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    

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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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Fitch Assigns Mongolia's Proposed USD Bonds 'B+' Rating www.fitchratings.com

Fitch Ratings - Hong Kong - 11 Feb 2025: Fitch Ratings has assigned Mongolia's (B+/Stable) proposed US dollar bonds a 'B+' rating.
Key Rating Drivers
The rating is in line with Mongolia's 'B+' Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR), which was upgraded with a Stable Outlook from 'B'/Stable on 18 September 2024.
The following ESG issues represent key rating drivers for the proposed bond; other key rating drivers can be found in the issuer rating action commentary dated 18 September 2024.
ESG - Governance: Mongolia has an ESG Relevance Score of '5[+]' for Political Stability and Rights and '5' for the Rule of Law, Institutional and Regulatory Quality and Control of Corruption. These scores reflect the high weight that the World Bank Governance Indicators have in our proprietary Sovereign Rating Model. Mongolia has a medium World Bank Governance Indicator ranking at the 46th percentile.
The rating on the bonds is sensitive to any changes in the Long-Term Foreign-Currency IDR, which has the following rating sensitivities (as per the aforementioned issuer rating action commentary).
RATING SENSITIVITIES
Factors that Could, Individually or Collectively, Lead to Negative Rating Action/Downgrade
- External Finances: Materialisation of significant external stress, potentially undermining external financing flows and leading to a decline in foreign reserves, for example as a result of a commodity shock amid expansionary domestic economic policies.
- Public Finances: Significant increase in the government debt/GDP ratio, for example from sustained budget deficits.
- Structural Features: Political instability and/or major policy shifts sufficient to significantly disrupt strategic mining projects or FDI inflows.
Factors that Could, Individually or Collectively, Lead to Positive Rating Action/Upgrade
- External Finances: Further reduction in external financing risks, for example through significant accumulation of foreign-currency reserves and reductions in net external debt, accompanied by prudent external debt management.
- Macroeconomic and Structural: Sustained strong economic growth without the emergence of imbalances, supported by a business environment conducive to robust FDI inflows.
- Public Finances: Implementation of prudent fiscal policies consistent with reductions in the government debt/GDP ratio.
Date of Relevant Committee
17 September 2024
REFERENCES FOR SUBSTANTIALLY MATERIAL SOURCE CITED AS KEY DRIVER OF RATING
The principal sources of information used in the analysis are described in the Applicable Criteria.
ESG Considerations
The ESG profile is in line with that of Mongolia.
For more information on Fitch's ESG Relevance Scores, visit www.fitchratings.com/esg.

 
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Mongolia moves up 7 places in Corruption Perceptions Index www.news.mn

Transparency international just released its 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index today. The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is the leading global indicator of public sector corruption, providing an annual comparative snapshot of 180 countries and territories. The index for 2024 is calculated using data from 13 external sources.
The 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) shows that corruption is a dangerous problem in every part of the world, but change for the better is happening in many countries. Research also reveals that corruption is a major threat to climate action. It hinders progress in reducing emissions and adapting to the unavoidable effects of global heating.
The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories worldwide by their perceived levels of public sector corruption. The results are given on a scale of 0 (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean). While 32 countries have significantly reduced their corruption levels since 2012, there’s still a huge amount of work to be done – 148 countries have stayed stagnant or gotten worse during the same period. The global average of 43 has also stood still for years, while over two-thirds of countries score below 50. Billions of people live in countries where corruption destroys lives and undermines human rights.
As of the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International, Mongolia received a score of 33 out of 100, ranking 114th out of 180 countries. It means Mongolia moves up 7 places in Corruption Perceptions Index. There are no score change since 2023 but its position moved up.

