Mongolia Brief January 23, 2015
Draft
resolution submitted on establishing diplomatic relations
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
January 23 (MONTSAME) The Minister of Justice D.Dorligjav Friday submitted to
the parliament Speaker Z.Enkhbold a draft resolution on establishing diplomatic
relations with some countries.
As known, in
December 30 of 2010 Mongolia set a goal to establish such ties with 45
countries through its diplomatic missions abroad. This has been realized in
accordance with a goal to have diplomatic relations with all UN members, in
frames of the Concepts on national security and on foreign policy and of the
2012-2016 action programme of the government. For the time being, this
relationship has been created with 24 out of these 45 states.
Since the
government has been obliged by the parliamentary Standing committee on security
and foreign policy to continue establishing the ties, an initiative has been
approved to have such relations with Uganda, Rwanda, Micronesia, Haiti,
Kiribati, Chad and Mauritius through our Embassy in China and Permanent
Representative Office to the UN. Joint official notes have been signed as
well.
Ambassador
of Mongolia to Principality of Andorra Presents His Credentials to Co-Prince of
Andorra Francois Hollande
January 23
(infomongolia.com) A non-resident Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary
of Mongolia to the Principality of Andorra Mr. Mundagbaatar BATSAIKHAN
presented a Letter of Credence to the current President of France and
concurrent Co-Prince of Andorra Francois Hollande on January 13, 2015.
At the
ceremony, Ambassador M.Batsaikhan conveyed greetings from the state head of
Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj to the Co-Prince of Andorra and expressed Mongolia’s interest
to develop bilateral relations in all appropriate sectors with recently established
a diplomatic relation - Andorra.
Ambassador of
Mongolia to the Principality of Andorra M.Batsaikhan had also presented a
Letter of Credence to the Archbishop of Urgell and Co-Prince of Andorra, Joan
Enric Vives i Sicilia in the Episcopal Palace on October 16, 2014.
Mongolia
established the diplomatic relations with Principality of Andorra in New York
City on November 21, 2011.
However,
Andorra’s population is over 85,000 people, but receives over 8 million
visitors a year, the state with a tourism-driven economy and free trade zones.
Related:
Ambassador
to Andorra presents credentials – Montsame,
January 23
Bill
submitted on joining Antarctic Treaty
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
January 23 (MONTSAME) The Minister of Justice D.Dorligjav Friday submitted to
parliament a draft law on joining the Antarctic Treaty System (ATS).
Mongolia
started sending its experts to Russian, Bulgarian, Spanish, Chilean and
Argentinian international research teams on Antarctica in 1972-1974. By
this our researchers have contributed to scientific works on global climate
change, weather forecast preparation, and sea water and minerals researches.
The ATS
regulates international relations with respect to Antarctica, Earth's only
continent without a native human population. For the purposes of the treaty
system, Antarctica is defined as all of the land and ice shelves south of 60°S
latitude. The treaty, entering into force in 1961 and as of 2012 having 50
parties, sets aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve, establishes freedom of
scientific investigation and bans military activity on that continent.
The main treaty
was opened for signature on December 1 of 1959, and officially entered into
force on June 23 of 1961. The original signatories were the 12 countries active
in Antarctica during the International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957–58. The
twelve countries had significant interests in Antarctica at the time:
Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South
Africa, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and the United States. These
countries had established over 50 Antarctic stations for the IGY. The treaty
was a diplomatic expression of the operational and scientific cooperation that
had been achieved "on the ice".
As of 2014,
there are 50 states party to the treaty, 29 of which, including all 12 original
signatories to the treaty, have consultative (voting) status. Consultative
members include the seven nations that claim portions of Antarctica as national
territory. The 43 non-claimant nations either do not recognize the claims of
others, or have not stated their positions.
Some
statistics about immigrant workers in Mongolia
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
January 23 (MONTSAME) As of December, 2014, a number of foreign nationals
working in Mongolia was recorded to be at eight thousand people from 87
countries. It showed a 892 people and 14 countries decrease against the
previous year.
Among the
workers with labour agreements, 34.6 percent were from China, 22.9
percent--from North Korea, 7.4 percent--from Russia, 6.4 percent--from South
Korea, 5.7 percent--from Vietnam, 4.0 percent--from the USA, and 19.0
percent--from other countries.
Compared to the
previous year, a number of workers from Vietnam decreased by 16.9 percent, from
the DPRK--14.0 percent, from Russia--11.8 percent, from the USA--10.2 percent,
from S.Korea--6.9 percent, and from China--by 3.0 percent.
Some 1730
immigrant workers, or 21.6 percent, were working in construction, 1,624
people,or 20.4 percent--in extractive industries, 1,118 people or 14.0
percent--in processing industries, 1,056 people or 13.2 percent--in wholesale
and retail markets and in auto-maintenance, 908 people or 11.4 percent --in
educational spheres, 477 or 6.0 percent--in transportation and storage
activities, and 1,064 people, or 13.4 percent, were engaged in other fields of
activities.
Ulaanbaatar
Winter Festival to be organized
January 23
(news.mn) The Ulaanbaatar Winter Festival is going to be held on the
1st of February. The second annual festival is going to be organized at
the Tuul River.
The festival
will host competitions in figure skating, ice skating, ice anklebone throwing,
archery, and will be open to professionals and amateurs. Winter bicycle
competitions, cultural performances, a winter clothing fashion show,
traditional games, an exhibition of souvenirs, and hot dishes will be available
to festival goers.
The Tourism
Agency of Ulaanbaatar reports that within the Friendly Ulaanbaatar program,
foreign tourists who are participating in the festival will be able to be
placed in 4 and 5 star hotels at discounts of up to 50 percent off.
Related:
Ulaanbaatar
winter festival to run at Tuul – Montsame,
January 23
Majority
of MPs supported eliminating Deputy Ministers
By E. Enkhmaa
January 23
(gogo.mn) Second discussion on the Budget Adjustment for 2015 took place at the
Plenary session and due to the differences voting has been conducted on
suggestions submitted by the Standing Committee.
MPs B.Bolor,
Head of the Budget Standing Committee, S.Ganbaatar, L.Erdenechimeg and
B.Choijilsuren suggested start downsizing with positions of Deputy Ministers,
where majority of the Standing Committee members haven't supported.
During the
Plenary session the voting was conducted among the MPs and 24 members our of 47
supported the elimination of the Deputy Minister positions. There were MPs to
remind to make amendments to the laws that regulate the issue of the
ministerial positions.
PM
Ch.Saikhanbileg on the contrary was on the defensive side citing to the number
as the total cost for Deputy Ministers is MNT 300 million, whereas the amount
of work done by the Deputy Ministers is far more valuable than the cost. Anyhow,
the issues are to pass the third discussion.
Budget
Adjustment draft has been transferred to Standing Committee for preparations
for the third discussion.
95.76%
of Baganuur District Residents Agree to Change Their District Status into City
Of Mongolia
January 23
(infomongolia.com) It was yesterday reported that the two-day voting to change
status of Baganuur District of Ulaanbaatar into a city-level was ongoing and
official results was released on January 23, 2015.
At the voting a
total of eligible 16,260 citizens were registered, whereas 77.85% or 12,659
residents have participated, of which 95.76% or 12,094 residents have agreed to
change the status of Baganuur District into a city of Mongolia.
Accordingly,
the Baganuur District residents’ request along with a Nalaikh District poll
summary, which also voted to change its status into a city, will be discussed
at the District Citizens’ Representatives Khural (District Council), City
Council, and then considered at the Cabinet meeting and submit to the
Parliament.
The initiation
to develop the new city was included in the Ulaanbaatar City Development
General Plan until 2020 as well as in the Document of Development Trend until
2030 and in the Mayor’s Action Plan for 2013-2016.
Under the Plan,
it anticipates to develop the Baganuur as a hub city of coal mining, energy,
coal processing, nano-technology, construction materials, light and food
industry, health care, transportation and logistics with a population of 60,000
by 2030.
Related:
95,7% of Baganuur residents voted to
become city – gogo.mn, January 23
Participants
of Dakar 2015 to land tomorrow
By R.
Adiyasuren
January 23
(gogo.mn) Dakar 2015 Mongolian participants are to land in Mongolia tomorrow
January 24th.
This year
Mongolian team participated in various races including motorcycle category
represented by D.Boldbaatar, International Sports Master and Ch.Anar, car race
was represented by N.Lkhamaa, International Sports Master, U.Byambadelger and
B.Surendorj and B.Byambatsogt and D.Jargalsaikhan acted as coordinators for the
Hungarian team.
Total of 420
vehicles registered at Dakar 2015 216 managed to cross the finish after 13 days
of harsh races.
Former
Teammate of Kobe to join Mongolian Basketball team
By B. Ireedui
January 23
(gogo.mn) Mongolian Basketball National Super League second round games have
started and continued with fierce games.
The game series
coincide with the addition of one more NBA players to the Mongolian team.
Former
Point-Guard at Los Angeles Lakers and former teammate of Kobe Bryant is to join
one of the Mongolian Basketball teams soon.
Mongolian
National Basketball Association is keeping it secret on which team Parker to
join.
Smush Parker
played at Los Angeles Lakers in 2005-2007, Miami Heat in 2007-2008 and at Los
Angeles Clippers in 2008.
MP
R.Amarjargal sends inquiry to PM Ch.Saikhanbileg
By E. Orgil
January 23
(gogo.mn) MP R.Amarjargal sends an official inquiry to PM Ch.Saikhanbileg
Concession
Agreement is one of the important developments Government of Mongolia has
started implementing in past two years in order to decrease the state burden,
support the private sectors and advance the public and private partnership.
Government for Reform had established Concession Department under Ministry of
Economic Development to advance the state services to the public in regards
with the infrastructure and basic public services and approved the list of the
projects and secured the concession agreements on crucial projects.
In the scope of
the above and in accordance with laws MP R.Amarjargal is inquiring PM
Ch.Saikhanbileg on the following issues:
·
Report on Concession Law implementation, how
many concess agreements were signed in what sectors and their implementation
progress and outcomes,
·
Detailed report on Altanbulag-Ulaanbaatar-
Zamiin-Uud highway, Fifth Heating Power Plant project and Road Construction Project
to connect Ulaanbaatar with aimag centers concession agreement implementation
and progress.
·
Reports are required to be in a written form and
be introduced at the Plenary Session of Parliament according to the State Great
Khural law regulations.
Only
8% of total energy demand is supplied by renewable sources
By B.
Erdenechimeg
(gogo.mn) (Ulaanbaatar)
Jan 23, today Renewable Energy Forum is holding its 4th conference co-organized
by Ministry of Energy and Mongolian Wind Energy Association.
