Politics
Parliament Orders Oyu Tolgoi Contract Changes to Secure At Least 53% Share for Mongolia; Oversight Task Force Disbanded
Published: 2025-12-26
Parliament approved a resolution directing the government to amend Oyu Tolgoi agreements to guarantee Mongolia’s share of benefits at no less than 53%, require periodic reviews, and reduce financing costs to market levels. The decision follows a special inquiry and public hearings; the temporary parliamentary task force was dissolved after the vote. The resolution instructs reviews of the 2011 Shareholders’ Agreement, assessment of lost-opportunity costs, potential cancellation of certain adjacent licenses if noncompliant, and stronger state oversight, including setting state equity where applicable. It also introduces a three- or five-year review cadence cited in reports, and mandates transparent reporting of benefit allocation in annual accounts. Lawmakers framed the move as resetting long-term terms with investors as Oyu Tolgoi transitions into steady production and targets top-tier global copper output within several years.
“Today’s resolution opens a new chapter for a fair, transparent, long-term partnership, ensuring Mongolia’s benefit reaches 53%.” - MP O. Batnairamdal (news.mn)
“Loan interest in the Shareholders’ Agreement is 3–6 percentage points above international norms; this must change.” - MP P. Ganzorig (gogo.mn)
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Published: 2025-12-26
Parliament’s winter session moved key items, passing a resolution to increase Mongolia’s returns from the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold complex and concluding the special oversight committee’s mandate. Lawmakers also ratified loan frameworks with the EBRD and ADB and voted to proceed with a revised Insolvency Law and more than 40 related bills for first reading. A public petition to repeal the 2% real estate transfer tax was tabled for committee review. Debate opened on amendments to the Law on Licenses that would shift many activities to notification-based regimes, digitize processes, and transfer some functions to professional associations. Speaker N. Uchral framed the push as cutting red tape across 90-plus laws, while MPs cautioned on regulatory capacity and rights impacts. Uchral said a new AI analysis tool will screen draft bills for rights violations before debate.
“We developed these bills under the ‘Liberate from Bureaucracy’ initiative to end state-driven hurdles for people who work and build,” - N. Uchral, Speaker of Parliament (unuudur.mn)
“If violations are detected, the submitted bill will not be debated and will be returned,” - N. Uchral, announcing the AI screening tool (gogo.mn)
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Constitutional Court Suspends Parliamentary Rules Extending Timelines for PM Confidence and Dismissal Votes
Published: 2025-12-26
Mongolia’s Constitutional Court ruled that provisions in Parliament’s Rules of Procedure requiring a seven-day wait before debating motions to dismiss the Prime Minister or vote on confidence are unconstitutional. The Constitution mandates debate begin three days after such motions, with decisions within ten days. The Court found Articles 101.1 and 102.1 of the Rules conflicted with Article 1.2’s rule-of-law principle and Articles 43.1 and 44.1 on timelines. The affected provisions are suspended effective December 26, 2025, and the decision applies prospectively. Practically, the ruling accelerates the parliamentary calendar for any no-confidence or confidence motions, tightening political risk timelines and reducing procedural delays. It also reasserts constitutional supremacy over internal parliamentary rules, guiding future legislative drafting on executive accountability procedures.
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Opposition Pushes No-Confidence Threat Over Deputy Ministers; 35 MPs Sign as Parties Draft Law to Abolish Posts
Published: 2025-12-26
Mongolia’s Democratic Party (DP) bloc escalated pressure on Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar to dismiss newly appointed deputy ministers, warning it will file a no-confidence motion if the government refuses. DP whip O. Tsogtgerel said 35 MPs have signed the removal request, with internal pressure to reach all 42 DP members before submission. A cross-party working group from the ruling MPP and DP has been formed to draft legal changes to streamline the state, including amending the Law on Government to eliminate the deputy minister position—currently enshrined in Article 18 with terms tied to the cabinet. The timing is tight as the autumn session may close by December 31, potentially pushing decisive action into the spring session, while the MPP leadership seeks to preserve cabinet stability.
“If our demands aren’t met, we will submit the proposal to dismiss the Government. Thirty-five MPs have signed; our members insist all 42 must sign.” - O. Tsogtgerel, Head of the DP caucus (news.mn)
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MP Kh. BulganTuya Named a Suspect in Alleged Unconstitutional Power Seizure Case
Published: 2025-12-26
The General Intelligence Agency has designated MP Kh. BulganTuya as a criminal suspect under Criminal Code Article 19.2, which addresses unlawful seizure or obstruction of state power. The probe stems from her role chairing a parliamentary session on October 17 that counted attendance from the previous day to establish quorum and proceeded to remove the prime minister with 52 votes, despite the Constitutional Court later finding violations of quorum rules and simple-majority requirements. Prosecutors have issued a decision to indict, but reports say BulganTuya has repeatedly declined to review the resolution, hindering procedure under amendments requiring timely acknowledgment. She was dismissed as Deputy Speaker in November for related constitutional breaches. The case tests enforcement of parliamentary procedure and could influence how future no-confidence motions are managed and validated.
