N.Uchral: Diesel fuel could reach MNT 6,400 in May www.gogo.mn

Prime Minister N.Uchral said the situation in the Strait of Hormuz has shaken global markets and caused a sharp rise in diesel fuel prices.

“There are many fuel-related issues. Mongolia has been purchasing fuel based on the Singapore Exchange price system. However, the current global situation has created an unprecedented challenge. Instability in the Strait of Hormuz has severely affected the global energy market, causing crude oil and refined product prices to rise sharply. It is unclear how much worse the situation may become,” he said.

He noted that last April, diesel fuel was purchased at a price twice as high as in March, at USD 1,400 per ton, and is expected to rise to USD 1,700 in May.

“In other words, a liter of diesel fuel cost MNT 3,200 a month ago, but today it has risen to MNT 4,400. In May, it is expected to reach nearly MNT 6,400 per liter. The government has already taken measures, including removing a 5% customs duty. Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources G.Damdinnyam has been sent to Russia for urgent talks, and a meeting is also scheduled in Kazakhstan. I believe we will reach an effective agreement,” he said.

Why Britain’s partnership with Mongolia matters for our growth and security www.politicshome.com

Last month, I made my first visit to Mongolia as Minister for the Indo-Pacific.

Our UK-Mongolia relationship is based on shared democratic values, with our governments, civil society, Parliamentarians and media working side by side to build a more secure and prosperous future for our nations and our people.

The world we face now is increasingly volatile, with global events shaping our lives – wherever we are. We must continue to build partnerships around the world to face our shared challenges together.

That’s why my visit was about translating partnership into practical results: securing opportunities for British business, strengthening economic security, and backing a partnership that has purpose and ambition for today and for tomorrow.

Learn more about the house
The UK was the first Western nation to establish diplomatic relations with Mongolia over sixty years ago, and that relationship has become ever more important in recent years. Mongolia’s economy is growing by 5–6 per cent a year, and the country is rich in the critical minerals on which the global economy increasingly depends. 

At the heart of my visit was the annual UK–Mongolia Political Dialogue, which I co‑chaired with Mongolia’s Deputy Foreign Minister. In Ulaanbaatar, this partnership is taking shape beneath the city streets. I discussed plans for the city’s first metro system – a transformative project that would cut congestion, reduce pollution and improve daily life for millions. British engineering expertise from projects like London’s Elizabeth Line is supporting those plans, backed by a strong UK Export Finance offer. If this project proceeds, it could generate significant export opportunities for the UK, supporting skilled jobs across our rail, engineering, and professional services sectors.

The benefits of partnership were also clear during my visit to the Gobi Desert, where I visited the Oyu Tolgoi copper mine, one of the largest in the world and operated by Rio Tinto, a British‑Australian company. With an ore body the size of Manhattan, the copper and other critical minerals extracted here are essential for everything from electric vehicles and renewable energy to data centres and the technologies that underpin modern life. At Oyu Tolgoi, UK linked investment is supporting communities and strengthening secure, sustainable supply chains the world depends on.

But our partnership is not only about minerals and megaprojects. Long‑term prosperity depends on people, skills, and opportunity. Working with UNICEF and Mongolia’s Ministry of Education, the UK is supporting Mongolia’s decision to make English its official second language through the provision of English‑language teaching, including in remote and nomadic communities. This partnership has already reached more than 147,000 young people, opening doors for the next generation of Mongolians. As one student said to me at our event with UNICEF, learning English “didn’t just teach her a language, it opened up a world of opportunity.”

Alongside this, the UK’s Chevening programme continues to support talented Mongolians to study in the UK, many of whom will go on to shape politics, business and civil society back in their own country in the years ahead. These alumni links are a powerful investment in future prosperity – strengthening long‑term ties that benefit both our nations.  

On my visit I also saw the importance of women’s leadership and civil society to economic success. I met female parliamentarians, business leaders and journalists, and supported UK‑backed work examining the barriers women face in public life. Inclusive economies are stronger economies. Women own two thirds of small and medium sized businesses in Mongolia and are represented at senior levels across heavy industry sectors too. Our tour of the Oyu Tolgoi mine was led by women engineers, and the driver of the “road train” – the long underground lorry, was a young woman.

Maintaining traditional sectors is important alongside new development. In the South Gobi, I also met with a herder family and saw first-hand Mongolia’s nomadic traditions. The family we met owned 100 camels and hundreds of livestock, while their sons have taken up opportunities as engineers at the mine and continue to support their parents as they can. It was a reminder that sustainable growth must work for communities as well as markets – and that responsible investment is essential to long‑term stability. 

