Cabinet to Submit a Draft Law to Change the Development Bank of Mongolia to the Export-Import Bank of Mongolia www.montsame.mn

During the regular session of the Cabinet of Mongolia on April 23, 2025, Chief of the Cabinet Secretariat Uchral Nyam-Osor presented a draft Law on the Development Bank of Mongolia to Members of the Cabinet.
The draft Law includes the introduction of provisions for changing the Development Bank of Mongolia to the Export-Import Bank of Mongolia. The final version of the draft Law will be presented again at next week’s regular session of the Cabinet and subsequently submitted to the State Great Khural (Parliament) of Mongolia.
A Working Group, headed by the Minister of Justice and Internal Affairs, was established to oversee the implementation of intergovernmental agreements adopted by the State Great Khural, and in doing so, protect the interests of foreign investors and facilitate a sustainable investment environment. The Chief of the Cabinet Secretariat underlined that the Working Group is formulating draft Amendments to the Tax Law, the Investment Law, and the Law on Legislation of Mongolia.
During the regular session, the draft Law on Amendments to the Law on Mining Products Exchange, which was submitted to the State Great Khural by the Cabinet on March 28, 2025, was decided to be withdrawn due to the decision made at the regular session of Party Groups of the State Great Khural on April 21, 2025.
Additionally, a Working Group, headed by the Chief of the Cabinet Secretariat, was established to ensure the implementation of the Law on Sovereign Wealth Fund of Mongolia.

Construction of the Gantsmod-Gashuunsukhait Railroad to Begin in May www.montsame.mn

 During the regular session of the Cabinet of Mongolia on April 23, 2025, Minister of Road and Transport of Mongolia Delgersaikhan Borkhuu presented the progress of the construction of the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod cross-border railroad.
Prime Minister of Mongolia Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai tasked relevant officials to begin the construction of the cross-border railway by May 14, 2025, and emphasized the importance of supporting the construction by ensuring coordination with the Chinese side and making arrangements to import necessary equipment, construction materials, and daily supplies through the border.
The Government of Mongolia’s 2024-2028 Action Plan, approved by the State Great Khural’s Resolution No. 21 of 2024, outlines the implementation of 14 mega-projects. The first mega project reflected in the Plan is the construction of cross-border railway and cargo terminals at the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod, Khangi-Mandal, and Shiveekhuren-Sekhee border points. With the successful implementation of the Project, Mongolia's export capacity and the transit of passengers and goods through the border will increase, with the average time of vehicles passing through the border being decreased.
Moreover, the Project will bolster the cooperation between Mongolia and the People's Republic of China in trade, economy, mineral, industry, and infrastructure sectors, creating the conditions for connecting the Shiveekhuren-Sekhe, Khangi-Mandal, and Bichigt-Zuunkhatavch with railroads, which would have the strategic importance of increasing the total export capacity of Mongolia by 80 million tons by 2030.

