Politics
Government raises base pay for 52,000 public-service employees from November 1
Published: 2026-10-28
The government has approved higher minimum base salaries for 52,000 public-service employees, effective November 1, funded by 170.1 billion tugriks in the 2026 budget amendment. The measure covers 28,142 health workers, 5,707 culture, arts and sports employees, 1,610 science workers, and 16,395 staff in other public-service roles. Average increases range from 477,000 to 903,000 tugriks, and affected sectors’ base pay will be 50% above 2025 levels. The decision includes workers in culture, sports, weather and environmental monitoring, standards and metrology, as well as common-service roles such as drivers, guards and electricians. Regional public employees receive location-based supplements of 20% to 40%. The government also set social-welfare pensions for eligible groups at 600,000 tugriks monthly and plans further pay rises for public administration and special-service staff from the second quarter of 2027.
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Published: 2026-10-28
The government has approved for submission to Parliament amendments to the Notary Law that would introduce remote notarization through video links. Under the proposal, citizens in Mongolia or abroad could obtain selected services online, including certification of contracts, powers of attorney and signatures. Wills, inheritance and real-estate-registration matters would be excluded from remote processing. Justice and Home Affairs Minister G. Temuulen said the service would be introduced gradually with the Mongolian Chamber of Notaries. The draft also proposes discounted notary fees for persons with disabilities and older people, while specified groups could receive free certification of powers of attorney and document copies. The ministry estimates that 500,000 to 600,000 people could qualify for reduced fees; about one million notarial certifications are provided nationally each year.
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Published: 2026-10-28
Parliament’s Human Rights Subcommittee has formed a working group to review how laws protecting rights during arrest and pretrial detention are being implemented. The decision followed a briefing by the National Human Rights Commission of Mongolia and other agencies. The commission received 303 complaints related to detention and arrest without a court order in 2026, after 407 in 2025 and 360 in 2024; such complaints account for 27.6% of all complaints received. Reported concerns include insufficient reasons recorded in court detention orders, limited adversarial hearings on detention evidence, and inadequate access to lawyers during urgent arrests. More than 3,350 people are currently held in pretrial detention. The working group will conduct oversight, prepare findings and recommendations, and draft any necessary parliamentary decisions.
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Business Chamber Seeks Delay to New Tobacco Requirements
Published: 2026-10-28
The European-Mongolian Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry has asked that new tobacco packaging and ingredient requirements be postponed until the government issues technical regulations and gives producers time to prepare. Parliament has passed amendments to the Tobacco Control Law, which are awaiting the president’s signature, with the new requirements planned to take effect on January 1, 2027. The chamber said the technical rules have not yet been drafted, leaving manufacturers unable to plan packaging, production-line and product-range changes. It argued that official producers require at least 12 months to adjust and cited Mongolia’s obligations under the World Trade Organization Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade. The request does not seek to remove health protections, the chamber said, but to establish clear implementation rules and a workable transition period.
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Draft Road-Safety Amendments Target Safer School Journeys
Published: 2026-10-28
Officials, school representatives and students discussed proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Safety Law intended to improve child safety on journeys between home and school. The discussion, called “The Road From Home to School,” included participants from schools in Bayangol, Khan-Uul and Songinokhairkhan districts. Nationwide, 1,377 children were involved in road traffic accidents in 2024. Officials said the amendments could reduce that number by as much as 20 percent in their first year, if adopted. The proposed measures would help define safety standards and budget priorities around schools. The city is already implementing its “Road to School” project during the 2026-2027 academic year. Member of Parliament L. Enkhnasan said the draft has completed its concept approval, assessment and impact research and will be submitted to Parliament after consultations.
