Mongolian President U.Khurelsukh’s state visit to Germany has begun www.news.mn

Mongolian President U.Khurelsukh’s state visit to the Federal republic of Germany has officially begun. Mongolian President U.Khurelsukh was welcomed at the special military reception area of Berlin Brandenburg airport by Mongolia’s Ambassador to Germany J.Oyunbaatar, Germany’s Federal President’s office Chief of staff and State secretary Dörte Dinger, and other officials.

President U.Khurelsukh’s state visit to Germany, the first by a Mongolian president in 14 years, is significant as it is taking place within the framework of the 100th anniversary of educational cooperation between the two countries.

During the visit, the two presidents will hold official talks and discuss expanding and developing bilateral relations and cooperation in mutually beneficial areas, including trade, economy, education, science, and culture. The two sides will also sign the “Joint Declaration between Mongolia and the Federal жepublic of Germany” and define priority areas of cooperation to expand and strengthen their “Strategic зartnership.” The two heads of state will open the “Chinggis Khaan and the Mongol World” exhibition in Berlin.

As part of the visit, the “Mongolia-Germany business forum,” the “Mongolia-Germany science day,” the international academic conference titled “Cultural exchange and the environment in Eurasia during the Mongol and Post-Mongol periods,” and an international academic conference dedicated to the 120th anniversary of the birth of renowned Mongolian writer D.Natsagdorj will be held.

United States to Begin Construction of New U.S. Embassy in Mongolia www.mn.usembassy.gov

The United States is pleased to announce the commencement of a multiyear project to build a new U.S. embassy in Mongolia, with construction scheduled to begin in spring 2027.  The construction will utilize locally sourced materials and labor, reflecting the natural elements of Mongolia—earth, water, and sky.  This approach supports the local economy and honors the rich natural heritage of Mongolia.

Demonstrating our commitment to local partnership, the U.S. Government recently awarded a related site utilities contract for the new compound to a local Mongolian contractor.  Managed as a separate project coordinated with the main embassy construction, this contract covers the off-site infrastructure needed to connect the new compound to municipal utility networks.

“The construction of a new U.S. embassy is a significant development that underscores the importance of the strong relationship between the United States and Mongolia,” said U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia Richard Buangan.  “We are proud to be one of Mongolia’s strategic third neighbors and this new embassy demonstrates our commitment to deepening our partnership.”

The project, located in the Khan-Uul district, is estimated to take approximately five years to complete.  Once finished, the facility will provide expanded room for consular services and a comfortable working environment for embassy staff and visitors.  This new facility will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the embassy’s operations, benefiting both nations.

The establishment of this new embassy compound is a testament to the enduring and mutually beneficial relationship between the United States and Mongolia.  It signifies a long-term commitment to the Mongolian people and aims to foster stronger diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties for generations to come.

Ecological Imbalance Is Driving Bear Encounters in Mongolia www.thediplomat.com

In recent months, Mongolia has experienced rare bear sightings in its northern provinces. Local authorities have so far been successful in capturing the bears alive and placing the animals back into their natural habitat. The sudden movement of such a large number of bears indicates a deeper ecological imbalance not only in Mongolia but also Russia and Japan. 

As of early October, the Mongolian authorities have received 754 calls reporting bear sightings in various provinces and towns. Solo bears, bears with cubs, and lost cubs have been sighted. More alarmingly, bears have encountered nomadic herders, killing one person and injuring several others. People from remote towns and herding communities have reported attacks on livestock. Most of these bears encounters have been reported in Khuvgsul, Bulgan, Darkhan-Uul, and Tuv provinces – all Mongolia’s northern provinces with robust habitat for bears, wolves, elk, deer, and wild boars.   

The sudden surge and the possible migration of bears clearly demonstrate the changing environment in their natural habitat. Khuvsgul, Bulgan, and Darkhan Uul provinces are 51 percent forest and considered a perfect habitat for bears. Mongolia’s boreal forests, known as taiga, offer cedar and pine nuts, types of berries, and water access for bears. In the fall, particularly in the months of August, September, and October, bears forage throughout the taiga with their cubs in preparation for hibernation. 

The increased movement of these bear populations points to several issues in Mongolia’s ecological system. One of the speculated causes is a shortage of food. Mongolia’s extreme weather fluctuations, including shorter summers with amplified heatwaves, can impact vegetation and dry out grasslands. Particularly in Khuvsgul and Bulgan, given the short summer, there is a risk of shortage of berries and nuts. 