Together the UK and Mongolia are investing in the future – in the next generation, in shared opportunity and in a partnership that will deliver in the decades to come.

Seema Malhotra MP

Condé Nast Traveller announces seven natural wonders of the world www.hospitalitynet.org

LONDON - Today, Condé Nast Traveller, the global authority on high-end travel, has revealed its seven natural wonders of the world. 

From Mongolia to Brazil, Condé Nast Traveller celebrates the places shaped slowly, by water, wind and ice, highlighting that in an age of accelerating change, these powerful landscapes represent the world’s deepest, but often overlooked beauty. 

Please see the full list below with the article available here: https://www.cntraveller.com/article/7-natural-wonders-of-the-world 

Altai Mountains - Mongolia

Great Bear Rainforest - Canada

Tsingy de Bemaraha - Madagascar

Raja Ampat - Indonesia

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park - Brazil

Morne Trois Pitons - Dominica

Bears Ears National Monument - USA

Find out why these landscapes have been selected in the full article available here:
https://www.cntraveller.com/article/7-natural-wonders-of-the-world 

ABOUT CONDÉ NAST TRAVELLER
Condé Nast Traveller is the world’s most distinguished travel title providing inspiration and advice for discerning travellers. Authoritative and influential, Condé Nast Traveller features destinations in the UK and around the world, whilst offering their award-winning expertise in luxury travel. The title assembles four major hotel lists every year: Hot List, Spa Guide, Readers’ Choice Awards and The Gold List. https://www.cntraveller.com/

Mongolia Presents Three Environmental Initiatives at Astana Summit www.montsame.mn

President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa attended the opening of the Regional Ecological Summit being held in Astana as part of his State Visit to Kazakhstan.

Mongolia is participating in the summit with three initiatives focused on water, pastureland management, and nature-based solutions.

Participants are discussing eight priority themes, including support for climate transition, adaptation to climate and natural risks, economic resilience, regional ecosystems and food security, sustainable natural resource management, air pollution and waste management, mechanisms for implementing environmental goals, a just and inclusive transition, and the environment and digital transformation.

The summit is expected to define joint policies and strategies to respond to water shortages, glacier and ice melt, desertification, and air pollution, while also promoting cooperation among governments, the private sector, and international organizations in green finance, green technology, and sustainable investment.

Addressing the opening session, President Khurelsukh thanked President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for hosting the summit and said the meeting would make an important contribution to overcoming global challenges such as climate change, desertification, and water scarcity through collective action. He noted that at a time when implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals remains insufficient globally, Mongolia is actively advancing its “Billions of Trees” national movement to reduce land degradation and restore forests.

The president also called for cooperation under Mongolia’s initiative of the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists to raise recognition of the sector and promote sustainable pasture management, restoration, investment, and food security.

He said Mongolia would work closely to implement proposals and recommendations emerging from the summit.

President Khurelsukh also invited countries to actively participate in the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, to be held in Ulaanbaatar in August under the theme “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope.” He also invited countries to send delegations to the World Women Parliamentarians Conference, which will be held in October.

President Tokayev first announced Kazakhstan’s plan to host the Regional Ecological Summit in 2026 while addressing the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2023.

About 1,500 representatives are attending the summit, including heads of state and government as well as senior officials from Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Russia, China, Italy, Germany, and Japan.

Representatives of the United Nations, international organizations, banks and financial institutions, including the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank, as well as researchers, civil society, businesses, and media are also participating.

More than 50 cooperation documents, including joint statements, declarations, agreements, initiatives, investment projects, and programs, are expected to be signed at the summit, according to the Presidential Office.

Government Reviews Economic Risks Amid Rising Fuel Prices www.montsame.mn

During the regular Cabinet session, the Ministry of Economy and Development presented an update on the current economic situation and potential risks.

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are having a strong impact on global oil market, causing fuel prices to rise in the short term. This increase directly affects production costs and may put pressure on key sectors such as transportation, mining, agriculture, and trade. In addition, there is also a risk of increased budget expenditures due to the sharp rise in fuel prices.

In response, the Prime Minister noted that the government is taking step-by-step measures and instructed all sectors to develop and implement short-term action plans. 

Asian Battery Metals Completes Mongolia Acquisition and Commences Drilling www.discoveryalert.com.au

The successful completion of the Asian Battery Metals Mongolia acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Asian Battery Metals PLC (ASX: AZ9), as the company prepares to commence drilling operations at the newly acquired Maikhan Uul Copper-Gold Project next week. This strategic acquisition represents a significant milestone for the company as it expands its portfolio of critical metal assets in one of Asia's most prospective mining regions.

