Mongolia’s president Ukhnaa Khurelsukh turned heads at the United Nations in September 2021 with a seemingly fantastical pledge: His nation would “fight against climate change with achievements of the modern science and technology, as well as best practices and the traditional experiences” of Mongolia’s “nomadic civilization”.

To prove it was no publicity stunt, Khurelsukh turned up in Glasgow two months later for the UN Climate Change Conference, or COP26. There, he told the world that Mongolia was raising its target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 22.7% by 2030. Even better, Khurelsukh said, odds are high that Ulaanbaatar can nudge that commitment up to 27.2%.

It was music to the ears of long-time Mongolia investors.

“In its quest to establish its green credentials, Mongolia could and should attract international sustainable finance,” says Alisher Djumanov, founder of boutique investment bank Silk Capital and a veteran emerging markets investor.

“For the last two decades, China has overshadowed other developing countries as a massive magnet for foreign investments, crowding out smaller economies like Mongolia,” he says. “Now with global investors increasingly viewing China as less investable, Mongolia should strongly compete for reallocation of investment flows.”

Now comes the hard part. Embracing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in the long run will take considerable political will because of the economic costs for Mongolia.

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Without doubt, 2022 is going to be another busy year for Mongolian rock sensation, The HU. In addition to the forthcoming Europe tours, the four-man band will be performing in Germany, Denmark, Czech Republic and Sweden in March.

The HU is scheduled to perform at the ‘Coachella’ music and art festival in California. They will be the first Mongolian band to perform at the one of the world’s biggest music festivals. But is it surprising? The HU is already fast becoming a rock legend!

The popular music festival, which is annually held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, will be taking place across two weekends: in April. The festival is known for being filled with nonstop music, celebrities, and bold fashion statements.

In the fourth quarter of 2021, 5.6 thousand foreign citizens from 77 foreign countries were working in Mongolia with labor contract with purpose of earning wage and income or voluntarily without earning wage and income. The number of foreign workers decreased by 136 (2.4 percent) from the previous quarter.

In terms of country of all foreign workers in Mongolia, 62.9 percent is from China, 4.8 percent -- the Russian Federation, 4.2 percent -- Vietnam, 3.9 percent -- the Republic of Korea, 2.9 percent -- India, 2.4 percent -- Australia, 2.3 percent -- Albania, 2.0 percent -- United States, and remaining 14.6 percent is from other countries.

In terms of the occupation of foreign workers, the highest percentage or 2.5 thousand (44.8 percent) were professionals and the lowest percentage or 2 persons (0.1 percent) were skilled agricultural, forestry and fishery worker.

In the fourth quarter of 2021, 2027 workers (36.1 percent) were working in mining and quarrying sector, 1600 workers (28.5 percent) in construction sector, 494 workers (8.8 percent) in education sector, 377 workers (6.7 percent) in manufacturing sector, 344 workers (6.1 percent) in wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, 219 workers (3.9 percent) in transportation and storage, 79 workers (1.4 percent) in accommodation and food service activities, 75 workers (1.3 percent) in administrative and support service activities, and 402 workers (7.2 percent) were working in other sectors

Rio Tinto PLC on Tuesday reported a fall in full-year production across all the commodities it produces, including iron ore, copper and aluminum. Here are some remarks from its fourth-quarter operational report.

On commodity markets:

"Market dynamics were broadly positive throughout 2021 for most commodities, lifting a number of prices to cyclical highs. Fiscal and monetary support and successful vaccine campaigns were key contributors to strong demand growth that ultimately stretched global supply chains to their limits and created challenging conditions for many of the world's producers. We are encouraged by growth prospects in the coming year but remain vigilant in relation to potential disruption from new Covid-19 variants and geopolitical tensions."

