AmCham’s members and investors attended the event and discussed recommendations to regulators on policy reforms, and challenges and opportunities in the finance and economy sectors. The panelists emphasized the importance of increasing private sector-led economy as the way to move forward to secure the current economic growth and foster stable development in the long run. They also stated that although public investments and public sector jobs are helpful in the short-term, they are not sustainable in the long-term.

The newly appointed World Bank’s Country Representative Andrei Mikhnev highlighted that the mission of the World Bank is to contribute to poverty reduction since poverty significantly increased after the economic crisis. He mentioned that if current policies are stable, it is predicted that GDP will grow by 7.2% in 2019, thereby increasing employment. “Private-sector led growth and creation of jobs should be our foremost priority to manifest steady results in the long run.”

International Monetary Fund’s Country Representative Neil Saker stated the Extended Fund Facility Program is moving forward and expected to be completed in 2020. In terms of the banking sector, he noted that Mongolian banks need to support economic growth and that he sees immense potential in Fintech and mobile banking. He also suggested Mongolia needs to foster capital market development to boost economic growth and welfare.

International Finance Corporation Country Representative Rufat Alimardanov highlighted the fact that economic growth varies in context, and what may work for one system may not work for another. “Diversification is not necessarily needed for growth, but it is needed to have a balanced economy. Especially in countries like Mongolia, where they had recent shocks, diversification immensely helps to increase employment and build institutions. Foremost, Mongolia needs to clearly articulate what their objectives are and how to get there. FDI’s are also crucial in Mongolian economic growth but let’s move away from OT – for example, there are almost no investors in the banking sector.” Rufat emphasized ways forward for the Mongolian economy is to focus on financial and environmental sustainability.

source: amcham.mn