Capital moving further away from happiness www.ubpost.mn

In a city so dark and suffocating that calling it the capital of a nation feels almost embarrassing, millions of citizens are barely holding on - living from one day to the next, burdened by debt, and with little reason to feel hopeful. The air is thick with pollution, the streets choked with endless traffic, and the system crippled by corruption and inefficiency. Hospitals are overwhelmed with patients, and the country is alarmingly close to topping global statistics in cancer and suicide rates. In such an environment, speaking of happiness feels almost naive.
Yet, the aspirations of Mongolia’s 3.5 million citizens are not extravagant. They seek something fundamentally human: a peaceful, decent life. Happiness, for most, is simply being able to raise their children in safety and good health, or in a city with clean air, open green spaces and streets free from congestion and daily stress. There is a growing sentiment that the government’s role should not be to insert itself into every aspect of life, be it handing out free food in the city square or running entertainment and service sectors under state control. What citizens desire is not dependence, but dignity, or an environment where they can thrive independently, not survive through state charity. Consider the reality for many of Mongolia’s youth. Instead of focusing on education, broadening their worldview, or pursuing innovation, they are consumed by anxiety over how to afford an apartment or a car. This is a tragic misdirection of potential and ambition. 
A truly livable city is measured by more than just infrastructure. It is defined by its quality of life, safety, access to education and healthcare, environmental sustainability, and efficient transportation. These are not luxuries, they are necessities for a capital city worthy of its name. If we are to build a future where Mongolians can live, not just exist, then we must reimagine our priorities. The path to happiness begins with clean air, honest leadership, and systems that serve people, not hinder them. 
Last year, Vienna, Austria, was once again named the most livable city in the world, followed by Zurich, Copenhagen, Vancouver and Melbourne. These cities earned top rankings not by coincidence, but by committing to principles that define urban well-being: clean air, public safety, rich cultural life, reliable public transportation, technological advancement and strong economic foundations. In Asia, Tokyo and Seoul stood out - examples of how densely populated cities can still prioritize livability and happiness through innovation, discipline and civic responsibility. 
Meanwhile, Mongolia ranked 77th out of 143 countries in the World Happiness Report, which is a below-average position and a steep 16-place drop compared to the previous year. Our nation is steadily drifting further away from the ideals of a happy, prosperous society. One of the key insights from the report is that trust and generosity between citizens play a central role in overall happiness. It’s not just about infrastructure or income, it’s about social trust. As the report poignantly notes, “Believing that someone will return your lost wallet is a strong indicator of a society’s happiness.” Sadly, in our country, the opposite is often true. Not only is there little hope of recovering a lost item, many people don’t hesitate to take what isn’t theirs. This speaks to a deeper erosion of social values, where trust and compassion have been replaced by indifference and survivalism.
People live with greater peace and contentment in places where thefts, crimes and violence are rare. In Sydney, for instance, the number of police officers is relatively low, not because crime isn’t taken seriously, but because citizens largely adhere to the law on their own. Respect for public interest is deeply ingrained, and human life is held in the highest regard. When a person dies in an unfortunate or preventable way, the media and public respond with urgency and empathy. Contrast that with our situation: in Mongolia, traffic fatalities, household accidents, preventable illnesses and deaths caused by systemic failures are treated as routine. The normalization of such tragedies reflects a society where human life has become undervalued. and where happiness has little room to grow. Where do our public representatives stand on these pressing issues? It is time to present their position clearly and thoughtfully. 
B.Naranbaatar: UB is like soum center
CEO of the Pusk Dro LLC and Engineer B.Naranbaatar: One of the most pressing frustrations for residents of Ulaanbaatar stems from the lack of proper urban planning and the unregulated, chaotic sprawl of construction across the capital. Since the early 1990s, buildings have been erected arbitrarily, without adherence to a cohesive vision or master plan. What began as spontaneous development has now evolved into dense, disorganized “concrete jungles’ that have reshaped the city’s landscape.
At the heart of any functional city lies a comprehensive land use and zoning plan. But Ulaanbaatar lacks both. Business owners often acquire land with one goal: to maximize profits by building upward and filling every available meter. There are no clear guidelines for where industrial zones should be established or which areas are suitable for residential development. The absence of such fundamental planning principles has led to an imbalance that affects every aspect of urban life.
For instance, in a well-planned city center, there might be a zoning ratio, such as 70 percent green space and 30 percent built area to ensure sustainability and livability. In Ulaanbaatar, no such standards are enforced. While building norms and regulations technically exist, the relevant authorities often fail to implement them. This lack of oversight creates a free-for-all environment where decisions are made in isolation, coordination is nonexistent, and the overall urban fabric deteriorates.
From an aerial view, the city looks less like a thoughtfully developed capital and more like a scattered heap of concrete. Compounding this is the weak and fragmented approach to urban redevelopment. There is no unified concept or long-term vision. In place of structured renewal projects, we see patches of outdated mud-brick buildings still called “townships”, juxtaposed awkwardly with modern high-rises.
Public spaces are another casualty. Pedestrian streets and open squares are being neglected or completely abandoned. The capital functions more like a rural soum center, where all administrative functions are concentrated in one place, creating bottlenecks and inefficiency. In contrast, other developed nations have taken a smarter approach. Japan, for example, has divided Tokyo into 23 special wards, each functioning with the autonomy of a city. Decentralization allows services to be delivered closer to where people live, easing congestion and improving overall quality of life. Unfortunately, in our capital, government officials often seem unclear about their responsibilities. Citizens and business owners alike are exhausted from endlessly knocking on doors, trying to find someone who can make decisions. The system is confusing, disjointed, and unresponsive.
