Mongolia-Indonesia consultative meeting held www.montsame.mn

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ The Heads of Department of Asia and the Pacific of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia and the Republic of Indonesia presided a consultative meeting between the Foreign Ministries. The sides reviewed the actions undertaken following the first meeting of the Mongolia-Indonesia intergovernmental joint commission held in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2015 and had discussions about intensifying works underway.

Agreement and Memorandums signed with Czech www.montsame.mn

WTO cuts global trade forecast to lowest in decade amid China-US tariff war www.rt.com

The ongoing trade war between the world’s two biggest economies has led WTO economists to have a gloomier growth outlook for global trade this and next year, downgrading previous expectations.
The volume of merchandise trade will grow by 1.2 percent in 2019, that is 1.4 percent lower than the global trade watchdog projected in April, according to a WTO report issued on Tuesday. In 2020, global trade is set to accelerate more than twofold to reach 2.7 percent, still down from previously expected 3 percent, with the body warning that the figure will highly depend on settling trade disputes.

Harvest running at 25.1 percent www.montsame.mn

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/. As of October 1st, 113 thousand tons of crops were harvested from 87.7 thousand hectares. 105.5 thousand tons of wheat, 131.1 thousand of potato from 11.2 thousand hectares, 51.1 thousand tons of vegetables from 51.1 thousand hectares which is harvesting is running at 25.1 percent for grains, 58.1 percent for vegetables, 75.1 percent for potatoes according to Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry.

Mongolia to ban old cars? www.news.mn

The Mongolian Government is planning to ban the import of vehicles made prior to 2010 as a measure aimed at reducing road load and car pollution. If the Auto Transportation Bill is approved during the autumn session, the import ban will come into effect from 2021. Another major move will be the ban of right-hand drive vehicles. As with Siberia and the Russian Far East, the Mongolian second-hand car market is dominated by right-hand drive cars and jeeps from Japan.

Japanese quality for Mongolian patients: new hospital opens in UB www.news.mn

Located in Ulaanbaatar, a Mongolian-Japanese teaching hospital today (1 October) has started providing health care to the public and training teachers and students from the Mongolian State University of Medical Sciences. In the near future the hospital will be working at full capacity.

ADB to approve 390 mln USD for Mongolia this year www.xinhuanet.com

ULAN BATOR, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will approve the financial aid of 390 million U.S. dollars for Mongolia within this year, local media reported on Tuesday.

Xi says China will stay on peaceful development path www.chinadaily.com.cn

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday delivered a speech at a grand rally at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC). Here are the highlights:

Joyful Chinese proud of motherland as PRC turns 70

"We gathered here today for a grand rally to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the PRC," said Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission.

"Right at this moment, Chinese people of all ethnic groups and all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation at home and abroad take pride in and give our best wishes to our great motherland with great joy," he added.

Xi remembers revolutionary forefathers, extends National Day congratulations to compatriots

Xi remembered revolutionary forefathers and martyrs for their feats in pursuing national independence and liberation, a stronger and more prosperous country and the people's well-being.

Xi extended warm National Day congratulations to Chinese people of all ethnic groups and all compatriots at home and abroad.

Xi also expressed heartfelt gratitude to friends around the world for their caring for and support to China's development.

Founding of PRC completely changes China's fate

The founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) completely changed China's miserable fate of being poor and weak and being bullied and humiliated in over 100 years since the advent of modern times, Xi said.

"Seventy years ago on this day, Comrade Mao Zedong solemnly declared here to the world that the PRC was founded and the Chinese people had stood up," Xi said.

The Chinese nation has since then embarked on the path of realizing national rejuvenation, he said.

No force can stop Chinese people, nation from marching forward

No force can ever shake the status of China, or stop the Chinese people and nation from marching forward, Xi said.

Xi said Chinese people of all ethnic groups have made great achievements that amaze the world, over the past seven decades through concerted efforts and arduous struggle.

Xi calls for upholding Party leadership

Xi called for upholding the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Xi underlined the importance of ensuring the principal status of the people, staying on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and fully implementing the Party's basic theory, line and policy.

He also called for efforts to constantly meet people's aspirations for a better life and make new historic achievements.

China to stay on peaceful development path

Xi pledged that the country will stay on the path of peaceful development, and pursue a mutually beneficial strategy of opening up.

"We will continue to work with people from all countries to push for jointly building a community with a shared future for humanity," Xi said.

He stressed that the Chinese People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force should always preserve their nature, purpose and character as the forces of the people, resolutely safeguard China's sovereignty, security, and development interests, and firmly uphold world peace.

Xi calls for continued efforts to achieve China's complete reunification

"On our journey forward, we must uphold the principles of 'peaceful reunification' and 'one country, two systems,' maintain lasting prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao, promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, unite all Chinese sons and daughters, and continue to strive for the motherland's complete reunification," Xi said.

Xi urges concerted efforts to achieve two centenary goals

Xi called for concerted efforts to achieve the two centenary goals and realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation.

China's yesterday had been inscribed in human history while China's today is being created in the hands of hundreds of millions of Chinese people, Xi said, adding that "China will surely have an even brighter future."