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Government Plans Bill to Confiscate Illicit Assets Next Month
Published: 2026-10-28
The Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs plans to submit a bill on confiscating and recovering illicit assets held by public officials to Parliament next month. The announcement came at the ministry’s first monthly “Open Ministry Information Hour,” a forum intended to report agency work and government decisions publicly. Justice and Home Affairs Minister G. Temuulen also said disciplinary action has begun against officials found responsible for failures connected to the Nomrog Strictly Protected Area fire investigation. By government decision, Border Guard Unit 0198 commander B. Gantugs and Border Port Administration head E. Gantulga have been dismissed. The ministry said further action could follow inspection results. Temuulen defended the recent appointment of former National Police Agency chief S. Baatarjav as ministry state secretary, describing it as a merit-based appointment.
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MPs Seek Time Limits on Business Restrictions During Criminal Cases
Published: 2026-10-28
Six members of parliament, led by D. Enkhtuvshin, submitted amendments to the Criminal Procedure Law on April 30 to set clearer rules for restrictions imposed on companies under criminal investigation. Enkhtuvshin said current measures can suspend a company’s operations or freeze asset transfers without defined time limits, putting employees, suppliers, creditors and investors at risk. The proposal would require authorities to consider the likely effects on a business, including income, perishable goods and investment, and would set review periods for restrictions such as suspending operations. A working group led by MP Kh. Baasanjargal is expected to consult relevant institutions, although the bill has not yet been scheduled for parliamentary debate. Enkhtuvshin said existing proposals on criminal procedure do not address proceedings involving legal entities.
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Presidential Office Rejects Property Claims, Plans Defamation Complaint
Published: 2026-10-28
President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh’s office rejected allegations by former Ulaanbaatar mayor Kh. Nyambaatar that the president owns extensive property, including homes in Bagatenger, a hotel in Gachuurt and commercial buildings. Press office chief Ts. Ganzorig said Khurelsukh ordered a house near Bagatenger using about MNT 1.2 billion from savings, while more than 400 homes stand in the area and the three properties shown by Nyambaatar are owned by others. The office said Anduud Tower belongs to the capital and denied allegations concerning an Australian house, a helicopter and a Gachuurt hotel. A separate report said the Bagatenger house did not appear in the president’s 2021–25 asset declarations. The office said it would refer Nyambaatar for a law-enforcement investigation over alleged defamation.
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Supreme Court Leaves Fines in Place for Enkhbold and Enkh-Amgalan
Published: 2026-10-28
The Supreme Court’s full bench on Oct. 28 refused to refer complaints in the case involving former presidential chief of staff Z. Enkhbold and former Roads and Transport Development Minister B. Enkh-Amgalan for cassation review. Reports d22-s2 and d22-s4 say this left an appellate decision converting each man’s two-year prison term into a MNT 40 million fine in force. Those reports, along with d22-s1, say prior proceedings found Enkh-Amgalan guilty of participating in abuse of office to benefit others and Enkhbold guilty of unlawfully influencing him and instigating the offense. But d22-s3 gives a different procedural account, reporting that a later first-instance court acquitted Enkhbold and sentenced Enkh-Amgalan to two years in prison. The reports agree that the Supreme Court found no statutory basis to hear the complaints.
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Parliament Schedules Budget Framework and Data Law Discussions
Published: 2026-10-28
Parliament’s Budget Standing Committee and Economic Standing Committee were scheduled to meet jointly at noon on Oct. 28 for a second discussion of amendments to the law on Mongolia’s 2027 budget framework statement and 2028–29 fiscal projections. The Economic Standing Committee was then scheduled to continue its meeting separately. Its agenda included deciding whether to discuss the government’s Data Law bill and accompanying bills, which were submitted on Aug. 24, 2026. Members were also scheduled to consider a draft standing-committee resolution on establishing a working group. Both reports described the planned agenda: neither reported the outcome of the joint session, the Data Law discussion or the proposed resolution. The reports listed these items after the budget discussion.
