1 PRIME MINISTER OYUN-ERDENE VISITS EGIIN GOL HYDROPOWER PLANT PROJECT SITE WWW.MONTSAME.MN PUBLISHED:2025/04/30      2 ‘I FELT CAUGHT BETWEEN CULTURES’: MONGOLIAN MUSICIAN ENJI ON HER BEGUILING, BORDER-CROSSING MUSIC WWW.THEGUARDIAN.COM PUBLISHED:2025/04/30      3 POWER OF SIBERIA 2: ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY OR GEOPOLITICAL RISK FOR MONGOLIA? WWW.THEDIPLOMAT.COM PUBLISHED:2025/04/29      4 UNITED AIRLINES TO LAUNCH FLIGHTS TO MONGOLIA IN MAY WWW.MONTSAME.MN PUBLISHED:2025/04/29      5 SIGNATURE OF OIL SALES AGREEMENT FOR BLOCK XX PRODUCTION WWW.RESEARCH-TREE.COM  PUBLISHED:2025/04/29      6 MONGOLIA ISSUES E-VISAS TO 11,575 FOREIGNERS IN Q1 WWW.XINHUANET.COM PUBLISHED:2025/04/29      7 KOREA AN IDEAL PARTNER TO HELP MONGOLIA GROW, SEOUL'S ENVOY SAYS WWW.KOREAJOONGANGDAILY.JOINS.COM  PUBLISHED:2025/04/29      8 MONGOLIA TO HOST THE 30TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ASIA SECURITIES FORUM WWW.MONTSAME.MN PUBLISHED:2025/04/29      9 BAGAKHANGAI-KHUSHIG VALLEY RAILWAY PROJECT LAUNCHES WWW.UBPOST.MN PUBLISHED:2025/04/29      10 THE MONGOLIAN BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT AND FDI: CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITY WWW.MELVILLEDALAI.COM  PUBLISHED:2025/04/28      849 ТЭРБУМЫН ӨРТӨГТЭЙ "ГАШУУНСУХАЙТ-ГАНЦМОД" БООМТЫН ТЭЗҮ-Д ТУРШЛАГАГҮЙ, МОНГОЛ 2 КОМПАНИ ҮНИЙН САНАЛ ИРҮҮЛЭВ WWW.EGUUR.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/04/30     ХУУЛЬ БУСААР АШИГЛАЖ БАЙСАН "БОГД УУЛ" СУВИЛЛЫГ НИЙСЛЭЛ ӨМЧЛӨЛДӨӨ БУЦААВ WWW.NEWS.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/04/30     МЕТРО БАРИХ ТӨСЛИЙГ ГҮЙЦЭТГЭХЭЭР САНАЛАА ӨГСӨН МОНГОЛЫН ГУРВАН КОМПАНИ WWW.EAGLE.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/04/30     "UPC RENEWABLES" КОМПАНИТАЙ ХАМТРАН 2400 МВТ-ЫН ХҮЧИН ЧАДАЛТАЙ САЛХИН ЦАХИЛГААН СТАНЦ БАРИХААР БОЛОВ WWW.EAGLE.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/04/30     ОРОСЫН МОНГОЛ УЛС ДАХЬ ТОМООХОН ТӨСЛҮҮД ДЭЭР “ГАР БАРИХ” СОНИРХОЛ БА АМБИЦ WWW.EGUUR.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/04/30     МОНГОЛ, АНУ-ЫН ХООРОНД ТАВДУГААР САРЫН 1-НЭЭС НИСЛЭГ ҮЙЛДЭНЭ WWW.MONTSAME.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/04/29     ЕРӨНХИЙ САЙД Л.ОЮУН-ЭРДЭНЭ ЭГИЙН ГОЛЫН УЦС-ЫН ТӨСЛИЙН ТАЛБАЙД АЖИЛЛАЖ БАЙНА WWW.MONTSAME.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/04/29     Ц.ТОД-ЭРДЭНЭ: БИЧИГТ БООМТЫН ЕРӨНХИЙ ТӨЛӨВЛӨГӨӨ БАТЛАГДВАЛ БУСАД БҮТЭЭН БАЙГУУЛАЛТЫН АЖЛУУД ЭХЛЭХ БОЛОМЖ БҮРДЭНЭ WWW.MONTSAME.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/04/29     MCS-ИЙН ХОЁР ДАХЬ “УХАА ХУДАГ”: БНХАУ, АВСТРАЛИТАЙ ХАМТРАН ЭЗЭМШДЭГ БАРУУН НАРАНГИЙН ХАЙГУУЛЫГ УЛСЫН ТӨСВӨӨР ХИЙЖЭЭ WWW.EGUUR.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/04/29     АМ.ДОЛЛАРЫН ХАНШ ТОГТВОРЖИЖ 3595 ТӨГРӨГ БАЙНА WWW.EGUUR.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/04/29    

