Mongolia Brief January 28, 2015



Third Millionth Citizen of Mongolia Born on January 24, 2015 and Declared Today
January 28 (infomongolia.com) On January 28, 2015, the national working group members comprised of Minister for Population Development and Social Protection S.Erdene, Minister for Health and Sports G.Shiilegdamba, Advisor to the President of Mongolia R.Bold, Chairman of National Statistical Office of Mongolia (NSO) S.Mendsaikhan, Director General of Mongolian National Broadcaster Ts.Oyundari and Director of the National Authority for Children of Mongolia I.Narantuya chaired by the Chief of Staff of the President’s Office P.Tsagaan held its regular meeting and called a press conference regarding the announcement of birth of the third millionth citizen of Mongolia.

In his statement, NSO Chairman S.Mendsaikhan announced, “The third millionth citizen of Mongolia was born on January 24, 2015 and the determination was narrowly calculated per 1,000 births registered throughout the country in January 2015 including total number of infant birth and mortality rates. The third millionth citizen, a baby girl was born at the Hospital No.1 in Dalanzadgad Sum of Umnugovi Aimag in the morning of January 24th, whose parents are father Enkhtuvshin KHATANBOLD and mother Ganbat AZZAYA”.
The working group Chairman P.Tsagaan added, “The third millionth baby is a girl, who brought the next closest children to the hours announced as a twin, and the fact symbolizes the upbringing not only in her family, but also to the population of Mongolia”.
Welcoming the third millionth citizen, President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj delivered an address to the nation of Mongolia at the start of Horse Hours (11:40-13:40) on January 28, 2015.
On January 24, 2015, a total of 181 newborns were registered throughout Mongolia, whereas a baby in Sukhbaatar District of Ulaanbaatar as well as a twin in the United States of America.
The National Statistical Office of Mongolia registered the first millionth citizen in 1962, the second millionth in 1988 and the third millionth citizen of Mongolia in January 2015.
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Ganbat MP receives Board members of Notary Chamber
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, January 28 (MONTSAME) Head of the Standing committee of Justice D.Ganbat MP received Wednesday the members of Board of the Notary Chamber.
Chairman of the Notary Chamber Ms A.Oyunchimeg thanked the Parliament member for receiving them and informed him that the Chamber is working on a proposal of draft amendments to the Law on Notary. The amendments will address the issue of transferring notary services into electronic mode, since all other public services were re-designed to have online provisions.
Mr Ganbat MP supported the initiative and promised to cooperate with and include the members of the Chamber in the working group for developing the draft and preparing it for the readings.

Mongolia and Germany state to deepen and continue the collaboration in the defense sector
January 28 (infomongolia.com) On January 27, 2015, Minister of Defense Ts.Tsolmon received in his office the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Mongolia, Gerhard Thiedemann.
During the meeting, parties emphasized on broadening collaboration in the defense sector and exchanged views on further cooperation issues and its future development tendencies. 
Also, sides noted that in the frameworks of celebrating the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and Germany marked in 2014, several measures were organized in defense sector and one of them was hosting a joint military exercises in Afghanistan to support peacekeeping operations that proves how the partnership in the defense sector reached top level. Moreover, they also underlined that the cooperation in military sphere keeps a strong position between the two countries and expressed their interests to deepen and continue the collaboration. 
Since 2009, Mongolia and Germany have been jointly serving in peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan and since then all-level reciprocal visits, consultative meetings, staff trainings and field practices have been conducted. 
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Oyu Tolgoi wins “Best Responsible Mine” award
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (January 26) (Oyu Tolgoi) - Oyu Tolgoi was last week named as the Best Responsible Mine at the fifth annual Mongolian Mining Journal Awards.
The award recognises how Oyu Tolgoi made the transition from construction to full capacity operations in a responsible way - placing safety above all else, maximising long-term benefit for all stakeholders, and protecting the environment.
Speaking about the recognition, Andrew Woodley, President and CEO of Oyu Tolgoi said: “Operating Oyu Tolgoi safely and responsibly is at the heart of everything that we do. It is testament to the work of the entire team that this has been observed and acknowledged. This approach not only delivers a globally competitive business generating value for our stakeholders today, but we will also leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”
As part of the transition from construction to steady state operations, over the last two years Oyu Tolgoi established, and gained certification for, a number of international standard health, safety and environmental management systems.
Launched in 2011, the Mongolian Mining Journal Awards celebrate the development of the Mongolian mining sector, with a particular focus on promoting technology, environmental management and sustainability across the industry. Last year, Oyu Tolgoi was awarded the Best Green Mine award for its use of technology and commitment to protecting the environment of the South Gobi.
In her opening speech at the ceremony, held at Blue Sky Tower, L. Bolormaa, Editor of the Mongolian Mining Journal said: “These awards are dedicated to all the people who create things in our industry. 2014 has been a great year of achievements and successes. All of the nominated companies are not just talking about the economic crisis, but tackling it.”
This year’s awards recognised achievements of Mongolian mining companies in five categories: Best Mine, Best Technology, Best Green Mine, Sustainable Operations, and Best Responsible Mine.