All Party members, armed forces and people of all ethnic groups should unite more closely together, stay true to the founding mission, build on existing achievements and continue to develop our people's republic, Xi said, adding that continued efforts should be made to achieve the two centenary goals and national rejuvenation.

Discovery of massive oil deposit could be a game-changer for China www.rt.com

China’s largest oil and gas producer CNPC has announced the discovery of an oilfield that could hold over a billion tons of reserves in the northwest of the country.
According to CNPC, the proven reserves at Qingcheng oilfield in the Ordos basin stand at 358 million tons, while its estimated reserves could reach 693 million tons.

State visit enhances Mongolia-India strategic partnership www.montsame.mn

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/. President Kh. Battulga has paid a state visit to the Republic of India at the invitation of President Ram Nath Kovind from 19th to 23rd of September, 2019. Not only the strategic partnership and bilateral cooperation between the two countries have improved in a wide range but also new path has opened in trade, economy and science fields in the result of the 5 day-visit.

In the course of the visit, the President of Mongolia Kh.Battulga held official talks with the President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Republic of India. Moreover, he participated in Mongolia- India business forum in India as well visited leading companies in space research, renewable energy, and outsourcing sectors to exchange views on bilateral cooperation.

Frequent visits and friendly relations

Mongolia and India have established diplomatic relations on the 24th of December, 1955 and regarded as the spiritual neighbor countries. Frequent visits throughout the last several years are strengthening the bilateral cooperation and relation between two countries.

Throughout history, the Chef of the Cabinet of Ministers of the People’s Republic of Mongolia Yu.Tsedenbal signed Joint Declaration during his state visit to India in 1973. In addition to this, the first President of Mongolia P.Ochirbat established an Agreement on Friendly relations and Cooperation during his visit in 1994, reaching to agreement to develop the sectors of trade, economy, health, science and tourism. In the course of state visit of the President Ts.Elbegdorj in 2009, official talks were held regarding to move the relation between two countries to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership as well as developing cooperation in information technology sector.

The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi paid a visit to Mongolia in 2015 on the occasion of 60th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and India. The relation was advanced to Strategic partnership and more than 10 contract agreements were made to develop cooperation in the fields including veterinary and traditional medicine. In addition, he exchanged views on the establishment of an airway aiming to enhance trade and economic relations. Furthermore, the Republic of India agreed to invest $1 billion to Mongolian Government for the implementation of Oil Refinery.

Five good news to show the strengthening strategic relations

1. One. The investment on “Mongol Refinery Project” has increased

Officials are stressing the efficiency of the visit in terms of enhancing economic cooperation. For instance, joint statement on Strengthening the Strategic Partnership between Mongolia and India was released as a result of the meeting with the President Ram Nath Kovind and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi of the Republic of India. The Indian side has also approved a request from the Government of Mongolia to extend an additional investment of US $236 million for the project, taking the Government of India’s total commitment for the project to US$ 1.236 billion.

Furthermore, both sides agreed to train much needed engineers and technicians to be employed at the “Mongol Refinery Project” in India through Scholarship from the Indian Government under the existing Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program. The President Kh.Battulga expressed his gratitude on this decision made by Indian Government and marked that involving Mongolian companies and products to this construction work has a positive effect to future investors and business cooperation. Two sides have come to an understanding on the issue of building railway for oil transportation instead of pipeline, emphasizing that the construction of railway will have multiple benefits.

“The oil refining plant which has an annual capacity to refine 1 million cubes of oil is an expression of the friendly cooperation between two sides. After its completion in 2020, it will be able to ensure 70% of the total use of domestic oil consumption.” noted Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan.

Two. Online and on-arrival visa

It was also announced that India has made a decision to issue E-Visa for short-term visitors. On the other hand, Mongolia stated that Indian short-term visitors will be able to get a visa upon their arrival. It has a huge impact on the development of mutual-tourism. 600 of more than 900 Mongolians living in the Republic of India are studying in the field of Buddhism. Therefore, both sides also agreed to improve the studying and living condition, furthermore, to simplify visa requirements for those living in the Republic of India.

Three. Cultural cooperation initiation

To encourage student education exchange programs, the Indian side announced 10 Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships for those interested in undertaking Buddhism studies. Meanwhile, Mongolia has announced 2 scholarships for Indian students in the field of Mongolian studies.

In recognition of friendship and brotherhood, both sides agreed to celebrate the 65th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2020 through a series of activities featuring cultural and historical heritage of the two countries.

Four. Increasing trade turnover

President of Mongolia Kh.Battulga and Prime Minister of the Republic of India N.Modi acknowledged that there was considerable untapped potential for further development of bilateral trade and investment, especially in the field of agricultural commodities, dairy products and animal husbandry, mining, information technology, pharmaceuticals and tourism etc. To this extent, the Ministry of Agriculture of Mongolia and the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying of India signed an agreement on cooperation in animal husbandry and dairy products. It opens possibility to export animal raw materials to India and import cheap and high-quality animal pharmaceuticals in exchange, pushing the investment and trade turnover to be increased.