Category

Events

Events

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MBCC “Doing Business with Mongolia seminar and Christmas Receptiom” Dec 10. 2024 London UK MBCCI London UK Goodman LLC

NEWS

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Mongolia: Adverse winter weather forecast across western and west-central regions through at least Sept. 27 www.crisis24.garda.com

Heavy snowfall is forecast across parts of western and west-central Mongolia through at least Sept. 27. The Mongolian National Agency for Meteorology and Environment Monitoring (NAMEM) has warned of particularly heavy snowfall in Bayan-Olgii and Khovd provinces overnight Sept. 26-27 and in Zavkhan Province Sept. 27. Hazardous travel conditions are likely due to icy roads and reduced visibility caused by blowing snow.
As of Sept. 26, the NAMEM has issued the following warnings across the affected area Sept. 26-27:
Red heavy snowfall warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale): Bayan-Olgii and Khovd provinces.
Orange heavy snowfall warnings: Zavkhan Province.
Yellow heavy snowfall warnings: Arkhangai, Bayankhongor, Govi-Altai, Khovsgol, and Uvs provinces.
Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as the weather conditions evolve in the coming days.
In addition to the wintry precipitation, strong wind gusts could lead to periods of blowing and drifting snow. Sporadic power outages are likely throughout the affected area.
The winter weather will likely cause ground and air transport disruptions across the affected area over the coming days. Traffic and commercial trucking delays are possible along regional highways. Difficult and potentially dangerous driving conditions are also likely on secondary and rural roadways in the affected provinces. Authorities could close stretches of highway if driving conditions become too hazardous. Flight delays and cancellations are possible due to strong winds and poor visibility at airports across the affected areas.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated weather information. Verify road conditions before driving in areas where heavy snowfall is forecast. Allow extra time to reach destinations in these areas and carry an emergency kit and warm clothes if driving is necessary, especially on secondary or rural routes that could become impassable. Plan accordingly for delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Confirm flights. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
 
 
 
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China, Mongolia, Russia Hold First High-Level Security Trilateral www.thediplomat.com

