Mongolia Brief June 20, 2014
PM Opens "Mongolia Business Summit 2014"
Ulaanbaatar,
June 20 (MONTSAME) Opening the summit on Thursday, the Prime Minister
N.Altankhuyag had a speech, explaining efforts of his Government to stimulate
the economy of the nation.
The Premier
noted the importance of reflecting the economic growth the country is currently
experiencing in the livelihood of the people.
The Government
is making efforts to create here a favorable for the business environment, to
eliminate burdens and encumbrances ahead of business people and wealth
creators, he said. The Cabinet convenes twice a week to discuss ways to support
business and manufacturing, and it has thus far submitted 23 draft laws aimed
at business promotion to parliament, he went on. Additional to the mining sector,
the largest contributor to the economy and other fields are open for the
cooperation between business people and manufacturers, the Premier told the
gathered.
The three-day
summit kicked off Thursday in Ikh Tenger with representatives of some 20
countries such as Australia, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Jordan,
Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, United Kingdom and
United States, along with leading businessmen from Mongolia.
This high level
event will serve as an excellent platform to directly interact with
international investors, bankers and local business leaders.
During the
event presented are such projects as Tsagaan Suvarga, Xanadu Mines, Nomads,
Gatsuurt, Logistical service and meat processing center, Meat Processing
Facility, Eg River Hydro Power Plant, Тavan Tolgoi Power plant, Highway
project, Cement project and New Railway. Site tours are also offered including
day trip to APU Food and Beverage Company, Gobi Cashmere Factory, MAK Cement
Plant in Nalaikh and an overnight tour to Oyu Tolgoi and Tavan Tolgoi mining
sites.
Chairperson of Federation Council of Federal Assembly of Russian Federation to Pay Official Visit to Mongolia
June 20
(infomongolia.com) At the invitation of Speaker of the State Great Khural
(Parliament) Mr. Zandaakhuu ENKHBOLD, the Chairperson of the Federation Council
of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Mrs. Valentina Ivanovna
Matviyenko is conducting an official visit to Mongolia on June 22-23, 2014.
During her stay
in Mongolia, Head of the Federation Council V.I.Matviyenko will have bilateral
talks with the Speaker Z.Enkhbold and sign a Memorandum of Understanding as
well as to pay a courtesy call on the President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj, Prime
Minister N.Altankhuyag and Deputy Chairman of the Parliament, Head of Mongolian
People’s Party (MPP) M.Enkhbold respectively.
The Chairperson
V.I.Matviyenko will be accompanied with Deputy Chairman of the Council of
Federation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Ilyas
Magomed-Salamovich Makhanov, who is a Head of Inter-Parliamentary Group with
the State Great Khural, as well as First Deputy-Chairman of the International
Affairs Committee of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation Vladimir
Michailovich Dzhabarov and other members of the Assembly.
The Speaker
Z.Enkhbold and other officials will welcome the guests at the Chinggis Square,
Ulaanbaatar on Monday, June 23 at 09:05 am.
Related:
Chairwoman
of Russian Federation Council to Visit us – Montsame, June 20
Foreign Minister Meets Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan
Ulaanbaatar,
June 20 (MONTSAME) Mongolia and Kyrgyzstan can expand their relations and
activate the cooperation in the mining, tourism and education spheres.
The Minister of
Foreign Affairs L.Bold said it Thursday when meeting with Ms K.D.Baktygulova,
the Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan to Mongolia, who had presented the credentials to
our President.
The Minister
congratulated Ms Baktygulova on becoming the Ambassador to Mongolia and said he
will pay attention to implementation of a decision made at the 2nd meeting of
the Mongolia-Kyrgyzstan intergovernmental commission for the trade, economy,
culture and technical cooperation which ran May 28-29 in Ulaanbaatar.
Mr Bold gave
her an invitation the Premier N.Altankhuyag sends to Kyrgyzstan’s Prime
Minister.