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Economy
Border restrictions cut Oyu Tolgoi copper concentrate exports by 70%
Published: 2026-10-28
Oyu Tolgoi LLC says restrictions on the return crossing from China’s Ganqimaodu port toward Gashuunsukhait have reduced copper-concentrate truck convoys since October 15. Daily crossings fell from 13–15 convoys to three or four, while the company reported that copper-concentrate exports had slowed by 70% over the previous 14 days. It warned that transport disruption could cause concentrate produced at the mine to accumulate. Finance Minister Z. Mendsaikhan said China had notified Mongolia that maintenance at Gashuunsukhait would continue through October 31, without explaining the decline in copper-concentrate exports. Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi CEO B. Chagnaadorj said coal exports also slowed during port expansion work, from a July monthly average of 3 million tonnes to 1.9 million tonnes. The government discussed increasing Khangi port’s capacity, which carries 20% of Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi coal exports.
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Government removes 44 permit rules and drops debt checks for 367 permit types
Published: 2026-10-28
The Ministry of Economy and Development has revoked 44 regulations it says were no longer needed for issuing permits and notifications, as part of the government’s “Free Up” policy to reduce administrative barriers for businesses. At the Permit Council’s second meeting on October 27, officials reviewed progress since its first meeting on September 24. The ministry said it had removed requirements to show no outstanding tax or social-insurance debt for 367 types of permits administered by 54 organizations. Since the Permit and Notification Law took effect, authorities have issued 32,358 permits. A unified Permit Information and Service Center has also opened to advise individuals and businesses on weekdays and coordinate solutions with responsible agencies. Deputy Prime Minister and Economy and Development Minister J. Enkhbayar said 11 measures related to implementing the law were 83% complete under Government Resolution No. 329.
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2027 Budget Plan Faces Scrutiny Over Mining-Revenue Assumptions
Published: 2026-10-28
The government’s proposed 2027 budget forecasts 10.8 trillion tugriks in mining tax revenue, equal to about 9.5% of GDP, based on planned exports of 110 million tonnes of coal and 2.1 million tonnes of copper. It assumes a copper price of $12,700 per tonne and 8.3 trillion tugriks in non-tax revenue. Researchers and audit bodies have questioned the assumptions, citing export dependence on China, uncertain coal prices, and weaker recent mining-related revenues. By September, coal exports had reached 86.1 million tonnes, while the global copper price reached $14,822 on October 12. The plan had included 2 trillion tugriks from Oyu Tolgoi dividends, but that amount is now intended for the Wealth Fund’s Savings Fund rather than budget-financed projects.
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Published: 2026-10-28
Coal-truck owners say intermediary transport companies may deduct management fees of 4-5 yuan per tonne while drivers bear vehicle loans, fuel, repairs and other operating costs. J. Tuul, chair of the Transport Workers’ Families and Wives Association, said privately owned trucks may register through licensed companies when direct contracting is limited. Payments from customers can pass through company accounts before deductions and transfers to truck owners, making it difficult for drivers to verify rates, costs and outstanding payments. The association estimates that roughly 60% of about 500 domestic coal-transport companies may primarily register privately owned trucks rather than operate their own fleets, though it says official records must be reviewed. It calls for the National Center for Road Transport, the Transport Ministry, industry associations and clients to examine ownership, contracts, fees and payment records.
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Draft 2027 Budget Links Higher Wages and Pensions to Inflation Risk
Published: 2026-10-28
Draft plans for the 2027 budget include increases to public-sector salaries, pensions and benefits, while the government targets 5.8 percent economic growth and projects 8 percent inflation. The International Monetary Fund has projected end-2027 inflation of about 8.5 percent, according to the report, and warned that higher outlays for wages, pensions, social programs and investment could add price pressure. The report notes that the two forecasts use different measures: the budget framework is a planning estimate, while the IMF figure is an end-year projection. It also identifies whether domestic production, imports and logistics can meet stronger demand as a factor affecting prices. The proposed increases have not been presented as proof that inflation will rise.