14 locations at 6 districts to hold Tsagaan Sar Fairs
By Kh. Kugershin
January 28 (gogo.mn) During Tsagaan Sar preparations traffic to the markets increase significantly.
In order to reduce the load at the markets Capital City Governor's Office ordered to open additional 14 fair locations on the territory of 6 districts.
·         Bayanzurkh District open market at the “SКҮ” supermarket open space, Wrestlers Palace open space, Tenger Shopping Center sopen space.
·         Sukhbaatar District open market at Chinggis Square and Tserendorj Street /South of State Department Store/.
·         Chingletei District open market at open space of Independence Square and Urt Tsagaan.
·         Bayangol District Lion Tower.
·         Khan-Uul District open markets at Sky Traading LLC, inside of Home Plaza and Ulaanbaatar Impex LLC. 
·         Songinokhairkhan District at Siilber Shopping Center and Suvdan Center.
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Ministry of Mining refuses to give explanations
By B. Chimeg
January 28 (gogo.mn) After investigations held twice, the case of SouthGobi Sands former CEO tax evasion has been transferred to District Criminal Primary Court, according to the announcement made on January 16th by the State Prosecution Agency.
On May 3rd of 2012 case against D.Batkhuyag then Head of the Mineral Resources Agency was raised on possible corruption and misuse of the position in accordance with the Criminal Code and Justin Kapla, President of SouthGobi Sands LLC on possible money laundering, tax evasion and corruption conspiring with then Financial Manager Hilarion Cajucom Jr. The Court hearing of the case has been postponed for a month period.
B.Batkhuu, Head of the Policy Implementation Coordination Department at the Ministry of Mining, said that the matter should be handled in accordance with the international expertise as the case involves foreign investors and that Ministry of Mining is not entitled to give explanations on the matter as the case has been investigated by the prosecutors and experts.

President Ts.Elbegdorj to hold information session
By U. Badamtsetseg
(gogo.mn) (Ulaanbaatar) Jan 28, President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj, paid an official state visit to Czech Republic upon official invitation by Czech President M.Zeman during January 18-20.
Later during January 21-25 he attended the 45th World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland and came back to Mongolia yesterday.
President Ts.Elbegdorj is to conduct information session at Government Building today at 11.20AM.

Discussions on Nalaikh and Baganuur status
By B. Nyamdari
(gogo.mn) (Ulaanbaatar) Jan 28, discussions on changing status of Nalaikh and Baganuur districts into city to be hold at 10AM today at Crystal Hall in Blue Skye Tower.
Discussions will be attended by E.Bat-Uul, Ulaanbaatar city Mayor and Capital City Governor, Yo.Gerelchuluun, Head of the Capital City Government, N.Natsagdorj, Head of the Capital City Planning Department and officials of Nalaikh and Baganuur Districts.
The public vote for change of district status to city was held on January 21st with the results:
Nalaikh: The district has population of 34,575 residents with 19,535 voting rights. The attendance at the voting was at the 62.3 percent or 12,180 Nalaikh residents participated.  Out of total voters 96.1 percent or 11,708 voted for changing the status into city. While 3.1 percent or 374 residents voted against and 0.8 percent or 98 votes were void.