In turn, the
Ambassador noted that the countries have historical ties and said she will do
her best to enhance the bilateral cooperation. Her country aspires to increase
a volume of the political relations, to train Mongolian students, to learn
Mongolia's experiences in political structure, elections and civil
registration, she said.
Investors Detailed on Tavan Tolgoi Power Plant Project
Ulaanbaatar,
June 20 (MONTSAME) A project implementing unit for the Tavan Tolgoi Power
Plant, together with representatives of MCS Holding LLC and Oyu Tolgoi met
Thursday with investors.
During the
meeting, a "Trade Commitment" was presented, which include ten
documents on issues such as energy sale and purchase, coal supply, and
investments. It has been regarded as the key document to help raise investments
from international markets.
Project unit
director M.Enkhsaikhan noted a hope that the successful implementation of this
mega project will pave the way for subsequent mega projects in Mongolia.
Globally
operating companies such as ‘GDF Suez and Posco Energy’ consortium of Frrance
and S.Korea, ‘Kansai Electric Power’ and Marubeni Corporation’ of Japan, and
Daewoo Engineering and Construction of S.Korea have been selected as investors
to the project.
UN Assistant Secretary-General completes Mongolia visit
June 20
(news.mn) Assistant Administrator and Director of the Regional Bureau for Asia
and the Pacific at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Xu
Haoliang, made an official visit to Mongolia between June 16th and 20th.
During the
visit Mr Xu Haoliang met the Speaker of Mongolian Parliament Z.Enkhbold and
Prime Minister of Mongolia N.Altankhuyag respectively.
Mr Xu also met
Foreign Affairs Minister L.Bold, the Minister of Economic Development
N.Batbayar and the Minister of Environment and Green Development S.Oyun for
talks over future bilateral relations and views on opportunities for
cooperation.
Mr Xu attended
a national discussion on the subject of “Enhancing the role of the private
sector in sustainable development”, and a development discussion that was held
on the topic of “The Future We Want”, launched by UNDP from 2012.
Mr. Xu then
paid a working visit to Dundgovi aimag where he observed the projects
“Strengthening Capacity of Local Self-Governance Body” and “Water Supply
Improvement” in Gurvansaikhan sum.
A donors
meeting on water supply issues was also conducted by the Ministry of
Construction and Urban Development and UNDP in Gurvansaikhan sum during Mr Xu’s
visit.
At the meeting
Mr Xu expressed his appreciation of the bilateral relations between Mongolia
and the UN and noted Mongolia`s having a 9th MDG on ‘Strengthening Human Rights
and Fostering Democratic Governance’ that emphasizes democratic governance and
human rights as necessary conditions for the achievement of all the MDGs. Mr Xu
then stated that the UNDP will keep a close relationship with Mongolia as a
partner, not a donor, for development programs as Mongolia is experiencing
rapid economic growth.
Related:
UN
Assistance Secretary-General Visits Mongolia – Montsame, June 20
Pupils to Learn Business
Ulaanbaatar,
June 20 (MONTSAME) The Business Management Faculty of the Mongolian State
University is planning to organize a financial management and business training
for secondary schools children on June 24-27.
The "I am
a future billionaire" named training will give thirty pupils (above 10
years) all basics of business and personal finance, thus enabling "first
steps to become billionaires", the organizers believe.
The students
will also learn how to manage money flows and household budgets, as well as
efficient spending of their incomes.
The training
program also includes lessons on time management, communication and ethics.
Ulaanbaatar City to Be Equipped with New Bus-Stops Featuring Free Internet Wi-Fi Access
June 20
(infomongolia.com) In order to improve the appearance of the capital city and
to create a comfortable living environment for the citizens of Ulaanbaatar
City, the Mayor's Office in collaboration with the City's Transportation and
Road Authorities and the Trade and Development Bank of Mongolia have been
implementing a program to build public transport stops under general standards.
In the scope of
the program, which is being carried out under cooperation agreement between
above bodies, an advice and support is provided by a French Corporation,
"JCDecaux" Group known for its bus-stop advertising systems,
billboards, public bicycle rental systems and street furniture.