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China and Mongolia Pursue Standards Cooperation for Fermented Dairy Exports
Published: 2026-10-28
Officials from the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry met a delegation from China’s National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment to discuss food safety, product standards and trade. The visitors were introduced to meat exporters and dairy processors, including producers of camel milk, dairy products and sea buckthorn oil. Under an existing memorandum, Mongolia proposed cooperation on Codex work, risk assessment for regional traditional foods, workforce development and improved laboratory techniques; the Chinese side expressed willingness to cooperate. The parties also plan to work on product-quality standards, export and import matters, and stronger oversight of meat and meat-product exports. They identified expanded trade and efforts to introduce fermented dairy products to Chinese consumers and increase supplies as priorities.
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Diplomacy
Presidential Tour Secures $95.5 Million in Private-Sector Deals
Published: 2026-10-28
President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh concluded state visits to Germany, Finland and Belarus, during which businesses signed cooperation agreements and memoranda worth a combined $95.5 million. The Germany-Mongolia business forum produced six documents valued at $35.5 million, while six Finnish agreements were valued at $10 million. In Minsk, companies signed 17 documents worth $50 million, covering rail transport, construction materials, agricultural equipment, food and dairy supplies. The visits also advanced diplomatic and institutional cooperation: Mongolia and Germany reaffirmed their strategic partnership, Mongolia and Finland signed 10 documents in education, culture and business, and Mongolia and Belarus exchanged ratification instruments for their friendship and cooperation treaty. The Belarus visit, held October 24-26, established a 2027-2029 cooperation roadmap and expanded cooperation in sport, agriculture, credit and light industry.
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Infrastructure
Road Border Crossings Set for Temporary November Closures
Published: 2026-10-28
Border authorities announced a November schedule of temporary road-border closures. At the Mongolia-Russia border, the Tsagaannuur crossing will close on November 10 and 26. The Tes, Artsuur, Borshoo, Khang, and Ulikhan crossings will close on November 4, 10, and 26. At the Mongolia-China border, the Burgastai, Shiveekhuren, Gashuunsukhait, Khangi, Zamiin-Uud, Bichigt, Sumber, and Bayankhoshuu crossings will temporarily close on November 10 and 26. The announcement sets out the working and rest-day schedule for these road crossings. It identifies the crossings and dates affected by the temporary closures.
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Traffic Congestion Intensifies as Ulaanbaatar Enters Winter
Published: 2026-10-28
Traffic congestion on Ulaanbaatar’s main roads has worsened in recent days, with some routes approaching complete standstill before the full onset of winter. Members of Parliament interviewed by Urug reported sharply different commute times from the State Palace: MPP caucus leader B. Batjargal said he can reach home in about 40 minutes by planning ahead, while J. Bayasgalan and O. Amgalanbaatar said their journeys can take two to three hours or more. The report notes that winter snow and icy roads can further reduce traffic speeds and amplify the effects of minor accidents or disruptions. Ulaanbaatar has invested in road expansion, intersections, buses and proposed mass-transit projects since 2013, and the article calls for a consolidated public assessment of their effects on average travel speeds and commuting time.
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Untreated Slaughterhouse Wastewater Threatens New Central Treatment Plant
Published: 2026-10-28
Wastewater from slaughterhouses near Emeelt is being delivered to the Monos receiving point without adequate pretreatment, creating operational risks for Ulaanbaatar’s new Central Wastewater Treatment Plant, according to reporting and water officials. The facility is intended to receive domestic wastewater and industrial wastewater that meets MNS 6561 standards, but slaughterhouse effluent contains blood, rumen contents, fat and other animal waste. Average test results from Emeelt plants found suspended solids at 90 times the permitted level, chemical oxygen demand at 100 times the limit, and total nitrogen at 170 times the limit. T. Bilguun of the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority said the material can damage pipes and equipment, disrupt treatment and complicate water recycling for Thermal Power Plants No. 3 and No. 4. Slaughterhouses are required to install pretreatment systems.
