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.

Mongolia turning data silos into cost-efficient governance tools www.govinsider.asia

Mongolia's story is one of those featured in the GovMesh Digest special report. You can find the individual stories on the other participating governments at GovMesh 4.0 here.

Evidence-based policymaking was a priority for governments worldwide. But fragmented data across different agencies remained a persistent challenge in many countries. 

Rather than functioning as a shared asset, data often developed within institutional silos, limiting its strategic value and preventing optimal use. 

The cost of decision-making became high if individual agencies manage their own systems and data, said Director General of the National Statistics Office of Mongolia, Ariunbold Shagdar. 

One of Mongolia’s key efforts to address this challenge has been to pursue data integration through a series of pilot projects that have since evolved into a more systemic approach. 

The National Statistics Office played a central role in this effort, managing two core registration systems: population and housing, and business registration.  

The former is individual-based, while the latter is based on legal entities. 

By connecting these two systems, the government has begun to build a more comprehensive picture of the country’s conditions.  

“If we connect these systems, we can see a better picture of the country. Every policy and programme could be more productive and efficient,” he added. 

Shagdar was speaking at GovMesh 4.0, held by GovInsider and interweave.gov on March 2 in Singapore, where representatives from six countries gathered to discuss data-driven governance.  

From face-to-face to register-based census 

One of the most visible impacts of data integration pilots was how it has transformed census operations.

While census collection was previously conducted entirely through face-to-face, the approach has now shifted significantly. 

Mongolia's National Statistics Office Director General, Ariunbold Shagdar, presenting at GovMesh

He shared that by adopting a mixed-method approach for the 2020 Population and Housing Census, the National Statistics Office of Mongolia achieved significant cost efficiencies.  

“By utilising administrative registers for 90 per cent of the data and face-to-face interviews for only 10 per cent, the project budget was reduced from 15.2 billion MNT ($5.4 millon) to 4.7 billion MNT ($1.7 million) - a total saving of 10.5 billion MNT ($3.7 million).  

“Furthermore, by moving to a fully register-based system, the 2025 census cost less than one billion MNT ($282,064).”  

Supported by automation tools such as ETL (extract, transform, load), Mongolia is also exploring the possibility of conducting annual census updates to provide more timely data for policymakers. 

Addressing inter-agency resistance 

The journey towards integration has not been without challenges, particularly resistance from government agencies and lack of compliance with data standardisation.

This is why the Mongolian government has rolled out several policies to mandate data sharing, supported by legal frameworks on statistics, transparency and data protection. 

For Shagdar, success depended not only on regulation, but also on leadership and the presence of a trusted institution to drive the initiative. 

“There should be leadership. Some organisation should lead this initiative,” he noted. 

He also highlighted the importance of an incremental approach, rather than waiting for perfect conditions. 

Instead of waiting for everything to be ready, Mongolia has adopted a “learning by doing” approach by building systems while continuously refining them. 

Building the foundations of a data ecosystem  

The Mongolian government was also developing a broader data ecosystem, including a national database with multiple layers including aggregated data, customised datasets and data visualisation tools.

Metadata standardisation has become a priority to ensure interoperability across systems. 

“If we want to integrate all government databases, we should standardise metadata,” he explained. 

In addition, Mongolia is establishing data laboratories, expanding access to statistical data, and revising legal frameworks to support greater data openness. 

Shagdar emphasised that lasting change depends on demonstrating tangible results.  

“We should demonstrate some very good flagship work. Over time, it will work,” he said. 

Waste Animal Bones Processed into Organic Fertilizer, Feed, and Raw Material for Aviation Diesel Fuel www.montsame.mn

Mongolia imports 15,000 tonnes of fertilizer annually from Russia and China.

Meanwhile, a plant located in Emeelt, on the western outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, has the capacity to produce 20,000 tonnes of fertilizer per year. This means it could fully meet the fertilizer demand of Mongolia’s agriculture and crop farming sectors and export surplus production. The “Protein Mongolia” plant processes animal waste bones and by-products using modern technology to produce environmentally friendly organic fertilizer as well as animal feed.

The plant’s fertilizer is widely used in crop farming, potato and vegetable cultivation, and tree nurseries. Each day, it processes 30–50 tonnes of animal waste bones and meat, producing 30–35 tonnes of fertilizer and feed. The “Protein Mongolia” plant also extracts oil from animal bones and has been exporting it to the Republic of Korea since 2023. The oil is reportedly used in Korea for the production of aviation fuel. Director of the “Protein Mongolia” plant N. Oyunbat informed Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry Iderbat Ts. that 3,000 tonnes of bone oil have so far been exported to the Republic of Korea. In addition to mineral-enriched organic fertilizer, the plant supplies animal feed to major poultry farms such as “Tumen Shuvuut” and “Bayan.”