In addition, Khuvsgul and Selenge provinces hold one of Mongolia’s critical river basins, which is crucial to the forestry and its natural habitat. One of the remaining questions concerning bear movements is whether these river basins and other water sources are experiencing a fish shortage, caused by climate change and mining activities. 

Given the pristine nature of Northern Mongolia, these provinces are subject to strict environmental scrutiny and protection. Still, mining does occur. Bulgan Province, in particular, is known for its extractive industries, including gold and polymetallic mining (although in comparison to other notable extractive sites, the scale of mining in Bulgan is relatively moderate). 

According to the World Resources Institute, Mongolia’s gold rush has become one of the leading sources of water contamination. Gold extraction sites particularly are a major issue for the local environment. “Lead, arsenic and other toxic chemicals released during gold extraction processes have leached into Mongolia’s groundwater and flowed untreated into rivers,” the WRI found. 

Thus Mongolia’s bear sightings may be related to the country’s mining activities, along with extreme weather aggravated by climate change-caused food shortages. In response, the government and conservation groups are taking a humane approach. Local authorities and the population continue to capture bears and place them back into the wild. 

In comparison, Russia and Japan, both experiencing a similar bear issue, are handling it very differently.   

In Russia’s Far East, in the Siberian forests, the bear population thrives. This October, local authorities in Siberia (Krasnoyarsk), Tuva, and Buryatia reported a surge of bears entering local towns and villages. In Buryatia, the local authority has deployed 24 specialized teams to kill bears. With Russian authorities allowing an “open season,” bear killings will likely increase. 

In 2025, the Environmental Ministry of Japan reported a historic surge in bear sightings and attacks, during which more than 14,600 bears were killed. The ministry believed that “climate change and poor tree-nut harvests have reduced natural food supplies in the mountains.” The ministry also highlighted that around 12,000 brown bears in Hokkaido and Asiatic black bears elsewhere have expanded their roaming range. 

While Northeast Asia faces a shared ecological challenge in conserving bear populations and managing their movements, Mongolia, Russia, and Japan have adopted vastly different approaches. Mongolia emphasizes strict legal protections and non-lethal management whereas Russia and Japan both have implemented aggressive population control methods. 

According to Rebecca Watters, founder and director of the Mongolian Wolverine Project and a biologist, bears are attracted to any kind of predictable food source. Once they associate people with food – in the form of garbage, livestock, gardens, birdfeeders, etc. – they will continue to seek out human settlements. 

In Mongolia’s case specifically, she added, “I wonder too whether some of the increase in sightings and conflict is due to population shifts, in both people and the bears. Paradoxically, some of these issues might also be related to conservation successes and more bears cubs surviving.” 

Guest Author
Bolor Lkhaajav
Bolor Lkhaajav is a researcher specializing in Mongolia, China, Russia, Japan, East Asia, and the Americas. She holds an M.A. in Asia-Pacific Studies from the University of San Francisco.

Budget Revenue, Grants Increase by MNT 3.8 Trillion www.montsame.mn

General government budget revenue and grants reached MNT 26.1 trillion in the first nine months of this year, according to preliminary data, marking a 17.2% increase, or MNT 3.8 trillion, from the same period last year. Meanwhile, the budget’s balanced revenue and grants totaled MNT 22.9 trillion, up 10.6%, or MNT 2.2 trillion, year-on-year.

Tax revenue reached MNT 21.2 trillion, an increase of 11.4%, or MNT 2.2 trillion, compared with the same period last year. This growth was driven by increases in social insurance contributions of 17.3%, or MNT 687.7 billion; value-added tax (VAT) revenue of 15.8%, or MNT 695 billion; and income tax revenue of 9.5%, or MNT 557.6 billion. However, excise tax revenue fell by 8.7%, or MNT 66.8 billion, the National Statistics Office (NSO) reported.

During the period, income tax accounted for 30.4% of total tax revenue, followed by VAT at 24%, social insurance contributions at 22%, taxes on foreign trade and activities at 6.8%, excise taxes at 3.3%, and other taxes, fees, and charges at 13.6%. Corporate income tax accounted for 64.3% of income tax revenue, while personal income tax made up the remaining 35.7%.

General government budget expenditure and net lending totaled MNT 24.6 trillion in the first nine months, up 11.3%, or MNT 2.5 trillion, year-on-year. The increase was driven by higher spending on goods and services, which rose by 12.4%, or MNT 892.2 billion; capital expenditure, which increased by 17.5%, or MNT 720.7 billion; and current transfers, which grew by 9.4%, or MNT 825.2 billion.