 
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Preparation Works Underway to Increase Internet Speed Tenfold www.montsame.mn

The Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Communications of Mongolia is preparing to introduce a 5G network nationwide, with competitive bidding to begin in March 2025.
The internet capacity of soums in Mongolia is set to increase tenfold. This enables the accessibility of all modern digital services and allows students to study on all digital platforms and learn foreign languages. The increased internet capacity will also provide swift accessibility for medical services.
Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Communications of Mongolia Baatarkhuu Tsend noted, “With the implementation of the 5G network, we can discuss the introduction of self-driving vehicles and automation technology in the manufacturing sector. Also, households would no longer need to submit their electricity and water meters manually, instead, it can be fully automated and more accurate.”
Mongolia has 53 thousand kilometers of fiber optic cables throughout the cities and soums, which means 23 percent of the country’s territory has internet access.

 
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Performance Monitoring Unit Highlights Streamlined Permit Issuance www.montsame.mn

The Performance Monitoring Unit under the Prime Minister of Mongolia held its 5th meeting on February 8, 2025. The implementation of decisions made at previous meetings, the financing model for projects to be implemented in Ulaanbaatar City, and the improvement of the legal environment were discussed at the meeting.
Ulaanbaatar City plans to implement 24 projects related to reducing air pollution and congestion in 2025-2028. Of these, the financing sources for eight projects have been resolved, including the Tuul Highway Project, the Cable Car Project, the Selbe and Bayankhoshuu Housing Projects, the Infrastructure Project of the Emeelt Eco-Industrial Park, and the Ulaanbaatar Tram Project. The financing for these projects will be allocated in the Capital City Budget, foreign loans, and bonds, stated Governor of the Capital City and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar Nyambaatar Khishgee. The Tuul Highway Project, for example, requires MNT 1.9 trillion. The 32-km, six-lane highway from the Nalaikh Highway to the Darkhan Highway junction is expected to increase the average traffic speed by 14 percent when it is put into operation in 2027. Meanwhile, the Selbe Housing Project requires MNT 1.7 trillion and is planned to be financed with foreign bonds. Once the Project is completed, the number of households that burn coal for heating will be reduced by 10,000. As of today, the engineering infrastructure of the Selbe Housing Project has been completed, land release is at 70 percent, and construction tenders are underway. Furthermore, the work to resolve financing sources for the remaining 12 projects is ongoing. The financing for the Ulaanbaatar Metro Project (Line 1) will be confirmed soon, according to Mayor Nyambaatar.
A total of 73 tasks were given in six areas during the first four meetings of the Performance Monitoring Unit under the Prime Minister. Of these, 17 have been resolved, while the rest are in the implementation stage, said​​ Chief of the Cabinet Secretariat Uchral Nyam-Osor. In his presentation on the implementation of the Law on Permits, Mr. Uchral highlighted that there are some bureaucracies and shortcomings in the permit issuance process, including a large number of steps, insufficient digitalization, and government agencies requiring insignificant documents as well as some permits are issued under a regulation. Therefore, the Chief of the Cabinet Secretariat suggested implementing regulatory reforms based on risk assessment and transferring the function of issuing some types of permits to professional associations. Streamlining and expediting the issuance of permits is crucial for the construction work taking place in the Capital City, noted some members of the Performance Monitoring Unit, mentioning the need to reduce duplication and steps.
Prime Minister of Mongolia Oyuun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai instructed to continue working on the process of switching to gas fuel, using domestic resources, exploring opportunities for cooperation with entrepreneurs, continuing to work on financing sources for major projects to be implemented in the capital, improving the relevant legal environment, and developing and presenting proposals on how state-owned enterprises can support and participate in the construction projects to be carried out in Ulaanbaatar. The Prime Minister also reminded relevant officials that the pressing issues in the capital and their solutions should be comprehensively reflected in the general plan for the development of Ulaanbaatar until 2040.