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Published: 2025-12-26
Parliament moved to consider eliminating the 2% tax levied on real estate sales by establishing a working group to draft legislation after a related resolution directing the government was voted down. The Standing Committee on the Budget reviewed a public petition and presented its recommendations during the autumn session, but lawmakers rejected a motion to instruct the Cabinet, opting instead for a legislative drafting route under parliamentary procedure. Speaker-endorsed orders created the task force, to be led by P. Sainzorig. If enacted, scrapping the 2% levy could lower transaction costs, potentially stimulating property market activity and affecting local tax revenues. The process signals responsiveness to public petitions while keeping legislative initiative within Parliament rather than the executive.
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Pay Raises, Pension Hike, and AI Traffic Fines Take Effect from January 2026
Published: 2025-12-26
A package of laws and cabinet decisions taking effect nationwide on January 1, 2026 will raise teacher and doctor salaries, increase pensions, and introduce AI-enabled traffic enforcement. Public school and kindergarten teachers’ base pay rises 50% in January, with an additional 26% in November 2026 to reach MNT 2.8–2.9 million; medical staff pay will also increase in stages. Pensions will be raised by MNT 80,000 across the board, funded through the 2026 social and health insurance budgets. The National Wealth Fund’s 2026 budget formalizes saving and distributing resource revenues; by mid-2025, MNT 131.1 billion in dividends and interest lifted individual accounts to MNT 175,000. New measures allow heirs to receive a deceased civil servant’s one-time 36-month benefit; hazard pay for emergency service officers increases to 40%. AI-based traffic monitoring will levy fines for violations set by local authorities. A proposal to lift the minimum wage to MNT 1 million remains under negotiation.
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MP A. Ariunzaya Opposes Bill to Boost Efficiency of Foreign Loans, Citing Constitutional and Fiscal Risks
Published: 2025-12-26
During a parliamentary session, MP A. Ariunzaya said she will not support the draft law on increasing the utilization and efficiency of foreign borrowings, arguing it infringes on executive powers and conflicts with the Constitution and fiscal statutes. She urged routing mega-project financing through the Development Bank and accelerating a shift to accrual-based public accounting rather than “offloading” items from the budget ledger. Ariunzaya stressed that delays in the Erdeneburen hydropower plant, Ulaanbaatar ring road, and the oil refinery stem from domestic administrative inertia, not loan constraints, and warned the bill could force a mid-year budget revision if passed.
“I do not support this bill. It violates the Constitution and budget laws and improperly singles out three projects.” - MP A. Ariunzaya (gogo.mn)
“The solution is to transition to accrual-based accounting and use the Development Bank for financing, not to ‘clean’ the budget by shifting items away from it.” - MP A. Ariunzaya (gogo.mn)
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Parliament Opens Debate on Overhaul of Insolvency Law to Align with Global Standards
Published: 2025-12-26
Parliament began first-stage debate on a comprehensive revision of the Insolvency Law, replacing the 1997 Bankruptcy Law with a modern framework covering initiation of proceedings, creditor claims, restructuring, and liquidation. The draft adopts combined cash-flow and balance-sheet tests for insolvency, clarifies verification of claims to curb abuse, and updates the role, qualifications, and incentives for insolvency practitioners. Sector-specific regimes for banks, insurers, and NBFIs would remain under their own laws for detailed rules, with common provisions in the new statute. Accompanying amendments span 40 related bills. Justice Minister B. Enkhbayar said the reform aims to create an effective, transparent legal environment and “cleanse” the economy. Lawmaker O. Nominchimeg framed the intent as preserving viable businesses and ensuring equitable creditor distribution, while noting new state duties for practitioner exams, training, and an e-database.
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Parliament Debates Amendments to Permits Law Backed by MP N. Uchral and Colleagues
Published: 2025-12-26
Parliament convened its Friday session to consider whether to advance amendments to the Law on Permits, submitted by MP N. Uchral with two other legislators. The package includes the main amendment bill and accompanying drafts. The Standing Committee has already endorsed sending the proposal forward for plenary discussion, indicating procedural momentum. While specific changes were not detailed in the report, updates to the permit framework typically target administrative streamlining and regulatory clarity—areas closely watched by businesses and investors reliant on licensing processes. The next step will be a plenary decision on whether to formally deliberate the bills, which, if approved, could set the stage for revisions affecting how permits are issued and overseen across sectors. No official statements or quotes were provided in the source article.