According to Ariunbold Shagdar, Director General of the NSO’s Social Statistics Department, current transfers accounted for 39.2% of total expenditure, followed by goods and services at 33.1%, capital expenditure at 19.8%, interest payments at 5%, and subsidies at 2.9%.

Capital expenditure reached MNT 4.8 trillion in the first nine months, an increase of 17.5%, or MNT 720.7 billion, compared with the same period last year. This was mainly attributable to a 13.3%, or MNT 390.9 billion, increase in spending on buildings and facilities; a 31.2%, or MNT 102 billion, rise in equipment expenditure; a 17.7%, or MNT 38.5 billion, increase in major repairs; and a 24.4%, or MNT 154.8 billion, rise in other capital expenditure.

Umnugobi Aimag to Partner with Japan to Protect the Gobi Ecosystem www.montsame.mn

 Enkhbat Nasanbuyan, Governor of Umnugobi aimag, met with Igawahara Masaru, Ambassador of Japan to Mongolia, on October 19.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on expanding bilateral cooperation and future opportunities in environmental protection, combating desertification, afforestation, agriculture, and tourism.

With support from the Japanese government, projects are underway in Sevrei and Bayandalai soums of Umnugobi aimag to protect the environment, mitigate desertification, and restore the Gobi ecosystem. As part of this initiative, Ambassador Igawahara and his family participated in planting saxual trees (Haloxylon ammodendron) across 100 hectares, digging wells, and setting up protective fencing for trees and shrubs.

The arid, harsh climate and water scarcity in the Gobi region require special attention toward afforestation and vegetation restoration. Implementing methods and technologies suitable to local soil and water conditions, ensuring the survival rate of planted saplings, and managing water resources efficiently are crucial to enhancing the effectiveness of restoration efforts.

The two sides also discussed introducing advanced Japanese technologies and expertise in Gobi afforestation and natural resource conservation, as well as organizing youth and student exchange programs.

Additionally, the meeting touched upon potential collaboration in developing winter greenhouses, boosting agricultural productivity, improving water supply in remote areas, and providing water access for wild animals.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to further expand cooperation by leveraging Japanese expertise and technology in environmental protection, desertification control, afforestation, agriculture, and tourism, while promoting bilateral youth exchange programs.

Petro Matad provides an update on its renewable energy activities in Mongolia www.energy-pedia.com

Petro Matad, the AIM quoted Mongolian oil company, has provided an update on its renewable energy activities in Mongolia.

Following the signature last week at the 25th WPC Energy Congress in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the field of energy between the Governments of Mongolia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Petro Matad is delighted to announce the signing of a cooperation MoU between SunSteppe Power LLC ('SSP' a subsidiary of the Company's SunSteppe Renewable Energy 'SRE' Joint Venture) and Saudi-listed Acwa, the world's largest private water desalination company, a leader in the energy transition, and a first mover into green hydrogen at scale.

The MoU covers cooperation on a renewable energy export initiative from Mongolia into China targeting a capacity of 4.5GW as a first phase, supported by 500MWh of battery storage.

Mongolia's renewable energy resources and proximity to China offer significant potential for cross-border electricity trade. With momentum recently generated by the Government of Mongolia to realise the potential of energy export this has a real chance of moving forward and would be a gamechanger for the country. With a partner of the standing and financial capability of Acwa, SSP is positioning itself to be at the forefront of this push. The MoU brings together Acwa's international project development and financing expertise and SSP's knowledge of the Mongolian market to access the opportunity.

The Export MoU will be covered in the presentation that Petro Matad and SRE management will make on the Investor Meet Company platform on Tuesday 20 October at 0900 UK time. In addition, the presentation will give further details on the SRE portfolio which currently comprises three large Solar/Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) projects and one Hybrid Wind/Solar/BESS project totalling 570MW of capacity.

Once at ready to build status and applying Mongolian benchmarks, these projects have the potential to generate development premia for SRE in the range of c.$20 million to $30 million over the period 2027 to 2029. SRE is also seeking to retain the option to hold working interests in these projects through the construction phase and into operation and revenue generation should it be able to find its share of funding to do so. With target rates of return on these projects of 15%+ they are economically very attractive.