Kh.Badamlyankhua: Energy reform is essential
Mongolian citizen living in Australia, who holds a master’s degree in environmental management from the University of New South Wales Kh.Badamlyankhua: A city that is centered around its people can truly be called a happy city. In contrast, Ulaanbaatar still faces an overwhelming number of challenges that prevent it from becoming such a place. Having lived in Australia for the past seven years, we have experienced firsthand what it means to live in a city that genuinely cares for its citizens. Here, the value of life is paramount. Freedom, public health, the dignity of labor and respect for one another are not abstract ideals but guiding principles of everyday life. People follow rules not out of fear but out of a shared understanding that those rules protect everyone. Safety standards are not optional, they are deeply linked to the well-being of society.
Take road infrastructure, for example. Australia leads the world in road signs, markings, and traffic safety systems. Why? Because human life matters. Everything is designed with the citizen in mind, making daily life simpler, safer, and more dignified. This isn’t just a matter of policy, it’s a cultural choice to prioritize people. Mongolia, too, has the potential to solve its urban problems if we begin with the same mindset. If we put human life, health and freedom first, solutions will follow, not only through funding or government intervention, but through collective will and citizen involvement.
Happiness should not be measured solely by high-rises, shopping malls, or luxury developments. It is defined by how comfortable and safe ordinary citizens feel in their everyday lives. And at the very foundation of happiness lies health. But how can we talk about health in a city where the air is toxic, the water polluted, and the streets and squares are left unclean? Ulaanbaatar’s environmental conditions make healthy living nearly impossible. Without addressing the root causes, we cannot build a happy or sustainable future.
Energy reform is also essential. Without solving our energy issues, we won’t eliminate smog or traffic congestion. At the very least, stricter vehicle inspections and emissions standards could help reduce pollution. In Australia, highly polluting vehicles are simply not allowed on the roads. Waste management is another critical area for improvement. We need a modern system that separates and collects waste efficiently, on time, and with the right equipment. Garbage trucks, recycling stations, and containers all require urgent upgrading. But again, this cannot happen without citizen cooperation and shared responsibility.
And let’s not overlook the soul of the city: its public spaces. Walking streets, parks, playgrounds and public toilets are the heartbeat of any livable environment. These are the places where people find peace, move freely, and connect with each other. In Sydney, every district is equipped with libraries, clean public restrooms, and green spaces where seniors can exercise, children can play, and young people can bike or run. What makes the atmosphere of a city feel alive is not its skyline, but its trees, its water features, its colors, and the gentle sound of birds and flowing streams. If we truly want to call Ulaanbaatar a city worthy of its people, we must begin by creating such an environment: one that supports health, invites happiness and respects the rhythm of human life.
B.Enkhbayar: Safe environment improves people’s well-being
Director of the School of Humanities of the Otgontenger University and  Associate Professor, Dr. B.Enkhbayar: Economic growth and the rapid construction of buildings and facilities alone do not make a city happy. A truly livable city is defined by a range of factors, such as citizen satisfaction, safety, mental well-being, social connection and environmental comfort.
Studies by the World Health Organization and the Center for Positive Psychology show that people living in clean, safe, and nature-rich environments are 20 to 30 percent more satisfied with their lives. Cities that offer safety, low crime rates, green spaces, parks, sidewalks and peaceful surroundings create the foundation for a happy urban life.
Beyond physical comfort, access to nearby health and education services, as well as spaces for cultural and intellectual development, such as theaters, museums, libraries, and training centers, enhance creativity, fulfillment and social inclusion. When inequality is reduced and social trust is strengthened, happiness naturally rises.
Canadian urbanist Charles Montgomery captured it best, saying, “A city is not just a building. It is a reflection of human psychology.” In his experimental “Narrou City” project in Vancouver, simple changes, like more sidewalks, green areas, community lunches, led to dramatic improvements: family relationships strengthened by 15 percent, civic participation doubled, and stress dropped by 25 percent. Ultimately, a happy city is not just built from concrete and steel, it’s shaped by the values, relationships and shared purpose of its people. Cleanliness, respect for public property, good neighborly conduct and active citizen involvement are just as important as infrastructure. And while positive psychology suggests that individuals can find happiness even in tough environments, it becomes much easier when the city itself supports well-being.
T.Zolzaya: City that silences dreams
Master’s degree student at the School of Political Science, International Relations and Public Administration of the National University of Mongolia T.Zolzaya: Ulaanbaatar has become a city that quietly denies the dreams of its young people. Everyone has aspirations, but for many of today’s youth, those dreams are being set aside just to survive. Ambitions are buried beneath mortgage debt, swallowed by high-interest salary loans, and lost in the endless hours spent in traffic. This is the day-to-day reality for too many young Mongolians.
Opportunities for personal growth are few and far between. Instead, young people are forced to channel their energy into simply securing life’s most basic needs: food, shelter, safety and health. It is a constant cycle of survival, not fulfillment. While public officials and politicians often encourage the youth to “dream big”, the harsh truth is that those dreams rarely find space to take root. A system entangled in corruption and conflict of interest leaves little room for honest work, let alone innovation or aspiration.
Yet, amid these frustrations, there is still hope. There is hope in the belief that a better city is possible - a city that genuinely listens to the voices of its youth, that creates spaces for education, cultural expression, entrepreneurship, art and technology. A city where dreams aren’t dismissed as luxuries, but supported as necessities for a brighter future. A truly happy city is not one that distracts its people with temporary comforts, but one that supports them in building meaningful, long-term lives. It begins with leadership that doesn’t just speak to its citizens, but listens and responds with action. Only then can we move from a city that stifles potential to one that sets it free.

