The test ride for the 416.1 km-long railroad en route Tavantolgoi - Zuunbayan is planned to be launched on March 15 this year, informed CEO of ‘Mongolian Railway’ State-owned Joint Stock Company O.Batnasan during the working visit of Minister of Road and Transport L.Khaltar at the company.

The Minister became acquainted with the operations of ‘Mongolian Railway’ State-owned JSC, and ‘Tavantolgoi Railway’, ‘Zuunbayan Railway’ LLC as well as the current project being implemented, and tasked the companies to ensure preparations for the launch of railway transport in the route of Tavantolgoi - Zuunbayan. Noting that a technical commission of the Ministry assessed the construction of the railroad as good quality, he highlighted the importance of commissioning the railroad on schedule.

The Minister tasked the corresponding officials to open the Tavantolgoi-Zuunbayan railroad and complete the construction of the Tavantolgoi-Gashuunsukhait railroad on time.

“Furthermore, meetings are planned to be organized with investors in order to have the construction of the project on cross-country railroads in the western and eastern regions launch in March,” said Minister of Road and Transport L.Khaltar and tasked officials to launch the construction of the project on a 13-km railroad in the route Shiveekhuren-Sekhe.

During the meeting CEO of ‘Tavantolgoi Railway’ LLC N.Udaanjargal also introduced the progress of the projects being implemented. Currently, the company is in charge of implementing the projects on 233.6 km-long railroad in route Tavantolgoi-Gashuunsukhait, 22 km-long railroad connecting the railroads of Tavantolgoi-Gashuunsukhait and Tavantolgoi-Zuunbayan, and the Bogdkhan railway.

Highlighting that the construction of the Tavantolgoi-Gashuunsukhait railroad must be completed by July 1, Minister L.Khaltar tasked the officials to complete the feasibility study for establishing a terminal based at Gashuunsukhait border checkpoint in the first quarter of the year, and fully ensure preparations for the railroad construction in route Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod and launch its construction on May 1.

State Great Khural (Parliament of Mongolia) opened its irregular session today on January 28 to discuss amendments to State Budget 2022.

“As the Covid-19 pandemic that has been raging across the world for the past two years is negatively affecting the country’s economy and people's livelihoods, the Parliament and the Government of Mongolia is pursuing a policy to protect citizen’s health and restore businesses,” highlighted Speaker of the Parliament G.Zandanshatar at the opening ceremony of the session.

"Mongolia's economy revived in 2021, with the export reached USD 9.2 billion and the foreign trade balance was in surplus of USD 2.4 billion. Despite these positive indicators, one of the problems facing the world is the increase in commodity price. Retired citizens who make a living from their pension and citizens who are in need of welfare are suffering the most due the increase in commodity prices. Therefore, in accordance with the President's directions, the Cabinet made a decision to amend the law on State Budget for 2022 to increase the amount of pensions and submitted the bill today," the Speaker said.

Regarding the matter, plenary meeting of the irregular session started discussions of bills on Budget Framework Statement for 2022, amendments to the budget assumption for 2023-2024, amendments to the budget for 2022, amendments to the budget of the Social Insurance Fund for 2022.

Following the directions given by President U.Khurelsukh, the Government reflected on the amendment bill the minimum pension to be MNT 500 thousand. For pensioners having more than MNT 500 thousand, their pension will be raised by 15 per cent. A total of MNT 637 billion is required for the pension increase and it plans to source it by cutting some expenditure in the State Budget for 2022. The bill also reflects actions to stabilize consumer goods price, said PM L.Oyun-Erdene in his presentation.

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"As a result of the implementation of the Government's MNT 10 trillion plan to protect public health and recover the economy, we managed to have economic growth of 3.6 percent since 1992, which has fallen to -5.3 per cent," highlighted the PM, noting that budget revenue for 2022 outperformed by 2.7 per cent.

On January 26, the agreement on supplying power for Oyu Tolgoi’s mining operations from the country’s central power grid was established between the ‘National Power Transmission Grid’, ‘Southern Region Electricity Distribution Network’ state-owned joint stock company, ‘National Dispatching Center’, and ‘Oyu Tolgoi’ LLC.