Baganuur: The district has population of 16260 voting rights. The attendance at the voting was at the 77,85 percent or 12659 Baganuur residents participated.  Out of total voters 95,76 percent or 12094voted for changing the status into city. While 4,2 percent or 532 residents voted against and 0,1 percent or 32 votes were void.

PM Ch.Saikhanbileg to have live interview on MNB
By E. Orgil
(gogo.mn) (Ulaanbaatar) Jan 28, Today at 9PM Prime Minister of Mongolia Ch.Saikhanbileg is to have live interview on Mongolian National Broadcasting.
The interview is to be hosted by journalist B.Oyunchimeg touching on the current social and economic situation in Mongolia.

Hepatitis C drug registered in the Mongolian Drug Register
By E. Enkhmaa
January 28 (gogo.mn) Sofosbuvir to treat the Hepatitis C infection has been officially registered in the Mongolian Drug Register almost after a year of delays. We have interviewed former Deputy Minister of Health and current City Council Representatives member, Head of the Food Safety and Health Standing Committee at the City Council J.Amarsanaa.
Sofosbuvir tablets are now available for the public?
Yes, it is now available, but under supervision of a physician. Minister of Health and Sports G.Shiilegdamba played important role in registering this drug.
I am very glad that patients with Hepatitis C are now available to get effective treatment. Drug Council has approved the registration of this drug yesterday.
What will be the price the treatment?
The price for this drug has been politicized a lot. Three-month treatment is USD 900 and six-month treatment is USD 1800. Mongolian patients are identified to mostly have one B genotype hepatitis C virus, which is mostly cured over six-month treatment.
But the treatment varies greatly depending on the individual cases. There are only two types of treatment drugs available: Peginterferon injection and Ribavirin tablets, combination of which have 76 percent success results.
How many patients are there in Mongolia?
There are around 450K patients with hepatitis C infection, but the first patients to receive the drug are to be critical patients. We have to prioritize the patients. Some might be confused as if thou there are only one treatment drug.  There are many other drugs with similar treatment qualities and even higher.  What is important here is to introduce those higher efficiency drugs into Mongolian market as well. It is time to discuss the policy on treatment of patients with hepatitis C.
Does it mean that patients can order this drug?
Orders are to be received at the distributor company. Drugs to be supplied in accordance with orders made, so it might take some time. The producer Glead Science is offering their drug with special pricing only for the Mongolian market, while in USA it is supplied with price tag of USD84K per treatment course.
Therefore, Glead Science is strictly requiring us to only use it within Mongolia, as it supplies the same drug with other pricing to the neighboring Russia and China. Effectiveness of this drug has been reported to be high as over 80 thousand patients have been cured after using the drug.
National Program to Reduce the Hepatitis C Infection in Mongolia has been discussed multiple times at the Ministry of Health. There is need to continue the discussions and pay attention on registration of drugs, without politicizing it much.
Is there possibility to include this drug into health insurance and insurance plans?
It is possible. During my post as Deputy Minister of Health I have inquired about the possibilities with Minister of Population Development and Social Welfare S.Erdene. He was supportive of the idea and ready to cooperate.