During Wang Yi’s visit to Moscow, China’s top diplomat held trilateral consultations with Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev and Mongolian National Security Council Secretary Enkhbayar Jadamba. (Wang is currently serving both as China’s foreign minister and as the head of the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Foreign Affairs Office. The latter position is generally seen as equivalent to national security advisers in bilateral talks.)
Prior to the trilateral meeting on September 20, the various sides of the triangle – Russia and China, Mongolia and China, and Mongolia and Russia – held bilateral talks on security issues. This meticulous arrangement of consecutive talks underscores the high importance that China and Russia attach to security issues.
Prior to this, the last high-level security meeting between Mongolia and China was held in 2015. Meng Jianzhu, then a member of the CCP’s Politburo and secretary of the Central Political and Legal Commission, met with Ts. Enkhtuvshin, then secretary of the Mongolian National Security Council, and his delegation. At that time, Enkhtuvshin also visited Buddhist heritage sites in Lhasa, Tibet, and met with Wu Yingjie, then the executive deputy secretary of the Tibet Autonomous Region CCP Committee.
At the recent conference, Wang may have invited Enkhbayar, the secretary of the Mongolian National Security Council, to visit China at a later date to strengthen cooperation. Given the precedent noted above, a visit by Enkhbayar might also include stops in relevant regions such as Tibet or Xinjiang.
It should be emphasized that Mongolia is preparing to update its existing National Security Concept. According to the official website of the Mongolian President, over 60 percent of national security concepts need to be modified or revised. Enkhbayar has submitted the updated version to Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, and a revised draft of the National Security Law has been formulated. However, the draft concept was not submitted to the National Great Khural in a timely manner, due to the uncertainty of the international environment in the surrounding areas of Mongolia.
Many of Mongolia’s neighbors and close partners – including Russia, China, North Korea, the United States, South Korea, Japan, and Kazakhstan – have all revised their corresponding security policy documents to reflect the new geopolitical environment. Mongolia will update relevant documents in the near future as well. That makes close consultations with Ulaanbaatar especially important for Russia and China at this formative time in Mongolia’s national security policymaking.
With the intensification of China-U.S. competition and extreme tension between Russia and Europe and the United States due to the entrenched Russia-Ukraine conflict, Mongolia, sandwiched between Russia and China, has to pay close attention to its security positioning. Senior officials from the Russian and Chinese governments have stated that Moscow and Beijing do not oppose Mongolia’s diplomatic relations with other countries and its “third neighbor” diplomacy, as long as these actions do not harm the common strategic interests of Mongolia, Russia, and China. But the situation has changed recently, though the shift is very subtle. Today, Russia and China intend to strengthen cooperation with Mongolia through mechanisms such as tripartite security consultations, which may be institutionalized in the future.
There are several reasons why Mongolia, Russia, and China are holding this security consultation at the current moment. First, there is talk that a deal for the Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline will be finalized in October, when both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Mongolia’s Khurelsukh are expected to travel to Beijing for the third Belt and Road Forum. The pipeline would bring gas from Russia’s Far East to China, transiting Mongolia in the process. The joint project would necessitate close cooperation between the three neighboring countries, including in the security realm.
Second, China and Russia may hope to to head off the prospect of instability in Mongolia. Various protest activities in Mongolia have raised the specter of “color revolution,” a frequent bugbear for both China and Russia. Russia’s Patrushev in particular made a point of saying that his country would work with China and Mongolia to “jointly resist external interference” and “prevent color revolutions.”
Last winter, in the Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar, thousands of people took to the streets despite severe cold to protest against corruption and high inflation in the country’s coal industry. Mongolia’s anti-corruption agency announced in mid November that more than 30 coal industry officials were under investigation for corruption. So far, no clear explanation has been provided to the public regarding these corruption cases.
These developments caused dissatisfaction among the masses and raised speculation of interference from internal and external forces. This may affect the stability of Mongolian society, which would have a negative impact on ethnic minority areas near the borders of Russia and China.
Third, and closely related, China and Russia may be growing concerned about losing influence in Mongolia. In recent years, Mongolia has engaged in trilateral meetings with the United States and its allies. Japan, the U.S. and Mongolia, as well as South Korea, the U.S. and Mongolia, have had several meetings under these mechanisms.
In August, Mongolian Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai visited the United States and met with multiple high-level officials of the U.S. government, resulting in warm interaction between the two sides. Now the United Nations General Assembly is being held in New York, with the participation of the Mongolian president. It can be seen that the United States is the most active in wooing Mongolia, given its sensitive and crucial location between Russia and China.
Ulaanbaatar is also working hard to respond. After all, in Mongolia’s “third neighbor” strategy, the United States has always had the highest priority. In Ulaanbaatar’s view, only superpowers like the United States have the ability to overcome geopolitical constraints and help Mongolia hedge against the influence of China and Russia. Ulaanbaatar can also negotiate better with China and Russia using the Mongolia-U.S. relationship.
This has sparked a sensitive mindset between China and Russia, leading them to strengthen cooperation with Mongolia, including through this trilateral security consultation.
Mongolia has long been eager to maintain close economic cooperation, friendly exchanges, and political ties with China and Russia. Currently, there are many cooperation projects between China, Russia, and Mongolia. However, Mongolia has always maintained a distance from international organizations led by China and Russia. Mongolia has not joined the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) or become a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). This is part of Mongolia’s policy of balanced diplomacy or neutrality among major powers, without participating in any security organizations.
However, it may be difficult for Mongolia to continue to be ambiguous in its approach to mutual trust and relations among the three countries in the field of security. Both China and Russia are subtly pushing for Mongolia to move closer.
Last April, Zhang Ming, the secretary general of the SCO, visited Mongolia and clearly stated that the organization hopes that Mongolia will further participate in the grouping. This was a disguised invitation for Mongolia to join, something Ulaanbaatar has resisted thus far. At the 8th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko also stated that Russia is willing to promote Mongolia’s formal accession to the SCO. It seems that Russia and China hope to accelerate Mongolia’s accession to the security organization.
Russia in particular has recently shown a relatively strong and frequent interest – some might say interference – in Mongolia’s foreign diplomatic efforts. Alexey Sambuevich Tsydenov, the current head of the Buryat Republic within the Russian Federation, and Sholban Kara-ool, the former head of the Tuva Republic of Russia and currently the deputy speaker of the Russian State Duma, are influential senior decision-makers from the Mongolian ethnic minority in Russia. Both have explicitly stated that Washington is planning a “Ukrainian-style” strategy for Mongolia that would fully align it against China and Russia. Given that Moscow used allegations of U.S. interference in Ukraine as pretext to stage an invasion, these claims are particularly alarming.
Even more interestingly, the Mongolian government and senior diplomats did not raise any objections against these comments, which undermined Mongolia’s sovereignty and diplomatic independence, nor did they issue any summons to Russian diplomats in Ulaanbaatar. Mongolia may have been trying to avoid any adverse effects on the recent trip of Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the Russian State Duma, to Ulaanbaatar, as well as the upcoming visit of the Mongolian prime minister to Russia and the tripartite meeting between Mongolia, China, and Russia, that is scheduled to take place in Beijing during the the Belt and Road Forum.
However, if Ulaanbaatar fails to take timely action to resist Russia’s actions or clarify the situation with the public, it may encourage Russia or others to resort to inappropriate language and behavior to attack Mongolia’s foreign policy and actions in the future.
Russia and China, within their respective spheres of influence, are strengthening cooperation, including with Mongolia, in the context of changes in the international environment. This has brought new diplomatic and security pressure to countries like Mongolia.
GUEST AUTHOR
Sumiya Chuluunbaatar
Sumiya Chuluunbaatar is an economist and expert on international issues. Sumiya is currently working as a non-resident fellow at the Institute of International Studies, Mongolian Academy of Sciences.
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Elixir Energy’s Nomgon-10 pilot CBM well in Mongolia enters production www.proactiveinvestors.com.au