The completion of this deal positions Asian Battery Metals to capitalise on growing global demand for copper and gold—two metals essential for energy transition technologies and economic development. With rig mobilisation already well advanced, the company is moving quickly to unlock the exploration potential of this promising asset.

Immediate Drilling Campaign to Test High-Priority Targets
The company has outlined an aggressive 1,500-metre drilling program set to begin within the week, targeting multiple geological features identified through previous exploration work. The program combines both reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling techniques to systematically test the project's potential.

Key Drilling Objectives
• RC drilling targeting the established gold mineralisation zone

• Diamond drilling to test unexplored DHEM (downhole electromagnetic) plates

• Investigation of the interpreted feeder zone identified in previous surveys

• Rock chip sampling to assess surface mineralisation

• Verification of historical trench copper grades

The drilling strategy builds on encouraging results from previous exploration, including significant drill intercepts that have validated the project's geological potential. Historical exploration has identified compelling geochemical and geophysical signatures across the project area.

Strategic Portfolio Synergies Emerging
One of the most compelling aspects of this acquisition is the 8-kilometre proximity to Asian Battery Metals' existing Yambat (Oval Cu-Ni-PGE) Project. Furthermore, this close geographic relationship opens up potential synergies for combined development scenarios, creating operational efficiencies and cost advantages that could significantly enhance project economics.

The Project is located just 8km from the Yambat (Oval Cu-Ni-PGE) Project, complements our existing asset base and provides an exciting opportunity to unlock value and synergy for potential future combined development.

— Gan-Ochir Zunduisuren, Managing Director

Cabinet Suspends Tuul Expressway Project Amid Public Concerns www.montsame.mn

Relevant ministers and officials briefed the media on decisions made at the April 22, 2026, Cabinet session. First Deputy Chief of the Cabinet Secretariat Battsetseg B. said the government had suspended the Tuul Highway project following petitions submitted by citizens and civil society organizations, until public concerns and doubts surrounding the project are addressed.

She said more than 300 petitions and complaints had been submitted to the prime minister and the government. “The Tuul Highway project is being suspended until law enforcement and oversight bodies complete their review of issues involving officials whose names have been linked to the project,” Battsetseg said.

One of the key decisions at the meeting was the suspension of the Tuul Highway project. Citizens, political parties, and researchers had repeatedly submitted demands to the prime minister regarding the matter. Prime Minister Uchral Nyam-Osor said the government should take seriously concerns raised over environmental impacts, traffic congestion, economic benefits, and the project’s financing.

PM said the project would remain suspended until confusion and conflicting information surrounding it are clarified, facts are verified, and investigations by relevant authorities are completed.

Kazakhstan to establish consulate in Bayan-Ulgii, launch direct flights to Oskemen www.gogo.mn

Mongolian President U.Khurelsukh’s state visit to the Republic of Kazakhstan is continuing. The two heads of state held a private meeting followed by official talks.

President U.Khurelsukh expressed his commitment to further strengthening relations with Kazakhstan, Mongolia’s first strategic partner in Central Asia, and thanked President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, as well as the government and people of Kazakhstan, for their warm welcome.

President K.Tokayev said President U.Khurelsukh’s visit has given important momentum to the expansion and development of relations and cooperation between the two countries, noting that the visit is of special significance.

The two sides reviewed the achievements of bilateral relations over the past 30 years and discussed ways to deepen cooperation by giving it greater economic substance and expanding ties across all sectors.

The two heads of states noted that agreements reached at the highest level are gradually becoming a reality and said there is broad potential for mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, the economy, and other fields.

They also agreed to implement major projects and programs that will serve as symbols of bilateral relations and cooperation.

As part of the goal to raise trade turnover to USD 500 million, the two sides agreed to expand Mongolia’s exports of wool, cashmere, leather, meat, and meat products, while increasing imports of fruit, vegetables, and wheat from Kazakhstan.

A joint roadmap will be developed under the implementation of the interim free trade agreement between Mongolia and the Eurasian Economic Union.

At present, Hunnu Air operates regular flights on the Ulaanbaatar–Almaty route, while Kazakhstan’s SCAT Airlines is set to begin direct flights on the Ulaanbaatar–Astana route in June.

It was also agreed to restore direct flights between Bayan-Ulgii and Oskemen, a long-awaited step for residents of Bayan-Ulgii province, and to establish a Consulate of Kazakhstan in Bayan-Ulgii.