 
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Signing and Exchange of Notes for Official Security Assistance (OSA) FY2024 project to Mongolia www.mofa.go.jp

On February10, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, H.E. Mr. IGAWAHARA Masaru, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Mongolia, and H.E. Sandag BYAMBATSOGT, Minister of Defence of Mongolia , signed and exchanged notes for 1.3 billion yen in “Official Security Assistance (OSA)” FY 2024 project.
Japan and Mongolia share fundamental values such as freedom, democracy and rule of law, cooperating in security and various other areas under the "Special Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity."
The project will provide the Mongolian Air Force with an air traffic control radar system and related equipment. It is expected to strengthen the situational awareness and air traffic control capabilities of the air force. The project will contribute to ensuring security and safe use of the airspace based on the rule of law in Mongolia and throughout the region.
Japan Air Self-Defense Force and Mongolian Air Force have conducted defense cooperation and exchanges over years. They include capacity building project on air traffic control, which are currently being implemented and expected to have synergistic effects with this OSA project.
(Reference)
OSA is a grant aid cooperation framework which provides equipment and supplies as well as assistance for the development of infrastructures to armed forces and other related organizations of recipient countries. By enhancing their security and deterrence capabilities, OSA aims to strengthen our security cooperation with the recipient countries, to create a desirable security environment for Japan, and to contribute to maintaining and strengthening international peace and security.
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How a short trip to Mongolia changed my perspective on life www.thirst.sg

“Impactful” is the one word that represents what my trip to Mongolia meant to me.
I’ve seen the stories about poverty. I have heard people share that such “exposure” trips would radically change a person’s life.
Such stories tug on our heartstrings while reading them, but we quickly move on when the reality of deadlines, work and commitments hits us – all these stories and emotions then fade to the back of our minds.
But there is something different when you go to be with them, seeing the real faces behind these stereotypical stories and forming an inexplicable bond with them. The plague of poverty is the reality for these people.
Going on this trip made me realise that it sometimes takes an actual experience for our hearts to be changed. Now that I’ve actually gone out there to step into these communities – people and places that I’ve been so far away from – something has happened in my heart.
From a head that knows, to a heart that cares
As a 19-year-old, I am immersed in a culture of “grinding”. School and work environments can feel like increasingly toxic places that foster perpetual competition and demand never-ending commitments.
But in all the schools I visited in Mongolia, the one thing that stood out to me was their ability to make the most out of whatever they have been given.
The children there do so many activities for the sake of passion, pleasure and enjoyment. I never got the sense that they were taking part in these activities to climb the social ladder. They just seemed so much lighter and happier.
These values are especially seen in their “informal schools” – schools specially designated for co-curricular and extracurricular activities.
These schools don’t just educate children, they also welcome adults who may be mentally disabled or who did not have access to education at a young age.
Through my visits, I learnt that these schools really try to understand the unique difficulties each student faces so as to adapt their activities accordingly.
I believe such an education system brings hope to those who are conventionally deemed as “slow learners”, and also unleashes each person’s potential so that everyone can contribute to society.
This was most clear when the children shared their aspirations for the future with me.
One girl told me that she wanted to be a dentist because she noticed that the other children’s teeth weren’t so good.
Another girl (who I sponsor, as well as her sibling) told me she wants to become a doctor because her father was bedridden for an entire year.
These children have a different drive behind their aspirations beyond just self-fulfilment. It’s not just grades or individual gains – they carry a desire to serve and help others.
Building community banks
World Vision has also started a project called Savings Groups that aims to provide education on financial responsibility.
This is because many vulnerable families in Mongolia have unstable sources of income, and they don’t know when or how to save.
For instance, some families that sell crops for a living depend on the weather for their income.
If they managed to have a good harvest, they would immediately spend all the money earned on big-ticket items like a new TV.
But if their harvest isn’t good in the following year, they would have no savings for their daily necessities.
Therefore, World Vision hopes to help such close-knit communities cultivate financial responsibility and accountability through Savings Groups.
Each Savings Group consists of around 10 to 15 members, and it functions like a community bank.
Each member can decide how much money they want to save, and they put it in a safe box for safekeeping. One person safe-keeps the box, while several keys are handed to different people. They will need all the keys to open the box.
Taking out loans would require an interest, and that generates some money for other members of the group.
At these Savings Groups, the members also rotate meetings among their homes so they get to meet each other’s families and see their living conditions. This helps them when they need to decide whether a member should be allowed to take out a loan.
This system also builds the personal relationships that members have with each other. It is one thing to put money in a bank or save some money at home on your own, but when dreams and plans are shared – a culture of accountability and encouragement are created.
To whom much was given, of him much will be required
Living in a part of the world that is more developed, we are financially better off than many. We can certainly look out for brothers and sisters like the ones I met in Mongolia.
I really hope to encourage us not to underestimate the power of sponsorship. In some ways, $45 a month might not seem like a lot of money. But during my time in Mongolia, I truly saw the impact that World Vision is making and how grateful the local communities are.
We were told many stories of how sponsored children became vice presidents of agriculture, workers at World Vision and people who took up other jobs that give back to the community.
This is one of World Vision’s missions – to empower the sponsored to become sponsors. So when we sponsor a child, the impact it brings is actually exponential. And that brings me so much hope.
I returned from the trip with a new commitment. From a girl with no responsibilities, I have now pledged to sponsor two children for the next decade. It feels like I now have a little family of my own!
If you are keen to find out more about World Vision, start here!
By Maria Chow
This story was contributed by a volunteer. Have a testimony that could encourage others? We’d love to hear from you at hello@thir.st!
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Prime Minister condoles smoke inhalation victims, urges to be responsible www.gogo.mn