The Nomgon-10 pilot well of Elixir Energy Ltd (ASX:EXR) is now online at its Nomgon IX coal bed methane (CBM) project in the South Gobi Basin of Mongolia while the company has also declared a CBM discovery in the Yangir region and confirmed that its 2023 drilling program is nearly complete.
Pilot production well
The Nomgon-10 pilot production well has been successfully drilled, completed and brought into production with water flowing initially and gas due to follow.
Work is proceeding on time and on budget, taking just 19 days from spud to first water production.
Elixir is bringing the well into production slowly to minimise the risks of formation damage and shocks to the coal reservoir.
Nomgon-10 is an additional pilot well that will be connected to the Nomgon Pilot Production plant. The Nomgon-8 and 9 pilot wells remain suspended whilst the company monitors pressure communication between the wells.
Elixir managing director Neil Young said, “The drilling of the Nomgon-10 pilot well has gone to plan and we look forward to growing production of water – and then gas – from this well.
"Favourable results will put the Nomgon Pilot Project back on the intended pathway of determining commercialism."
Yangir CBM discovery
In the Yangir region, a successful drill stem test (DST) was performed on the Yangir West-2 well, with the results constituting a CBM gas discovery with the company having proved the presence of gas-saturated coal with adequate permeability.
Yangir core holes and chip holes have intersected coal thicknesses of up to 60 metres of coal, even though the full stratigraphic section is yet to be intersected. Elixir has measured gas contents of up to 10 cubic metres per tonne (on a raw basis) in the Yangir sub-basin.
Excelsior Energy — a technology and service provider to the mining and oil & gas industry — conducted the DST by undertaking considerable pre-planning with Elixir and around-the-clock well site and remote supervision to ensure a successful outcome.
At Big Slope, the Big Slope West-1 well has been successfully drilled. The well reached a total depth of 620 metres and intersected more than 27 metres of coal. The company’s four-rig program is now winding down, with one rig still drilling.
The remaining Erdene Drilling rig is drilling Yangir Far West-1 and is currently at a depth of 425 metres, which is still above the coal targets.
“Our other appraisal and exploration drilling in 2023 – completed safely and within budget — has added new discoveries in the key South West region of our PSC," Young said. "We expect in 2024 to focus on moving these discovered resources into reserves.”
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Chinese ambassador to Mongolia presented Credentials www.gogo.mn

On September 26, G.Amartuvshin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, held a meeting with Shen Minjuan, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Mongolia, and received a copy of the Letter of Credentials.

G.Amartuvshin, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed the desire to intensify the comprehensive strategic partnership between Mongolia and China, and implement the tasks reached at the level of the heads of state of the two countries.

He also expressed his readiness to work closely with the new ambassador for the mutual development of the development policies of the two countries and wished her success in duty.

Shen Minjuan, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Mongolia, said that she will honorably continue the succession of ambassadors in Mongolia, and will work hard to develop relations and cooperation between the two countries and bring them to a new level.

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Trucks testing new highway enter Mongolia www.chinadaily.com.cn

Nine trucks traversing a new highway linking China, Mongolia and Russia in the first test of the route entered Mongolia on Saturday after traveling 577 kilometers through China.
The Fourth Asian Highway, designed to consolidate regional social and economic cooperation, runs for 2,253 kilometers from Urumqi, in northwestern China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, to Novosibirsk in Siberia, Russia.
The trucks, dispatched by China, Russia and Mongolia, left Urumqi on Friday and are scheduled to reach Novosibirsk on Thursday.
Their 758-kilometer route through Mongolia runs through the provinces of Khovd and Bayan-Ulgii.
Enkhbat Ochirsuren, an official from Mongolia's Ministry of Road and Transport Development expressed his gratitude for the hard work of the truck drivers and border workers at a welcoming ceremony in Bulgan, Mongolia, on Saturday. Enkhbat said the highway was a crucial measure to accelerate the development of economic cooperation among the three countries.
The deputy director of transport services at China's Ministry of Transport, Xuan Dengdian, said the trial operation was a historic journey that would help provide a platform for communication and trade exchanges. No schedule for the official opening has been announced.
Vladimir Molchanov, the director of Russia's Motor Transport Agency, said the new route would add vigor to the already strong economic and trade ties in the Asia-Pacific region.
Li Menghan in Beijing and Lu Rui in Bulgan, Mongolia contributed to this story.
 