Minister of
Energy and MP D.Zorigt opened the forum with his speech, followed by the speech
on Renewable Energy Sustainable Development and Future by MP S.Oyun, President
of UN Environment Assembly.
As of today
Mongolia only supplies 8 percent of the total energy demand with renewable
sources, while Mongolia has high potential on utilizing the power plants based
on renewable sources such as sun, wind and water.
MP S.Oyun
emphasized on reduced costs over the last 10 years as the interest in renewable
energy sources have increased tremendously.
Next speech was
given by P.Tovuudorj, Head of the Strategic Policy Planning Department at
Ministry of Energy on amendment draft on the Renewable Law, to be discussed at
the Plenary session this spring.
Commencement
date for Coal Mongolia set
January 23
(news.mn) The international Coal Mongolia conference, which is organized each
year to increase the competitive capacity of the nation's coal sector, is
scheduled to be held from April 9-10, 2015.
The following
issues will be discussed at the conference:
·
Future prospects of the coal sector
·
Investment in the coal sector
·
Infrastructure
·
Legal environment
·
Advanced techniques and technology
The 5th Coal
Mongolia conference will be aimed at attracting investment for projects
implemented in coal exploration, mining, and processing.
This year's
conference will mark the 5th year anniversary of Mongolia's issuing an IPO on
the international market.
The organizers
say they have taken all measures to prepare the conference with the support of
the Government of Mongolia at a very high level.
The
economy is slowing, choose your camp: borrow more or tighten belts
By B.
Bayartogtokh
January 23
(Mongolian Economy) Minister of Finance J.Erdenbat said the sovereign debt of
Mongolia stands at 58.3 percent of GDP. The ‘Solution’ government to which he
belongs, has proposed to parliament to increase the debt limit to 70 percent of
GDP. The proposal would likewise amend the Fiscal Stability Law with an
increase in external debt. Prime Minister Ch.Saikhanbileg characterised the
proposal as necessary in the short-term to avoid a balance of payment crisis.
The proposal to
increase debt and amend the law has not moved beyond debate. The Mongolian
People’s Party (MPP) is against the proposal, as it rather looks to lower the
current level of debt representation in GDP. The disagreement incited many
independent members of parliament to join their voices with the MPP. Meanwhile,
the value of Mongolia’s sovereign debt rises to MNT 13.9 trillion, as of today.
Mongolia’s
economic recovery remains elusive. The divide in parliament shows that there is
no clear path forward. Formerly high GDP growth slowed in 2013 and 2014, while
the expired debt pile has continued to grow rapidly. According to information
from the National Statistics Office, expired debt reached MNT 269.5 billion at
the end of December last year, an increase of MNT 151.1 billion, or 2.3 times
compared to the previous year.
While the
debate goes on over the country’s debt, the USD to MNT exchange rate has
bounded to MNT 1,936, and the internal economy slips further toward a crisis.
In response, this week the monetary policy committee of the Bank of Mongolia
increased the interest rate by a digit to 13 percent.
As part of the
general debate, Mongol Bank’s Financial Stability Committee presented its ‘Proposal
for change in the cumulative macro-economic policy’ to the government. There is
hope for stable economic growth if the Solution majority can runs this proposal
successfully. Speaking in support, the Director General of the Bank of Mongolia
N.Zoljargal stated the importance of increasing the inflow of foreign currency
in 2015 to prevent the contraction of the economy, to reduce pressure and
weight on the private sector, to protect jobs, and to develop sustainably the
economy in the medium- and long-term.
The Mongolian
economy is too dependent on the mining sector, which is far from the economic
contributor it used to be. For a long time, the mining sector accounted for 90
percent of the inflow of external capital. Over the past three years, the lack
of inflow in foreign currencies retracted to the equivalent of 72 percent of
GDP, creating the current difficulty of the economy and reducing the MNT by 25
percent. FDI fell USD 6.8 billion from 2014 to 2014, returning figures to the
crisis year of 2008. The current level of investment has retracted to USD 845
million.
Mongolia must
choose between expanding and narrowing the economy. The Solution government
looks to solve the problem today by borrowing from the country’s future based
on estimated future income. Although any increased capital inflow in the
short-term would turn present difficulties into development, this can occur
presently only through either attracted FDI inflow or an increase in the level
of debt. For Mongolia, as the possibility of FDI inflow remains uncertain, the
immediate solution seems to be to increase external debt to avoid trouble.
Debt will
continue to be a problem until the Oyu Tolgoi project (which can produce one
third of GDP) is pushed forward by the government. With a USD 5 billion
investment, Oyu Tolgoi would be the bridge between the debt of troubles today
and economic recovery tomorrow.
Most
Mongolians believe country headed in wrong direction
By A. Burenjargal
January 23
(Mongolian Economy) A new survey commissioned by the American Chamber of
Commerce in Mongolia, USAID, and the Business Plus Initiative, has concluded
that there is an overall negative perception of the business environment in
Mongolia. The survey posed questions to a sample of 1,500 adult Mongolian
citizens in November 2014, on questions relating to Mongolia’s economy,
business, foreign investment and politics. Nearly half those surveyed believe
Mongolia is headed in the wrong direction, while two-thirds consider the
business environment negatively.
While
Mongolians welcome foreign businesses, and view the US as an important ally
with great potential for commercial relations, citizens are significantly
concerned about the state of the economy, unemployment, and corruption. Few see
any improvement in the economy over the next six months, as instability,
inflation, high fiscal deficits and high foreign debt remain the country’s main
obstacles.
When asked
about the “best economic partner for Mongolia,” citizens selected the US third
after Russia and China. Mongolians also view the private sector as the most
trusted institution, while the Prime Minister’s Office and Parliament are seen
as the least trustworthy. Most agreed that moving the Oyu Tolgoi and Tavan
Tolgoi megaprojects forward, easing constraints on foreign direct investment,
and initiating regulatory modernisation would go a long way toward restoring
the public’s confidence in the business environment and government.
Bill
submitted on rule of working out draft documents
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
January 23 (MONTSAME) The Minister of Justice D.Dorligjav Friday presented to
the Speaker Z.Enkhbold a draft law on a rule of draft laws and resolutions
development and submission.
With 53 clauses
in 11 articles, the draft has been worked out together with a consultative
group from a project at the UNDP on supporting civil participation in
legislative actions. They researched how Germany, S.Korea, Vietnam, Great
Britain, Canada and Japan draw up laws and then worked out the final version of
the bill.
Deputy
PM meets Ambassador of Japan
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
January 23 (MONTSAME) The Deputy Prime Minister Mr U.Khurelsukh has awarded the
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Mongolia Mr Shimizu
Takenori the "Distinguished Figure of Emergency" title.
At their
meeting on Friday the deputy PM said this is the recognition of his
contribution the Ambassador made to the emergency sector of Mongolia. He also
said our Government greatly appreciates and values the contribution of Japanese
government's official aid for development to the contemporary development of
Mongolia and the deepening of democracy and reforms. "Mongolia still needs
this type of assistance for a certain period of time," he added.
In response,
the Ambassador said the Embassy will pursue a settlement on whether the
emergency projects such as “Combating Bird Flu” and “Improving the Fire
Fighting Capacity of Ulaanbaatar” projects will be continued here. He invited
Mr Khurelsukh to the Third World Conference on the UN Disaster Risk Reduction
which is expected in Sendai of Japan on this March 14-18. Several years ago,
Khurelsukh had participated in this conference when he had been the Minister of
Emergency.
Police
head visits China
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
January 23 (MONTSAME) A delegation headed by R.Chingis, the head of the General
Police Department (GPD), paid a visit to the People’s Republic of China January
19-23 by invitation of China’s Ministry of Social Security.
On January 19,
the GPD head ran talks with Mr Chen Zhimin, the Deputy Minister of the Public
Security. They noted that the cooperation between the law enforcement bodies
has been actively developing in combating trans-boundary crimes and in ensuring
a security and stability near borders.
They also
expressed a mutual willingness to strengthen the collaboration in all levels
and to keep a safe and stable environment for the bilateral commercial and
economic cooperation.
By the visiting
programme, the delegation has visited Guangzhou and Shenzhen cities.
Minister
at National Forum on Renewable Energy
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
January 23 (MONTSAME) The Sixth annual National Forum on Renewable Energy is
running at Corporate Hotel Friday. The Minister of Energy D.Zorigt said in his
opening remarks that Mongolia has an abundant source of solar, wind and water
energy, as well a possibility of giving an impetus to its energy sector
development by a use of modern high tech solutions to process the renewable
energy.
“Mongolia has
achieved certain progress in exploiting the renewable energy use, having
introduced this energy to almost every livestock herding family. We should
focus on covering power shortcomings in Ulaanbaatar with a use of renewable
energy to reduce the air pollution, and on keeping up with the global
development and use of renewable energy by learning from our neighbor in the
South," he said.
He expressed
his belief that this forum will develop recommendations and comments on what to
reflect in the State Policy for Energy. He recalled the President speaking from
the panel of the North-East Asian Renewable Energy Conference last June, who
emphasized the opportunity to process and export the renewable energy resources
of Mongolia through promoting such initiatives as “Gobitech” and “Asian Super
Network”. In a scope of these initiatives, Mongolia is forwarding the projects
on water power stations of Eg and Shuren rivers. "We seek opportunity to
cooperate with North-East Asian countries in the development of renewable
energy projects,” said the Minister.
After the
opening remarks, the MP and president of the First Session of the UN
Environment Assembly Ms S.Oyun gave presentation themed “Sustainable
Development and Future of Renewable Energy”. Then the participants discussed
some ten presentations on “National programs on Renewable Energy and Observance
of Regulations”, “Regulatory policy for renewable energy” and “Solutions for
prices of renewable power provision”.
Standing
committee does not back draft amendment
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
January 23 (MONTSAME) At a meeting of the parliamentary Standing committee on
state structure Friday, a majority of the committee did not back clauses
of a draft amendment to the law on government due to some different views of
principle.
The draft
amendment focuses on a matter on reducing vacancies of some Vice Ministers, it
had been backed some MPs at a plenary meeting of the parliamentary session
Thursday. A presentation of the draft amendment was made by A.Bakei, a head of
this committee.
In connection
with the draft amendment to the law on government, the Standing committee also
discussed draft amendments to the laws on state service, on regulation of
public and personal interests, on prevention of conflicts of interest, on
sciences and technology, and on anti-corruption. Then it decided to run their
first discussions.
Minister
M.Enkhsaikhan meets US Ambassador
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
January 23 (MONTSAME) The Minister of Mongolia M.Enkhsaikhan Friday met Ms
Piper Anne Wind Campbell, the US Ambassador to Mongolia.