On Mongolia copper operations:

"Mined copper production from the open pit was 9% higher than 2020 with improved performance, temporary increase in grades, and increased mill feed following geotechnical issues in the first half, partly offset by lower staffing levels due to Covid-19. In the fourth quarter, stringent Chinese border restrictions continued due to increased cases of Covid-19 in Mongolia. We continue to work closely with the Mongolian and Chinese authorities and our customers to manage the risk of supply chain disruptions. Cross-border concentrate shipments into China have resumed with some measures in place to transport greater volumes in a safe and efficient manner, however uncertainty continues to exist with the rate of Covid-19 cases in Mongolia. The force majeure declared on shipments from March 30 remains in place."

On Australian iron-ore operations:

"Pilbara operations produced 319.7 million tons (Rio Tinto share 266.8 million tons) in 2021, 4% lower than 2020. This was due to above average rainfall in the first half of the year, cultural heritage management and delays in growth and brownfield mine replacement tie-in projects. Ongoing Covid-19 restrictions and a tight labor market have further impacted our ability to access experienced contractors and particular skill sets. Production from the new greenfields mine at Gudai-Darri and brownfield mine replacement project at Robe Valley, was delayed due to Covid-19 impact on labor availability and an inability to conduct pre-delivery quality assurance and control at international steel manufacturers due to limitations on travel."

On China's steel market:

"China's crude steel production and iron ore imports were stable year on year, with steel production exceeding 1 billion [metric] tons for a second time, despite numerous steel mill operating restrictions and a slowing property sector. Steel consumption and production rates in China decelerated significantly during the fourth quarter of 2021 however, iron ore seaborne supply improved, resulting in a circa 30% decline in iron ore prices in the fourth quarter versus the prior quarter. Meanwhile, the steel and iron ore demand recovery in developed and other emerging economies maintained its momentum and global crude steel production grew by an estimated 6% year on year--by one of its largest absolute annual increments in history--to a record total of almost 2 billion tons in 2021."

Write to Rhiannon Hoyle at rhiannon.hoyle@wsj.com

Headed by Deputy Prime Minister S.Amarsaikhan, the working group in charge of enhancing the operations of border checkpoints held a virtual meeting on January 13.

During the meeting, members of the working group reported on the progress of works to import freight in containers through the Zamiin-Uud border checkpoint.

As containers began to be delivered to the Regional Logistics Center in Zamiin-Uud from the ‘Zero Point’ established between the borders of Mongolia and China, most of the freight is being transported to Ulaanbaatar city by rail.

Currently, there are about 900 containers ready to be transported from Erlian city of China. If no less than 50 containers are brought into the country each day, it is possible to finish transporting the freight in 18 days, noted the officials.

The Deputy Prime Minister tasked the members of the working group to increase the number of containers currently being imported, carry out the necessary works to begin importing freight through broad-gauge railway, and ensure that the customs process is quickly completed for the goods being imported.

Per the task given by the Deputy Prime Minister, the Ministry of Road and Transport and the National Road Transport Center have completed studying opportunities for Mongolian drivers to transport freight using their own trucks between Russia, Europe, and Central Asian countries through the border checkpoints in the country’s north and western regions. As we exchanged information with corresponding organizations, we reached a solution, reported Minister of Road and Transport L.Khaltar.

“International freight forwarding companies are in charge of transporting freight in Russia, Europe, and Central Asian countries. Thus, we made contact with the National Road Transport Association of Mongolia (NARTAM) and found a certain solution. For transporting freight internationally, it is necessary for trucks to meet the requirements for Euro standards. However, there are only a relatively small percentage of trucks that fulfill these requirements.

As such, NARTAM will make an announcement for registering drivers that are capable of transporting freight internationally. Once drivers are able to meet these requirements, it will become possible for them to increase their income through international freight transportation. Furthermore, as drivers specialized in driving large trucks tend to be in high demand in European countries, we are studying opportunities to have drivers become employed in this area.”

The Ministry of Health reported today, January 18 that 2,135 СOVID-19 infections and three death were recorded in the last 24 hours. In detail, 1,344 cases were reported in Ulaanbaatar city, with 791 cases in 21 provinces.