Mongolian National Mining Association demands accountability after protest turns violent www.gogo.mn

On April 21, during a meeting between the management of Badrakh Energy LLC, a Mongolian-French joint venture, and representatives opposing uranium mining, one of the protesters physically assaulted the company’s executive director, Marc Meleard.
In response to the incident, the Mongolian National Mining Association released a public statement condemning the attack and calling for appropriate legal action.
“The deliberate tarnishing, distortion, spreading of false information, and organized slander and attacks against companies operating within the legal framework of Mongolia are becoming increasingly widespread,” the statement read. “These actions now include threats to the health and safety of individuals performing their professional duties”.
The association emphasized that the recent assault on Marc Meleard highlights the seriousness of such threats and underscored the need for law enforcement agencies to take firm action to prevent future incidents.
“We hope that resolving this issue within the framework of the law will help prevent the recurrence of such unlawful acts, protect individual dignity, ensure normal business operations, and safeguard the health and safety of workers” the statement continued.
Highlighting the economic significance of the mining industry, the association noted that the sector accounts for 94% of Mongolia’s export revenue, 35% of state budget revenue, and 79% of foreign direct investment. It also provides over 75,000 jobs across state, private, and foreign invested companies.
“The member companies of the Mongolian National Mining Association are committed to operating responsibly within the laws and regulations of Mongolia, upholding international standards, and supporting clean energy development,” the statement concluded.
The association pledged continued cooperation with government agencies and the private sector to foster a stable and secure investment environment.

Mongolia’s Interim Free Trade Deal With the EAEU: What’s at Stake? www.thediplomat.com