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Multiple MPs Face Legal Scrutiny over 2024 Election Funding and Parliamentary Procedure Disputes
Published: 2025-12-26
Prosecutors are advancing investigations into several senior politicians tied to election financing and parliamentary procedure controversies. MP E. Bolormaa was designated a suspect for allegedly accepting MNT 30 million from Hanbogd Exploration, a foreign-invested firm, in the 2024 parliamentary race—an act prohibited by election law. Prosecutors asked a court on November 28 to compel her appearance after she did not review the suspect order. Separately, former Deputy Speaker Kh. Bulgantuya is under inquiry by the General Intelligence Agency following a citizen complaint, after the Constitutional Court deemed the October 17, 2025 no-confidence vote against Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar unconstitutional due to irregularities in procedure and vote counting. Additional complaints target former Speaker D. Amarbayasgalan, former PM L. Oyun-Erdene, and MP Ch. Nomin over separate matters.
“I respect the Constitutional Court’s decision. Who would I be angry with? Politics is like this.” - Former Deputy Speaker Kh. Bulgantuya (news.mn)
“A request was filed to investigate me at the Independent Authority Against Corruption; I’m ready to provide information.” - MP Ch. Nomin (news.mn)
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Court Finds Abuse of Office in Land Case Involving Gatsuurt LLC, but Statute of Limitations Ends Prosecution
Published: 2025-12-26
A Bulgan provincial court ruled that former Selenge soum officials abused their positions to allocate large land plots to Gatsuurt LLC, a company founded by state-honored entrepreneur L. Chingbat, but closed prosecution for one defendant due to expired limitations. Investigators alleged the ex-governor and a land officer unlawfully granted ten sites (each over 4,900 sq m) for seasonal camps by backdating and entering records into the cadastral system in December 2019. The court dismissed forgery charges for lack of sufficient documentary proof but concluded the officials continued the offense by issuing certificates and uploading data to the land registry. Criminal liability was not imposed on former governor Sh. Nasandulam because the statute of limitations had lapsed. The ruling left unclear how the court disposed of the land granted to Gatsuurt LLC, creating uncertainty over the status of the parcels.
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Economy
Fuel Supply Stabilizes in Ulaanbaatar as Russia and China Boost Deliveries; Regional Distribution Ramps Up
Published: 2025-12-26
Mongolia’s Industry and Minerals Ministry says gasoline and diesel supply in Ulaanbaatar has stabilized, with distribution to provinces resuming today and expected to normalize across central and Khangai regions by tomorrow night. Officials reported December contracts for 83,600 tons of AI-92, 134,200 tons of diesel, and 1,560 tons of AI-95, with actual receipts exceeding diesel orders. Additional flows include roughly 20,000 tons of AI-92 agreed with Russia this week and about 7,000 tons of AI-92 plus AI-95 shipments entering via Chinese rail crossings. Authorities also formed a joint working group with Russia to prevent future disruptions and discuss volume increases, while noting storage limitations in several provinces constrain buffers, prompting direct truck-to-retail deliveries. Price levels are stated to remain unchanged.
“Fuel shortages in Ulaanbaatar have normalized from today; we began loading for rural areas this morning, and central and Khangai aimags should stabilize by tomorrow evening.” - Deputy Minister B. Enkhtuvshin (montsame.mn)
“We agreed with Russia not to disrupt supplies and to discuss increasing volumes, while importing via three Chinese border points to further stabilize the market.” - Ch. Khishigdalai, Head of Petroleum Policy Department (ikon.mn)
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Parliament Advances 2026–2028 Plan to Float and Restructure State-Owned Firms, Targeting Broader Privatization
Published: 2025-12-26
Parliament agreed to debate a government resolution to sell shares of state-owned entities on exchanges and reorganize assets during 2026–2028, aiming to redefine state ownership and reduce overlaps. Mongolia currently has 101 state-owned or state-involved companies; audited 2024 figures show their assets equal 74.3% of GDP, underscoring systemic weight and fiscal stakes. The plan outlines public offerings or stake sales in major utilities, mining, aviation, finance, telecoms, and exchanges, while reserving controlling stakes in select firms. Lawmakers raised governance and valuation risks, spotlighting fuel storage assets and political influence over SOEs.