Today, the cumulative infection tally in Mongolia has increased to 412,677, with the death toll to 2016. Currently, 8,210 people are receiving hospital treatment for COVID-19 whilst 36,229 people with mild symptoms are being treated at home.

As of today, the coverage of 1st dose has reached 69.7 percent (2,268,196), 2nd dose – 66.7 percent (2,168,532) and 3rd dose or a booster shot of COVID-19 vaccines – 30.0percent (975,013) of the total population. In addition, 44,403 people (1.0 percent) have received 4th vaccine dose.

Calls from citizens seeking inquiries and information related to 74 types of services accounted for 27.5 percent of the calls to the 1800-1200 Call Center of the Capital city.

The Governor of the Capital City and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar’s Decree No. A / 987 of 2021 “On some measures to be taken to create a favorable business environment and reduce corruption and bureaucracy” entered into force starting from January 1, 2022. According to this decree, citizens and business entities are no longer required to obtain any permits or special licenses to conduct 74 types of business activities within the capital city.

The 1800-1200 Call Center provides 24-hour information on public services provided to citizens and legal entities by the capital city’s local administrative organizations, as well as information related to the “COVID-19” pandemic. In recent days, 27.5 percent of the calls to the Call Center have been related to 74 types of services.

Therefore, we would like to highlight information related to the 74 types of trade and services activities allowed in the capital city without any permits or special licenses. Starting from January 1, 2022 citizens and legal entities will be able to operate freely by registering on the “www.ulaanbaatar.mn” website. As of January 11, more than 200 service requests have been registered in the online service registration system. Here are answers to common questions from citizens and business entities.

-How can citizens and companies register themselves in the system?

-Citizens and business entities can go to the “REGISTRATION OF SERVICES” section of the www.ulaanbaatar.mn website to verify their information and gain access through the DAN registry system. After the first step, which is reviewing and accepting the standards, requirements, and the responsibilities, citizens and business entities must enter their identification numbers so that personal information is retrieved from the “KHUR” system. After this step, by entering the service location information and information about whether the document has been submitted before, your request will be registered and a registration page with a QR code will appear. You can start your business activities immediately after registering.

- Do you need any documents to register your request for the 74 types of activities?

-No documents are required from citizens to carry out 74 types of trade and services activities in the capital city. Previously, citizens and business entities engaged in trade, production and services were required to provide 7-12 types of documents (7-8 from government organizations, 3-4 from citizens and business entities) to obtain permits/licenses to operate. This has changed and no documents are required anymore.

However, if the premises are rented to operate trade and service activities, a copy of the rental or lease agreement and real estate certificate must be attached. Documents issued by government organizations will be processed through exchange of information, support, methodological advice, and cooperation between government agencies, without the participation of citizens and business entities.

-How can foreigners register their business?

- It is not possible for foreigners to obtain information from the “KHUR” system, so a citizen of Mongolia shall be registered as a trustee in a legal entity to operate.

-There are people who cannot register through the online system. Where can they go?

-Citizens who are unable to register through the online system can get instructions on how to register from the 1800-1200 Call Center or can register their service with the operator of the Service Center of the Capital city.

-Are previous permits required to be extended if the valid period has expired?

-Citizens and business entities operating in the past with permits and special licenses no longer need to renew their permits/licenses to continue operations,

In case of expiration of the certificate issued by the district, citizens and entities can register themselves through the www.ulaanbaatar.mn website to continue their trade/services activities. This registration does not have to be renewed annually.

MEDIA RELATIONS DEPARTMENT OF THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF THE CAPITAL CITY

At the end of the previous year., the population of Mongolia totaled 3.4 million, increased by 56.2 thousand or 1.6 percent compared to 2020, according to the National Statistical Office of Mongolia.

As of the end of 2021, 71166 mothers gave birth, and 73866 children were born, decreased by 4528 (2.3%) and 4080 (5.2%) respectively, compared to 2020.

The death toll totaled 20002, increased by 4012 or 25.1 percent compared to the previous year.