Mongolia’s government sees the temporary FTA as tool to expand imports, but business groups and policy experts in Mongolia have voiced concern about the deal’s implications.
As Mongolia prepares to sign a temporary free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), analysts and businesses alike are weighing the potential economic benefits against long-term structural risks. 
During a March meeting between Andrey Slepnev, the EAEU’s trade minister and Gantumur Luvsannyam, Mongolia’s first deputy prime minister and minister of economy, the two sides finalized the remaining issues of the free trade agreement (FTA), paving the way for its upcoming signing. Mongolia is expected to sign the three-year FTA with the Russia-centered EAEU during Mongolian President Khurelsukh Ukhnaa’s official visit to Moscow in May.
If Mongolia and the EAEU were to sign the free trade agreement, this would be Mongolia’s second bilateral FTA after its 2015 Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan, and its first such agreement with a regional bloc. The interim agreement follows years of negotiation with the EAEU, which comprises Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. 
The move marks a significant step in Mongolia’s broader efforts to diversify its economic partnerships and expand access to regional markets – particularly at a time of increasing geopolitical complexity and economic volatility. Policymakers see the temporary FTA as a test-run to see if Mongolian goods and services can be exported to destinations other than Russia and China. Mongolian officials have emphasized that the agreement is strictly temporary and focused on trade facilitation – not political or institutional alignment. 
On April 16, during a government session, Mongolia’s Foreign Minister Battsetseg Batmunkh explained that the temporary FTA with the EAEU is for three years only – after that Mongolia can choose to let the deal lapse or renegotiate it. She emphasized that Mongolia has no obligation to keep a free trade partnership with the EAEU after three years.  
Established in 2015, the EAEU is the product of Russia’s vision for a more integrated Eurasian economic space with its neighbors. The union facilitates free movement of goods, capital, services, and labor among its member states. In the first half of 2024, trade between EAEU member states rose by 7 percent. Yet the grouping has faced some questions regarding the benefits of membership, especially following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, for example, have resisted pressure from Moscow to pursue full membership. 
Beyond its internal trade, the EAEU has concluded external FTAs with Vietnam, Serbia, and Iran, and has ongoing negotiations with Singapore, Egypt, Israel, India, and Mongolia. For Ulaanbaatar, a three-year FTA might present opportunities to expand exports and access a market of over 180 million consumers. 
In 2015, the government of Mongolia and the EAEU signed a Memorandum of Cooperation. That year, a joint working group was established by the two sides, with its first session held in Ulaanbaatar. The second session took place in Moscow in 2016. In 2020, Mongolia and the EAEU agreed to establish a joint research team that would explore the feasibility of concluding an FTA, focusing on reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers.
The current interim FTA, covering the 2025–2028 period, builds upon these earlier frameworks. The timing of the deal – amid ongoing global economic shifts, sanctions on Russia, and China’s regional assertiveness – reflects Mongolia’s delicate balancing act between its two immediate neighbors. Expanding export destination is crucial for Mongolia’s national security. 
According to a study by the Business School of the National University of Mongolia, an FTA with the EAEU could boost the export of niche Mongolian products, especially meat and textiles. Currently, Mongolian meat exports to EAEU countries face tariffs ranging from 15 to 50 percent. If the deal succeeds in reducing these, horse meat exports alone could rise by $1.7 million annually. Similarly, cashmere exports, though modest in absolute terms, may increase by up to $300 million with preferential access, particularly to Kyrgyzstan. In all, the study highlighted around 38 exportable product categories – including cashmere garments, leather goods, processed meat, and copper concentrates – where Mongolia has competitive potential. 
On the import side, however, the impact is expected to be more substantial. Russia and other EAEU countries are poised to increase exports of vodka, dairy, poultry, fruit juices, and refined fuels to Mongolia. The National University of Mongolia study projected a 95 percent increase in imports from EAEU countries, potentially widening Mongolia’s already significant trade deficit. For example, imports of yogurt could rise by $2 million, while fuel imports may swell by over $80 million. 
The same study warned that the agreement may lead to a 6.1 percent decline in Mongolia’s GDP growth, a 117 percent surge in imports, and a 3.2 percent reduction in government revenue by 2028. Key sectors like food production, textiles, and small-scale manufacturing could face heightened competition from cheaper, better-subsidized imports from Russia and Kazakhstan.
With that in mind, business groups and policy experts in Mongolia have voiced concern about the FTA’s implications for domestic industries. 
While tariff concessions included in the FTA may boost exports to some extent, non-tariff barriers remain a major hurdle for Mongolia. Russia alone enforces nearly 800 non-tariff measures, including 38 veterinary requirements for horse meat imports. In many cases, Mongolia must meet stringent sanitary and phytosanitary standards to benefit from tariff reductions. This raises questions about whether local producers can scale to meet both quantity and quality demands in time.
Moreover, a 2016 study argued that a Mongolia-EAEU agreement may inadvertently deepen Mongolia’s economic dependence on Russia. While designed as a trade pact, the FTA comes at a time when the EAEU – especially under Russian leadership – is increasingly seen as a geopolitical tool amid tensions with the West. 
The FTA could provide momentum for bilateral infrastructure cooperation between Mongolia, and Russia, particularly around railway and road development. The Ulaanbaatar Railway Joint Venture, co-owned by Mongolia and Russia, is already central to trade flows across the region, but concerns persist over its preferential treatment of Russian cargo over domestic needs.
Standard harmonization and technical cooperation could also be expanded under the deal, particularly if linked with broader Eurasian transport corridors. This could support Mongolia’s long-term ambitions to become a land-linked transit hub between Europe and Asia.
Following resistance from the public and businesses, the Mongolian parliament has delayed debate on the trade deal with EAEU, citing incomplete research and public consultation. A motion to hold the Budget Committee meeting behind closed doors was rejected, and 52.6 percent of lawmakers supported postponing debate.  
For a landlocked country with a relatively small domestic market, Mongolia’s effort to deepen trade relations with regional blocs makes sense. The interim nature of the agreement offers a testing ground to assess its real benefits and challenges before committing to longer-term arrangements. 
Still, the deal also carries significant risks. It may exacerbate existing trade imbalances, increase dependency on Russia, and undermine local producers unless carefully managed. While Mongolia aims to expand its economic diplomacy, its leaders must ensure that liberalization measures do not come at the cost of national food security, industrial competitiveness, or strategic autonomy.
As the global order continues to fragment, Mongolia’s decision to engage with the EAEU reflects both pragmatism and pressure. The challenge lies not just in securing access to new markets, but in doing so in a way that balances growth with sovereignty. 
By Bolor Lkhaajav and Erdene-Ochir Enkhbayar