“We are cleaning this up from the start, and have stopped the theft related to concentrates and stockpiles at Erdenet Plant.” - S. Byambatsogt, Cabinet Secretariat chief (unuudur.mn)
“SOEs’ directors are appointed by parties, and their resources fund elections. SOEs have become a mafia.” - MP U. Shijir (unuudur.mn)
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Published: 2025-12-26
Mongolia’s fiscal shortfall widened to MNT 2.8 trillion, with Finance Minister B. Javkhlan blaming nonpayment by businesses. Tax authorities reportedly froze the bank accounts of 2,200 companies, intensifying criticism over tax burdens and compliance enforcement. A tax inspector’s public comments—defending account freezes and suggesting small firms overspend elsewhere—triggered strong reactions from the business community and lawmakers. Opposition MP Kh. Temuujin condemned the stance as detached from economic realities and harmful to private enterprise.
“Government agencies are trying to slaughter the very cow they live off, shutting down companies to collect today what they can, regardless of whether the business survives tomorrow.” - MP Kh. Temuujin (isee.mn)
He urged the state to honor contracts and settle payments to contractors, noting firms are struggling with bank loans and losing equipment. The dispute underscores persistent calls to reduce social insurance, personal income, and VAT rates, and to ease enforcement tactics viewed as stifling growth.
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Development Bank to Slash Management and Staff in Governance Overhaul
Published: 2025-12-26
The government has ordered reforms at the state-owned Development Bank to improve governance, reduce non-performing loans, and strengthen asset management and transparency, according to the Ministry of Economy and Development. Following this directive, the bank’s board approved a restructuring that consolidates 10 departments and 25 divisions into six departments and 16 divisions. Management positions will be cut by 40%, and total staff reduced from 145 to 99—about 70%—with projected annual savings of roughly MNT 2 billion. Authorities instructed the shareholder and board to maintain a lean, professional team until operations stabilize. The move signals tighter oversight of state financial institutions following past scrutiny of the bank’s loan portfolio, with potential implications for how future state-backed lending is managed and monitored to avoid governance lapses.
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Securities Clearing Center Merged with Central Depository to Streamline Market Infrastructure
Published: 2025-12-26
The Financial Regulatory Commission (FRC) approved structural changes consolidating Mongolia’s market plumbing by merging the Central Securities Depository with the Mongolian Securities Clearing Center into a single entity. The move follows a government directive to improve governance of state-owned enterprises, reduce duplication, and cut costs through unified operations. The consolidation targets more efficient post-trade processes—clearing, settlement, and custody—which could enhance reliability for issuers and investors and support broader capital market reforms. Separately, legal amendments to the Insurance Law and Public Procurement Law raise the ceiling for guarantees issued by domestic insurers fourfold and enable issuance of all guarantee types with reinsurance participation. This expansion is expected to deepen local capacity for performance and bid guarantees in procurement and project finance, potentially lowering transaction risk and costs for businesses.
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Copper Producer Achit Ikht Halts Negotiating Team as Government Seeks Free 50% Stake
Published: 2025-12-26
Mongolia’s government said it has begun talks to take 34–50% stakes in select mining firms without payment, starting with Achit Ikht, which produces cathode copper from Erdenet Mining Corporation’s secondary ore stockpile. Cabinet Secretariat Chief S. Byambatsogt announced a deal in principle for the state to receive 34% of Achit Ikht for free, adding the aim is to raise this to 50% through continued negotiations.
“The Mongolian state will own 34% of Achit Ikht for free. Negotiations will continue to target 50%. The state will not seize, rob, or use force.” - S. Byambatsogt, Head of the Cabinet Secretariat (isee.mn)
Achit Ikht responded that its company-side negotiating team is ceasing activities, arguing the government’s current position relies on a legal basis allowing up to 50% free state ownership, which exceeds the mandate of Achit Ikht’s team. The company says it funded exploration to register the dump as a state reserve and built its hydrometallurgical plant without state investment; further negotiations will be handled by shareholders. The outcome could set a precedent for other miners in Mongolia.
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Published: 2025-12-26
Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar told parliament that a tax amnesty should only come after a comprehensive tax reform is enacted and implemented, pushing back on calls from Democratic Party leader O. Tsogtgerel for immediate relief. The government has instructed authorities to reopen business bank accounts previously frozen under enforcement actions, with 4,368 accounts reportedly reactivated, and plans to shift tax administration from punitive measures to advisory support. Zandanshatar cited ongoing anti-corruption probes and defended economic management, noting GDP growth of 6.5%, stabilized inflation, and record foreign reserves. He warned that the 2015 ‘Transparency Law’ episode shows amnesties can damage credit ratings and financing costs. Debate also touched on energy tariff policy and social insurance pressures.