 
 
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French Project Worth EUR 100 Thousand for Strengthening Food Security and Women Participation www.montsame.mn

The Government of the Republic of France, through its Embassy in Mongolia is to launch a project to be implemented by GERES NGO on September 27, 2023.
As crop production is insufficient in Mongolia, the Project worth of EUR 100 thousand aims to develop agricultural bioclimatic solutions by establishing solar greenhouses and underground eco-cellars, adapted to small Mongolian farms, and to strengthen the entrepreneurship in rural area, in particular capacity-building of women, who dominate in the crop production.
This project is part of the fight against climate change and the search for food security in the face of a strong dependence on imported food products. The project will focus on the reduction of the vegetable import of Mongolia and the contribution to a more diversified and nutritious diet. It will also support operations of small crop farms and cooperatives.
 
 
 
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Mongolia to cooperate with Korea on supply international goods and security www.gogo.mn

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of the "Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement" between the governments of Mongolia and South Korea. The tenth meeting of the heads of customs organizations of the two countries is being held in Seoul, South Korea, on 25-27 September.
Ko Kwang-hyo, Head of the Korea Customs Service, and R.Otgonjargal, Head of the General Department of Customs of Mongolia, discussed and agreed to cooperate in the following directions.
Implement risk management by increasing the ability to obtain information in advance and analyze it based on information technology to facilitate legal trade and combat illegal activities;
Ensure the security of the international trade supply chain, and implement the Mutual Recognition Agreement made within the framework of the Trusted Enterprise Program to facilitate trade;
Learn from the good experience of the Republic of Korea Customs, which created an electronic and digital environment that introduced advanced technology and innovation in customs operations;
Hold the next customs meeting of two countries in Mongolia in 2024.
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Trade Turnover between Mongolia and China Exceeds USD 12.5 Billion www.montsame.mn

Yesterday, the representatives of over 60 companies of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China took part in a business forum held at the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI).
The Vice President of the International Trade Promotion Council of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Miao Zeng Wei delivered an opening address of the Forum.
He noted that this year marks the 74th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and China, and the 10th anniversary of the "One Belt One Road" Initiative put forward by China, and said that the trade turnover between the two countries has exceeded USD 12.5 billion making 34 percent increase compared to the last year’s performance. Mr Miao Zeng Wei pointed out that it is remarkable that the International Trade Promotion Council of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is co-organizing the "Business meeting on supply, trade, economy and investment of enterprises" with the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry particularly at this time.
The President of the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry D. Enkhtuvshin said at the opening of the Forum, "Our two countries have historical, traditional friendly relations and extensive business cooperation. In recent years, new business opportunities have been created, cooperation in many fields has intensified, and foreign trade and cooperation are growing more and more." He expressed gratitude for the arrival of a large delegation from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region seeking new business opportunities and new investment partnerships in Mongolia.
Increase of foreign trade between Mongolia and China in recent years shows that there is an opportunity to further expand the trade and economic relations between the two countries. In particular, the market of Inner Mongolia has always been the largest market for the Mongolian export goods, and the International Trade Promotion Council of Inner Mongolia and the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry have been closely cooperating in this respect.
At the recent Trade and Investment Meeting between Mongolia, China and Russia organized in Ereen, and the Fourth Mongolia and China Expo held in Hohhot, Mongolia participated with a large number of companies presenting investment projects and discussed about the possibilities of further expansion of cooperation. Within the framework of the official visit of the Mongolian Prime Minister L. Oyun-Erdene to China last June, the Forum on Trade and Economic Cooperation between Mongolia and China was successfully organized in Beijing. More than 600 entrepreneurs from the two countries participated in the Forum and signed 25 contracts worth USD 2.2 billion.
China accounts for 84 percent of Mongolia's exports, 57 percent of which is hard coal, 26 percent is copper ore and concentrate, and four percent is iron ore and concentrate, which makes in total USD 10.6 billion. China supplies Mongolia with goods worth of USD 8.7 billion, 10 percent of which are trucks, seven percent - trailers and other parts, and four percent - electricity and energy, making in total USD 3 billion.
Over 60 companies, such as Energy technology and production company "Shuangliang", "Northern Rare Earth Group", "Bugat Iron and Steel Group" from Bugat, biopharmaceutical production company "Jinyu Baolin" from Hohhot, medical hospitals, pharmaceuticals, medical international exchange and cooperation center from Holonbuir, Adis Mongolian medicine from Tongliao city, Xinyuan and Luton trade technology from Ulaantsav, and Guan Zi technology from Bayannuur participated in the Forum and B2B meetings to introduce their activities, business relations and cooperation proposals to Mongolian counterparts.
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IAEA Visits Mongolia to Assess Cancer Control Situation and Lay Foundations for Trilateral Cooperation with the Republic of Korea www.iaea.org