The new
bus-stops will be erected in some 200 locations featuring city map and waiting
areas for vehicles, taxis, metro, and bike parking. Also, equipped with
information boards, double the Say-ray water resistant, power-efficient LED
lighting. Audio devices to information for people with disabilities. This
device operates a solar battery transmit sounds within a radius of 5 meters.
Moreover, people waiting for the bus will be enabled to access a free internet
Wi-Fi for 20 minutes.
It plans to
install 69 bus-stops this year, whereas 31 will go into service before the
Naadam Festival and the rest within August
Related:
Bus
Stops to Be Equipped with Internet – Montsame,
June 20
Disability Not to Block Way to Leadership
Ulaanbaatar,
June 20 (MONTSAME) A Mongolia-S.Korea educational cooperation forum was held
Thursday under a theme of "Nurturing Future Mongolian Leaders with
Disabilities".
The organizers
were the National Rehabilitation and Development Center of Mongolia, Department
of Early Diagnosis Participation, the Seoul National University, together with
governmental and nongovernmental organizations.
At the meeting,
Prof Kim Dong-il, from the Department of Education of Seoul National
University, made a presentation under a topic of "Early diagnosis and
participation for children with disability", in which he spoke about
rehabilitative treatment of underdevelopment, possibilities of occupation for
children with disabilities.
He noted that
early diagnosis, proper treatment and occupation chances will eliminate the
encumbrance those children experience ahead of becoming leaders.
Cooperation Memorandum Signed
Ulaanbaatar,
June 20 (MONTSAME) The Rehabilitation and Development Center of Mongolia and
the Seoul National University signed Thursday here a memorandum of
understanding on early detection of disabilities and special education.
By the
document, the sides will be cooperating five years by sharing policies and
documents on the matters, exchanging specialized staffers, making reciprocal
visits to study experiences of each other.
Asian Games Organizers Arrive in Ulaanbaatar
Ulaanbaatar,
June 20 (MONTSAME) A S.Korean delegation led by the Incheon Asian Games
Organizing Committee executive president Mr Kim Young Soo arrived Friday in
Ulaanbaatar.
During their
five-day visit, the delegation will meet the management team of the Mongolian
Olympic Committee to discuss cooperation matters.
The 2014 Asian
Games, officially known as the 17th Asiad, is the largest sporting event in
Asia governed by Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). It is scheduled to take place
in Incheon, South Korea from September 19 to October 4, with 439 events in
36 sports and disciplines set to feature in the Games.
Incheon was
awarded a right on April 17 of 2007, defeating Delhi, India to host the Games.
Incheon is the third city in South Korea after Seoul (1986) and Busan (2002) to
host the Asian Games.
The Mongolian
athletes have taken part in the Asian Games since 1974. This time, Mongolia
applied to the S.Korean Organizing Committee with a participation request for
340 athletes in 25 sports.
Speaker delays discussion on Minister's resignation
June 20
(news.mn) During Thursday`s plenary session meeting of Parliament, the
resignation of Economic Development Minister N.Batbayar was scheduled to be
discussed, however it was delayed until next week on the decision of Speaker
Z.Enkhbold.
The MPP caucus
submitted a request for the resignation of the Economic Development N.Batbayar,
blaming the Minister for the flagging economy. This is the third time that
Parliament has delayed discussion of the issue.
Many people are
suspicious about why the Speaker has decided to delay the issue. There is
speculation that the ruling party is trying to sweep the matter under the
carpet, and let N.Batbayar remain in the post. Speaker Z.Enkhbold has not
released a comment about his decision to delay the discussion.
Mongolia Business Summit 2014 Commences
June 20
(infomongolia.com) The Mongolia Business Summit 2014, a hallmark event for
those looking to invest in the country's next phase of growth, has been
commenced organized by Mongolia Economic Forum NGO and is taking place at the
"Ikh Tenger" State Complex in Ulaanbaatar on June 19-21, 2014.