There is no legislation limiting convicted individuals to hold managing positions
By B. Nyamdari
(gogo.mn) (Ulaanbaatar) Jan 28, President of Mongolian Olympic Committee (MOC) D.Zagdsuren made an announcement today in reply for the requests from Sports Federation Leaders to resign from the post.
In his announcement D.Zagdsuren said that he is leading the Mongolian Olympic Committee for 12 years and Independent Agency Against Corruption (IAAC) has investigated on possible money laundering for one year's period since February 2013 and concluded that:
1.    No embezzlement of money occurred at both MOC and IOC
2.    Athletes Rehabilitation Center building was not built with funds from MOC
3.    Conviction of imprisonment for 3 years and deprivation of rights from the post for 2 years due to the abuse of the power and illegal transfer of the land under MOC to Niislel Urgoo LLC, which was pardoned in accordance with Pardon Bill of 2009.
Further he acknowledged that it was his fault that he overlooked the transfer of land issue to go through the Executive Council and the land has been transferred back under MOC with court ruling.
Also he denied claims that IOC allocates USD 200,000 every month to MOC, as the annual allocation from IOC equals to USD 300,000, which are directed to fund the administrative costs, projects and programs.
We clarified on the following issues from President of MOC D.Zagdsuren.
Leaders of Sports Federations have signed a petition for the President. What are your stances on this matter? 
Most of the Sports Federations out of 19 that have signed on the petition are not members of MOC, therefore their petition is not valid.
They were claiming that there are no ethical grounds for you to lead the MOC? 
In the MOC rule there is not provision that limits convicted individuals to hold managing position. Last year IOC investigated on this matter and came up with conclusion that it doesn't contradict any IOC rules. This is I believe the final conclusion.
Do you suspect any conflict of interest or fabricated rumors behind the representatives of the Sports Federations? 
I do not know about that.
Thank you.

President Ts.Elbegdorj named 3 millionth citizen Mongoljin
By E. Enkhmaa
(gogo.mn) (Ulaanbaatar) Jan 28, President of Mongolia made a phone call to the happy couple on the new addition, a 3 millionth citizen of Mongolia, to congratulate on the happy occasion.
President congratulated the parents of baby girl E.Khatanbold and G.Azzaya on their new bundle of joy and on the request from parents named 3 millionth citizen MONGOLJIN.
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Mongolia Holdings, Inc. and Xacbank of Mongolia Announce Financing for Equipment Fleet Purchases
January 28 (infomongolia.com) On January 27, 2015, Mongolia Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: "MNHD") announced that through its wholly owned Mongolian subsidiaries HERC, LLC & Equipment Rental, LLC, it has entered into a master loan agreement with XacBank (Khas Bank) for a 10 million USD equipment financing transaction (or the equivalent in local currency) for its Hertz Equipment Rental franchise operations in Mongolia.
This financing represents the first 10 million USD tranche of a proposed 40 million USD line-of-credit arranged by XacBank.
XacBank is the flagship company of Tenger Financial Group, and the XacBank is one of Mongolia’s largest banks, serving retail customers, small and medium-sized businesses as well as large corporations. It operates in all 21 provinces (aimags) and the capital city serving more than 700 thousand customers through its nationwide network of branches. The Bank aims to create a sustainable value for its shareholders and institutional investors, while promoting a triple-bottom line vision and mission built around “Planet, People and Profit.”
CEO of MNHD, Gary Kucher stated, “This culminates over three years of planning, due diligence, hard work and execution. I want to personally thank all of the representatives of XacBank and Hertz, together with our management team, employees and stakeholders, as this completes a truly historic milestone for the Company and a significant corporate financing within Mongolia. This credit facility allows the Company to further execute its business plan, and we anticipate announcing additional progress in the near term. We look forward to working together and forging a longstanding, mutually successful relationship with both Hertz and XacBank that will continue to build value for our stakeholders”.
Via the capital markets, Mongolia Holdings plans to explore sourcing additional funding to be used for the set-up of its equipment maintenance facilities, build-out of its mobile services vehicles, new employee training and to fund on-going operations. While the Company is confident in realizing its goals, it offers no assurances that it will be successful in obtaining this additional funding.
Allen Anderson and Joe Yuen from Peace Field Ltd of Hong Kong served as financial advisors to Mongolia Holdings.