In Memory of His Holiness Pope Francis www.montsame.mn

People around the world, who hold peace, loving kindness, and humility dear to their hearts, are saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Holy See, a beacon of compassion and moral uprightness. Pope Francis embodied empathy and understanding, inspiring millions, far beyond the Catholic Church.
Pope Francis will be remembered not only for his unwavering dedication to the vulnerable and the marginalized but also for his tireless efforts to foster interfaith dialogue, promote peace, and build bridges between communities. His legacy of kindness, inclusion, and global solidarity will continue to inspire generations to come.
In 2023, at the invitation of President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa, Head of the Holy See Pope Francis paid a State Visit to Mongolia. The State Visit was deeply meaningful to the Mongolian people, marked by mutual respect, spiritual connection, and heartfelt exchange.
Following the announcement of the passing of His Holiness, Mongolian leaders and religious figures expressed their heartfelt condolences:
President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa: “On behalf of the people of Mongolia, I extend my deepest condolences to the Roman Curia and the citizens of the Vatican City on the passing of an esteemed man, His Holiness Pope Francis, Head of the Holy See.
The Apostolic Journey of His Holiness Pope Francis to Mongolia in 2023 was an event of exceptional importance that will be etched forever in golden letters in the history of our bilateral relations. It promoted to the world the genuine spirit of the Mongolian people of upholding statehood traditions, honoring unity and harmony, embracing and consolidating peace, and respecting freedom of thought.
“Mongolia seems to have no end, and its inhabitants are few, a people few in number of a great culture. I think it will do us good to understand this silence, so vast, so big. It will help us understand what it means: not intellectually but with the senses. Mongolia is to be understood with the senses.”
The Apostolic Journey of His Holiness to our land of the Eternal Blue Sky took place in a heart-warming atmosphere filled with loving kindness, compassion, and genuine sincerity. The people of Mongolia will always remember the heartfelt words Your Holiness addressed to us.”
Prime Minister of Mongolia Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai: “We deeply mourn the loss of this noble and humble leader who referred to himself as a ‘Pilgrim of Hope’ and stood as a global advocate for peace, faith, and the core values of humanity.
Pope Francis, Head of the Holy See, was a close and cherished friend of the Mongolian people. His visit marked a historic milestone—the first-ever papal journey to Mongolia.
Seven hundred seventy-seven years after the envoy Giovanni da Pian del Carpine delivered a message from Pope Innocent IV to the Mongolian Empire, Pope Francis honored us with his presence, reaffirming a centuries-old connection.
May the noble legacy of His Holiness, who made invaluable contributions to global harmony, continue to inspire present and future generations.”
Gandantegchenlin Monastery, the Centre of Mongolian Buddhists: “On behalf of all Buddhist devotees in Mongolia, Gandantegchenlin Monastery extends its deepest condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
His Holiness devoted his life to the pursuit of unity, compassion, and peace for all humankind. He played an essential role in fostering mutual respect and understanding between the world’s religious traditions.
His enduring legacy of wisdom, kindness, and spiritual leadership will remain in the hearts of the faithful around the world.”