Business Summit
2014 has been convened with representatives from about 20 countries along with
leading businessmen from Mongolia. This high level event will serve as an
excellent platform for participants to directly interact with international
investors, banker and local business leaders.
The opening
remarks was delivered by Prime Minister N.Altankhuyag who introduced the
country overview and noted, “The Government is working to boost the country’s
economic growth and this development is important to the community. In the
scope of the Government’s 100 Days Action Plan to stimulate economic growth,
Government is working to stabilize business environment, to create favorable condition
to businesses and to stop the difficulties and pressures facing entrepreneurs.
Within the 100 Days Action Plan, Cabinet is meeting twice a week and as a
result, amendments and settlements were made to some 23 laws to support
businesses. Today, foreigners have an imagination about Mongolia only on its
mining deposits and underground rich resources, but besides the mining sector
we should open there are many opportunities in other sectors to collaborate”.
The
participants will be introduced and got acquainted with projects and programs
that need investments and during the event, projects such as Egiin Gol Hydro
Power Plant, Тavan Tolgoi Power Plant, Highway Project and New Railway Project
will be also presented. Moreover, site tours are offered including a day trip
to APU Food and Beverage Company, Gobi Cashmere Factory, and MAK Cement Plant
in Nalaikh District and an overnight tour to Oyu Tolgoi and Tavan Tolgoi mining
sites.
Eleven Representatives from South and East Asia on Learning Journey in Mongolia
June 20
(infomongolia.com) Eleven Asian delegates representing Bhutan, Bangladesh,
Cambodia, India and Nepal are visiting Mongolia to learn and exchange
experiences on civic engagement and decentralization, which is conducted on
June 15-21, 2014.
The “learning
journey” is hosted by the Office of the President of Mongolia and the Swiss
Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), and facilitated by the Local
Governance Initiative and Network in Asia (LOGIN).
LOGIN is a
South and East Asian multi-stakeholder network aiming to aid reform agendas
that work in favour of greater decentralization and strengthened role of local
governments through the exchange of knowledge among members on good practices,
relevant experiences and lessons learnt. The network seeks to promote
accountable, transparent and inclusive decentralized governance in Asia,
allowing greater involvement of citizens in leading and managing local
development.
One of the key
activities of LOGIN is “structured learning visits” (learning journeys), where
members learn from each other’s experiences and share best practices on
specific topics. The topic of the current learning journey in Mongolia, which
is a member of LOGIN, is civic engagement for better local service delivery.
In this regard,
Mongolia’s current endeavours in promoting greater decentralization and
promotion of civic engagement in local decision making have much to offer for
LOGIN members. They present an opportunity to experience, learn and share about
how sub-national governments are being encouraged to observe and foster
inclusive democratic processes and provide services responding to citizens’
needs.
During her stay
in Ulaanbaatar, LOGIN learning journey facilitator and team leader Preeta Lall
commented, “The first thing that captured our interests to come to Mongolia is
the conviction of the Government in the way they are rolling out the reform
process. Therefore, there are mostly government representatives in our group.
We are deeply interested by the change that is being affected through the
Budget Law of 2011. Through that, a lot of changes have taken place in
Mongolia”.
Mongolia-China Tourism Business Meeting Held
Ulaanbaatar,
June 20 (MONTSAME) A Mongolia-China tourism sector’s joint meeting ran
Wednesday in Ulaanbaatar with participation of some 80 tour operators, air
transportation and tourism companies of Mongolia and China.
The
participants presented their products and services, discussed ways of
attracting tourists to Mongolia, who are traveling further to the biggest
cities of China, and noted an importance joint advertisements and programmes.
According to
2013 statistics, a half of foreign tourists in Mongolia did not target
Mongolia, for 34% of them were going to China, 12.7%--to Russia and 7.8%--to
South Korea. A survey of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) says, 53% of
total tourists around the world chose air transport, 40%--auto transport, and
the rest--railways.