SRE has line of sight on a further 124MW of growth projects including its OT Green Hydrogen project for which it has access to Japanese Government grant funding. Off-grid mining projects in Mongolia also offer large, near to medium term potential (500MW+) for renewable energy solutions and this is a focus for the company going forward.

Mike Buck, CEO of Petro Matad, said:

'We are delighted to have signed the Export MoU with Acwa, a company of global renown and standing. Their entry into Mongolia is a major development for the renewables sector in the country. Acwa's unrivalled reputation and their knowledge of the Chinese power market coupled with SSP's knowledge of the Mongolian renewable energy space make, we believe, the ideal partnership through which to pursue the massive potential of power export. We look forward to sharing more details with investors during the presentation on 20 October.'

Saleh Al Khabti, President, China Acwa, said:

'Mongolia's abundant renewable energy resources and its proximity to China present a compelling opportunity to advance cross-border clean energy trade. This partnership brings together Acwa's global expertise in developing and financing large-scale energy infrastructure with SSP's local market knowledge. Building on the growing cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Mongolia, we look forward to exploring how this initiative can unlock new investment opportunities, strengthen regional energy connectivity, and support China's growing demand for clean and reliable power.'

About Acwa

Acwa (TADAWUL: 2082) is a Saudi-listed company and the world's largest private water desalination company, the first mover into green hydrogen, and a leader in the global energy transition. Registered and established in 2004 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Acwa employs over 4,000 people and is currently present in 16 countries in the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. As of July 2026, Acwa's portfolio comprises 111 assets in operation, advanced development, or under construction, representing SAR 475 billion / USD 127 billion of assets under management and the capacity to generate 98.2 GW of power (of which 52.3 GW is renewables) and manage 9.7 million m³/day of desalinated water. The energy and water capacity generated by Acwa's assets is delivered on a bulk basis to address the needs of state utilities and industries on long-term, off-taker contracts under utility services outsourcing and public-private partnership models.

Hakuho Elected to Lead International and Asian Sumo Federations www.montsame.mn

The International Sumo Federation held its regular congress during the World Sumo Championships for amateurs in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, electing Hakuho Davaajargal Munkhbat, the 69th grand champion (yokozuna) of professional sumo, as its President.

He will also serve as President of the Asian Sumo Federation.

“I am extremely happy to have been entrusted with this responsibility. I will continue the work of former President Akio Toyoda and strive to promote and develop sumo around the world. I will dedicate myself fully to this mission,” Hakuho said.

He added that he had met with presidents of national Olympic committees from several countries during the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. He also said he would work with Senegal’s National Olympic Committee to introduce and promote sumo in African countries.

“We believe we have moved one step closer to including sumo in the program of the 2030 Asian Games in Qatar,” he said.

Just days ago, sumo was featured as a demonstration sport at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Hakuho introduced and promoted the sport to athletes, officials, and other visitors attending the Games. He also reiterated his ambition to have sumo included in the Olympic Games program.

Construction of 22 MW thermal power plant begins in Mongolia’s Arkhangai province www.asianews.network

Construction has begun on a 22 MW thermal power plant in Tsetserleg, the capital of Arkhangai province. The project is being implemented through a public-private partnership, with the plant scheduled to become operational in 2028.

Under the project, the state will invest approximately MNT 80 billion in infrastructure, including distribution networks, while the private sector will contribute around MNT 150 billion toward construction of the plant. The total project cost is estimated at MNT 230 billion.

Once operational, the plant is expected to generate an average of 138.6 million kWh of electricity and 67,130 Gcal of heat annually. It will help ensure a reliable supply of electricity and heating for households, schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and other institutions. The project is also expected to create 90 permanent jobs for engineers and technical personnel.

A more reliable energy supply in Tsetserleg is essential to supporting housing development, expanding industrial and service sectors, and stimulating local economic growth.

The project is being jointly implemented by APP Energy LLC, Energy Development LLC, and other investors.

Roundup: Public outcry grows in Mongolia over Japanese-linked reserve wildfire www.xinhuanet.com

Days after open flames of a major grassland fire were put out, public criticism is mounting in Mongolia over the blaze at a protected nature reserve in the country, with national authorities vowing to hold relevant parties accountable and claim compensation for state losses.

Earlier this month, a group of executives from Mobicom, a Mongolian telecommunications company with Japanese investment, entered the Numrug Strictly Protected Area in Dornod Province for wild hunting before a vehicle in their convoy caught fire and sparked a wildfire, local media reported. The driver was identified as a Japanese national.