“A tax amnesty doesn’t come first. You implement reform, and during implementation an amnesty can be applied.” - Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar (itoim.mn)
“We are moving from coercive tax enforcement that freezes accounts to an advisory approach under the new tax package.” - Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar (itoim.mn)
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Carrefour Opens Two New Stores in Ulaanbaatar, Expands with Hypermarket at Hunnu Mall
Published: 2025-12-26
Global retailer Carrefour has expanded its Mongolia footprint with two openings in Ulaanbaatar: a 2,500 sq m hypermarket at Hunnu Shopping Mall on Naadamchdyn Avenue and a 770 sq m Carrefour Market at Altai Residence in Bayangol District. The stores emphasize imported private-label goods meeting European standards, with over 3,000 Carrefour-branded items shipped directly from France and extensive fresh bakery, prepared foods, and produce, including seasonal fruit imported from South Korea. The retailer says it offers 1,500 wine varieties sourced from Amsterdam and France and highlights Nutri-Score labels (A–E) on organic-range products. Launch promotions run December 26, 2025 to January 8, 2026, featuring discounts up to 50%, “1+1” offers, and gifts for the first several thousand customers. The expansion signals intensifying competition and broader product choice in Ulaanbaatar’s modern retail segment.
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Infrastructure
Ulaanbaatar Backs PPP Plan to Add 2,000 Low‑Emission Taxis and Centralized Dispatch System
Published: 2025-12-26
Ulaanbaatar’s city council approved a public–private partnership to upgrade taxi services, authorizing 77 billion MNT to procure 2,000 plug‑in hybrid/electric vehicles over five years and integrate them into a unified management and app-based dispatch system. Officials say private partners will finance 74% of the project, with the remainder supported by the Public Transport Development Fund on a six-year revolving basis. The plan targets safety, pricing discipline, and environmental gains, addressing chronic shortages of licensed taxis and the prevalence of informal operators. Debate in the council underscored a preference for regulation over state competition with private firms, while keeping tenders open to existing taxi companies. City data indicates demand for about 5,000 taxis, with 1,000 vehicles deployed in the first phase and 4,573 jobs expected.
“This is not the city competing with the private sector; businesses will fund 74% and we’ll deliver a standardized, app-based, eco-friendly service.” - D. Badarsan, City Traffic Congestion Program Coordinator (news.mn)
“The city should set standards and enforce them, not launch a new state-run business with 77 billion MNT.” - O. Zunduidorj, City Council Representative (itoim.mn)
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Altai Soum Gains Stable Power via Grid Link to China’s Hami Prefecture
Published: 2025-12-26
Altai soum in Govi-Altai, previously outside Mongolia’s unified power system, has been connected to China’s Hami Prefecture grid, providing a continuous and reliable electricity source as of December 25, 2025. The interconnection was completed by engineers from “AUEKhS” state-owned company. The upgrade is expected to improve living standards, support small and medium enterprises, reduce unemployment, and raise household incomes in the region. For national infrastructure, the connection helps close remaining gaps in power coverage across Mongolia’s vast territory, enhancing grid reliability in remote areas and enabling more predictable operations for local businesses. The move also signals increased cross-border energy integration with China, which could shape future investment and energy security planning for western provinces.
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Ulaanbaatar Endorses 2026–2030 Plan to Build “20-Minute City,” Expand Schools and Transport Network
Published: 2025-12-26
Ulaanbaatar’s city council approved a five-year development plan for 2026–2030 aligned with Vision-2050 and the New Revival Policy, aiming to structure the capital as a “20-minute city.” The plan zones the metropolis into two cities of national status, 14 local-status cities, and two satellite cities to improve access to services and competitiveness. Education is a priority: the city will add 84 general education schools to ease severe overcrowding, targeting class sizes that currently exceed 50 students and addressing a 150,000-student capacity gap among roughly 300,000 students. Health measures seek to expand early screening and vaccination coverage across 216 primary, secondary, and tertiary facilities. Labor participation is targeted to rise from 0.642 to 0.650 by 2030. Transport upgrades include 191 km of new roads and a revamped public transit policy, while per capita green space is set to increase from 6.5 to 9 sq m. Council members urged clearer implementation sequencing, measurable outcomes, and tighter oversight during rollout.
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Ulaanbaatar Launches Selbe “20-Minute City” Buildout with 8,575 Homes Planned
Published: 2025-12-26
Ulaanbaatar has begun large-scale construction on the Selbe “20-minute city,” the first project under the government’s urban model aimed at reducing air pollution and congestion while upgrading ger areas to apartments. The 158-hectare development spans parts of Chingeltei and Sukhbaatar districts and plans 8,575 housing units across seven work packages. Land clearance for 1,876 households was completed in 1.6 years. Tenders for the first 3,818 apartments were issued in March 2025, with construction launched on May 29; work on an additional 67 blocks began in September. Foundations have started on 82 of 113 blocks, with sealed winter construction methods keeping progress on schedule. The first 3,818 units are slated for commissioning in Q3 2027. The plan reserves 37% for green space and includes schools, healthcare, public services, sports, cinema, and retail. Authorities project a 22% cut in air pollution and a 36.3% reduction in traffic congestion.