The Minister
highlighted his duties and then discussed with the Ambassador a tender of
selecting an investor for the Tavan tolgoi coal deposit and on negotiations.
Some US
companies, who attended here tenders, have been disappointed with their
results, then Ambassador said. To this, the Minister said Mongolia always will
be open and thankful to the US investors and admitted that Mongolia made some
mistakes due to a lack of experience in mega projects.
He added that
Mongolia will maintain principles of international standards, transparency and
justice when implementing projects.
"Minerals
sphere–2025" discussion to run
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
January 23 (MONTSAME) The Ministry of Mining will organize the second session
of the Minerals’ sphere-2025 public discussion on this February 11.
The “Mineral
resources are our opportunity”-named action will be divided into four
sub-discussions: “Minerals’ sphere impact on social and economic conditions of
Mongolia”, “Relations with the localities”, “Major projects in geology, mining
and oil sectors”, and “Competitiveness of the mining sector”.
Some 300
officials will attend the discussion from the Ministries, agencies and
professional unions, and representatives of foreign and domestic companies, as
well of the NGOs operating in the mining.
Ts.Elbegdorj:
Mongolia is an open country
January 23
(news.mn) The President of Mongolia, Ts.Elbegdorj, who is participating in the
45th World Economic Forum (WEF) currently being held in Davos,
Switzerland, has participated in the World Water Programme conference. The
President exchanged views with the world’s political leaders on strategic
competition in a new global environment.
President
Ts.Elbegdorj answered questions from journalists about the meetings he has
attended so far, issues which will be discussed in the upcoming "Meeting and
Discussion of Mining and Metallurgical Policy” at the WEF, and on geopolitical
and humanitarian issues.
World leaders are agreed that economic
stability is related to the issue of water resources. How about Mongolia? Did
we make some progress on this issue and what have our mistakes been?
There are
several issues in which Mongolia is participating in Davos forums. The
main issues are the mining sector, issues regarding infrastructure, governance,
corruption, and one of most important issues is the water issue. Water is a
very important issue for Mongolia. Today, participants encouraged and
promoted my presentation and views presented at the forum. In Mongolia,
economic development is concerned to the mining sector. The state will impose
high taxes if mining companies use groundwater and soil water. Instead, there
are some methods which allow using reserved water from rain and snow. In
addition, there is wastewater from settlement areas. We should promote and
encourage companies which are using reserved water. We need to take new
measures and steps on this.
Among issues discussed at Davos, one of the
most important issues is mining and the economy of China. You have just
participated in the mining meeting. Could you share with us the important
issues discussed at this meeting?
The Davos economic forum is the center of
attention in the international arena this week. Each year, the forum is opened
by an honored person. This year, the forum was opened by Prime Minister of
China, Li Keqiang. This proves that the Chinese economy is reliant on the
world's economic growth and slowdowns.
Mongolia is a
very close neighbor country to China and a country that has a close economic
relationship with China. Thus, the influence of China on the Mongolian economy
is very high.
The main issues
which we should put attention on in the first stage are issues we discussed
during last year’s presidential visit. In particular, we should realize
infrastructure investment. If investment in the mining sector is decreasing, or
prices for strategically important natural resources are decreasing, we should
realize and implement issues concerned with infrastructure, such as building
new power stations and railway. On the other hand, besides the mining sector,
what are the sectors which will positively influence the economy and which
require investments? In the case of Mongolia, it is the agricultural
sector. We need to invest in the processing and manufacturing efforts of
the agricultural sector. In good news, during the last 20 years, and in 2014,
plenty of manufacturing and small and medium factories have been
launched.
Importing from
abroad is quite expensive, so we need to begin produce domestically.
We need to
change policy this way, and take transitional steps. It is very important to
pay attention to the issue of making decisions. We should not fail now, if we
failed before.
Moreover, it is
important not to change commitments and always realize commitments. In
addition, we shouldn’t hurt the business environment by making the wrong
decisions.
We are an open
country, so there are many issues which should be corrected in the state's
policy.
Mongolia
is not that weak to rob mothers and children
By B. Ireedui
(gogo.mn) (Ulaanbaatar)
Jan 23, former PM N.Altankhuyag returned from his sick leave and is attending
the plenary sessions at State Great Khural.
At today's
State Organization Standing committee session he criticized his successor
Ch.Saikhanbileg.
He criticised
Ch.Altankhuyag on proposing the cuts on mother and children allowances saying
that Mongolia is not weak yet to rob mothers and children and said to stop this
populistic approach. Moreover, he went on delayed Budget approvals until late
January.
Also he
criticized downsizing the number of advisers to the Prime Minister saying that
Mongolian Prime Ministers always had seven advisers and suggested to even start
talking about cuts on number of ministers, which are 17.
Ministry
of Defense to do domestic procurement
By O.
Ariunbileg
(gogo.mn) (Ulaanbaatar)
Jan 23, Minister of Industry D.Erdenebat and Minister of Defense Ts.Tsolmon
have signed an MOU today.
Main focus of
the MOU is to do the procurements for the defense forces to be done from the
domestic suppliers in the scope of the Government of Mongolia 2012-2016 Program
to support domestic manufacture sector.
Minister of Denfense Ts.Tsolmon:
Industrial
products are a crucial part of the defense forces in every country and the
notion of the defense industry is important. Moreover it is important to
include private sectors as well. We have just signed an MOU with Ministry of
Industry to support the domestic manufacture. This MOU is the beginning in the
effort to support domestic manufactures and give them advantage. In this
regard, private sector and domestic manufactures also required to express their
initiatives, which will lead to the real outcomes.
Minister of Industry D.Erdenebat:
Domestic
manufacture is advancing compared to few years before and are offering variety
of products to the market. Defense sector procures over 600 variety of products
manufactured by around 60 domestic manufactures. We provision potential to
increase the product variety by 500 involving 55 more domestic manufactures.
This is an opportunity to advance domestic manufacture and industry in terms of
capacities and adherence to the international standards to replace the imports.
CEO of Khos Az LLC (shoes and purse
manufacturer) N.Zorigt, representing domestic manufactures:
Although
current economic situation is not very favorable for the manufactures, we are
keeping our normal operations. We provide 60-80 people with jobs and our
company is 100 percent domestic funded. We are in the process of
developing our half-automated manufacture, which is to introduce latest
technological advances and produce more varieties of products. Today's MOU
signing is a great opportunity for the domestic manufacturers.
Textile Manufacture Association
representative:
There is demand
from the defense forces and on the other hand there are potential suppliers
domestically with 100 percent capacities fulfill that demand. Currently we are
employing only half of our potentials. This MOU is the starter for domestic
manufactures to start full production.
This is one of
the good example initiatives done at the Government level to support domestic
markets and manufacturers in this time of economic downturn.
In
Japan consumers become suppliers
By B.
Erdenechimeg
(gogo.mn) (Ulaanbaatar)
Jan 23, National Renewable Energy Forum is taking place right now and the
speakers are delivering interesting information regarding the utilization of
this green initiative. Mongolians have become familiar with the notion of
renewable energy and its resources such as sun, wind and water.
Unfortunately,
Mongolia is just doing the baby steps regarding the renewable energy sector.
Last year Salkhit Wind Farm commenced its operations with capacity of 50MW with
investments of MNY 170 billion. Other than this no more significant initiatives
have been recorded lately.
Whereas, in the
countryside herders have been using renewable energy sources in their everyday
life. 100,000 solar light project have implemented successfully and as a result
residents in countryside are using small and medium sized solar panels.
This practice needs to be utilized in the city environment as well as the renewal energy generation is considered as green solution and economically feasible.
This practice needs to be utilized in the city environment as well as the renewal energy generation is considered as green solution and economically feasible.
For instance,
Japan experience shows that consumers are as well the suppliers of the energy.
In other words, consumer with private renewable energy source is able to supply
the excess energy to the central grid, in turn the consumer get deductions of
the consumed energy.
This and other
good practices are being introduced and discussed during the forum.
Construction
Minister D.Tsogtbaatar Welcomes Turkish Side to Contribute in Development of
Mongolia’s Construction Industry
January 23
(infomongolia.com) On January 23, 2015, Minister for Construction and Urban
Development of Mongolia Mr. Damdin TSOGTBAATAR received in his office the Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Mongolia, Mr.
Murat Karagoz.
At the
beginning of meeting, Ambassador M.Karagoz congratulated the newly appointed
Minister and expressed his readiness to share Turkish experience and practices
in construction sector, in particular, in the urban re-development projects and
programs to implement in Mongolia.
In response,
Minister D.Tsogtbaatar mentioned the Turkish side can participate as an
important contributor in the development of Mongolia’s construction industry,
especially, in the real estate sector.
Today,
Mongolian and Turkish entities have been implementing a “Tumen Amgalan” project
to construct 3,400 units of apartments under Turkish architectural design in
Amgalan area of Bayanzurkh District, UB.
M.Enkhsaikhan
Receives Ambassador of Germany
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
January 23 (MONTSAME) The Minister of Mongolia M.Enkhsaikhan Friday met Mr
Gerhard Thiedemann, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the
Federal Republic of Germany to Mongolia.
At the meeting,
the Ambassador said although the Mongolia-Germany ties have been boosting at
the political sphere, the bilateral economic ties are still low, and emphasized
the FRG Foreign Minister visited Mongolia last year with a big delegation of businessmen,
which means Germany wants to boost the economic relations with Mongolia.
“German
companies are considering to make investments to the Oyu Tolgoi project
together. The OT project is definitely big project at a world level. It is
vital for Mongolia to make this project successful,” Mr Thiedemann said.
In response,
the Minister said he is confident that the bilateral economic cooperation will
expand, and underlined an importance to do many works for the economic ties. Mr
Enkhsaikhan said he will do all his best for this, and added it is important to
tackle the OT project matter.
Stock
Exchange News for January 23
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
January 23 (MONTSAME) At the Stock Exchange trades on Friday, a total of four
million 325 thousand and 688 units of 13 JSCs were traded costing MNT 555 million
168 thousand and 052.
"Khokh
gan” /four million 225 thousand and 235 units/, “Genco tour bureau” /41
thousand and 296 units/, “Remikon” /31 thousand and 366 units/, “State
Department Store” /20 thousand and 266 units/ and "Sharyn gol” /5,379
units/ were the most actively traded in terms of trading volume, in terms of
trading value were "Khokh gan” (MNT 485 million 243 thousand and 305),
"Sharyn gol” (MNT 31 million 516 thousand and 600), “State Department
Store” (MNT 11 million 720 thousand and 942), “Material impex” (MNT six million
and 583 thousand) and "UB-BUK” (MNT five million 465 thousand and 200).