China exports Xi Jinping Thought to Mongolia www.intellinews.com

Two key works promoting Xi Jinping Thought have been translated into Cyrillic Mongolian and released in Mongolia. Beijing presents the move as a gesture of cultural exchange and an effort to share its governance model with Mongolians. However, many view it as an effort by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to spread propaganda and expand its influence in the country. Still, most Mongolians believe the books are unlikely to overcome centuries of deep-rooted mistrust toward China.
On December 2, 2024, Mongolia hosted the launch of the Cyrillic Mongolian editions of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China (Volume II) and Xi Jinping's Excerpts on Poverty Alleviation, in tandem with a governance seminar in Ulaanbaatar. The event marked the 75th anniversary of China-Mongolia diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the countries’ strategic partnership. Meanwhile, CCP mouthpiece Global Times framed the occasion as an effort to enhance mutual understanding and offer Mongolia a guidebook on Xi Jinping’s governance philosophy and China’s poverty reduction strategies.
Officials and scholars from both countries spoke at the event, while Mongolian Deputy Parliamentary Chairman Khurelbaatar Bulgantuya and State Secretary Adiyasuren Davaajargal praised China’s modernisation and poverty alleviation efforts. This is a common theme at events orchestrated by the CCP, where officials from developing countries often reference the claim that the Party lifted 800 million Chinese out of poverty. However, this oft-cited “economic miracle” fails to acknowledge that the reason China had 800 million people living in poverty in the first place was the ill effects of communism—and the way Beijing lifted people out of poverty was by relaxing communism and allowing private enterprise. That process began in 1978, shortly after the death of Mao Zedong.The percentage growth of China’s per capita GDP from 1978 until today is astronomical—it has risen from $156 per year in 1978 to $12,500 today, translating to an expansion of 7,913% (see above).
Mongolia, after the collapse of the USSR in 1990, transitioned to both a multi-party democracy and a free-market capitalist system. As a result, its GDP per capita rose from $472 in 1990 to $5,838 today, an increase of approximately 1,136.4% (see below). While the percentage growth is smaller than China’s, Mongolia’s economic progress is still nothing short of miraculous.
What’s more, China didn’t surpass GDP per capita of $5,000 until 2011. The point is, there may not be much that China can teach Mongolia about poverty alleviation. Mongolia already has a higher level of capitalism than China. China's advantages lie in factors Mongolia simply can’t replicate: a much larger population, more international borders (China shares land borders with 14 countries, while Mongolia has only two neighbours—Russia and China), and crucially, access to the sea. Mongolia is landlocked. And there’s nothing in Xi Jinping’s writings that will change any of that.
The books were translated and published in Cyrillic Mongolian—the official writing system of independent Mongolia—despite the government’s recent push to revive traditional Mongolian script. While there are roughly 50% more ethnic Mongols living in China than in Mongolia, the choice of Cyrillic suggests that Beijing was specifically targeting the Mongolian public. Ethnic Mongols in China typically read and write in either traditional Mongolian script or simplified Chinese, and they have already gained access to Xi Jinping’s works in those languages.
Just before the books were released in Mongolia, the CCP’s International Department held an event in China showcasing development progress in Inner Mongolia. The event emphasised Xi Jinping’s leadership in driving regional revitalisation and high-quality development, with Inner Mongolia’s Party leaders reaffirming their commitment to his policies. As is always the case, CCP media reported that international diplomats, political leaders, and business representatives praised China’s economic achievements and viewed Xi’s development model as a reference point for developing nations. However, people in developing nations—particularly in Mongolia—do not necessarily agree.
Amarsanaa Erdenebileg, a Mongolian business school graduate from Ulaanbaatar, acknowledged that the release of Xi Jinping’s books in Cyrillic Mongolian could be an attempt to expand Chinese ideological influence in Mongolia. However, he noted that Mongolians have historically held a deep mistrust of China, and this initiative might ultimately fail. “We have always been sceptical of Chinese influence attempts,” he said, adding, “therefore, it may backfire on China’s attempt to influence.”