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$462 Million Water Program Nears Completion, Expanding Ulaanbaatar Supply and Recycling Capacity
Published: 2025-12-26
The U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation and Mongolia’s government are finalizing a $462 million Water Compact to boost Ulaanbaatar’s supply and industrial reuse, with commissioning expected in March. The package includes a new western wellfield near Biocombinat and Shuvuun Khuvkhun (30 deep wells, 55 km pipeline) and a new Advanced Water Purification Plant to deliver up to 50 million m³ annually for potable use. A separate recycling facility by the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant will pipe treated water to Thermal Power Plant No. 4 and TPP-3, saving an estimated 18 million m³ of drinking water each year by replacing it in cooling and ash handling. Sector sustainability measures will support the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WSSA) on cost recovery, workforce training, and automation of 180 kiosks connected to central lines. Despite COVID-19, wars, supply shocks, floods, and U.S. aid reviews, construction continued year-round to stay on schedule.
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Energy Ministry Orders No Pay Cuts as Grid Operator Prepares for 2025–2026 Winter
Published: 2025-12-26
Deputy Minister of Energy S. Dalkhaasuren met engineering and technical staff at the National Dispatching Center to review preparations for the 2025–2026 winter operating season and ongoing project execution. The visit focused on ensuring stable winter operations, identifying operational bottlenecks, and agreeing on corrective measures. Despite acknowledging financial and asset shortages at the state-owned grid operator, the deputy minister instructed management to protect employee wages and social benefits while advancing readiness tasks. The directive signals the ministry’s priority to safeguard workforce stability—critical for uninterrupted dispatch and reliability—while it seeks solutions to funding constraints. Further measures discussed included strengthening winter regime operations and addressing company-specific challenges; however, no new budget allocations or structural reforms were announced. Source: Ministry of Energy via gogo.mn.
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Transport Ministry Flags 10 Priority Projects for 2025, Advancing Rail Links, Air Liberalization, and Digital Services
Published: 2025-12-26
The Transport and Development Ministry outlined 10 priorities for 2025, emphasizing cross-border rail links, aviation financing reform, and digital services. Construction on the 27 km Bagakhangai–Khushgiin Khundii spur is 84% complete, designed to divert hazardous cargo away from central Ulaanbaatar and cut congestion by up to 30%. Work began on the Gashuunsukhait–Gantsmod cross-border rail, with 8% progress and partial financing disbursed—part of a broader push to expand links at Shiveekhuren, Hangi, and Bichigt that could add 60–70 million tons of annual capacity and lift exports by $2–3 billion. Air navigation fees will be recycled into civil aviation safety from 2026, with MNT 40 billion earmarked for upgrades. Air travel expanded to 2.4 million passengers and 56 international routes as liberalization advanced. Digitalization accelerated via e-Mongolia and eBusiness, and a new MNT 150,000 road fee on mining trucks began generating revenue. The sector reports meeting 2025 revenue targets and streamlining headcount under a state restructuring plan.
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Domestic Oil Refinery Targets Late-2027 Start, Planning Euro-5 Fuel Output
Published: 2025-12-26
The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources says the four-phase oil refinery project remains on schedule to start operations by late 2027. Designed to process 1.5 million tons of crude annually, the plant is expected to produce 1.3 million tons of fuels meeting Euro-5 standards, including AI-92, AI-95, and diesel, plus roughly 40,000 tons of liquefied petroleum gas. At full capacity, projections indicate the facility could meet all domestic LPG demand and about half of Mongolia’s motor fuel needs—significant given rapid consumption growth: diesel demand linked to mining is rising around 20% annually, while AI-92 gasoline increases 7–10% per year. The refinery’s commissioning would reduce import dependence, support energy security, and stabilize supply amid expanding mining and transport activity.
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Society
Government Orders Comprehensive Inspections of Internal Troops After Abuse Video Surfaces
Published: 2025-12-26
Mongolia launched full-scale inspections across Internal Troops units after a video allegedly showing hazing and rights violations at the 05th unit sparked public outrage. A task force led by Vice Minister of Justice and Home Affairs D. Munkh-Erdene began an on-site, comprehensive audit at the implicated unit and will extend checks to all Internal Troops formations. The review focuses on human rights protections, compliance with laws and common military regulations approved by presidential decree, and the identification of systemic causes behind non-statutory relations. Authorities said violations will be addressed and responsible individuals held accountable, with findings to be reported to the Prime Minister by the Justice and Home Affairs Minister. Adding scope, the Justice Minister said a parallel, broader inspection has been deployed across both military and border units.