IAEA staff have reviewed Mongolia’s cancer treatment and diagnostic facilities under the Rays of Hope initiative during a visit to the country in August 2023. The mission included on-site visits to healthcare facilities and facilitated interaction between the Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences (KIRAMS), and officials from Mongolia’s Ministry of Health, laying the foundations for future cooperation.
"This mission is not just another assessment of Mongolia’s cancer care infrastructure, it is a cornerstone in laying the framework for long term trilateral cooperation between the IAEA, Mongolia, and the Republic of Korea (RoK)," Gashaw Wolde, Section Head in the Division for Asia and the Pacific at the IAEA's Department of Technical Cooperation said.
Discussions between the Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, who were also part of the visit, and the Mongolia’s Ministry of Health resulted in an agreement to develop a roadmap and action plan to strengthen Mongolia’s healthcare capabilities, specifically in terms of cancer management. Areas for collaboration include strengthening and expanding existing radiation medicine facilities, supporting the IAEA’s upcoming imPACT Review Mission to the country, and establishing a radiation emergency medical system in Mongolia. With cancer cases expected to nearly double in the next 20 years, the IAEA is committed to supporting Mongolia expand their capacities in terms of nuclear medicine, nuclear physics and radiation oncology through existing and planned technical cooperation projects, and through support for partnerships.
The IAEA mission staff met representatives from the Mongolian Ministry of Health, national healthcare institutions and the Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences (KIRAMS). (Photo: D. Subbotnitskiy/IAEA)
Comprehensive Analysis and Detailed Blueprint for Future Developments
The mission team identified several critical areas for attention and highlighted the important subject of radiation and safety.
“Medical physics plays a vital role in ensuring the quality of imaging, radiation oncology and radiopharmaceutical therapies while minimizing radiation risks to patients,” says Peter Knoll, Medical Physicist at the IAEA, and a participant in the mission. “It ensures the best possible outcome can be reached for medical procedures involving radiation.”
Other recommendations focused on optimizing the use of existing healthcare facilities from an efficiency and effectiveness point of view.
Future Developments
The mission's findings will contribute to Mongolia's comprehensive blueprint for the establishment of a second National Cancer Center (NCC2) - following further studies - and the construction of a new, technologically advanced building for cancer therapy at the First State Hospital. These plans are particularly significant as they align with Mongolia's broader healthcare strategy and Vision 2050 plan, and are expected to serve as a model for future cancer care projects in the region. Moreover, the mission serves as a scalable model for similar healthcare initiatives across the Asia and the Pacific region and the world.
Like many other countries, Mongolia faces unique healthcare challenges that demand customized, multifaceted solutions. Through the Rays of Hope initiative and this landmark mission, the IAEA is offering a targeted, systematic approach to tackling these challenges. The mission’s trilateral cooperation framework and the diverse funding possibilities discussed during the mission add layers of support and viability to these efforts and highlight the IAEA's unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable development through scientific and technological collaboration.
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Russia and Mongolia: The 2023/24 Trade and Investment Dynamics www.russia-briefing.com