In a scope of
the "Friendly Ulaanbaatar" goal, our city is attaching a great
importance to expanding of the tourism ties with those cities connected to us
by direct flights and to boosting of business tourism.
Ambassador Meets Council Deputy Chair
Ulaanbaatar,
June 20 (MONTSAME) Ambassador of Mongolia to Russia Sh.Altangerel held a meeting
on Thursday with the deputy chairman of the Federal Council of the Federal
Assembly of Russia Mr Ilyas Umakhanov.
The sides
shared views on the current state of bilateral relations and cooperation and on
ways to develop the strategic partnership that will include fostering
humanitarian ties and establishing mid-term program.
They also
exchanged opinions on upcoming celebration of the 75th anniversary of the
victory at Khalkh River battles.
The sides
expressed a mutual determination to reach significant achievements in the
Mongolia-Russia friendly relationship and cooperation.
Mr Umakhanov
also works as the chair of the Russia-Mongolia parliamentary group in the
Federal Council of the Assembly of Russia.
Mongolia and Russia Reach Consensus Finalizing Intergovernmental Agreements on Reciprocal Travel Condition and on Readmission
June 20
(infomongolia.com) The Foreign Ministries of Mongolia and the Russian
Federation held the VIII Consular Consultation in Ulaanbaatar on June 19, 2014.
In the morning,
the two sides reached consensus finalizing the Intergovernmental Agreement on
"Reciprocal travel conditions between the citizens of Mongolia and the
Russian Federation" as well as an Intergovernmental Agreement on
Readmission between parties and in the scope of the latter document
negotiation, Mongolia conferred an executive protocol on the procedure of its
implementation to Russian side.
This Agreement
regulates the issues of cooperation between the two sides in the transfer by
the competent bodies of the states of individuals who entered or are in the
territory of the requesting country in violation of immigration laws.
The VIII
Mongolia-Russia Consular Consultation was chaired by Director of the Department
of Law and Treaty, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, A.Tumur representing Mongolian
Government and the other part by Deputy Director of the Consular Department at
the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs A.L.Prosvirkin.
In the
afternoon meeting, co-chaired by Director of the Consular Department at the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia Sh.Sukhbaatar and Deputy Director of
the Consular Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian
Federation A.L.Prosvirkin, parties reviewed the implementation of actions
following up the previous meeting and reached agreements on expanding consular
ties, facilitating travel conditions for citizens, sharing information on
citizens living in respective countries, studying insurance issues related to
Russian citizens residing in Mongolia, and strengthening consular
representation.
The same day,
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs D.Gankhuyag received the Russian delegation
led by Deputy Director A.L.Prosvirkin. At the meeting, sides were satisfied
with the establishment of intergovernmental agreements on travel condition and
on readmission and issues concerning the protection of interests of Mongolian
and Russian citizens living in respective countries.
Related:
Mongolia-Russia
Consultative Meeting Held – Montsame,
June 20
Discussion Held on "Environment and Health"
Ulaanbaatar,
June 20 (MONTSAME) The Environment and Green Development Ministry and the
Health Ministry jointly organized a symposium themed as such in the Fresh Water
Reserve and Conservation Center on Thursday.
At the event,
academicians and researches discussed issues regarding water quality, soil
contamination, waste management, air pollution, and got presented results of
research activities of working groups on the matters. They also shared views
about challenges facing and measures planned.
The Health
Deputy Minister J.Amarsanaa spoke about the national program on the
Environmental Health which has been carried out since 2005. Since its start, a
legal environment and inter-sectoral coordination and cooperation on the
matters have been improving, he said. He also noted a significant progress in
activities regarding research works and studies as well as medical waste
treatment.
Intergovernmental Agreement between Mongolia and United States to Repatriate Dinosaur Fossils Signed in Washington D.C.
June 20
(infomongolia.com) Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to
the United States of America Mr. Bulgaa ALTANGEREL signed an intergovernmental
agreement between the Government of Mongolia and the United States in
Washington D.C. on June 19, 2014.