During the meeting, Minister Iderbat stated, “National producers can develop only by becoming exporters. The government must support this through subsidies and preferential policies. Accordingly, four working groups have been established to ensure the implementation of measures aimed at increasing agricultural exports, including meat, crops, wool, cashmere, and the Eurasian trade agreement. The government will provide policy support to enterprises producing import-substituting goods and will work to expand exports of agricultural and livestock-origin products. For instance, we will study the possibility of including the bone-processing plant in the President’s ‘White Gold’ movement and providing specific support.”

Having introduced Italian technology to Mongolia, the “Protein Mongolia” bone-processing plant plans to produce its powdered organic fertilizer in pellet form and export it in the future. The company has also built a warehouse with a storage capacity of 2,500 tonnes to expand bone oil exports. Currently, the plant operates at only 30 percent of its total capacity, though it has the potential to reach full utilization. However, company management emphasized that limited market access for its products and insufficient state support remain major challenges.

Kazakhstan and Mongolia agree to build direct road connecting two countries www.qazinform.com

Kazakhstan and Mongolia agreed to build a road connecting the two countries. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced this during a joint statement following talks with his Mongolian counterpart, Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, at the Akorda Presidential Residence, Qazinform News Agency reports.

"We have long been considered the peoples closely linked by history and culture. However, our countries do not share a border. Therefore, our cooperation in transport and logistics largely depends on the neighboring states. We fully understand how relevant this issue is. Therefore, together with Mr. Khurelsukh, we reaffirmed our interest in creating a direct transport corridor between Kazakhstan and Mongolia. During the meeting, we reached a general agreement on building a road connecting our countries," said Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

According to the Kazakh President, this is a complex project that requires comprehensive analysis and careful preparation.

"In this regard, together with the esteemed President, we decided to establish a joint intergovernmental working group. It will address all matters related to this project, conduct negotiations with neighboring countries, and oversee the project delivery timeline. In the future, the Kazakhstan-Mongolia road will give new momentum to trade development between our countries. The adjacent states will also benefit from the project," the Head of State noted.

Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also recalled that at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit held in China last year, he proposed creating a 'Trans-Altai Dialogue' platform.

"The countries surrounding the Altai region have every opportunity to develop joint solutions on trade, transport and logistics, tourism, and culture. In this context, we can combine the transport and logistics potential of the four countries and collaborate toward this goal. Such a step will open opportunities not only for expanding trade turnover but also for developing a unique tourism cluster in the Altai region," the President emphasized.

Earlier, Qazinform reported that Kazakhstan will open a consulate in Mongolia's Bayan-Ölgii aimag.

Kazakhstan and Mongolia sign 19 agreements at business forum in Astana www.qazinform.com

Following the Kazakhstan-Mongolia business forum, entrepreneurs and government agencies of both countries signed 19 commercial agreements, Qazinform News Agency correspondent reports.

Kazakhstan and Mongolia sign 19 agreements at business forum in Astana

The documents cover key areas of cooperation, including industry, agriculture, raw material processing, logistics, trade, investment, and tourism.
In particular, the sides signed the following documents:

Supply contract for 100 railcars (Mongolian Ore Bal LLC - Atyrau Wagon Manufacturing Plant);
Memorandum on supplying KazEcoAgro's products to the Mongolian market, developing vitamin and dietary supplement production, implementing biotechnologies, and joint projects (Munkh Amin Orchil LLC - KazEcoAgro);
Memorandum on promoting product distribution, creating a partner network, joint projects, and exchanging technologies (Tuginat LLC - SymbatLab LLC);
Grain supply contract (Mongolian Ore Bal LLC - Altay Agro Trading);
Memorandum on promoting tourism and international partnership (Mongolian Tourism Association - Tourism Department of Almaty region);
Memorandum on supplying functional food products, implement biotechnological solutions, and develop long-term cooperation (CNBG Construction LLC - Alkaralbio);
Agreement on developing Kazakhstan’s exports to Mongolia, financing transactions, and implementing joint projects (Mon-Kaz Trade & Investment Hub - Export Credit Agency of Kazakhstan);
Memorandum on developing strategic partnership and long-term effective cooperation (Mon-Kaz Trade & Investment Hub - QazTrade);
Memorandum of cooperation in the film industry, promotion of national cinema, and cultural ties (Mongolsat Networks LLC - Askar Cinema);
Memorandum of cooperation in food product supply (Tuginat LLC - SS-Agro);
Memorandum of cooperation in equipment supply and logistics (Tuginat LLC - AB Smart Logistic);
Agreement on developing cooperation between women entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan and Mongolia (Council of Business Women under the Presidium of the National Chamber of Entrepreneurs of Kazakhstan Atameken - the Council of Women Entrepreneurs under the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry);
Memorandum on promoting trade cooperation and partnership (Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry - QazTrade);
Memorandum of cooperation between companies in the financial and agricultural sector (Zhi Eu Finsight Holding - Go Finsight Agro Holding);
Agreement on partnership and development of joint projects (NUKHTTOUR Co. Ltd - Gumin Green Tech SPC Limited);
Memorandum of cooperation in the wool processing industry (Association of Mongolian Wool Producers - Kham-Ts Group).
Memorandum of cooperation in wool processing (Fain Wool Cashmere – Birzhan sole proprietorship business);
Memorandum on establishing sister-city relations and developing cooperation between cities (Taldykorgan - Nalaikh).
Memorandum on implementing joint initiatives in youth policy, education, culture, and entrepreneurship (Congress of Youth of Kazakhstan - Mongolian Youth Federation).
Kazakhstan and Mongolia sign 19 agreements at business forum in Astana