The total
market capitalization was set at MNT one trillion 395 billion 439 million 945
thousand and 378. The Index of Top-20 JSCs was 14,420.73, increasing 31.46
units or 0.22% against the previous day.
Stock
Exchange Weekly Review
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar,
January 23 (MONTSAME) Five stock trades were held at Mongolia's Stock Exchange
January 19-23 of 2015. In overall, four million 455 thousand and 581 units of
36 JSCs were traded costing MNT 964 million 435 thousand and 680.
"Khokh
gan” /four million 314 thousand and 208 units/, “Genco tour bureau” /41
thousand and 916 units/, “Remikon” /39 thousand and 062 units/, “State Department
Store” /24 thousand and 260 units/ and "Binse HK” /11 thousand and 885
units/ were the most actively traded in terms of trading volume, in terms of
trading value were "Khokh gan” (MNT 493 million and 713 thousand),
"Sharyn gol” (MNT 31 million and 911 thousand), “State Department Store”
(MNT 13 million 956 thousand and 462), “Binse HK” (MNT nine million 389
thousand and 150) and "Material impex” (MNT seven million and 750
thousand).
The total
market capitalization was set at MNT one trillion 395 billion 439 million 945
thousand and 378. The Index of Top-20 JSCs was 14,420.73, decreasing 187.52
units or 1.28% against the previous day.
Statistics
about People with Disabilities
By B.
Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar,
January 23 (MONTSAME) A number of disabled people in Mongolia was recorded at
99.6 thousand in December of 2014, which shows an increase of 3248 people of
3.4 percent against the same period of the previous year.
Women make up
45 percent of total people with disabilities. Some 35 percent of them have a
birth imparities, and 65 percent have acquired imparities, which consists of
people with ordinary diseases (71.0 percent), with occupational illness (10.6
percent), with injuries caused by car accidents (3.9 percent), with injuries
caused by domestic accidents (11.2 percent), and with injuries caused by
industrial accidents (3.3 percent).
Among the total
disabled citizens, 9.7 thousand people have visual imparities, 5.3 thousand people
have oral imparities, 8.3 thousand have hearing disabilities, 18.4 thousand
have locomotive imparities, 17.0 thousand people have mental illnesses, 10.1
thousand people have multiple imparities, and 30.8 thousand people have other
types of disabilities.
As of December,
2014, a number of disabled children totaled to 11.4 thousand, which indicates
an increase of 496 children or 4.6 percent against the previous year. Out of
the total children with disabilities, 67.1 percent have birth defects.
Additives
in yogurts cause quality degradation
By A.
Narantsatsral
January 23
(gogo.mn) Dairy products are believed to be good for health. But this is true
only if consumed in its original state without any additives.
According to
B.Tseren, Head of the Dairy Product Consumer NGO the quality of the dairy
products can be easily spoilt with additives that dairy producers use in their
products, which in turn has negative effects on human body.
Mongolian
producers use additives coded E, while there are no standards that allow to use
in yogurts.
Additives Е440, Е331, Е451, Е1442 have
negative effect on human body by slowing the digestion and metabolism and can
trigger allergic reactions.
According to
B.Tseren, Head of the Dairy Product Consumer NGO caramel, sugar, iron oxide and
fat oxides are allowed to be added to yogurts.
Moreover, he
explained that yogurt is supposed to act as oxidizer, good bacteria should stay
in stomach and act as anti-oxidant and additives can reduce those qualities.
The issue was
raised at the State Inspection Authority and the NGO sent an inquiry to the
Deputy Head Mr M.Baasandorj. In return the State Inspection Authority stated
that there are no capacities to run tests on those additives and there are no
proven results.
B.Tseren also
mentioned that there are no regulations and standards on use of those additives
in Mongolia.
Hakuho
breaks sumo record for most career titles
By M. Zoljargal
January 26 (UB
Post) Mongolian Sumo Grand Champion, Yokozuna Hakuho, finished the Hatsu Basho
(January tournament) with a perfect score of 15 victories on Sunday, winning
his 33rd Emperor’s Cup, which broke the record for most tournaments won set
more than 40 years ago.
He secured the
tournament title two days prior to the end of the basho on the 13th day. He was
the only unbeaten competitor in the tournament.
In the last
basho of 2014, Hakuho equaled legendary Yokozuna Taiho’s record, who is
believed to be the greatest Yokozuna of the post-war era in Japan. Taiho who won
32 Emperor Cups.
Taiho’s record
was not beaten for 44 years.
Final day
results of Mongolian sumo wrestlers
On the final
day of the basho, Hakuho M.Davaajargal won a bout against Yokozuna Kakuryu
M.Anand of Mongolia with the yorikiri technique, by driving his opponent out
backwards while maintaining a constant grip on his mawashi. Kakuryu finished
the tournament with ten wins and five losses.
Yokozuna
Harumafuji D.Byambadorj’s final day opponent was Ozeki Kisenosato, which
Harumafuji won by pushing Kisenosato out of the ring. Kisenosato finished the
basho with 11 wins, same as Harumafuji.
The following
are the final day results of Mongolian sumo wrestlers who fought in the
Makuuchi Division at the Hatsu Basho.
Sekiwake
Ichinojo A.Ichinnorov 6-9
Terunofuji G.Gan-Erdene 8-7
Kyokutenho N.Tsevegnyam 5-10
Tamawashi B.Munkh-Orgil 10-5
Kyokushuho T.Erdenebaatar 8-7
Arawashi E.Dulguun 7-8
Tokitenku A.Huchitbaatar 9-6
Terunofuji G.Gan-Erdene 8-7
Kyokutenho N.Tsevegnyam 5-10
Tamawashi B.Munkh-Orgil 10-5
Kyokushuho T.Erdenebaatar 8-7
Arawashi E.Dulguun 7-8
Tokitenku A.Huchitbaatar 9-6
Related:
Hakuho gains his 33rd win at sumo
tournament – gogo.mn, January 23
"TALK
WIITH ME" - Doug McGay
January 23
(gogo.mn) "Talk with me" is the Star TV Mongolia’s new series about
life in Mongolia interviewed by Allyson Seaborn, Australian journalist and
lawyer.
Presented in
English for overseas viewers and for English speakers living in Mongolia.
We are glad to
deliver the next episodes. The guest is Dough Mcgay, Australian surveyor.
He first came
to Mongolia in 1997. Currently he resides permanently in Mongolia. He spent his
17 years for founding and funding in Mongolian natural resource sectors.
Moreover, he was country manager for Ivanhoe Mines the time of the Oyutolgoi
discovery. He was co-founder and executive director of the Mongolian Mineral`s
Development Foundation and founder and former CEO of Petro Matad, the first
Mongolian company to be listed on an International Stock Exchange. Today, Dough
Mcgay working as resource consultant in Ulaanbaatar.
Please enjoy
the interview and stay tuned as more episodes are coming soon.
ROKIT
BAY: I`m a bad guy who don`t want to do a bad things
By G. Odgarav
January 24
(gogo.mn) He seems to fully put himself into artwork and dedicated to
innovation. Even though, he is not promoting himself much by media, his first
featured song named "Microphonii Ard" /Behind Microphone/ brought him
numerous fans.
I am the broken man.
When listening to your song, it feels like
your songs have deep meaning. If you express your inner soul with your songs,
then you must have “deep” inner world, right?
When I sing my
songs or work on it, I feel like 100% with on my own, I feel like I am alive
and doing the rightest thing that I have to do. Every meaning is describing me.
Song topics are definitely different, but my opinion is absorbed in some way.
Song lyrics seem that you are a bad guy?
As I said
before, I am there too.
I imagined that you are more an introvert
and tend to think things?
Everyone`s
psychology is different and the mood changes every day. I expressed my current
mood in the songs. A year ago, my attitude was critical to everything like my
song, but it could be changed today. For me, when I get disappointed or sad, I
turn my negative energy into positive.
Can I understand that you relieve by
writing song when you are upset?
Yes, of course.
I`m more creative when I am going through unstable moments in my life.
What are you working on recently? Let's
talk about the specific of your works?
I`m working on
my new third album. Music videos will be released, soon. Currently, we`re
filming the videos. Comparing to the previous albums, there are less depressing
songs and incorporates more fun.
You posted contest to guess new album name
by giving out first letters on your Facebook for your fans. Fans seem very
interested in it. Has anyone guessed it yet? Can you tell me the name if not a
secret?
Anyway, it is a
very interesting name. I will add more letters to make it easy when the album
releasing date approaches. Generally, no one guessed, it`s very difficult name.
I concluded you as a contradictory from
your sharp song lyrics?
I`m generally
angry man. I write angry songs when I get upset.
I think you are expressing your inner soul
when you are singing?
That`s the
feature of rappers. I write my own lyrics and rap my opinion. If we rap
lyrics written by other, we could not even make sense of the idea.
Your songs are meaningful not just shallow.
Indeed, I don`t
like shallow things.
Inside, i am not snobby
You are not interviewed so often. Why?
I don`t like to
give interviews in newspaper, magazines or websites. Because, my every single
word is edited by journalist and editor. So, it could not express my opinion
100%.
I think you are closed man due to this
situation. Artists are open at introducing themselves to the
public.
My fans have
enough information about me, but this year, I will pay attention on introducing
myself to public more.
I think there is no need of advertisement
in good work and real talent.
That might be.
Recently, I planned to keep active my Facebook profile and make more open
communication. Otherwise, people seem to think that I am some snobby person.
Yes, you laugh not much that`s why people
think that you are snobby.
May be my face
sheds such image. People say I am snobby, bu the truth is I am not.
When I see your music videos, I think you
are quite good actor.
Music video of
the scene is not acting. Expressing my feeling seems realistic. Generally, I
try to create different roles at my music videos. As I am not professional
actor I cannot convey some roles accurately. My upcoming music video is
completely different than before.
Your name, Rockit bay has three meanings?
Rockit Bay
means “Rock it Bayaraa” or “Rocket Bayaraa” by hearing or “Raw kit Bay”.
Generally, the most meaningful is “Rock it Bayaraa”.
My life is very hard, dangerous and
insecure
I heard that you were studying as marketer
in US?
First, I went
to US for study in business field. I have been studying in many fields. First,
I was interested in computer graphic then business. I found music along. I`ve
never imagined that I am going to become an artist especially, a rapper. I was
convinces I would become a businessman. Then, when you once find yourself, you
are forced to make a choice.
In other words, you found yourself in US,
right?
Yes. I was a
listener before. I was listening hip-hop in rush and listen to understand. I
have never imagined rapping myself.
How was it making the choice? Have you ever
regreted?