The 5th meeting of the Emergency Headquarters, chaired by Prime Minister L.Oyun-Erdene, focused on addressing air pollution and ensuring public safety. At the beginning of the session, the Prime Minister expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives due to smoke inhalation. He emphasized the importance of reducing air pollution, improving citizen safety, and called on the Emergency Headquarters to work more responsibly and diligently.
N.Uchral, Head of the State Emergency Management Agency, presented a report on the implementation of the Law on Permits. He noted several challenges in the current process, such as procedural delays, excessively lengthy permit issuance processes, insufficient digitalization, and unnecessary document requirements from state organizations. N.Uchral proposed regulatory reforms based on risk assessments and suggested transferring some types of permits to professional associations to improve efficiency.
During the meeting, Member of Parliament N.Nomtoibayar stressed the need for a unified foreign relations policy to facilitate the successful implementation of large-scale projects.
In response, Prime Minister L.Oyun-Erdene instructed the government to continue transitioning to gas fuel, utilizing domestic resources, and exploring collaboration with entrepreneurs to support major infrastructure projects in Ulaanbaatar. He also called for improved legal frameworks and the development of comprehensive proposals on how state-owned enterprises could contribute to the city’s construction projects.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the General Development Plan of Ulaanbaatar through 2040 must thoroughly address the capital’s pressing issues and incorporate sustainable solutions for its long-term development.
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Uzbekistan and Mongolia hold first intergovernmental commission meeting www.uzdaily.uz

On 7 February, Tashkent hosted events aimed at enhancing Uzbek-Mongolian trade, economic, and investment cooperation.
As part of the program, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Jamshid Khodjayev met with Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia Sainbuyan Amarsaikhan to discuss the current state and future prospects of bilateral relations, focusing on trade growth, investments, and industrial collaboration.
By the end of 2023, trade turnover between the two countries had increased by nearly 50%, maintaining a positive trend in 2024. Key exports include passenger cars, food products, and electrical equipment.
During the first session of the Intergovernmental Commission, both sides heard reports from relevant ministries and agencies, reviewed the progress of joint projects, and outlined responsibilities and deadlines for their implementation.
The business agenda continued with a business forum and an inaugural meeting of the Uzbek-Mongolian Business Council, attended by over 150 representatives from major companies of both nations.
The event featured presentations on Uzbekistan’s investment opportunities, as well as the signing of several bilateral agreements, including an education partnership between Tashkent State Agrarian University and Mongolian University of Life Sciences.
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It's almost go-time for Guam in FIBA qualifier against Mongolia and China www.postguam.com