Previously, Qazinform reported the talks between the official delegations of Kazakhstan and Mongolia in Astana on Tuesday concluded with signing of 13 documents. 

Mongolia to buy $6.7 million in railcars from Kazakhstan www.qazinform.com

The Atyrau Freight Car Building Plant will supply products worth approximately $6.7 million to Mongolia, Qazinform News Agency has learned from Murat Karimsakov, Chairman of the Board of the Chamber of International Commerce of Kazakhstan.

"Today, an agreement will be signed for the purchase of railcars from the Atyrau Freight Car Building Plant. The supply volume is around $6.7 million. I believe that over time, supply volumes will expand," Murat Karimsakov said.

He noted that Kazakhstan already exports electronics, food products, metallurgical goods, construction materials, and grain to Mongolia. In turn, Mongolia supplies Kazakhstan with leather goods and vegetables, including potatoes.

In 2025, bilateral trade turnover grew by 7% to nearly $140 million.

Kazakhstan's direct investment in Mongolia reached $50 million, while Mongolia's investment in Kazakhstan totaled $7 million.

As Qazinform reported earlier, Kazakhstan and Mongolia agreed to build a road connecting the two countries.

BY Almas Zhexenbekov

Kazakhstan and Mongolia Coal Cooperation: Strategic Central Asian Partnership www.discoveryalert.com.au

Speaker Instructs Council to Draft Civil Service Law Reforms www.montsame.mn

Chairman of the State Great Khural Byambatsogt Sandag met with the Chairperson and members of the Civil Service Council on April 20, 2026.

At the beginning of the meeting, Civil Service Council Chairperson Tsedevsuren Lhagva. gave a detailed briefing on the council’s mandate, structure, and operations.

She also highlighted major upgrades to the integrated electronic registry system for civil servants, one of the council’s core functions. Since 2025, every civil servant has been able to access the unified database, review their digital personnel file, and verify the accuracy of related information.

According to the 2025 national registry, 213,611 civil servants are employed at 4,330 state institutions, accounting for 14.5 percent of Mongolia’s labor force and 6.0 percent of the total population. However, the number of civil servants declined by 5.9 percent compared with 2024.

Tsedevsuren noted that since the Civil Service Law came into force in 2019, it has been amended 28 times, with most changes related to job classification, grades, and salaries. She said there is a need to streamline those issues, modernize the content and format of training and recruitment examinations, and legislate standards for psychological health and workplace safety.

During the meeting, Speaker Byambatsogt said public trust in government has weakened in recent years and linked this to the ethics, attitudes, skills, education, and experience of public officials. He said Parliament, the Government, and the Civil Service Council should give special attention to the issue, conduct a realistic assessment, and undertake comprehensive policy reform of Mongolia’s civil service system.

The speaker also instructed the council to accelerate reforms to make productivity and performance evaluations more transparent, create a legal framework to raise salaries and incentives in line with performance, strengthen social guarantees for civil servants, and prepare proposals for policy amendments to the Civil Service Law.

Official Website of the UN Convention COP17 Launched www.montsame.mn

The official website of the Seventeenth Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, to be hosted by Mongolia, has been officially launched.

Information regarding preparations, the program, and guidance for participants of the conference, which will be held in Ulaanbaatar from August 17–28 this year under the slogan “Restoring Land, Restoring Hope,” is now available through the website.

The COP17 conference is expected to bring together representatives from UN Member States, affiliated organizations, and major investors including the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, with an estimated participation of approximately 8,000–10,000 delegates.