At the signing ceremony, Minister of Energy N.Tavinbekh highlighted that the decision to supply power for the Oyu Tolgoi mine is an important event for the country’s economy as well as the energy sector. He then continued on to say, “The establishment of the agreement today serves as a “guarantee” for Mongolia’s economy and income for the energy sector. Once the agreement comes into effect, it becomes possible to keep the funds amounting to a minimum of USD 120 million - the annual fee for importing electricity, in the country. This would also result in a decrease of outflow for foreign exchange reserves. Furthermore, the agreement would serve as a crucial document for sourcing the corresponding necessary financing for the Tavantolgoi TPP project and carrying out works to renew the equipment being used for the energy sector.”

Following the signing of the agreement, CEO of ‘Oyu Tolgoi’ LLC Armando Torres underlined that electricity is crucial for the mine, and said, “A very reliable electricity source is needed in order to ensure the safety and carry out continuous operations at the Oyu Tolgoi mine. The Ministry of Energy has informed us that our electricity demand will be supplied from several sources. I am confident that the agreement served as a mutually beneficial solution for both sides. This is one of the results of the efficient way of cooperation between the Government of Mongolia and ‘Oyu Tolgoi’ company based on mutual understanding.”

Currently, the Government of Mongolia is carrying out works in phases to put certain strategically-important mining deposits in the Southern Gobi region into economic circulation, such as those in Nariinsukhait, Ovoot Tolgoi, Tavan Tolgoi, Oyu Tolgoi, Tsagaansuvarga, and Shivee-Ovoo. In aims of supplying electricity for the aforementioned deposits in its framework, the construction of a 670 km-long aerial power transmission line and three 220 kW substations were completed in 2021.

Works are also being carried out by the government to establish the 450-MW Tavantolgoi TPP, which will replace the electricity being imported from the power grid of Inner Mongolia, PRC.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that the export of copper concentration through Zamiin-Uud border checkpoint is resuming today.

Specifically, the Infection Prevention and Control Staff of Erlian city of Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region yesterday put out a statement on resuming the export of coal, iron ore, and copper concentration through Zamiin-Uud border checkpoint starting from today, January 27 in phases.

In accordance with the statement, 57 wagons of Erdenet copper concentrate, as well as 64 wagons of iron ore were delivered to Erlian last night. Moreover, the Chinese side has officially announced that the opportunity has also been opened up for the import of containerized coal by road through the port. Thus, the export of copper concentrate, which had been suspended indefinitely due to the pandemic, resumed.

On January 27, the United States and Mongolia reaffirmed their shared commitment to providing high quality educational opportunities for Mongolian students and to building lasting linkages between U.S. and Mongolian institutions by signing the renewed Bi-national Fulbright Foreign Student Program agreement. Notably, this renewed agreement formally terminates a collateral requirement previously imposed on the program participants, thus opening the scholarship to all eligible Mongolian students, regardless of economic status.

The signing ceremony was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Mongolia Michael Klecheski and Minister of Education and Science of Mongolia Enkh-Amgalan Luvsantseren.

“Today’s ceremony is a perfect way to mark this particular day,” said Ambassador Klecheski, “because cooperation in education has been a core element of these 35 years of diplomatic ties.”

The Fulbright program opened in Mongolia 28 years ago. The first Mongolian Fulbright Visiting Scholar traveled to the United States in 1994, and the first Mongolian Fulbright Foreign Student in 1995. Since then, the United States has supported nearly 400 Fulbright exchanges between our two countries.

In 2009, the United States and Mongolia initiated discussions to establish a bi-national Fulbright Foreign Student Program and signed the agreement on December 15, 2010. Since then, the program has enabled more than 100 Mongolians to pursue graduate studies in the United States in a wide range of fields, including education, environmental science, public health, geology, engineering, and more.

“Indeed, I’d like to emphasize that these 100 young people are making valuable contributions to Mongolian society and the economy, becoming leaders of their sectors,” said Minister Enkh-Amgalan.

As part of our commitment to education and exchange, the United States offers around 120 scholarships and exchanges every year in Mongolia – an investment of over $2 million annually in our shared future.