Basketball fans are in for an electrifying showdown as the Bank of Guam men’s national basketball team gears up to host national teams from Mongolia and China in the third window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.
The games will take place at the University of Guam Calvo Field House in Mangilao, with Guam facing Mongolia Thursday, Feb. 20 and China Sunday, Feb. 23.
For Guam, the matchups mark a crucial step as they try to secure a spot in the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, set for August in Saudi Arabia. With home-court advantage and the passionate support of the island, Guam is set to bring its A-game against formidable opponents.
“We are excited to compete at home and bring this level of sport to our island community,” said Team Guam head coach EJ Calvo. “This is a dream for any Guam athlete – to compete at home against world-class opponents. We are grateful for this opportunity to represent Guam on the international stage, especially when we can shine a spotlight on our island.”
Since 2023, Guam and Mongolia have developed a fierce rivalry, with multiple intensely played matchups that have showcased both teams as rising threats in FIBA Asia. Their previous encounters, in Mongolia’s home arena, have been closely contested, with dramatic finishes and slim victories by Team Guam that have heightened the anticipation for the upcoming game. Fans can expect another thrilling battle as both teams fight for a critical win to advance and earn more big-time games in March.
For decades, in Asia, China’s men’s national basketball team has been a dominant force, consistently competing at the highest levels. With a strong roster featuring rising stars, China continues to maintain its reputation as one of the top teams in the region. Their disciplined play-style, size, depth and history of success make them a formidable opponent.
Basketball enthusiasts can purchase tickets at guamtime.net. To be able to witness the historical events and partake in the thrilling atmosphere, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets in advance.
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U.S., Japan, Australia and UK Spotlight Mongolia’s Rise Through Culture and Tourism www.travelandtourworld.com