Annual Coal Mongolia, International Conference and Exhibition to Take Place in UB on April 09-10, 2015
January 28 (infomongolia.com) The “Coal Mongolia” an International Conference and Exhibition for Coal Investors has been expanding rapidly every year and this year’s edition is being hosted with the support of the Government of Mongolia, which is scheduled to take place at the “SS” Convention Center in Ulaanbaatar on April 09-10, 2015.
The primary objective of this event is to bring international investors into the coal sector of Mongolia; to introduce the most advanced, environmentally friendly technologies in coal mining sector; to create a mutually beneficial partnership that will strengthen Mongolia’s competitiveness in Asian region.
This year's “COAL MONGOLIA-2015” International Conference and Exhibition is celebrating its 5th anniversary and commemorates the 5th edition of the first international IPO that attracted the first investment in coal sector.
www.InfoMongolia.com has been actively collaborating with organizers of this international event as a local media partner and for more information please visit www.coalmongolia.mn.

MP meets Ministry of Energy reps
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, January 28 (MONTSAME) Head of the Standing committee on Economy J.Batsuuri MP held a meeting with representatives of the Ministry of Energy on January 27.
In the beginning of the meeting, the vice Minister of Energy O.Purevbaatar gave information about the current state and future perspectives of the energy sector, and about the large constructions. According to him, the wintering preparation has been satisfied fully throughout the country, and the basic structure of power stations are 100 percent operational. In a scope of the policy for the construction and industrial development, the Government should consider the increasing demand of energy in a policy-making level, should make proper investment into the technological renovations, and should commence the implementation of major energy programs, he said.
Mr Purevbaatar also mentioned that few programs of energy sector have been realized efficiently.
The Minister of Energy D.Zorigt said that occupational safety is a priority in energy production, and that however most of the equipment are very aged technologies. Therefore, immediate renovation in technology, meeting the ever-increasing (8-10 percent increase a year) demand of energy, and immediate actions towards reducing the deficit of the sector are required, he added and expressed his hope that the Standing committee will collaborate on such matters.
After this, head of the Standing committee on Justice J.Batsuuri MP promised to make efforts to settle the pressing issues of the energy sector. It is appropriate to give certain significance to the sector, however the price increase is not the best option, he noted. “Highly experienced professionals of this sector must seek modern and approaches in resolving the problems” he added.

P.Tsagaan meets Kyrgyz delegation
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, January 28 (MONTSAME) Head of the Presidential Office of Mongolia P.Tsagaan Wednesday received journalists and NGO delegation from the Republic of Kyrgyzstan.
Beginning the meeting, Mr Tsagaan expressed his satisfaction with meeting the delegation from Kyrgyzstan, being coincided with welcoming the three millionth citizen of Mongolia.
The Kyrgyz delegation requested Mr Tsagaan to convey a letter to the President Ts.Elbegdorj from Ms Roza Otunbayeva, a former President of Kyrgyzstan.
At the meeting, the parties touched upon issues of the population growth, life expectancy, the women’s role in political life, the migrants in Mongolia as well as a development of Mongolian movies.
After the meeting, the delegation got acquainted with activities of the Civil Hall at the President, and they are interested in the civil participation in the budgetary expenses in localities and a development of direct democracy in Mongolia.

Academy of Sciences and MSU to cooperate
By B. Amarsaikhan
Ulaanbaatar, January 28 (MONTSAME) A memorandum of Understanding was signed Wednesday between the Academy of Sciences and the Mongolian State University regarding the cooperation in being involved in settlement of the country’s pressing economic and social situations, in conducting professional researches, and in coordinating the study and research works of universities, as well in preparing researchers and academicians.
The document was inked by the chairman of the Academy of Sciences academician B.Enkhtuvshin and the director of the MSU R.Bat-Erdene Ph.D.
Through establishing such MoU, the Academy and the University will be collaborating on surveys and researches, developing action plans, implementing projects and frameworks, and have as much involvement as possible in the state-run educational programs. The sides also agreed to set up academic database, and to publish Mongolian versions of internationally respected scientific journals.