On behalf of
the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, a special representative of the International
Operations at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Lucy Escamilla
co-signed the document, where Head of Consular Section at the Embassy,
Counsellor B.Munkhjargal and officer from Cultural Property, Art &
Antiquities Investigations, Deborah Hardos were present.
In the scope of
the Agreement, it states to officially repatriate some dinosaur fossils that
were proved to have been smuggled from the territory of Mongolia and currently
been transferred as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s property. The
official repatriation ceremony anticipates to take place in the beginning of
July 2014.
Related:
Dinosaur
Repatriation Agreement Signed – Montsame,
June 20
Mongolian Comes Sixth at World Cup
Ulaanbaatar,
June 20 (MONTSAME) A State-honored sportswoman O.Gundegmaa was placed sixth at
the 10m air pistol women finals of the ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol series in
Maribor, Slovenia on Thursday.
The 36-year old
Mongolian shooter finished the qualification round in fourth among 82 to become
one of eight shooters to compete at a final. In the final, however, she dropped
two places back, leaving the competition in sixth, just behind D.Monkhbayar
(Mongolian) of Germany.
At the event,
the gold medal went to Zorana Arunovic of Serbia, silver and bronze medals were
grabbed by Korshunova of Russia and Boneva Antoaneta of Bulgaria.
The five-time
Olympian O.Gundegmaa had won a silver medal at the women’s 25m pistol contest
of the World Cup on Monday.
Mongolian at US International Ballet Competition
Ulaanbaatar,
June 20 (MONSTAME) Mongolian ballet dancer O.Gantsooj is participating in the
USA International Ballet Competition (IBC), taking place at Jackson, US on June
14-29.
Partnered by
Ch.Ganchimeg from the Mongolian Opera and Ballet Theater, the Mongolian soloist
is competing against some ninety ballet dancers from twenty countries in this
prestigious event.
O.Gantsooj has
successfully performed at the first round of classic ballet competition to
advance into the second round of modern ballet as one of twenty senior males.
The second round is scheduled for June 20-22. The two-week competition will
conclude on June 29, with Encore Gala – Reprise of medalist performances.
The USA IBC is
a two-week, “Olympic-style” competition where tomorrow’s stars vie for gold,
silver and bronze medals; cash awards; company contracts; and scholarships. The
event is designated as the official international ballet competition in the
United States by a Joint Resolution of Congress. Presented under the auspices
of the International Dance Committee, International Theatre Institute of
UNESCO, the USA IBC is held every four years in Jackson, Miss., in the
tradition of sister competitions in Varna, Bulgaria, and Moscow, Russia.
Signing Ceremony for the Implementation of the Grassroots Human Security Grant Aid
June 19 (UNFPA)
On the 19th of June, H.E. Mr. Takenori Shimizu, Ambassador Extraordinary and
Plenipotentiary of Japan to Mongolia, signed the document with regard to the
implementation, under the Japanese Government's Grassroots Human Security Grant
Aid[1],
for "The Project for Repairing the Hospital in Santmargaz Som of
Zavkhan Aimag", "The Project for Repairing the School of Batsumber
Soum in Tuv Aimag", "The Project for Repairing the School
Dormitory in Zuunkhangai Som of Uvs Aimag" and "The Project for
Repairing the General Health Center in Sukhbaatar District of Ulaanbaatar City [2]."
The amount of
the grant aid of the above 4 projects totals USD361,675 (MNT654,630,000). In
this financial year, 7 projects, including the above 4, have already been
approved under the Grassroots Human Security Grant Aid towards Mongolia. The
amount of the grant aid provided totals USD631,370 (MNT1,136,030,000).
The Government
of Japan aims to cooperate for the solution of various issues in Mongolia as
well as contribute to the development of Mongolia, by continuously utilizing
the Grassroots Human Security Grant Aid. The Government of Japan considers the
educational and social issues the local Mongolian communities face and promptly
responds to the actual needs.
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