Russia is expanding its global trade by enhancing its infrastructure and transportation options in its eastern regions. In light of that, the business relationship between Russia and Mongolia has strengthened in recent years. Both countries are exploring new areas for collaboration and working together to create favorable conditions for joint ventures. Russia sees Mongolia as a key player in improving its connectivity with China, but this partnership is mutually beneficial. Russia has the potential to strengthen its economic ties with China and the Asia-Pacific region, while Mongolia’s economy is experiencing growth because of it.
Mongolia’s geographical location provides transit and transport corridors that are strategically important for Russia. The Trans-Mongolian Railway connects China to Russia’s Trans-Siberian railway system, providing a vital route for the movement of goods between Russia and East Asia. This rail link is essential for Russia’s trade with countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Acting as a buffer state between China and Russia, Mongolia plays a significant role in ensuring that Russia’s southern border is separated from a powerful neighbor, reducing the risk of direct conflicts and providing a degree of security to Russia’s southern regions.
Mongolia’s foreign policy of maintaining a balanced relationship with Russia and China has yielded mutual benefits. Mongolia’s strategic location serves as a valuable bridge between these two major powers and has the potential to facilitate communication and cooperation between them. This balancing act not only benefits Mongolia but also helps preserve regional stability.
Historical Relations
Throughout history, Russia and Mongolia have maintained a strong and friendly relationship. A significant number of Mongolian leaders in politics and technology, as well as members of the artistic and cultural community, received their education in the USSR or one of its Eastern European allies. The Mongolian economy heavily relied on the Soviet bloc for investment, trade, and energy imports.
On November 5, 1921, the Mongolian People’s Republic (MPR) and the USSR signed a Treaty of Friendship to establish diplomatic relations. One year later, in 1922, embassies were opened in Ulaanbaatar and Moscow. From 1921 to 1990, the relations between the two countries went through different phases. There were periods of mutual assistance regarding moral, material, and financial aid, periods of robust economic growth, and successful projects such as the construction of The Trans-Mongolian Railways. However, there were also periods of great sorrow and destruction when political and religious ideologies clashed, like during the Stalinist repressions in the 1930s and 1940s.
In 1990, the Mongolian People’s Republic (MPR) collapsed, and the country formed its first democratically elected government. This change led to a rift in the previously close relationship between Mongolia and the Soviet bloc. As a result, Russian technical aid stopped after 1992. Furthermore, Russia requested that Mongolia repay all the aid it had received from the Soviet Union from 1946 to 1990, estimated to have amounted to almost US$180 million.
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War, Mongolia’s trade with Russia suffered a significant decline, while the influence of Western countries and China on Mongolia increased. Since the beginning of this millennial, Russia has been making efforts to strengthen its ties with Mongolia, with the aim of enhancing its status as a regional power.
In 2000, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Mongolia and renewed a major bilateral treaty, which led to Russia lowering the prices of oil and energy exports to Mongolia and boosting cross-border trade. In 2016, Russia forgave 98% of Mongolia’s state debt.
In March 2022, Mongolia abstained from a UN vote to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Balancing Tradition and Progress
Mongolia’s cultural identity and way of life have been shaped for generations by its vast steppes and abundant natural resources. However, the country is now facing a series of environmental challenges that are disrupting its ecosystem; the rapid growth of livestock and human activities such as mining and transportation are putting pressure on land and causing air pollution. Mongolia relies heavily on coal for energy and uses outdated Soviet-era-coal-fired power plants that in winter are heavily polluting. Overdependence on mining also makes the economy of Mongolia structurally vulnerable to external market shocks and commodity price cycles.
Meeting the increasing energy demand while reducing dependence on coal for health and environmental benefits remains one of the top priorities of the Mongolian government. The country’s expansive undulating steppes and deserts are perfect for harnessing wind and solar energy, offering enormous potential. With approximately 270 sunny days per year and almost one-tenth of the land endowed with wind resources, Mongolia has the potential to become a leading exporter of clean energy in the region.
CMR Corridor
Russia, Mongolia, and China have signed several tripartite agreements since 2016 to simplify the border clearance process and promote smooth transportation via road and railway along the corridor. The most notable agreement is the comprehensive deal for developing the China-Mongolia-Russia (CMR) economic corridor. The primary aim of the CMR corridor is to enhance transport connectivity and cross-border trade services by investing in infrastructure development.
Strategic Investments and Infrastructure Projects
In September 2019, a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement was signed between Russia and Mongolia to enhance and strengthen partnerships in politics, economy, trade, business, infrastructure, and humanity.
In addition, the two countries signed an agreement to create the Russian-Mongolian Investment Cooperation Fund. The main objective of this fund is to substantially enhance investment cooperation between the nations. The initial focus of the joint fund will be on investments in Mongolia’s transportation infrastructure, with plans to extend to the mining, energy, and agricultural sectors in the future.
Railway Projects