Shooter Ch.Narantuya wins silver medal in Grand Prix    
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, January 28 (MONTSAME) An international master of sports and gold medalist of Asian Games Ch.Narantuya has won a silver medal in the International Shooting Grand Prix tournament named after Emir of Kuwait continuing in Kuwait.
She captured the medal on the second day of the tournament on January 25 with 418.2 points at the final round, competing in the women’s 10 m air rifle contest. A gold medal went to a Serbian shooter Andrea Arsovic, and a Singaporean shooter received a bronze medal in the contest. Another Mongolian D.Lhamsuren (410.0 points) IMS took 9th place, and Z.Batkhuyag IMS (409.4 points)--13th place in the women’s air rifle contest.
Apart from them, the national team of Mongolia has included a State Honored Sportswoman O.Gundegmaa; IMSs L.Uranzaya, E.Davaakhuu, Z.Namduun, B.Namuunzul and D.Lhagvasuren.
The competitions will last until January 31. 

Ulaanbaatar Cultural Days continue in Taipei
January 28 (news.mn) Ulaanbaatar Cultural Days are now taking place in Taipei and Khulani in Taiwan. The event is being organized at the initiation of the Taiwanese Abbot of Vandana Monastery, the poet Yu Si, the Trade and Economic Representative Office of Ulaanbaatar in Taipei, the Ulaanbaatar Mayor’s Office, and the and Cultural and Art Office of Ulaanbaatar.
A concert by the ensemble “Ulaanbaatar” included long songs, throat songs, and Mongolian folk dance, followed by a classical art performance entertained audiences at the Ulaanbaatar Cultural Days. The 1,250 seat auditorium was full for the performance.
Taiwanese attendees once imagined Mongolia as simply a steppe country with people riding horses, but the Ulaanbaatar Cultural Days have given them a better look at the city, and many want to visit.

Traffic Coordination During Tsagaan Sar
By Kh. Kugershin
January 28 (gogo.mn) It is almost a tradition that Ulaanbaatar city traffic jams increase.
There are over 340 thousand vehicles registered, which is the 69 percent of the total vehicles registered nationwide in Mongolia. Moreover, traffic in and out of the city counts to 30,000 during Tsagaan Sar days from the countryside.
If no regulations are made there is high potential for increased traffic jams in the Ulaanbaatar city, locking the vehicles on the roads for several hours.

Following vehicle regulation is to be done during the Tsagaan Sar period based on the license place numbers.
·         Vehicles with license plate numbers ending with 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 are available on Saturdays of January 31st, February 7th and 14th from 10AM to 8PM.
·         Vehicles with license plate numbers ending with 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 are available on Sundays of February 1st, 8th and 15th from 10AM to 8PM. 
Moreover the change in restrictions will apply to the current restriction zones in the UB city, for instance, main road from Sapporo junction all the way to the 5 Shar junction is to be included in the restriction zone and more:
-In Chingeltei District road leading north from the SE junction of Khuchit Shonkhor market all the way to the Flood Dam junction, road leading east from the Flood Dam to Sudalt Center are to be regulated as one way from 8AM to 17PM. 
-At the bigger markets additional traffic regulative staff to be appointed at the parking lots in accordance with the MOU with UB city Mayor's Office.
-To reduce the traffic load vehicles with over 5tons of weight are to be restricted from 7AM to 10 PM on the south road leading from Chuluun Ovoot to Narantuul market.