The Fulbright Program creates connections in a complex and changing world. Led by the United States government in partnership with 160 countries worldwide, Fulbright offers unparalleled international educational and cultural exchange experiences. Our diverse and dynamic network of scholars, alumni, and global partners fosters mutual understanding between the United States and partner nations, advances knowledge across communities, and improves lives around the globe.

The United States and Mongolia remain committed to strengthening the bonds between the peoples of our two great nations to promote peace and prosperity for all.

Students interested in applying for the Fulbright Foreign Student Program can find more information at https://mn.usembassy.gov/2023-fulbright-student.

A delegation led by CEO of Rio Tinto Jakob Stausholm paid a courtesy call on Speaker of the State Great Khural G.Zandanshatar on January 26.

At the outset of the meeting, Mr.Jakob Stausholm thanked the Speaker for taking the time to meet the delegation, while emphasizing significant role of the Speaker to continue the Oyu Tolgoi project successfully.

“Although it was difficult for Rio Tinto to make the decisions, we are pleased that we have reached a common understanding and solutions to successfully continue the Oyu Tolgoi project and strengthen partnership. It is also gratifying to see how the democratic process is running in Mongolia,” noted Mr. Jakob Stausholm.

Congratulating for the commencement of Oyu Tolgoi underground mining operations, Speaker G.Zandanshatar noted that Mongolia shares the same values, such as respect for democracy, human rights, freedom, justice and the rule of law with its third neighbors.

“The state highest legislative body of Mongolia has been ensuring citizen’s participation and its interest. Therefore, we aimed to provide accurate information to the public by establishing Temporary Committee on Oyu Tolgoi and organized public discussions. We have achieved democratic values by working together with investors in a transparent and open manner.”

“Giving opportunity to commence the Oyu Tolgoi’s underground mining operations is a huge responsibility. We want to show to the world that making investment in Mongolia was the proper solution,” said Mr. Jakob Stausholm.

In turn, G.Zandanshatar expressed gratitude to the authorities of Rio Tinto for upholding the far-sighted and mutually beneficial principle, while noting the importance of far-sighted policy in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The parties also exchanged views on some issues such as the implementation of the resolution No:103 approved by the Parliament of Mongolia, taxes and personnel.

Present at the meeting were Head of the Foreign Relations Department of the Secretariat of the State Great Khural Ts.Jambaldorj, member of the Board of Directors of Oyu Tolgoi LLC B.Bold and other officials.

HOHHOT, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- Fruit and vegetable exports to Mongolia via the Erenhot Customs in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region topped 85,000 tonnes, worth 110 million yuan (about 17.4 million U.S. dollars), in 2021, official data shows.

Erenhot, the largest land port on the China-Mongolia border, supplies about 80 percent of Mongolia's fruit and vegetables.

In 2018, a green channel for agricultural products was launched, which has since been putting more than 30 kinds of fruit and vegetables, including apples, oranges, lemons, onions, peppers and cucumbers, on the tables of Mongolian people.

Ma Tao with the port's customs said the two sides cooperated last year to overcome the impact of the pandemic and streamlined the clearance process, which has been effective in meeting the Mongolian people's need for fresh agricultural products.

USA Wrestling has announced that in addition to the USA vs. Iran men’s freestyle competition that is included in the Bout at the Ballpark on February 12 at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, there will be a major women’s international freestyle dual meet and a featured international Greco-Roman bout.

This unique event will also feature an NCAA Div. I dual meet between the two most successful programs in history, Oklahoma State University and the University of Iowa.

Two of the world’s best women’s freestyle nations will battle when Team USA faces Mongolia, in a six-match dual meet at the Olympic weight classes.

The United States will be led by 2016 Olympic champion and three-time World champion Helen Maroulis at 57 kg. Maroulis became the first U.S. woman to win an Olympic title in wrestling at the 2016 Rio Olympics, then became the first U.S. women to win two Olympic medals with her 2020 Olympic bronze at the Tokyo Games. Maroulis won World titles in 2015, 2017 and 2021. She also boasts a 2012 World silver medal and a 2014 World bronze medal.

She will be joined on the team by 2019 World champion Jacarra Winchester, who will compete at 53 kg, the weight class where she also earned a spot on the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team.