I have never
regreted much. The most important thing is that I have learned what I have to
learn from University. I have “A” grades at all of my marketing classes. Of
course, there was a bit of regret on career after graduation. It is important
to learn necessary things from school not just collecting the diploma. I chose
to be an artist and dropped from college, but now it seems like I call for the
kids to drop from schools. No, I don't. What I chose is my life and it is
dangerous and insecure.
What did motivate you to become a rapper?
Online dis
battle was organized among the students at our school. I was always listening
to them. Anyway, I wanted to join and I thought that I can. Then, the first
battle was an experience and from the second battle I found my technique.
Finally, I had no doubt and I had confidence. Eventually, I learned to compose
and write lyrics. Then, I released my official song and I thought “this is me”.
How did you change from Bayaraa, who was
aiming to study in business in US to five years later rapper Rockit Bay?
Very good
question. I think I had found a better version of me by going to US. US
experiecne contributed to becoming an individual, to become independent and
more open. When I was in Mongolia, I was closed and stressful. Comparing
current Bayaraa to previous Bayaraa, I have updated to "version 5" I
think.
What was your feeling when you came to
Mongolia with new dreams and goals?
I was very
excited. Because of my excitement, I had forgotten my bag at the airport. Cars
were crowded in very narrow road was the first thing I observed. Also, the
smoke was a disaster.
I finished my first album thinking of my
ended relationships with my then girlfriend
What was your first song?
The first song
was “Bid hoyor” (Us two). I worked on this song for four months. When I was in
relationship with my girlfriend, I wanted to dedicate a song for her. I wanted
to express all my feelings when I feel only with her through music and lyrics.
But it was difficult. After break up, I released a opposite feeling song. That
was “Bid hoyor”.
For me, artists inspired by feeling more
different feelings than typical life.
Of course, yes.
I finished my first album with the feeling of breaking up with my girlfriend. I
fully concentrated on my album. For the artists, mood is very important. Thus,
when everything is satisfied, no artwork is released. Generally, good artwork
is done when the artist is at two poles of mood.
When you came to Mongolia, your grandmother
listened your first song. Are you the grandmother`s kid?
My grandmother
raised me. My grandmother was the first to hear the “Neg Udriin Khaan” (King
for a day) and she was nodding. She was 83 and very artistic. She was a tailor.
When I was a kid, I used to act with her.
Comparing to other rappers I work three
times more
I heard that you once said “Comparing to
other rappers I work three times more”?
Yes. Let`s
imagine there are 3 people in a group, they write three verses of song and sing
one by one. But, I write lyrics, compose, set music version and produce music
video. That`s why I said “Comparing to other rappers I work three times more”.
I have a lot of things to do. I work definitely more than the artists who are
singing using prepared music and lyrics. I`m not boasting, I just want to let
public know that I put all my heart to my songs by working on every single
detail by myself. Some of my songs are bit weak due to everything is on my
shoulders. But the latest songs like “Evderhii hun” (Broken Man), I worked
hard.
Share me your thoughts on Mongolian rappers?
We`re in one
sector. As I said before, I don`t like doing shallow things. There are many
songs, which have weird titles, insensible and taut. For me, listening that
kind of songs are meaningful to me, but there are still people who are
interested. In fact, rappers who put all their heart with 100% in their songs
and it makes them alive are really rare. I don`t like rappers who are motivated
by just spending their younger years in exciting and nice way.
What is your purpose of songs?
Let`s imagine
that I released song with hidden message. In fact, my songs have such messages.
Who can feel can understand my message. A positive effect on the lives of two
out of hundreds of listener to overcome the problem when they hear my song is
the success for me. So, it is a part of my purpose.
Do you have competitors?
I have not
competitive competitors that let me think that he released better song than me
and how to win. So, I am competing with myself. I compete myself like I have to
do work more efficient than before.
You said that there are very rare rappers
who are working hard like you. Could you name them, please?
The only one
that I can proudly name is Gee. He is putting his heart and life to work like
me. Both of us, hip-hop is not a hobby, it`s a life. I respect him on that
side.
If you could not find a mistake from the
past, you are not developing
People think that you are quite good actor
due to your role from some movies?
First, I played
in a movie that based on rapper Tulgat`s life who is living with a big dream
and ambition in US. After, I worked efficiently on the film named “Ettsiin
zogsool E tseg” (Final destnation point E). The main character of the movie is
not same as me. The only interesting thing is that even I was not a single
father, I played a role of a father. Feeling the unfamiliar thing was
interesting to me.
Do you have a moment from your past that
makes you want to kick yourself?
Looking back,
there are many moments. I understand that I used to be bad behaviored when I
was a kid. Now I regret about it. Moreover, it`s funny to remember that when I
was a young, I was trying to run a business. Generally, I think if person can
find a mistake from the past means that person is developing. But, If you could
not find a mistake from the past, you are not developing much, there is no
change.
Do you like being alone?
I like being
alone when I am working on my songs. Otherwise, spending my time with friends
is nice. When I start to work I just become very unfriendly.
How do you feel the success of your work?
I have never
been afraid of others reaction to my songs. During my work on songs, I know
what is bad or what is good. Of course, I aim to release good songs.
When do you get inspired?
I believe in
inspiration. People deny inspiration and they think artists must sit and
release song whenever. But all of sudden, a verse comes into my head. It may
come from during shower or some other interesting ways. Sometimes completely
different ideas coming from looking at different things. For example, when I saw
a red car, I imagine black microphone. It is the inspiration. At that time, I
work very fast, but if I put myself to force, I sit and continue to think.
I haven' felt love for a while.
When was the last time you felt love?
It`s been a
while. I don`t really remember. But I will never forget that nice feeling.
Almost 6 years ago, I had felt love.
Are people always in love?
I don`t know
the definition of love. Sometimes, I fall in love with actress or interviewing
girls.
Have you ever written song when you fall in
love?
I have never
tried. Eventually I might wil.
Meaning, you don`t have love songs?
Yes. But you
never know. I might someday.
You haven't released your new video yet. I
heard that you are to it through live performances video through website with
assistance from Mobicom?
Yes. Recently,
I have done live performances. I will share my video to the public in
cooperation with Mobicom corporation. For the performance, I had cooperated
with the live band U.F.O. I sang with live music in an interesting way.
What`s your feeling when you know that
others are satisfied with your songs?
For example,
when I surrounded by my fans and scream from the stage, they scream in turn. It
is really nice to feel that energy approaching to each other. Taking positive
energy from them and turn it back, take back again and turn it back again. I
really don`t know how to say in a word.
Material need is not a problem
I think people wear many masks. They decide
what mask to wear depending on the conditions like community, work, friends and
family. When do you act yourself?
Generally, I am
who I am. Of course, people don`t always behave on their own, it depends on the
conditions. Right now, I am on my own. It is not like that I think of something
else in my head like “I will seem nice, if I talk this or sit this way or I
seem intelligent when I say this word.” Advantage of finding yourself is that
you are no longer bothered by small things. I don`t care what other people
think. In that case, life becomes easier. So being yourself is very easy
too.
Key of being satisfied with life is to be
satisfied with what you have. Are you satisfied with what you have?
When I feel sad
or upset, I think of people who lack something. For example, when I have no
money that can be a problem in my life, but there is a one who even have no
eyes. But my disappointment of having no money Is nothing compared to him/her.
If we compare our challenging issues like this, it would be nothing to you.
Thus, material need is not a problem.
Man's character is on display when a person
is challenged by money, being drunk orangry. Do you agree with it?
Money can
introduce people`s behavior and anger can too. But I don`t agree if being drunk
can really reveal one's real behavior. Science can`t explain exactly. Undoubtedly,
money can reveal one`s real behavior.
Most people aim
to well being. But people are struggling with self by doing the bad things that
they don`t want to do or think due to their greed and passion. How often do you
conflict with yourself?
That`s me actually. Anger led me to bad behavior. Most importantly, you should know about that. If you act badly on your closest one, you must apologize. I have bad behavior. Therefore, the probability of such is a problem. Despite, you should control your bad behavior. Then, you will live in peace.
That`s me actually. Anger led me to bad behavior. Most importantly, you should know about that. If you act badly on your closest one, you must apologize. I have bad behavior. Therefore, the probability of such is a problem. Despite, you should control your bad behavior. Then, you will live in peace.
How about concluding your self?
I don`t think I
am the good man. In other words, I am a bad man who doesn`t want to do bad
things. Moreover, I fight to achieve my purpose. To achieve my purpose, I
confront any issues that I face.
Participants
of Dakar 2015 landed in Ulaanbaatar
By R.
Adiyasuren
January 24
(gogo.mn) "Dakar Rally-2015" races, the co-called Auto Sport
Olympics, finished on 18th of January. The race lasted almost for two
weeks and the participants had raced about 9,000 kilometres of South America
region.
This
year, Mongolia-Hungary joint crew had raced with three cars. Mongolians
had successfully finished the Dakar Rally race in car category for the first
time and showed historic success in Mongolian auto and moto sport history.
Motorcycle category
crew landed at 7.30am while Car category crew landed at 10.25am at Chingis
Khaan International Airport.
This year, we
had many to talk including helped foriegn athletes with Mongolian kindness
behavior and drew attention of many by wearing fox fur hat.
Parents and
siblings of athletes who showed up Mongolian courage and endurance have
welcomed with silver bowl of milk. Besides, mothers were kissing them with
grateful tears.
Athletes seemed
very satisfying.
We are
delivering you the short interview with N.Lkhamaa, racer of car category,
International Master. #431 car, coordinated by Sports
Masters, B.Byambadelger and B.Surendorj, driven by N.Lkhamaa,
International Master ranked at 62th.
- First of all, congratulations. You have
reached the finish line of the Dakar Rally for the first time. How do you feel?
- Thank you.
Six racers had participated. Three cars had raced and one of them had finished
the Dakar Rally. Coordinated by D.Jargalsaikhan and U.Byambatsogt car had raced
with purpose to reach at finish line. I am extremely satisfied that me and my
firends O.Byambadelger and B.Surendorj had successfully finished the route
of Dakar Rally with car that have state emblem, nationial anthem and Mongolian
script.
- Before, you have competed in bike
category for 2 years. This year, you participated in car category. What was the
difference?
- Car categry
was more challenging. although 137 cars started the race only 50% of them
finished the route. We ranked 5th at car category while ranked 62th at total
result.
- What was the most challenging thing of
the race?
- Second day
was the most challenging. Our car had crashed and windscreen had broken while
driving at "Fishfish" sand road. Two coordinators were running
in front of the car and watching the road. At the second day, we had reached at
finish line at 3am. We were glad to not leave the race.