Gatsuurt Deposit to accumulate MNT 660 billion at the state budget
By U. Badamtsetseg
January 28 (gogo.mn) Gatsuurt deposit discussions were held at the State Great Khural whether to include it into the strategic deposit list and the deposit was approved to be included in the list.
During the Transparency and Mining briefing held by Ministry of Mining information session was conducted on Gatsuurt Deposit.
Gatsuurt deposit proven reserves are at 50 tons of gold and profitable effect reserves are calculated to be 25 tons, which fully complies to requirements for Strategic Deposit.
Mining license holder Centerra Gold LLC have got Gatsuurt Deposit Reserve Report approved in 2013 and Feasibility Study in 2014 by the Mineral Resources Council and the deposit is ready for the mining.
The exploitation of this deposit will create over 1000 jobs, development of the infrastructure and is expected to accumulate MNT 660 billion at the state budget.
Gold mined from this deposit if submitted to Bank of Mongolia, has potential to increase the Mongolian Treasure fund and have significant effect on balancing the exchange rates according to the Minister of Mining.

Third Millionth Citizen of Mongolia Given Name - Mongoljin by President Ts.Elbegdorj
January 28 (infomongolia.com) Today on January 28, 2015, the third millionth citizen of Mongolia was officially announced and after delivering an online greeting, the state head of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj made a phone conversation with the baby girl’s father E.Khatanbold and mother G.Azzaya to congratulate on the occasion, which was expected to date throughout the country.
President Ts.Elbegdorj extended his profound congratulations to parents of the third millionth citizen and wished may the daughter fills their life with joy and love. Moreover, upon the request of a young couple, the President of Mongolia gave a name - MONGOLJIN to the millionth citizen of Mongolia.
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MNT 70K incentive for every ton of grain
By D. Tuguldur
January 28 (gogo.mn) Aa of 2014 Mongolia has harvested 518,7 thousand tons of crop from 315,8 thousand hectares, of which:
·         489,4 thousand tons of grain,
·         164,0 thousand tons of potato,
·         102,2 thousand tons of vegetables,
·         51,7 thousand tons of oil crop,
·         40,3 thousand tons of fodder.
16,6 centners of crop from one hectare as national average, of which:
·         16,9 centners of grain,
·         123,2 centners of potato,
·         122,9 centners of vegetables,
·         24,5 centners of fodder,
·         6,4 centners of oil crop.
As a result of the subsidies policy started back in 2007 for the quality grain supplies for the domestic flour producers six years in a row the crop harvest have been increasing, leading to the improvement in soil processing, fertilization and technical equipment supply.
Cabinet session has decided to subsidize every ton of grain supplied to the Crop Development Fund with MNT 70,000 for this year on January 26th.

Flat to Be Given to Three-Millionth Citizen
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, January 28 (MONTSAME) The three-millionth citizen of Mongolia who was born on January 24 will receive an apartment costing MNT 70 million.
A decision on it was made by the cabinet in its irregular meeting held Wednesday in accordance with a governmental resolution. Accordingly, the apartment will be awarded to a girl named Kh.Mongoljin born to the family of E.Khatanbold, the father, and G.Azzaya, the mother.
In addition, a single-benefit allowance of MNT 3 million will be given to 181 children each who were born nationwide on the same day of the three-millionth citizen’s birth.
An event will take place on January 30 in the Palace of Mongolian Children for glorifying the three-millionth citizen of Mongolia.

Vice FM Meets Ambassador of Turkey
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, January 28 (MONTSAME) The Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs N.Oyundari Wednesday received Mr Murat Karagoz, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Turkey to Mongolia.
The sides have exchanged views on a present situation of the bilateral relations and cooperation, and a further development. They also talked about implementing a visit of the Mongolia’s Premier to Turkey and co-organizing a meeting of the intergovernmental committee for the trade and economy and a regular political consultative meeting between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs in Ulaanbaatar.
Mentioning that the Mongolia-Turkey cooperation has been boosting in the education sector, the Vice Minister underlined an importance of seeking an opportunity to deepen the bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
Then Ms Oyundari put forward proposals to the Turkish side to update credit terms of soft-loans to be granted from the Turkey’s government and to collaborate in realizing the biggest projects within the Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency (TIKA).