“By order of the Prime Minister, a comprehensive inspection team of more than 30 members has been dispatched to the military and border units, with conclusions due Friday evening.” - Justice and Home Affairs Minister B. Enkhbayar (isee.mn)
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Police Warn of Card-Swap Taxi Scam Targeting Intoxicated Nightlife Patrons
Published: 2025-12-26
Mongolia’s police have issued a public alert about a new fraud scheme targeting people leaving bars and karaoke venues, particularly those under the influence of alcohol. Perpetrators pose as taxis waiting outside, transport victims, then request payment via a POS terminal. During the transaction they reportedly swap the victim’s bank card with a similar one, observe or elicit the PIN, and subsequently withdraw funds from the victim’s account. Authorities say victims are typically those with lowered vigilance using unfamiliar vehicles. Police advise using official taxi services, never handing bank cards to others, personally overseeing POS transactions, keeping PINs concealed, and reporting suspicious situations immediately via the 102 hotline. The notice underscores growing sophistication in street-level financial fraud and the importance of basic payment security practices.
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Gas Explosion Triggers Restaurant Fire at MN Tower; Three Injured as Investigation Begins
Published: 2025-12-26
A gas explosion at a restaurant in the MN Tower complex in central Ulaanbaatar sparked a fire at 16:40 on December 25, according to the capital’s emergency services. Firefighters from the Chingeltei District’s Unit No. 10 extinguished the blaze, and three people sustained burn injuries and were transferred to medical care. Police have secured the building, and specialized agencies are investigating the cause and circumstances. Authorities have not yet released details on the extent of structural damage or whether operations in the building will be restricted. Gas-related incidents are a recurring safety concern in mixed-use high-rises in Ulaanbaatar, and the probe’s findings could lead to heightened inspections and compliance checks for restaurants and commercial tenants using gas systems in dense urban settings.
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2026 Calendar Sets 140+ Cultural, Tourism, and Sports Events Nationwide
Published: 2025-12-26
Mongolia has approved a unified 2026 calendar featuring more than 140 major events across culture, tourism, sports, and MICE segments, signaling a coordinated push to extend the visitor season and spread activity beyond Ulaanbaatar. The program includes 99 cultural and tourism events, 14 sports events, and 27 meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. Winter tourism will be emphasized early in the year with snow and ice festivals and camel herder celebrations scheduled in January across Khentii, Arkhangai, Khovd, Umnugovi, Selenge, Bayankhongor, Dundgovi, and Ulaanbaatar. February will feature the traditional “Ten Thousand Camels Festival” in Umnugovi, followed by March highlights such as “Blue Pearl” on Khuvsgul Lake and the “Eagle Festival” in Ulaanbaatar. The consolidated plan supports regional tourism development and event-led destination marketing in 2026.
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Published: 2025-12-26
Parliament is debating amendments to the Law on Permits aimed at reducing bureaucratic burdens, with some lawmakers urging tighter controls in sensitive areas. MP D. Bum-Ochir backed efforts to cut general permits but called for stricter licensing of religious organizations, citing public complaints about new sects and specific groups. He framed the broader system as overly burdensome on citizens and argued for selective reinforcement to address social concerns linked to unregistered or controversial religious activities.
“The state is making life difficult for citizens—frankly, tormenting them. I support reducing permits, but we must toughen the issuance of certain licenses, especially for religious organizations,” - MP D. Bum-Ochir (eagle.mn)
His remarks signal a likely policy carve-out: a general streamlining of permits paired with heightened scrutiny for religious entities, reflecting mounting public unease and potential regulatory tightening in the sector.
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Environment
Zavkhan Moves to Curb Winter Migration with Feed Supply, Irrigation and Local Feed Production
Published: 2025-12-26
A delegation led by Vice Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry B. Nyamjav reviewed winter preparedness in Zavkhan, where authorities report 82.6% of planned hay and fodder is secured and 23% of livestock has been marketed to reduce dzud risk. Winter conditions are worsening in six soums, while 64 households from four soums are herding 25,200 animals in five provinces for pasture. The province commissioned a 500-hectare irrigation system at Khüren Tal and began allocating irrigation to Erdenekhairkhan and Yaru, positioning Zavkhan to produce more domestic fodder. The Tes feed plant is supplying compound and protein feeds to replace imports and lower prices, part of a plan to lessen climate risk and reduce otor migration, local officials said. The vice minister’s team also met the provincial emergency commission, veterinary lab, and agricultural agency to address sector challenges.