Russia, Mongolia, and China have agreed to conduct a feasibility study for the modernization of the central railway corridor. The plan involves implementing double railroads, electrifying the line, and repairing it. The project is progressing quickly, and by the end of 2023, the relevant agencies of Russia, Mongolia, and China are planning to complete the feasibility study. Practical implementation of the project is expected to begin in 2024.
Not only the above-mentioned project is taking on greater appeal —The Eastern Railway Corridor is emerging as an attractive option for linking the Trans-Siberian Railroad, Northeast China’s railways via the Trans-Baikal Territory, and the eastern aimaks of Mongolia. While the feasibility of this route was previously questioned, it is now taking real shape with Mongolia preparing to construct the missing Choibalsan — Huut — Bichigt section. The primary purpose of this new route is to transport container traffic and export Mongolian mineral resources. It also presents an opportunity for Russia to reduce freight traffic congestion in the East and export coal despite its Far Eastern ports’ challenges.
Road Projects
In October 2022, a 745-kilometer portion of the AN-4 highway was opened in western Mongolia. This highway connects the Russian regions of Western Siberia with the Chinese Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, passing through the Tashanta checkpoint in the Altai Republic. Currently, Russia and Mongolia are in talks to construct additional trans-Mongolian and CMR highways, which would further strengthen the transportation network in the region.
Power of Siberia 2 Pipeline
Scheduled to begin construction in 2024, the Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline is the most significant economic collaboration between Russia and Mongolia. The pipeline will span 2,600 km, connecting Russia and China via Mongolia, with a gas capacity of 50 billion cubic meters per year. It is expected to become operational by 2030, generating substantial revenue from transit fees and gas supplies for Mongolia. The construction and maintenance of the pipeline will create thousands of new job opportunities in the region and generate billions of dollars in revenue. Mongolia expects the PoS2 to contribute up to $1 billion annually in transit fees, create employment, facilitate economic diversification, and accelerate its transition away from coal. All of these developments are crucial for Mongolia’s sustainable growth.
Trade Dynamics
During the last 25 years, the exports of Russia to Mongolia have increased at an annualized rate of 8.8%, from US$218 million in 1996 to US$1.81 billion in 2021. In 2022, Russian-Mongolian trade increased by almost 50% compared to 2021 and reached US$2.7 billion, a historical high between the countries. Figures are expected to hit as high as US$3 billion by the end of this year. Almost 95% of trade turnover is accounted for by Russian exports.
Russia’s main exports to Mongolia include mineral products, primarily fuels and oils, energy commodities, as well as food products and agricultural raw materials, mostly grain, flour, and cereals. Additionally, machinery and equipment, vehicles, chemical industry products, and metals and metal products are also among the main exports.
On the other hand, Russia’s main imports from Mongolia include mineral products such as salt, sulphur, earth and stone, plastering materials, lime, and cement. Additionally, they import articles of clothing and clothing accessories, machine or hand-knitted, railroad locomotives or streetcar motor cars, rolling stock and parts thereof, nuclear reactors, boilers, equipment, and mechanical devices.
Currently, Mongolia’s exports to Russia account for less than 1% of its total exports. For all that, supplies from Russia account for around 32% of Mongolia’s imports and are substantial as far as some commodities are concerned: more than 90% of petroleum products, 27% of foodstuffs, and 30% of electric power.
Participation in International Organizations
Both countries are full members of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Russia is interested in Mongolia becoming a full-fledged member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Mongolia has been an observer state of the SCO for over 20 years.
Mongolia became the first State to sign the Memorandum of Cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Commission in 2015. Since then, a working group has been operating to discuss matters related to broadening economic ties between the EAEU member states and Mongolia.
Mongolia has expressed its desire to join ASEAN and has attended its meetings in the past. Russia forms part of ASEAN as a dialogue partner.
Lastly, both countries are part of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), an intergovernmental process established in 1996 to foster dialogue and cooperation between Asia and Europe.
The Future of Russia-Mongolia Relations
The growing relationship between Russia and Mongolia is a positive development for both countries. Russia’s efforts to improve infrastructure and transportation in its eastern regions have resulted in better connectivity with China, which in turn benefits Mongolia’s economy. Mongolia’s development and stability are heavily dependent on Russia’s support and assistance. As both countries continue to expand their cooperation, with a multitude of exciting and innovative projects on the horizon, their partnership holds the promise of mutually beneficial outcomes and increased prosperity for both countries.
By Michael Barantschik
Dezan Shira & Associates maintain an office in Ulaan Baatar. For assistance in the Mongolian market, please email mongolia@dezshira.com
About Us
During these uncertain times, we must stress that our firm does not approve of the Ukraine conflict. We do not entertain business with sanctioned Russian companies or individuals. However, we are well aware of the new emerging supply chains, can advise on strategic analysis and new logistics corridors, and may assist in non-sanctioned areas. We can help, for example, Russian companies develop operations throughout Asia, including banking advisory services, and trade compliance issues, and have done since 1992.
We also provide financial and sanctions compliance services to foreign companies wishing to access Russia. Additionally, we offer market research and advisory services to foreign exporters interested in accessing Russia as the economy looks to replace Western-sourced products. For assistance, please email russia@dezshira.com or visit www.dezshira.com
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