Mongolia shines as U.S., Japan, Australia, and UK spotlight its cultural and tourism rise, showcasing rich heritage, art, and traditions globally.
Eight centuries ago, Mongolia ascended to global prominence through the conquests of Genghis Khan and his legendary equestrian army, whose empire stretched from China to Europe. Today, Nomin Chinbat, Mongolia’s Minister of Culture, is on a mission to elevate Mongolia’s profile on the global stage—but this time, through the softer touch of art, music, and cultural diplomacy.
Mongolia’s cultural renaissance is propelling its artists and traditions to the forefront of the global stage, creating ripples in arts, music, and tourism. From horsehead fiddles captivating audiences at the Sydney Opera House to throat singing blending seamlessly with heavy metal at Glastonbury, Mongolian culture is appearing at some of the world’s most prestigious venues. The country’s cultural soft power is growing, ushering in a new era of recognition and opportunity for its people.
Mongolian Culture Takes the World Stage
Mongolian performers have graced the world’s stages, leaving an indelible mark on global audiences. Last summer, a Mongolian cultural showcase in Paris drew large crowds to La Villette Park during a “mini world’s fair” held alongside the Olympics. Mongolian artistry was also celebrated at the Venice Biennale and featured in Davos at a pop-up shop during the World Economic Forum.
One of the most prominent cultural exports of the past year was the theatrical production The Mongol Khan. Staged at London’s Coliseum, the epic performance captivated audiences and marked a significant milestone for Mongolian performing arts. Upcoming performances in Los Angeles and Broadway are already generating buzz.
For Mongolian artists, performing far from home offers not only a platform to share their culture but also a gateway to global opportunities. Among the most celebrated performers is The HU, a heavy metal band that blends traditional Mongolian instruments with modern rock. Having collaborated with Metallica and completed multiple world tours, The HU is set to headline major events across Europe this summer.
Opera enthusiasts know Amartuvshin Enkhbat, one of the world’s most accomplished opera singers, as another luminary of Mongolian talent. Meanwhile, Mongolian athletes, particularly in Japanese sumo wrestling, continue to assert their dominance, further enhancing the country’s global image.
Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy
Mongolia’s increasing presence on the world stage is no accident. Julian Dierkes, a Mongolia expert at the University of Mannheim, notes that the country’s use of soft power aligns with its foreign policy strategy. As a landlocked nation surrounded by powerful neighbors, Russia and China, Mongolia looks to its “third neighbors”—countries like the United States, Japan, Australia, and the UK—to broaden its global partnerships and influence.
Cultural diplomacy is a cornerstone of this strategy. By showcasing its rich heritage to the world, Mongolia is not only building connections but also enhancing its reputation as a nation with unique and valuable cultural contributions.
Tourism: Mongolia’s Next Big Push
Cultural exposure serves another strategic purpose—boosting tourism. According to Nomin, tourism contributes $1.6 billion annually to Mongolia’s economy, accounting for 7% of its GDP. With the right initiatives, officials aim to increase this figure to 10%.
Tourism in Mongolia is highly seasonal, with summer months seeing an influx of visitors while winters remain quiet. Efforts are underway to extend the tourism season and attract a wider audience. Increased flight options signal growing interest, with South Korea leading the charge. Direct flights between Seoul and Ulaanbaatar have surged, with up to six flights daily in the summer compared to just one or two before the pandemic.
Visitors from the United States are also expected to rise, thanks to United Airlines launching a direct route from Narita (Tokyo) to Ulaanbaatar three times a week. Overall, tourist arrivals are 40% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
While Mongolia’s recent cultural initiatives are undoubtedly helping, global travel trends and social media marketing have also played a significant role in attracting adventurous tourists to this emerging destination.
Reviving Traditional Arts for a Modern Audience
Mongolia’s soft power resurgence is rooted in a renewed emphasis on cultural preservation. Following the fall of communism in the 1990s, efforts to revive and celebrate Mongolian traditions have accelerated. The current government’s cultural revival campaign has reinvigorated traditional arts, music, and language across the country.
Educational programs are central to this movement. Schools and after-school programs now offer lessons in traditional Mongolian script, art, dance, and music. Young people are learning to play the horsehead fiddle, master the ancient art of throat singing (khoomei), and perform traditional dances.
To make culture more accessible, Mongolia plans to introduce a “cultural voucher” system this year. This initiative will grant teenagers free access to cultural events, theatres, and museums, focusing on supporting low-income families who might not otherwise afford such opportunities. Nomin describes the program as an “investment in human development.”
Mongolia is also looking to the global film industry as a platform to amplify its soft power. Inspired by the success of Korean film and television in building cultural influence, Mongolia is investing in its filmmakers and opening its doors to foreign productions. As a member of Parliament, Nomin has spearheaded legislation to support local filmmakers and attract international producers seeking unique and stunning shooting locations.
With sweeping landscapes, rich history, and a vibrant culture, Mongolia is positioning itself as an emerging hub for global cinema. This strategic investment in film aims to further elevate the country’s global profile while fostering local talent.
Sustained Growth in Soft Power
The current wave of cultural diplomacy and soft power is not Mongolia’s first. Past governments have made similar efforts to highlight the country’s traditions and talents. What sets the current push apart is its speed and scope. By rapidly expanding cultural programs, investing in the arts, and strengthening international partnerships, Mongolia is charting a faster trajectory toward global recognition.
For Mongolia, this is more than a trend. Officials view it as a long-term strategy to secure cultural and economic benefits. By nurturing the next generation of artists and preserving traditional knowledge, Mongolia is ensuring its cultural heritage remains vibrant and relevant in an increasingly interconnected world.
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