- You raced with Toyata Land Cruiser 200.
Was Toyata Land Cruiser 200 suitable for Dakar Rally?
- Toyata cars
are realiable. However, our car`s basic weight was 3.5 tons, heavier than
heading cars by 1.5 tons.
- Will you compete in next Dakar Rally?
- Even I hadn`t
finished the route, I had raced in motorcycle category for two years. This
year, we had reached to finish line. We will decide after making discussions
with our sponsers.
Coordinator B.Surendorj:
- I have
competed for the first time. Rally was more tough than I imagined. Even I
haven`t think that such a tough. The road was challenging. Due to well
preperation we reced good. I am delighted we`ve finished the route.
May more
Mongolian racers compete in Dakar Rally 2016 and we wish them great
success.
Chinese
company accused of swindling 3 billion MNT
By B. Dulguun
January 25 (UB
Post) Mongolian citizen Ulziisaikhan told Unuudur Daily that a Chinese company
swindled four million MNT from her, and that many others are getting ripped off
for large sums of money.
The Chinese
company in question, Lin Rui, opened a branch named Mongol Lin Rui in October
2012. The company’s office is located behind the Monos Pharmacy west of State
Department Store in the Chingeltei District.
Journalists of
Unuudur Daily couldn’t find any information about Lin Rui online, so they went
to investigate the main office. When the journalists told the front desk that
they were from Unuudur Daily, a Chinese woman who was later identified as being
in charge of all international and domestic transactions, ran out of the
building in haste, completely forgetting to put on a coat. Another staff member
reportedly started crying about having chest pains and feeling faint.
According to
Lin Rui’s critics, the company professionally scams large sums of money as a
pyramid scheme investment. They win customers’ trust by giving them profits for
the first few months, and then encourages them to invite friends and family
members to join, gaining more profits for the company by making hundreds of
investors suffer losses.
Unuudur Daily
journalists were told that Mongol Lin Rui has taken in nearly three billion MNT
from over 1,500 local investors. Several people outside the office stated that
they haven’t received any money from the company for over six months, and are
taking turns to guard the office in groups of five to six people, as they don’t
know when or where the company employees will run off to. According to the
frustrated group gathered outside of Lin Rui, the lives of dozens of people
have been destroyed and three people suffered heart attacks after hearing about
the scam.
Ulziisaikhan
says she lost four million MNT to Lin Rui, but she claims that she’s lost a
small amount of money compared to other investors who lost 70 to 80 million
MNT, and some who lost nearly 100 million MNT. With the hopes of earning money
on their investments, most of the victims took out loans, using their homes,
cars, and immovable property ownership as collateral. Now, they are unable to
pay off their loans, since the company hasn’t paid them for almost half a year.
The investors
reported that the employees of Mongol Lin Rui were very persuasive, and it was
almost impossible not to trust them. Employees of Mongol Lin Rui showed video
clips and official looking company documents to prospective investors, and
affirmed that the company was one of the top five trade companies in China.
“Mongol Lin Rui
could be a scam and money laundering scheme instigated by a group of Mongolians
and Chinese people,” said the group of angry investors outside the office. They
explained their reason for this accusation, “Last year, five people got to
visit the headquarters of Lin Rui Group in China, but they only got to stroll
around an empty office for a while over the weekend.”
More
information on this story will be provided once evidence of organized
transnational fraud has been gathered and confirmed.
2015
state budget amendments approved
By E. Oyundari
January 25 (UB
Post) The joint parliamentary session last Friday approved amendments to the
2015 state budget.
As MP
D.Gankhuyag introduced, the total income of Mongolia’s joint budget is
estimated at more than 6.6 trillion MNT, which is equivalent to 27.6 percent of
GDP, and the total expenditure of the joint budget is forecasted at over 7.8
trillion MNT, equivalent to 32.7 percent of GDP. He also added that budget
deficit is 1.2 trillion MNT, which is five percent of GDP.
In accordance
with the approved 2015 budget amendment, excise tax on petrol and diesel
increased by 228 billion MNT, income tax of entities by 60 billion MNT, income
of privatization of property by 17.9 billion MNT, and personal income tax grew
by 7.3 billion MNT.
Moreover, 19.4
billion MNT – the allowance for all mothers who have received the Order of
Glorious Motherhood, was additionally allocated to local social welfare funds,
9.1 billion MNT for pregnancy and postpartum allowance, and 13 billion MNT was
additionally budgeted for pensions.
Also, nearly
34.5 million MNT was added to investment expenses and a project valued at
nearly 68.2 million MNT was eliminated from the budget.
Mongolian
Mining Journal names best of the sector
By Ch. Khaliun
January 25 (UB
Post) On Saturday, the Mining Journal Awards (MJA) was organized for the fifth
time to name the best of the mining sector. The MJA is organized annually by
the Mongolian Mining Journal, and based on the independent assessments of
judges and total scores, the best are named.
Erdenes Tavan
Tolgoi JSC was awarded for “Sustainable Performance”, and Executive Director of
Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi JSC Ya.Batsuuri highlighted, “It’s not easy to always hear
criticism, but we are happy that judges discovered our successes.”
The company has
been operating for three years and four months. By the end of 2014, they
exported 4.3 million tons of coal, decreasing their expenses by 20 percent. By
not passing through Tsagaan Khad (White Rock) customs, they started
transporting coal directly from their underground mine to export and save on
transportation expenses.
Erdenes Tavan
Tolgoi JSC met the criteria of the MJA by maintaining employment sustainably,
by opening Tsankhi Town, and by successfully negotiating with the contract
mining company of the Eastern Tsankhi to reduce expenses.
The mining
sector’s judges appreciated that the company had exported the most in a
difficult year, in times when the price of coal declined by up to 40 percent in
the market, and for realizing conservation management.
In addition to
Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi JSC, one more company received the grand prix with the
same score for the same nomination.
SouthGobi Sands
Ltd also transferred to savings mode, sustainably maintaining jobs. The company
opened a 43 km paved road from Nariinsukhait to Shiveekhuren, supporting local
development, and raising funds on the stock market.
The company
also successfully implemented its environmental management plan at 98.4
percent, receiving the prize for “Sustainable Performance”. SouthGobi Sands
reported at the MJA that the company reduced their direct exploration expenses
to more than two times less than expenses in 2012.
The category of
“Sustainable Performance” was added to the MJA in 2013, when the economic
crisis began.
The total
amount of mining exports increased in 2014, and revenue for mineral products
also increased compared to 2013, comprising 89 percent of the nation’s exports.
The mining sector highlights that in 2014, named “the crisis year”, gold
producers delivered 13 tons of gold to Mongol Bank, and the amount is expected
to increase in the future.
The category
for “Eco Mining” had many participants. In previous years, up to 30 companies
competed in the category, but this year’s winner was Monpolymet Group.
In 2014, the
company conducted technical rehabilitation on 74.3 hectares, biological
rehabilitation on 37.3 hectares, and planted a great number of trees and
bushes, involving local people and ensuring them with jobs.
The nine
criteria for a nomination in “Eco Mining” were created by the officials of the
Ministry of Environment, and participants underlined that the nomination is one
of the highest honors, with the most strict criteria of all categories.
For “Best
Technology of the Year”, Focus Metal Mining was awarded for deeply processing
iron ore and successfully producing final products. The company competed with
an iron wet concentrator plant, a strong competitor.
Oyu Tolgoi Ltd
was awarded for “Best Responsible Mining”. The company’s concentrator plant
worked at full capacity in 2014, processing 27.5 million tons of ore,
introducing global safety standards to Mongolia.
For the
category of “Best Mine of the Year”, Altan Dornod Mongol Ltd was awarded. The
company fulfilled their plans at 100 percent, increasing their sales revenue by
60 percent compared to 2013.
The company
also exploited 1,548 kg of gold, adding 3.7 billion MNT to the local budget.
Honorary guest
of the 2014 MJA, academic P.Ochirbat said that miners worked very well, but the
state’s poor policy has been continuously complicating the sector.
D.Munkhtsetseg:
Mongolia receives tons of trash from abroad
January 25 (UB
Post) Where there are people, trash and
waste are generated. Reducing and recycling waste is the foundation to a
healthier living environment. Professor of the environmental sector of the
School of Civil Engineering and Architecture at the Mongolian University of
Science and Technology (MUST), D.Munkhtsestseg, gave an interview regarding
this topic.
Our sources say that you are the only
expert in Mongolia specialized in waste processing technology. Where did you
study for this profession?
In 2000, I
graduated as a chemical technician from the Chemistry Faculty at the National
University of Mongolia and started working at the Institute of Chemistry and
Chemical Technology of the Mongolian Academy of Science (MAS). In 2011, I got
my master’s degree for waste processing technology engineering from the Faculty
of Forest, Hydro and Geosciences at the Dresden University of Technology in
Germany.
The Ministry of
Education, Culture and Science told me I was the only person with this
profession in Mongolia when I returned after graduating. Now, there are four
others with the same profession. They’re all my students.
Now that you’ve formed your own team, will
you be intensifying waste processing projects?
Waste
processing technology engineers are one of the most demanded experts of the
government. The faculty of environmental engineering sector at the MUST had its
first enrollment in 2010. Many important works are awaiting our graduates. Most
people expect us to work beside rag pickers near Naran Enger and Ulaan chuluut
landfills when they hear of our profession. Waste processing technology
engineers are environmental engineers. We produce new products from free
materials that are no longer in need and develop technologies for reusing
useful waste, preventing them from becoming depreciative.
How much waste does Ulaanbaatar have? Have
you researched and made analysis on this?
Approximately
47 percent of Mongolia’s population (around 1,372,000 people) lives in
Ulaanbaatar. Last year, 1.2 million tons of waste was disposed at landfills and
waste disposal sites in Ulaanbaatar. Open-pit landfills are abundant near the
city such as Emeelt and Gachuurt. Our research shows that a ger area resident
produces 600 grams of waste a day while an apartment resident produces 800 to
1,200 grams of waste a day. This is merely the amount from households.
In 2004,
approximately 193,000 tons of waste was formed from the capital and in 2009,
the amount almost doubled to 374,000 tons. This figure exceeded pre-estimation
made in 2004. Since then, the amount of waste has rapidly grown through the
years.
How does Germany manage its waste issues?
What kind of policy does the German government have on waste disposal?
Germany is the
leading country with highly advanced waste processing technology. Germans
consider waste as economic raw material for saving natural resources. They take
many measures such as producing biogas from wastes to use it as a secondary raw
material for production, renewable energy and heat source, as well as bury
waste to ensure no harm to the environment. Waste disposal and processing is
managed by legislations passed by the government and municipality. The public
strictly follows regulations specified in these legislations. Germans are
charged fees depending on their waste amount so they try to create as little
waste as possible. Producer companies are responsible for disposing their
expired products.