When asked whether Mongolians would actually read the books, Amarsanaa admitted that some people would. However, he was doubtful about any meaningful impact. “I believe it won’t affect much,” he said. He explained that while there are some in Mongolia who think the country would be better off aligning more closely with China, there are also many who strongly oppose Chinese influence. “There are those who believe that Mongolia is better off following China,” he said, “and there are those who really hate China.” Ultimately, he suggested that the book release is unlikely to significantly change Mongolian attitudes toward China. He concluded by saying, “We are way more educated than we were before. We’ll learn what we need to learn—but we won’t be influenced.”
Chinguun Batsaik, who lives in Ulaanbaatar, offered a different perspective, arguing that China already has influence in Mongolia. “In fact, I believe they have already established a powerful influence in terms of commerce and an economic standpoint,” he said. While the release of Xi’s books in Cyrillic Mongolian may be seen as an ideological push, Chinguun suggested that China's real power in Mongolia lies in its economic presence rather than its political messaging.
Bat-Amgalan Enkhtaivan offered a nuanced perspective, highlighting the broader geopolitical context—particularly Mongolia’s delicate position amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. He noted that maintaining neutrality could become increasingly difficult if global tensions escalate. “Russia’s aggressive assertions are a significant concern for Mongolia as well. Therefore, any movement made by the Mongolian government is critical and complex,” he noted.
The release of Xi’s works in Cyrillic Mongolian is a strategic move by the CCP to extend its ideological and political influence into Mongolia. This aligns with Beijing’s longstanding use of soft power to shape narratives in foreign countries.
Traditionally, Mongolia has balanced its relations with China and Russia while strengthening ties with Western democracies, including the United States, Japan and South Korea. At the same time, it is working to reduce its economic dependence on China, which accounts for over 80% of its exports—mainly coal and minerals.
From Moscow’s perspective, China’s move may be seen as encroaching on its traditional sphere of influence. Though Beijing and Moscow maintain close ties, they have historically competed for leverage in Mongolia. With Russia distracted by the war in Ukraine, Beijing may see this as an opportune moment to consolidate its position.
While China’s push to export its governance model is notable, the conclusion has to be its actual impact is likely to be limited. Deep-rooted distrust of China and Mongolia’s commitment to its “third neighbour” policy will continue to constrain Beijing’s soft power ambitions.
BY:
Antonio Graceffo, PhD, China-MBA, is an economist and China analyst. He has spent over 20 years living in Asia, including seven years in China, three in Taiwan and four in Mongolia. He conducted post-doctoral studies in international trade at the School of Economics, Shanghai University, and holds a PhD from Shanghai University of Sport, and a China-MBA from Shanghai Jiaotong University. Antonio has authored seven books on Asia, with a focus on the Chinese economy.

International Open Tender for the Tuul Highway Reopens www.montsame.mn

The international open tender for the construction of the Tuul Highway was launched on January 27, 2025, with submissions and materials being verified within the set timeframe in accordance with relevant laws. However, due to bidders not meeting the requirements, the open tender for the Tuul Highway reopened.
The construction of the Tuul Highway is one of the major projects to expand and develop the road network of Ulaanbaatar and alleviate the traffic congestion. With its construction, the average traffic speed is estimated to increase by 14 percent, and passengers would be able to travel non-stop on the 32km highway, which is an international expressway with no traffic lights.
This six-lane Tuul Highway is planned to run 32 km, starting from the Bayanzurkh checkpoint or Ulaanbaatar-Nalaikh Highway on the east part of Ulaanbaatar City, to the safety roundabout that leads to the Western aimags. 
Within the scope of this Project, a road network that runs around the Capital City will be built with two main intersections of different levels, 13 bridges with a length of 9870 meters in total, and seven tunnels with a length of 370 meters in total.

Law on Mining Products Exchange to Be Withdrawn www.montsame.mn

Mongolia's Air Treatment Systems Market Sees Over 5% Growth Boosted by Pollution Awareness www.finance.yahoo.com