A working group will be formed to further study ways to remove obstacles in the road and transport sectors and create shorter transport and logistics routes.

The Presidents emphasized that cultural ties are an important bridge between the peoples of the two countries and welcomed the development of a joint action plan for 2026–2027 in the fields of education, culture, sports, tourism, and youth.

President K.Tokayev said the doors of Kazakh universities are always open to Mongolian students.

The tradition of participating in the “Nomad” World Culture Festival in Mongolia and the “Nomad Culture Festival” in Kazakhstan will continue.

The two sides also agreed to jointly implement projects and programs in information technology, mining, health, physical education, and sports.

The participation of more than 200 business representatives in the forum held during the visit was seen as a clear sign of the desire of entrepreneurs and wealth creators in both countries to work together.

President U. Khurelsukh highly praised Kazakhstan’s organization of the Regional High-Level Meeting on Ecology under the auspices of the United Nations in Astana and expressed support for Kazakhstan’s proposal to establish an International Water Organization.

The “Billion Trees” national movement will be coordinated with Kazakhstan’s “Two Billion Trees” project, and cooperation will be strengthened under the “White Gold” program.

The two sides also reaffirmed their support for the International Think Tank for Landlocked Developing Countries, which operates in Ulaanbaatar.

They further confirmed their mutual support for proposals and initiatives at the international and regional levels and their active cooperation within international organizations.

15,000 pit latrines to be eliminated under “Selbe 20-Minute City” project www.gogo.mn

The Selbe sub-center will cover 158 hectares in the 14th khoroo of Sukhbaatar District and the 14th and 18th khoroos of Chingeltei District in Ulaanbaatar city.

As part of the project, a total of 113 apartment blocks will be built for 8,575 households. Of these, 3,818 apartments in the first phase are scheduled to be commissioned in the third quarter of 2027.

As of today, 1,723 engineers and workers are working at the site with 129 pieces of equipment and machinery. Overall project progress is about 25%. The project is being implemented in four packages.

Preparatory work for the first package is more than 98% complete, construction is about 7% complete, and work on the first three floors is underway.

Preparatory work for the second package has been completed, construction is about 9% complete, and basement work is more than 90% complete. This package will include four 12-storey blocks with 117 units, 22 nine-storey blocks with 71 units, and a kindergarten for 240 children.

Preparatory work for the third package is more than 90% complete, foundation excavation is about 80% complete, and work on the foundation, basement, and first three floors is underway. Preparatory work for the fourth package is more than 70% complete, while construction is about 6% complete.

The “20-Minute City” project aims to reduce dependence on private cars by encouraging walking, cycling, and public transport.

As part of the project, 15,000 pit latrines will be removed and 12,000 chimneys will be eliminated, reducing air pollution in ger areas by 7.7% and soil pollution by 6%. Artificial lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and residential areas will also be developed to create a more favorable ecological environment.

China’s Free Trade Zone Expands to 23 with Inner Mongolia Addition www.china-briefing.com

Approved on April 9, 2026, China’s Inner Mongolia Pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) brings the country’s total number of FTZs to 23, completing the national FTZ map and positioning Inner Mongolia as a strategic gateway to Russia and Mongolia. The zone integrates rare earth supply chains, AI computing infrastructure, and cross‑border rail logistics into a single policy platform.

On April 9, 2026, the State Council approved the establishment of the China (Inner Mongolia) Pilot Free Trade Zone in a circular issued to relevant local authorities, bringing China’s total number of pilot free trade zones (FTZs) to 23. The zone was officially inaugurated two days later, on April 11, at a ceremony in Hohhot.

In many respects, the new zone represents the final piece of an FTZ map that has been two decades in the making: a network that now stretches from Hainan in the south to the Russian and Mongolian border in the north, with every major province, autonomous region, and municipality now represented.

Unlike the FTZ additions of recent years, which have largely served to deepen financial services integration (Hainan), cross-strait economic links (Fujian), or Greater Bay Area (GBA) cooperation (Guangdong), the Inner Mongolia FTZ is built around a fundamentally different proposition. Its logic is geographic and strategic rather than sectoral: Inner Mongolia shares over 4,200 kilometers of border with Russia and Mongolia, hosts the world’s single largest rare earth deposit at Bayan Obo, and has quietly become one of China’s most significant data center and AI computing hubs. The FTZ designation is China’s signal that it intends to formalize and scale all three of these advantages within a single, integrated policy zone.

This article sets out the policy framework, the investment landscape, the sectors with the clearest entry routes for foreign investors.