What should Mongolia do to minimize waste?
The fundamental
plan for waste management is to reduce and prevent the generation of waste.
This work is exercised with short and long-term strategies. Experts in this
field are focusing on consumption across the world since waste is generated
from people’s needs. For instance, countries can rationalize on packaging and
containers, and encourage people to use reusable shopping bags. Waste shouldn’t
always be burnt.
Are you suggesting that waste should be
sorted and specific technologies should be used for waste disposal?
That’s right.
For example, radioactive and explosive waste mustn’t be burnt. They should be
made less dangerous through complex chemical processes, including disinfection
and neutralization, before disposing with combustion technology. Suitable
processing methods are used after they are categorized as household,
construction, production and hospital waste, and separated by their source –
wood, metal, plastic and so on. Mongolia is processing liquid waste with
mechanic-biological method. We haven’t gotten to processing solid waste yet.
It’s in fact possible to produce many types of products, including fertilizers,
gas, energy and heat, via chemical and deep-processing.
Marine litter is another urgent global
issue. Although Mongolia is a land-locked country, it has large lakes. Have you
researched the waste level near lakes and rivers like Khuvsgul Lake and Tuul
River? How should they be cleaned?
Annually,
25,000 tons of packaging, bottles, cans and plastic products pollute lakes,
seas, and oceans. A research shows that approximately 150,000 tons of fishing
nets and gears were lost in oceans. Nearly 50,000 seals become trapped or
entangled in these marine litters and die every year in the Pacific
Ocean. Litter disposed into oceans decreased slightly since the Basel
Conventionon the Control of Trans-boundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and
their disposal was approved. Previously, developed countries used to have their
waste disposed in less developed countries or have it dumped at the bottom of
seas and oceans.
It’s important
for Mongolia to not pollute Khuvsgul Lake, our source of clean water.
Currently, we don’t have a definite analysis or study about marine litter and
its amount. Mongolia doesn’t have a specified personnel for researching this. I
think our new experts can focus on this topic. Legal regulation is top priority
for preserving unpolluted, clean rivers and lakes. High penalties should be set
up for littering near rivers and lakes, more trash bins need to be set up, and
regularly spring cleaning should be done.
Has Mongolia disposed of hazardous waste
from foreign countries?
Such cases
occur to countries that haven’t joined the Basel Convention. The USA transports
and dumps its hazardous waste in African and Asian countries since it’s not
part of the Basel Convention. Mongolia joined this convention, hence we
prohibit trans-boundary movements of hazardous waste. Yet, Mongolia receives
some wastes under the pretense of grant aid, relief goods, and second-hand
products. For example, old electronic products, clothes, furniture, and cars.
These products become waste after some time as their usage time expires. This
has become one of the reasons for the increased waste amount in Mongolia.
The main driver of the economy of Mongolia
is mining. Toxic chemical agents, including mercury and sodium cyanide, are
spilled during mining procedures. How can these hazardous chemicals be removed
without harming people’s health?
Despite the
lack of transparency on mining waste, almost everybody knows it’s harmful to
our health. A complex technology is required for processing waste from mining.
Western countries have already developed technologies for processing toxic
chemical agents such as sodium cyanide. They combine neutralizing and
precipitation methods for heavy metals through mechanical means.
The public is
conflicting on whether the green trash bags distributed by the capital city are
necessary. Do you support the distribution of green bags?
Most of
countries across the world throw out trash in bags. But I don’t think this
method is urgently called for in Mongolia because the regulation and payment
system in Mongolia is lacking. Waste structure and its components in
residential areas are also extremely different, not to mention that Mongolia
doesn’t have a waste treatment plant for final removal.
Are you saying that distribution of trash
bags is unnecessary when Mongolia hasn’t established waste treatment and
recycling plants?
Waste treatment
plants and especially recycling facilities should be built in densely populated
areas such as Ulaanbaatar, and Darkhan-Uul and Orkhon Provinces. Despite our
small population, Mongolia separates and processes plastics, paper, cardboard
and wood mechanically, and supplies it to china. This shows that Mongolia can
extract several raw industrial materials from waste. The Central Waste Water
Treatment Plant has resources to produce biogas from sewage sludge and turn it
into fuel as well as a relatively small heat and electricity sources.
In 2009, I did
a research on the structure, volume, and the condition for removal/ disposal of
waste in the city and local areas.
Are you able to use your research work into
practice?
I’ve introduced
the membrane bioreactors device from Germany. This device helps multiply
microorganisms adapt to excrement, and performs dual filtering with micro
filters to purifies 99 percent of waste water. At the moment, our team has
purified 80 to 87 percent of waste out of water through standard trial tests.
Membrane bioreactors device can be used for cleaning toilet seats, green
facilities, water fountains, and cars.
Can water cleaned with this device be used
for drinking purposes?
Mongolia hasn’t
got a standard that enables us to use processed gray and black water for
drinking. Scientists at the MUST are working towards establishing these
standards in Mongolia.
Have you tried drinking purified water from
this device?
Director of the
producer company verified that water cleaned with membrane bioreactors device
is safe to drink and can be used for drinking purposes. Purified water from our
team’s trial test hasn’t been drunk yet. Certain period of time is required
since we’re multiplying and adapting microorganisms that will decompose
excretion. By the end of spring, we’ll be able to completely purify waste
water. When that time comes, we’ll be able to drink purified water tested by
our team.
Source:
http://mongolnews.mn/1g4y
Top
morin khuur players awarded
By B. Tungalag
January 26 (UB
Post) The Union of Mongolian Composers, Mongolian National Center for Morin
Khuur (horse fiddle), Ikel Morin Khuur Foundation, and Khan Music morin khuur
manufacturer awarded nine top morin khuur players of Mongolia on January 22.
The top nine
morin khuur players are founder of the Mongolian Morin Khuur Ensemble and
People’s Artist Ts.Batchuluun, morin khuur player of the State National Song
and Dance Academic Ensemble People’s Artist Ch.Batsaikhan, morin khuur maker
B.Enkhbold, morin khuur teacher of Borjigon Theater of Govisumber Province
D.Natsagdorj, solo morin khuur player of Mongol Tuurgatan Theater of Tuv Province
Kh.Azjargal, morin khuur player of Zavkhan Province S.Tumenbayar, morin khuur
player of Domog folk group D.Shinetsog, instructor of the State University of
Arts and Culture P.Munkhjin, and morin khuur teacher of the Dance and Music
College Yo.Batbayar.
The top nine
morin khuur players above were awarded for contributing to morin khuur
development by composing music for morin khuur, promoting morin khuur to the
world, and continuously producing morin khuur art.
Khan Music
company promised to make morin khuurs worth 1,500,000 MNT to all nine award
recipients.
One of the top
nine players, P.Munkhjin said, “I have been playing morin khuur since I was
seven. Morin khuur fills the empty space in my heart. I will do my best to
promote morin khuur to the world.”
Mongolian
manufacturing dreams crushed by the banking sector
January 26 (UB
Post) If a recent report from the National Statistical Office is correct, it
seems that most of the commercial banks in Mongolia might soon close their
doors. We can find pawnshops on the corner of every building in every district
in Ulaanbaatar, which means that pawnbrokers are seeing strong business while
banks suffer.
The National
Statistical Office of Mongolia (NSO) reported that according to data from local
banks, the amount of non-performing loans was 625.7 billion MNT by the end of
2014, showing an increase of 5.7 billion MNT (0.9 percent) from the previous
month and an increase of 59.9 billion MNT (10.6 percent) compared to the same
period in 2013.
As the
Mongolian President said, commercial banks in Mongolia are working like
pawnshops. They just care about their interests and benefits, not thinking
about the consumer’s satisfaction.
Pawnbrokers
check every cleft of earrings and rings, and every scratch on cell phones and
televisions, exploiting people with high interest rates on collateral loans.
When the deadline for loan repayment passes, pawnbrokers just sell people’s
collateral without warning, and many of the pawnbrokers never return the lost
money to owners.
Parliamentarians
wanted to draft a law on the issue, but lobbies of people who have become rich
through the pawnshop business stopped the draft before its first discussion was
held.
The same issue
applies to commercial banks, they just think about how to get more money from
consumers, instead of thinking of their satisfaction. It can be proven through
many examples.
Mongolia dreams
of becoming a manufacturing country. A policy was even created and a ministry
established dedicated to pursuing the goal, and a project named “Supporting
Export, Replacing Import 888” was initiated. But unfortunately, the criteria of
commercial banks operating in Mongolia are really high and discourage
businesses. They just focus on collateral requirements and real estate, instead
of valuing people’s ideas and their desire to do something.
Therefore, we
need to increase the independence of banks, which are surviving day by day
thanks to rich people’s savings, and regulate them to have active capital for
bearing risk. Domestic banks have become barriers for foreign banks that can
become investors in major projects and programs supporting and valuing
Mongolian ingenuity.
Consumers
choose the best among the competition in a free market. Banks should benefit
while having the ability to bear risk and invest in big projects or programs.
The world’s largest banks operate on this principle, while in Mongolia, the
biggest banks with capital have insurmountable criteria. The banks with less
capital list a bunch of reasons why they can’t offer loans, directing the blame
at the government.
In these times,
talking about manufacturing development will always be only a dream.
We need to
refresh the banking sector
Last week,
Mongol Bank raised its policy rate to 13 percent, citing the increase of the
USD exchange rate and the MNT’s depreciation.
There are
murmurs that some commercial banks that can’t bear risk have stopped approving
loans. In particular, they are following a principle to not issue eight percent
interest rate mortgage loans, because the banks are not benefiting from these
low interest mortgage loans.
The criteria
for mortgage loans are quite high, but thanks to these loans, thousands of
young families have apartments. Of course, some of them can’t repay their
loans, repayment will take a long time, and deadlines must be delayed. It’s
obvious, but if Mongolian banks refuse to issue mortgage loans, they should
give foreign banks the opportunity to enter the domestic market.
There are lots
of foreign banks with tremendous assets that want to operate in Mongolia,
supporting domestic production. They just want us to open the domestic market
to them, but we are insisting that we can do it by ourselves. We isolate the
Mongolian market, but we need to think about why we are saying that mortgage
loans are not efficient and that we will not issue those loans.
In the opinions
of only some banking officials, opening the market to foreign banks will
influence Mongolia’s national security, and bankruptcy in the banking sector
shouldn’t limit people’s choices.
It’s an appropriate time for banks to understand that if they can’t provide loans to people, they need to step down.
It’s an appropriate time for banks to understand that if they can’t provide loans to people, they need to step down.