2021 World silver medalist and 2020 Olympian Kayla Miracle will wrestle for Team USA at 62 kg. Two-time Senior World team member and two-time Junior World champion Victoria Anthony is slated to wrestle at 50 kg.

Rounding out the U.S. women’s team are 2021 Junior World champion Kennedy Blades at 68 kg and two-time Senior World Team member Victoria Francis at 76 kg.

Mongolia will bring a talented team, with a mix of proven veterans and emerging young stars. Two of the Mongolian athletes competed at the 2020 Olympic Games, Namuuntsetseg Tsogt-ochir, who was fifth at 50 kg and Bolortuya Khurelkhuu, who was 10th at 57 kg. Both Tsogt-ochir and Bolortuya Khurelkhuu have been placewinners at past Senior World Championships.

Narangerel Erdenesukh, who has competed on five Mongolian Senior World Teams and was a 2010 Junior World bronze medalist, will wrestle at 62 kg. Delgermaa Enkhsaikhan, the 68 kg entry, was a 2018 Junior World silver medalist and 2021 U23 World bronze medalist. Rounding out the Mongolian team are rising young talents Khulan Batkhuvag at 53 kg and Ariunjargal Ganbat at 76 kg.

Additionally, there will be a special Greco-Roman showdown at 97 kg, where 2021 World bronze medalist and 2020 Olympian G’Angelo Hancock will face a top Greco-Roman star from Iran.

The final lineup for the Iranian men’s team will be announced shortly.

The Oklahoma State-Iowa collegiate meet, plus the United States-Iran men’s freestyle and United States-Mongolia women’s freestyle will take place simultaneously on two different mats beginning at 6:30 p.m. on February 12. This will mark the first time a senior-level international meet and an NCAA meet will operate in this format.

Bout at the Ballpark will be the first event at Globe Life Field, the Home of the Texas Rangers, to feature an international competition. The two wrestling mats will be located between the areas of pitcher’s mound and second base and will be placed on raised stages to improve sightlines from the seating bowl. Floor seating will be added with the Globe Life Field capacity expected to be at least 27,000 for the matches.

Tickets for Bout at the Ballpark start as $15 and are available at texasrangers.com/wrestling.

The event will be broadcast live by FloWrestling.

U.S. women’s freestyle team

50 kg – Victoria Anthony (National City, Calif./Sunkist Kids)

53 kg – Jacarra Winchester (Colorado Springs, Colo./USOPTC/Titan Mercury WC)

57 kg – Helen Maroulis (Rockville, Md./Sunkist Kids)

62 kg – Kayla Miracle (Tempe, Ariz./Sunkist Kids)

68 kg – Kennedy Blades (Broadview, Ill./Wyoming Seminary/Sunkist Kids)

76 kg – Victoria Francis (Iowa City, Iowa/Hawkeye WC/Titan Mercury WC)

Mongolia women’s freestyle team

50 kg – Namuuntsetseg Tsogt-ochir

53 kg – Khulan Batkhuyag

57 kg – Bolortuya Khurelkhuu

62 kg – Narangerel Erdenesukh

68 kg – Delgermaa Enkhsaikhan

76 kg – Ariunjargal Ganbat

U.S. Greco-Roman entry

97 kg – G’Angelo Hancock (Colorado Springs, Colo./Sunkist Kids)

The Ministry of Health reported today, January 27 that 2,273 СOVID-19 cases were recorded in the last 24 hours. In detail, 1,183 cases were reported in Ulaanbaatar city, with 1,090 cases in 21 provinces.

It was also reported that two COVID-19 related deaths have been reported in the past 24 hours, raising the death toll to 2,029. Currently, there are 11,255 people are receiving hospital treatment for COVID-19 whilst 59,737 people with mild symptoms are being treated at home.

As of today, the coverage of 1st dose has reached 69.8 percent (2,269,389), 2nd dose – 66.7 percent (2,170,005) and 3rd dose or a booster shot of COVID-19 vaccines – 31.0 percent (1002,623) of the total population. In addition, 76,135 people (2.0 percent) have received 4th vaccine dose.