for Infectious Disease and other related officials.


Best Singers to Visit Japan

Ulaanbaatar, May 20 (MONTSAME) As a part of celebration activities of the 40th anniversary of establishment of the Culture Relationship Treaty between Mongolia and Japan, a contest named ‘Who sings Japanese songs the best’ is announced to run among middle-school pupils in Mongolia.
This contest will take place under collaboration of Endo Minoru foundation of Japan, ‘Tsendiin Batchuluun’ horse-headed fiddle performing promotion foundation of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar Municipal Education Authority and Japan’s Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, commencing from this September 27 in the Mongolian Children’s Palace. The registration for the contest is continuing until May 23.
The top five singers will be awarded with rights to visit Japan.


Grandmasters Leading National Draughts Championships

Ulaanbaatar, May 20 (MONTSAME) International grandmasters G.Ganjargal and D.Erdenebileg are leading the ongoing national draughts championships in Ulaanbaatar.
The adult draught championships 2014 are going on in Badmaarag Center of Bayanzurkh district, under support by the Sports, Culture and Tourism Ministry and sponsorship by Badmaarag Co.
In the men’s category of the championships, D.Erdenebileg and G.Ganjargal are leading the tournament with 13 points each, followed by R.Manlai and S.Davaadorj with 11 points each. In women’s category, B.Nandintsetseg is topping others with 11 points after seven rounds, and is followed by M.Odgerel with ten points.
The national championships will end on May 23.


Playtime Bands to Be Announced

Ulaanbaatar, May 20 (MONTSAME) The 13th edition of the Playtime live music festival is going to take place in the Mongol Shiltgeen, Gachuurt Village on July 19-20, with participation of 30-35 live music bands.
The selection process for the two-day live music festival is continuing until May 30, with generous offers for new and debuting music bands to show themselves in Mongolia’s music stage. This year, the Lemons band will perform three new songs from their third album.
There will be two stages as usual, the organizers say, a big stage (main stage) and a small stage. Besides food and drink pavilions to render services to audiences, a set for DJs is planned to be installed in the small stage.
As foreign music guests, ‘Mumiy Troll’ rock group from Russia and Envy rock band from Japan are expected to entertain Mongolian live music enthusiasts with their songs in Playtime-2014.
Mumiy Troll is a Russian rock group, founded in 1983 in Vladivostok by vocalist and songwriter Ilya Lagutenko. The literal name of the band, 'The mummies' troll', is a pun on Moomin Troll, the series of Finnish children's books by Tove Jansson.
Mumiy Troll is well known in Japan, China and Europe. The band cooperate with “Shoot the Artist” (Bjorn Tagemoose, video) and “The Agency” (North American tours-2009). The band's North American tour of 16 dates earlier this year was a huge success, so “The Agency” announced another two month North American tour.
Envy is a rock band formed in Tokyo in 1992. They are signed to Rock Action Records in Europe and Temporary Residence Limited in North America, though originally they worked with Level Plane Records. Initially influential in the post-hardcore scene, Envy more recently in their career has grown to include elements of post-rock.


Saint Muse-2014 International Theatre Festival Selects Its Bests

Ulaanbaatar, May 20 (MONTSAME) The eleventh "Saint Muse" international theatre festival for drama art named the best contestants on May 19.
This year's festival attracted creative workers of Mongolia, Egypt, Serbia, Tuva Republic of the Russian Federation and Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region of China. The judges' panel included Ms Elizabeth Hess from the International Theatre Institute (ITI); and Susanna Oorzhik, a producer from Tuva Republic, who is one of the top 10 young directors of Russia.
Some 80 artists for over 20 creative works in drama, children's, musical and monologue genres competed for the Saint Muse with nominations of the best actor, actress, the best supporting artist and actress, the best producer, composer and scene-designer.
One of the contestants from foreign countries, G.Navchinkhuar from Inner Mongolia won the Saint Muse for the best producer by competing with a drama named "Legend of Mongolian chess" in the musical genre, whereas the prize named after judges went to Uran Ool Dmitriyevich from Tuva Republic.
Held on occasion of the Day of Theatre, the annual Saint Muse festival is considered as one of the biggest events to contribute to a development of drama art not only in Mongolia, but also at a regional level. The first festival was attended by only Mongolian contestants, but now it has expanded out of the country.