We are offering
our salaries and properties as collateral, and then take out loans, but banks
are earning interest from our loans. The issue of taking only interest has been
touched upon several times. If you have taken out one loan, you can’t apply for
another within the same year. If you take out a loan from one bank, you can’t
go to another bank for more loans. When you use an automated teller machine,
you pay fees ranging from 100 to 500 MNT. The fee for inter-bank transactions
has surged from 300 to 2,000 MNT.
After
collecting a bunch of documents, you can receive only salary loans of up to 10
million MNT.
Only five or
six banks that would consider herder’s livestock as collateral, or that fairly
values people’s property, would be enough for a low-population country like
Mongolia.
We need banks
that can invest in nationwide developments, that can correctly value people’s
income, that support people without real estate, that support production, and
that value intelligence instead of only property. We need banks that consider
projects and programs collateral and not only property.
If we have such
banks, as many as possible, then we will be able to develop domestic production
and become a wealth-generating country.
It may also
open more opportunities for the wealthy to invest their money in the stock
market, instead of just placing their money in banks and living off interest
from savings.
Prime
Minister Ch.Saikhanbileg Distracted for over Month
By D.
Jargalsaikhan
January 26 (UB
Post) It has been over month since Prime Minister Ch.Saikhanbileg’s cabinet was
approved by the parliament. Having not been able to achieve what they promised
to do, the government that offered solutions not only grew bigger, but also
became distracted. Meanwhile, the MNT rate against USD, which mirrors how the
economy is doing, soared from 1,880 to reach 1,940.
Although
Ch.Saikhanbileg established a general, but objective, diagnosis for economic
conditions and proposed direct measures such as cutting expenditure, supporting
the private sector, promoting investment, and properly managing debt, he is
currently stuck; unable to actually carry out those actions with consent from
the relevant authorities.
The primary
cause of the current government’s distraction is the parliament. It is because
members of parliament have all been infected by populism, and have been
approaching everything by thinking only about how they can get re-elected in
the upcoming election. Therefore, they are hindering the making of decisions
required during a crisis situation, which ultimately holds back the long-term
economic growth of Mongolia.
DEFICIT IS A
PRIMARY FISCAL INDICATOR
When the last
government was replaced, the 2015 budget was approved with no clear owner. That
is why they are making amendments to the budget after only two months of its
approval. The newly appointed ministers have noted that the economic conditions
are worse than imagined.
The major
indicator for not only the quality of the public budget, but also the
capability of the parliament, is the extent of deficit, rather than the total
amount of budget revenue and expenditure. This was understood by the government
after the 2008 economic crisis. This is why there was a decision to set the
debt ceiling at two percent of GDP under the fiscal stability law, which was
implemented in 2013. Furthermore, it was put into law that the the external
debt ceiling was not to exceed 40 percent of GDP.
However, the
budget deficit today equals five percent of GDP, not two percent, while the
external debt ceiling is 60 percent of GDP, not 40 percent. The new finance
minister has discovered that the previous government was providing inaccurate
information about external debt. The sudden hike in the exchange rates has also
influenced the debt ceiling being penetrated by the dollar bullet. The bullet
would naturally go upwards, since the government has been issuing a lot of
bonds without designating their specific use. Having raised a loan of 2.3
billion USD from foreign capital markets, the government has been paying six
million USD each month, which means more than 70 million USD a year.
The Mongolian
People’s Party (MPP), which has taken its time to make decisions, has recently
entered the coalition government. The MPP has supported another “Zaisan-ing”
(To Zaisan: An action by the Mongolian government to break the law and then
change the law to avoid consequences), and passed a law to extend the debt
ceiling to 60 percent. It can be clearly seen that this political party has
become very good at doing this.
Just like how a
household economy works, a country must also live on what they create and earn.
However, the “actors” of parliament are talking about raising the debt ceiling
to 10 percent of GDP (S.Byambatsogt, the MPP’s caucus leader, plays the leading
role) and extending the external debt ceiling to 70 percent of GDP (roles being
played by other MPP actors). It looks like a desperate series of borrowing more
to pay back existing loans is about to begin. The two political parties are not
capable of doing anything other than borrowing more to settle debts.
After his
appointment, Prime Minister Ch.Saikhanbileg was confident about seeing reality
objectively and resolving long-standing issues in a prompt manner. When he
first addressed the parliament, he quoted Winston Churchill, a former Prime
Minister of the United Kingdom, about offering blood, toil, tears, and sweat.
Nevertheless, only after a month and a half, the Prime Minister is talking
about raising the debt ceiling, which will have phased reductions over time, to
acquire foreign loans. The parliament did not support measures to cut budget
expenditures and reduce social welfare spending.
The important moves that started with the stated intentions of the Prime Minister have been stopped by the “actors” of parliament. Those moves included ending the provision of 20,000 MNT to children from households whose monthly income is more than several hundred thousand MNT, providing the 70,000 MNT student stipend to only those who have a high GPA, providing a pension equal to one’s service when a civil servant retires, stopping the provision of money granted to mothers of the Mother’s Honor medal if their children have grown up, and restricting government involvement in the business sector. These were timely actions that came with no other choice.
The important moves that started with the stated intentions of the Prime Minister have been stopped by the “actors” of parliament. Those moves included ending the provision of 20,000 MNT to children from households whose monthly income is more than several hundred thousand MNT, providing the 70,000 MNT student stipend to only those who have a high GPA, providing a pension equal to one’s service when a civil servant retires, stopping the provision of money granted to mothers of the Mother’s Honor medal if their children have grown up, and restricting government involvement in the business sector. These were timely actions that came with no other choice.
MEDICINE HEALS
YOU DESPITE ITS BITTER TASTE
It can be said
that Prime Minister Ch.Saikhanbileg currently lacks a quality that was
demonstrated by another former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher. It
should be said, that despite facing strong opposition from the people and
receiving harsh criticism, Margaret Thatcher implemented major spending cuts,
such as privatizing state-owned enterprises, reducing taxes, and stopping the
provision of milk for children. As a result, the private sector was greatly
catalyzed and the economy was revived quickly (read more on http://jargaldefacto.com/five-lessons-from-thatcherism/).
Ultimately,
accountability goes to the Prime Minister, not to the “actors” of parliament.
If Prime Minister Ch.Saikhanbileg realizes this, his government can truly offer
solutions. Otherwise, if his government depends too largely on the parliament
and gets distracted, the country will not be able to get out of the recession
and his government will end up becoming another “comedy”.
The economy can
be revived and the trust of investors can be earned by taking measures other
than cutting budget expenditure and increasing taxes, such as dramatically
improving the business environment for the private sector, supporting fair
competition, turning state-owned companies into publicly-owned companies, and
stopping all kinds of government subsidies. The current fall in exchange rates
is caused by a deficit of capital, which is caused by a lack of trust. These
deficiencies can only be fixed by the confident vision of the government and
its actions to support the private sector.
Otherwise,
Mongolia will become a lost, debt-ridden country, where a few populists rule the
nation in turn, while the government becomes richer as the people get poorer.
Those who have the means to do so will start abandoning the country.
A doctor often
faces the need to perform surgery in order to save the life of a patient,
despite how much pain the operation could cause. In this crisis, the Prime
Minister must be smart, knowledgeable, and decisive.
Trans. by
B.AMAR
Update
on AFCCP activities since the end of 2014
By M. Zoljargal
January 26 (UB
Post) Director of the Agency for Fair Competition and Consumer Protection
(AFCCP), T.Ayursaikhan, held a meeting with journalists for the first time
since his appointment and reported on ongoing inspections focused on ensuring
consumer rights.
Lawsuit filed
against Energy Regulatory Commission
The AFCCP filed
a lawsuit against the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) of Mongolia for
rejecting the proposal to charge six companies with a 189 million MNT fine for
raising electricity rates last year without notifying the AFCCP, defying
regulations.
Power
distribution companies are obliged to report electricity rate increases to the
AFCCP before they become effective. The ERC reported changes the last time they
raised rates in July 2013, however, they increased rates three times last year
without giving the AFCCP any prior notice, which pushed the agency to impose a
fine.
Defrauded real
estate buyers to receive compensation
The AFCCP also
filed a lawsuit against construction companies which sold apartments that were
smaller than they were reported to be. Over 70 companies were found to have
been overcharging their customers in a similar way, which resulted in
approximately 3.5 billion MNT in losses to apartment buyers.
The companies
have issued compensated of 1.5 billion MNT to the victims of fraud so far,
while the remaining compensation will be repaid after the court has announced
its final trial decisions.
Of the 3.5
billion MNT in damages, 1.5 billion MNT is attributed to three major construction
companies.
The AFCCP’s inspection of apartment buildings came following over 700 complaints to the agency regarding overcharging.
The AFCCP’s inspection of apartment buildings came following over 700 complaints to the agency regarding overcharging.
National Circus
privatization case taken to court
The agency’s
lawsuit against administrators of the National Circus for using the building
for inappropriate purposes has been taken to court.
The AFCCP
reported that the circus was first privatized on the condition that the
original purpose of the building would remain in place after privatization.
However, the recent launch of a night club attached to the circus and the
reduced number of circus performances has resulted in public opposition.
The agency
proposed to the State Property Committee the annulment of the privatization and
returning the building’s ownership to the state as a result of the illegal
operations. The AFCCP later requested a court trial for the case, as it hasn’t
received a reply from the committee.
Commercial bank
inspections begin
A trial was
held for AFCCP allegations against local commercial banks charging illegal
service fees equal to one percent of loans taken out by bank customers.
Administrators
of 13 banks opposed the allegations and submitted a complaint to the court,
which later found the banks guilty on December 25, 2014. The court ruled that
customers who took out loans within the last three years be free to request
compensation for the service fees, but bank administrators have opposed the
ruling and report that they will file for an appeal.
Following the
decision, commercial banks will soon have to lower their loan service fees.
“It is certain
that commercial banks will appeal the court decision. If the Supreme Court
confirms that charging one percent of each provided loan is illegal, customers
will be able to receive a refund of the fees paid,” said T.Ayursaikhan.
Several other
banks have been inspected by the AFCCP, as residents complained that some banks
are violating the Competition Law.
The inspection
revealed that the annual profit of some commercial banks was between 25 to 30
percent, while it should range between 10 to 15 percent, according to
international standards in the banking market.
If profits are
less than ten percent, it results in deficits for banks, and if profits are
above 15 percent, it causes financial damage to customers. The average annual
profit is 25 to 30 percent, or 80 to 100 billion MNT, in Mongolia.
The inspections
are not complete yet and the results of investigation of normal profits have
yet to be officially announced.
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