Pointing out the importance of creating conducive and favorable investment climate, both sides agreed to continue the talks on establishing an agreement on mutual promotion and protection of investments and amending the Intergovernmental Agreement between the Government of Mongolia and the Government of the Republic of India for the Avoidance of Double Taxation and the Prevention of Fiscal Evasion with respect to Taxes on Income and on Capital at the earliest possible time.

During his participation to the Mongolia- India business forum, The President of Mongolia Kh.Battulga noted that there was considerable untapped potential for further cooperation. Both sides acknowledged the progress in economic and trade cooperation. For instance, the trade turnover between two countries was at $30 million in 2017. This amount increased to $52.7 million in 2018 which is more than 40% increase compared to the previous year. In the first half of this year Mongolian import to India was at $60.1 million and export was at $1.8 million.

Five. New sectors, new chances

The main products that Mongolia import from India are pharmaceuticals, mining machineries and equipment, sugar, rice, synthetic fiber, cotton, texture and automobile. On the other hand, Mongolia is exporting mainly animal raw materials, wool andcashmere to India. The state visit of the President of Mongolia Kh.Battulga is opening a wide range of opportunities in trade and economic sectors, while keeping the friendly relations in cultural and political sectors.

The reason is that more than 30 companies took part in the Mongolia- India business forum which was held during the visit, introducing their businesses as well as some companies signing memorandums. For instance, “Mongol Em Impex Concern” and “Zydus Cadila” signed a memorandum to produce high-quality pharmaceuticals in Mongolia. The Republic of India is a leading country in the world not only with its information technology but with its pharmaceutical industry. However, Mongolia produces only 20% of its national pharmaceutical consumption.

“Thus, signing a memorandum with Indian pharmaceutical manufacturer is a historical event when the country highly needs national pharmaceutical production.”

“Adapting high-quality of pharmaceutical manufacturing technology to Mongolia has a great importance of producing quality pharmaceuticals at the country, decreasing the import” said B.Munkh-Erdene, Chairman of Foreign Relations and Supplement Department, “Mongol Em Impex Concern”

Notable move: Cooperation in science and technology

Another highlight of the state visit of the President of Mongolia for the first time in 10 years was that the sides talked on cooperating in the area of space research and renewable energy for the first time.

The President of Mongolia Kh.Battulga paid a visit to three science companies including astronomy and renewable energy company “Tata Power Solar” , outsourcing company “Infosys” in Bangalore, known as “Indian Silicon Valley”.

Space research

Two sides welcomed the signing of an Agreement between the Government of Mongolia and the Government of India on Cooperation in the exploration and uses of outer space for peaceful purposes. It puts foundation for expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation particularly in the fields of remote sensing, satellite communication, and applications of space technology in areas including resource management, weather forecasting and disaster management and etc. To this extent, President Kh.Battulga held official talks with authorities of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). The President noted that Mongolia is not a new player in space research, having many years of history and talked about the country's intensifying cooperation with the largest space research centers such as NASA and Roscosmos.

“Moreover, “Mars-V” project team of Mongolia introduced their project which is to establish a space training complex in Mongolian Gobi in cooperation with India, which is aiming to start space tourism to Mars in 2021.”

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) supported the project and agreed to collaborate in several works. For instance, they agreed to carry out joint training of human resources, to establish a laboratory and to launch an air balloon etc. according to S.Erdenebold, “Mars-V” Project leader.

Renewable energy

Mongolian side expressed its interest in sharing knowledge and experience of India’s solar rooftop project implementation and training Mongolian renewable energy specialists in India. The Government of India also announced its decision to extend assistance for upgrading the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia into a green and energy efficient solar building. Noting the challenge posed by Climate Change, the two sides agreed to further strengthen their cooperation in the area of renewable energy.

The President of Mongolia Kh.Battulga paid a visit to Solar Panel Factory of renewable energy company “Tata Power Solar” and exchanged views on further bilateral cooperation. More specifically, on establishing a Northeast Asia’s super grid in Mongolia using the company’s solar panels. Mongolia has an estimated potential to produce 1200 MW of solar energy and a joint research will be started soon.

Outsourcing center

The two sides reviewed the progress of setting up the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Center of Excellence in Information & Communication Technology being developed in Mongolia with Indian assistance. The sides agreed to intenfify the project implementation keeping in view the significant role it can play in capacity building and human resource development in Mongolia. Initially, during the state visit of former President of Mongolia Ts.Elbegdorj in 2009, two sides exchanged views on cooperation on establishing an information technology and outsourcing center. After exactly 10 years, US$ 20 million of loan agreement was made to take actions on this establishment.

Chief of Staff to the President Z.Enkhbold emphasized that “US$ 10 million will be spent to the construction work of an outsourcing institution and the rest will be spent for a management team who will train more than 10 thousand Mongolian students in outsourcing. Construction work is scheduled to begin this year.”

The President of Mongolia Kh.Battulga visited ‘Infosys’ business consulting and information technology company listed on New York Stock Exchange, which has over 228 thousand staff. The sides shared views on training Mongolian youth in outsourcing and information technology fields.

S.Munkhbaatar