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Innovation
City University Launches 1.5-Year English-Language Master’s Program with Tsinghua University
Published: 2025-12-26
City University has opened admissions for a 1.5-year, English-language master’s program run jointly with China’s Tsinghua University, one of the world’s top-ranked institutions. Applicants can specialize in Business Administration or Urban and Regional Management. The program offers 1–2 semesters of study at Tsinghua, access to its campus infrastructure—including dormitories, libraries, museums, theaters, sports complexes, and a swimming pool—and official Tsinghua credit transcripts. Courses will be taught by leading professors and researchers. The partnership provides Mongolian graduates with a direct pathway to international academic standards and networks, which could enhance regional career prospects in management and urban development. Further details are available via the provided contact numbers. No official statements or individual comments were cited in the article.
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Health
Measles cases inch up with six new infections; vaccination push intensifies as health officials warn of travel risks
Published: 2025-12-26
Six new measles cases were confirmed on December 26, bringing Mongolia’s total to 13,752, with 25 patients hospitalized and 28 under home monitoring. In Dornod Province, 25 pediatric cases were reported, most among 10–14-year-olds—a trend mirrored nationwide. Health authorities are tracing nearly 97,800 contacts and conducting catch-up immunizations; 528 contacts in Dornod are slated for vaccination and monitoring. The Health Minister urged higher vaccine uptake, noting that coverage must reach at least 95% to suppress transmission, and advised outbound travelers to be immunized. Hospitalized cases include severe and critical patients, and 11 deaths have been recorded. Officials caution that measles, often imported, can spread rapidly if vaccination lags, with concurrent influenza season heightening risks.
“Measles spread to Mongolia via an importation in February. We contained it before Naadam, but only about 65% of children needing shots were vaccinated; 95% coverage is required to fully suppress the disease. Travelers must receive measles and mumps vaccines.” - Health Minister J. Chinburen (news.mn)
“Without proactive measures, measles may rise alongside influenza. Vaccination has relatively curtailed the disease, and new daily cases are now very low.” - N. Suvdmaa, unit head at the National Center for Communicable Diseases (news.mn)
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Intermed Hospital Signs 10-Year Strategic Investment Deal with Japan’s IUHW Group
Published: 2025-12-26
Intermed Hospital signed an investment and strategic cooperation agreement with Japan’s International University of Health and Welfare (IUHW) Group in Tokyo on December 25, 2025, launching a 10-year partnership to expand advanced medical services in Mongolia. The deal aims to introduce Japanese-standard care, phase in state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment equipment, and embed Japanese clinical, management, and training methodologies at Intermed. IUHW, a major Japanese network integrating medical universities, research, and hospitals, will support continuous professional development for Intermed’s physicians and nurses through training and consultation channels with Japanese specialists. Intermed, accredited by JCI, expects the long-term investment to raise service quality to international benchmarks and reduce the need for overseas treatment by offering higher-precision diagnostics and care domestically. No financial terms were disclosed across the reports.
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Published: 2025-12-26
South Korea’s Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has supplied and installed next-generation sequencing (NGS) equipment at the National Center for Communicable Diseases’ microbiology lab under the “MIRACLE” project. Prior to installation, lab staff underwent capacity-building training in Korea in September, covering core theory, hands-on practice, and data analysis. The system enables rapid identification of bacterial species, detection of antimicrobial resistance, and simultaneous multi-pathogen screening—critical for surveillance and clinical decision-making. Korean specialists completed installation this month and conducted a three-day trial and user training, with follow-up training planned next year. Ongoing technical support will focus on gene-based analysis of microbial resistance, strengthening capabilities to determine resistance mechanisms and monitor their spread—an area of growing importance as antimicrobial resistance rises regionally and globally.
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Orkhon Opens Care and Rehabilitation Center for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities
Published: 2025-12-26
Orkhon Province has launched its first locally operated “Care and Rehabilitation Center for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities,” addressing needs among more than 10,000 elderly residents, including 3,600 requiring continuous care. The center was opened through a public–private partnership led by the Governor’s Office, which will provide a facility under a use agreement and commit time-bound funding to support operations. The site repurposes the former “Seniors’ Sanatorium” and will be managed by a family of young physicians who recently relocated from Khuvsgul. Local officials, including Governor B. Zorigtbayar and Social Policy Department Head G. Erdenebulgan, attended the inauguration. The initiative aims to expand long-term care capacity in Erdenet, signaling a model for decentralized elderly and disability services with shared public financing and private management. No timeline for full capacity or patient intake targets was disclosed.
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