According to Eguur News, a Mongolian digital news outlet, the group was intended to catch Hucho taimen, a critically endangered species listed in the Mongolian red list of fishes.

The fire broke out in the core zone of the country's Numrug Strictly Protected Area, with the first alarm raised at 11:55 a.m. local time (0355 GMT) on Oct. 8. Though open flames were extinguished on Friday, dry weather and strong winds still raise risks of reignition.

Mobicom said its team was conducting telecommunications work in the area when one of its vehicles caught fire, sparking the grassland blaze.

The incident has drawn wide public anger in Mongolia, as questions swirl over whether the convoy obtained proper access permits to enter the ecologically sensitive reserve during the high-risk fire-prone period.

Temuulen Ganzorig, the country's minister of justice and internal affairs, said the related personnel, as well as people from relevant border-port administrations involved, will be held responsible and ordered to compensate for losses.

The case has now been handed over to the police authorities for investigation, and conclusions are yet to be released.

Mongolia's criminal law prohibits unauthorized hunting or capturing animals in specially protected areas. Causing a forest or steppe fire can result in criminal penalties, depending on whether the fire was started intentionally or through negligence and the extent of the damage.

Whether any of these provisions apply to the individuals involved will depend on the findings of the investigation.

The Numrug Strictly Protected Area hosts rare wildlife including reindeer, bears and wild boars. An evaluation of wildlife casualties caused by the fire is pending.

Since Oct. 8, Mongolia has mobilized forces from three provinces. A total of 606 personnel operating 100 sets of equipment formed 60 firefighting groups to contain the blaze.

As the fire spread toward the China-Mongolia border, Chinese authorities deployed more than 3,400 firefighters and other emergency crew along the border.

Erdeneburen HPP Construction Reaches 40% Completion www.montsame.mn

Prime Minister Uchral Nyam-Osor visited the construction site of the Erdeneburen Hydropower Plant (HPP) on the Khovd River in Erdeneburen soum, Khovd aimag, on October 18 to review the progress of the project.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the project will play a vital role in efficiently integrating other renewable energy sources into the power grid and strengthening electricity supply in the western region. He stressed the need for all stakeholders to work intensively together to ensure the plant is commissioned on schedule. He also instructed the relevant parties to improve coordination, promptly resolve outstanding issues and ensure tangible progress in project implementation.

Prime Minister Uchral highlighted that the energy sector is a fundamental pillar of the country’s economic independence and national security, describing the Erdeneburen Hydropower Plant as a project of strategic and historic significance. He also noted that, during an official visit to Russia by Minister of Energy Naidalaa Badrakh, an agreement had been reached on securing up to 55 MW of electricity for the western regional power system.

The project is expected to increase domestic electricity generation, reduce dependence on imports and strengthen Mongolia’s energy independence.

According to the Ministry of Energy, the project has a total cost of USD 266.4 million and is being financed through a concessional loan from the Government of China. The plant will have an installed capacity of 90 MW and is scheduled to begin operations in 2030. It will comprise four generating units, each with a capacity of 22.5 MW.

Construction began in March this year, and overall progress has reached 40 percent. A total of 225 employees of the contractor and 250 local residents are working at the project site. Preparatory infrastructure has been completed, including 49.8 kilometers of access roads, two bridges over the Khovd River, a workers’ camp, a concrete batching plant, a gravel processing plant, a laboratory, warehouses and a repair workshop.

Electricity consumption in the western region is projected to reach 352.6 million kWh this year, of which 294.9 million kWh is being imported from Russia and China. Once operational, the Erdeneburen Hydropower Plant is expected to generate an average of 366.8 million kWh of electricity annually. This will increase domestic renewable energy generation, reduce reliance on imports and strengthen regional energy security.

The project is also expected to create 800–1,000 temporary jobs during construction and 60–80 permanent jobs once the plant becomes operational. In addition, the reservoir is expected to create opportunities for developing tourism and irrigated agriculture.

Approximately 30,000 hectares of land have been designated for special state use for the project. The reservoir area will cover parts of Bayannuur soum in Bayan-Ulgii aimag, Umnugobi soum in Uvs aimag, and Erdeneburen and Myangad soums in Khovd aimag.

The Erdeneburen Hydropower Plant is a strategically important infrastructure project that will improve the reliability of electricity supply in western Mongolia, reduce dependence on imported power and expand the country’s renewable energy generation capacity.