Freestyle Wrestlers to Compete in Europe
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, January 28 (MONTSAME) Freestyle wrestlers of the national selected team will take part in several tournaments in France and Austria.
First, women wrestlers E.Narangerel (48 kg), P.Orkhon (55 kg) and S.Tserenchimed (63 kg) will participate in the Grand Prix tournament to be held from January 31 to February 1 in Paris, France.
After this tournament, they will attend an international joint training at the “Insep” Olympic center.
On February 2-6, the wrestlers will participate in the “Flatz Austria Open” tournament in Volfurt city, Austria. They are coached by B.Batbayar, chief coach of the women’s selected team for freestyle wrestling.

ADB, Mongolia Sign $2.4 Million in Grants from Japan for Forests and Peatlands
January 28 (ADB) ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA – The Government of Mongolia and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed letters of agreement for two technical assistance projects to establish sustainable forest management and improve management of peatlands in Mongolia. The projects, totaling $2.4 million, are financed by grants from the Government of Japan through the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction (JFPR).
Minister of Finance Jargaltulga Erdenebat; and Minister of Environment, Green Development and Tourism Oyunkhorol Dulamsuren participated in the signing ceremony on behalf of the Government. ADB was represented by Ayumi Konishi, Director General of the East Asia Department. Shinichiro Hayashi, Counsellor, and Hiroshi Fukasawa, First Secretary, from the Embassy of Japan in Mongolia also participated in the event.
The sustainable forest management project will benefit five districts in northeastern Mongolia. Rising temperatures from climate change together with the large amounts of deadwood in the forest put these areas at risk of forest fires, which claim about 60,000 hectares of the country’s 10.8 million hectares of forest cover each year.
The $2 million JFPR project will “develop capacity for sustainable forest management from ministry to local levels,” Mr. Konishi said in a speech at the signing ceremony. “It will develop capacity of community-based forest user groups, in particular women, on forest management to improve their livelihood.”
The project will provide assistance to agencies managing forests, and to the forest communities that will derive income from activities that build climate resilience of the forest ecosystems. It will use technical skill training and pilot technical approaches to improve the access of forest user groups and households to income-generating activities.
The other JFPR project—backed by a $400,000 grant—focuses on peatlands, the last wet habitats in a major part of the country. They present a host of benefits such as maintaining wet habitats and pastures, feeding rivers, preventing soil erosion, maintaining levels of groundwater necessary for forest and crop growth, and keeping wells full of water. During dry periods, which may continue for years, the moisture preserved in peatlands is a source of life and a barrier to desertification.
However, information regarding peatlands in Mongolia is insufficient and poor, contributing to the lack of attention given to them in national development plans, and consequently the absence of action to arrest peatlands degradation.
Through the project, ADB will work with the Government of Mongolia to “boost capacity of key stakeholders and improve the planning and implementation framework for peatland restoration and management in Mongolia,” Mr. Konishi said. “A notable output of the JFPR-funded peatlands project is the development of a draft action plan with priorities for sustainable peatland management.”
ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members—48 from the region.

Stock Exchange News for January 28
By B. Khuder
Ulaanbaatar, January 28 (MONTSAME) At the Stock Exchange trades on Wednesday, a total of 4,853 units of 25 JSCs were traded costing MNT 22 million 240 thousand and 914.00.
"APU” /2,796 units/, “Bayalag nalaikh” /1,000 units/, “Makh impex” /370 units/, “Material impex” /106 units/ and "Gobi” /104 units/ were the most actively traded in terms of trading volume, in terms of trading value were "APU” (MNT nine million 798 thousand and 100), "Material impex” (MNT one million and 547 thousand), “Makh impex” (MNT one million 239 thousand and 500), “UB-BUK” (MNT one million and 093 thousand) and "Gobi” (MNT 748 thousand and 800).
The total market capitalization was set at MNT one trillion 378 billion 115 million 129 thousand and 481. The Index of Top-20 JSCs was 14,316.43, decreasing 99.97 units or 0.69% against the previous day.

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