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City Plans to Add Buses on 14 Routes to Cut Waiting Times
Published: 2026-10-28
Ulaanbaatar’s Public Transport Policy Department plans to add 20 buses on 14 high-demand routes from October 28 as colder weather, congestion and peak-hour travel lengthen waits. About 650,000 passengers use public transport daily, while 1,172 vehicles serve 132 routes. The planned additions include routes serving growing residential areas such as Baruun Salaa, Biocombinat, Viva City, the Third and Fourth Microdistricts, Bogdkhan Resort and Khailaast HMK. The department says it is coordinating with the Traffic Police Department and Traffic Management Center to make short turns and send buses to stops with long queues. From November 1, the Kh:7 route is planned to turn back at Yarmag’s Third Stop instead of continuing to Khangarid. Officials have proposed purchasing 60 high-capacity electric buses as buses imported in 2016 are scheduled to leave public service in December.
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Engineers Raise Flood-Risk Concerns Over Yaarmag Embankment
Published: 2026-10-28
Water engineers have raised concerns about a 180-meter flood-protection embankment built in 2024 near the new bridge linking Yaarmag and Thermal Power Plant No. 4, where the Dund Gol meets the Baruun Uul channel. The city removed an unauthorized private bridge and built the embankment after flooding in 2023 and 2024 affected nearby roads and the new bridge. The source says an earlier gravel road had blocked the Baruun Uul channel’s natural flow into the Dund Gol; city agencies said the embankment was meant to restore unobstructed flow. Engineers nevertheless criticized the embankment as poorly sited and built without adequate water-retention or water-passage solutions. They also said land-use decisions have constrained flood-control design, with suitable sites for embankments or channels allocated privately. A newly erected fence occupies an area specialists identified as suitable for flood protection. City agencies declined to identify the landholder or intended use.
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Power System Prepares for Winter as Peak Demand Nears 1,956 MW
Published: 2026-10-28
Mongolia’s Energy Ministry says winter-preparedness work across the power sector was 89% complete last week, with 1,630 repair, investment and technical tasks planned. Ulaanbaatar’s 2026-2027 peak demand is forecast to reach 1,956 MW, separately reported as 153 MW above last winter. Thermal Power Plant No. 4, which supplies about 70% of the capital’s electricity and 60% of its heat, says it is finishing scheduled repairs, including major repairs on two boilers, and reports no major technical problems. The ministry said a 35 MW first block at the 70 MW Selenge thermal power plant is scheduled to enter service next month, while its second block is planned to connect in December. It also plans to bring Thermal Power Plant No. 3’s seventh turbine generator online by December 20, adding 25 MW. Officials say a major equipment failure during peak demand could require electricity restrictions.
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Society
Search Operations Organized for Three Missing People in Uvs, Zavkhan, and Khuvsgul Provinces
Published: 2026-10-28
Search operations were organized for three people reported missing in Uvs, Zavkhan, and Khuvsgul provinces. In Uvs Province’s Tarialan soum, a 26-year-old woman disappeared after leaving to look for livestock near Mashiin-Am at about 7:00 a.m. on October 15; the search began early on October 16 and had entered its 13th day. In Tosontsengel soum, Zavkhan Province, a 54-year-old man went missing after leaving on foot from a timber-work site on October 21. Searchers began operations on October 22 but temporarily suspended them at 19:20 because of limited visibility. In Erdenebulgan soum, Khuvsgul Province, responders began searching for a 46-year-old man missing since September 18; a 13-kilometre search produced no definite result before the operation was temporarily suspended because of limited visibility.