Priceless Buddhist statues stolen from Kharkhorum museum

May 20 (news.mn) Valuable statues of the Buddhist goddess were stolen from the Kharkhorum museum on Sunday night between May 19th and 20th. Kharkhorum museum is located at one of the most ancient monasteries found in Mongolia, Erdene Zuu in Uvurkhangai aimag. The Uvurkhangai Police Department reported that seven handmade Buddhist goddess statues including a 22.8 kg body and base with a gold setting of Duinkhor goddess, a 1.595 kg brass and gilded with gold Jugdernamjil and a 1.230 kg brassware and gilded with gold Maidar goddess were stolen. These Buddhist goddess belong to the unique cultural heritage of Mongolia. Police are investigating the theft of these culturally unique and priceless heritages that are from the 18th century.
According to the Police report there were four Maidar goddesses, one Duinkhor goddess and one Judgernamjil goddess, and a Manzushir goddess among the seven stolen Buddhist goddess. Police have announced a reward for information that will help them to find the thief and warned about the illegal trade of unique cultural heritages. 
The Head of the Press Center of the General Police Agency, Major B.Baatarkhuu spoke about the incident at Kharkhorum museum that was broken into. It has not been estimated how much the stolen items are worth. The Uvurkhangai Police Department has initiated an investigation over the incident and shielded the monastery museum. The suspect is being searched for.
Kharkhorum museum at Erdene Zuu monastery was built in accordance with the Government decision 271 in 2009. The museum that was built with the support of the Mongolia-Japan friendship and financed by the two governments opened in September, 2010.
The museum founded in the ancient city Kharkhorum of the Mongol Empire that occupied half of the world was designed to feature the history of the ancient city, promote the ancient city`s history and culture and its cultural heritage.


Law Enforcement University Mongolia boost ties with People's Public Security University of China

May 20 (news.mn) Upon the invitation of the Law Enforcement University of Mongolia, delegates lead by the Vice President of the People's Public Security University of China, Jang Pei Wen, are visiting the University in Ulaanbaatar between May 19th and 21st. The Law Enforcement University of Mongolia and the People`s Public Security University of China signed a cooperation agreement during the visit.
The President of the Law Enforcement University of Mongolia, professor, police colonel R.Chingis spoke about the significance of signing the cooperation agreement:
“A Memorandum of Understanding between the Law Enforcement University of Mongolia and the People`s Public Security University of China was signed in May 2013. Signing a cooperation agreement is significant to exchange teachers of both universities for them to share experience, research works, and student exchanges. Further the two universities will cooperate on student exchange programs reciprocally. There will also be a joint program carried out between the two universities. I hope the program will be helpful for us to learn about China`s experience on crime fighting, correlations of reforms in legislature, and the education sector`s contribution for the cooperation of the legislature. I hope the joint program will be efficient in raising the level in organizing field exercises, combating transnational crimes, and human trafficking. ”


Economy Board established

May 20 (news.mn) In the scope of the Government`s ambitious 100-action plan seeking to revive the economy, an Economy Board has been established under the direction of the Prime Minister. The Economy Board pledges to hold an information statement every Monday. 
The Economy Board chaired by the Prime Minister consists of 30 members, of which 18 percent will be private and business sector representatives according to the Secretary of the Economy Board B.Byambasaikhan. The Economy Board is expected to hold a meeting on Tuesday and Thursday for a new idea and plan to be submitted to the Government and Prime Minister.  The Economy Board, which is in charge of the ambitious 100-plan has pledged to increase 10 billion US dollar-a year economy for the country to 20 billion US dollar.
Thus the Economy Board along with the Government will be expected to consider property rights and tax burden.
The first agenda the Economy Board will raise will be tax issues. The current taxation system was designed for 1-2 billion worth budget.
On the issues, the Government`s “11-11” center is to receive new idea and initiatives from civilians and collect suggestions via business communities.
In Monday`s statement, the Secretary of the Economy Board, B.Byambasaikhan, made an announcement about the Khutul cement plant in Selenge and about current cement consumption.
Khutul cement plant is scheduled to produce a one million ton cement output a year. That amount is 50 percent of Mongolia`s total cement consumption. Thus Mongolia targets to provide for the cement consumption that is worth an 80 million US dollar import for cement on its own.

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