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Court Orders Road Company to Share MNT 396 Million Compensation Award
Published: 2026-10-28
A Selenge Province inter-soum first-instance court ordered a road-maintenance company, a local cultural center and the driver to share liability for MNT 396 million in compensation after a crash in Shaamar soum killed four people. The driver, identified as L.Y., was travelling to a training event with three cultural-center employees and one minor in a Land Cruiser 100 when the crash occurred while bypassing road damage. Prosecutors charged L.Y. with violating traffic-safety and vehicle-operation rules. The court found the driver guilty, imposed one year in prison and revoked the driver’s licence for 10 years. It noted that MNT 105.9 million had already been paid to the victims’ families. The court’s decision names the cultural center, which prosecutors said had not provided a safe vehicle for the work trip, and the company responsible for maintenance and readiness of the paved road as civil defendants.
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Appeals Court Orders Merits Hearing in N. Shineetsetseg Case
Published: 2026-10-28
An appellate court has ruled that the criminal case involving N. Shineetsetseg, identified by the report as the victim in a gang-rape case, should proceed to a hearing on guilt. The first-instance court had returned the case for additional investigation, but the prosecutor appealed that decision. The appellate hearing took place on Oct. 28. Shineetsetseg said through her social-media account that she did not attend because of her emotional condition and apologized for not following her lawyers’ advice to appear. She thanked lawyers R. Bulgamaa, Rinjaan, N. Tsogbadrakh and Ts. Batbold. A first-instance court is now expected to set a date to consider the question of guilt. The ruling does not decide guilt itself.
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Environment
Satellite mapping finds fire burned 76.4% of Nomrog Strictly Protected Area
Published: 2026-10-28
Official Sentinel-2 satellite mapping dated October 25 found that a grassland fire affected 448,993.6 hectares, or 76.4%, of the 587,744.1-hectare Nomrog Strictly Protected Area in Khalkhgol soum, Dornod province. Another 55,966.8 hectares outside the protected area’s boundary were affected, bringing the mapped total to 504,960.4 hectares. The mapping uses 10-metre-resolution data and was issued by the national meteorological and environmental monitoring agency’s satellite and remote-sensing unit. A damage-assessment task force has added forensic specialists and forest and vegetation researchers, and is continuing field work at designated locations using two helicopters. The Environment and Climate Change Ministry has also discussed possible Japanese technical support for damage assessment, wildlife habitat protection and restoration planning. An earlier 79.8% estimate remains preliminary.
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November forecast flags severe dzud risk across western and southern areas
Published: 2026-10-28
The National Agency for Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring has issued its preliminary dzud forecast for November, warning of severe or very severe wintering conditions across 26% of the country. Conditions are expected to be very severe in 8% of the territory, severe in 18%, moderate in 33%, and slightly difficult in 24%; 16% is forecast to face no difficulty. Most of Bayan-Olgii, Uvs, Khovd, Zavkhan and Umnugovi provinces are among the areas expected to face severe or very severe conditions, along with parts of Govi-Altai, Bayankhongor, Khuvsgul, Arkhangai, Bulgan, Uvurkhangai and Dundgovi. The forecast draws on ground observations, satellite data, pasture conditions and carrying capacity, snowfall, and temperature and precipitation projections. Authorities advised vulnerable areas to monitor updated weather and dzud forecasts and prepare response measures.
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Government approves 5.3 billion tugriks in compensation for goats culled over pox outbreak
Published: 2026-10-28
The government has approved 5.3 billion tugriks in compensation for 58 herder households whose 26,840 goats were culled following confirmed goat pox cases. The disease was confirmed in Khuvsgul soum of Dornogovi in May, and in Tsogt and Delger soums of Govi-Altai and Altanbulag soum of Tuv in September. The State Emergency Commission ordered the goats destroyed, buried and disinfected. Compensation covers 23,358 goats from 47 households in Tsogt, 1,999 from five households in Delger, 751 from two households in Altanbulag, and 732 from four households in Khuvsgul. Payments are calculated under the Animal Health Law and the 2018 quarantine rules, using local livestock-price data. Food, Agriculture and Light Industry Minister Ts. Iderbat said 1.5 billion tugriks had been allocated for a domestic vaccine, with production planned to begin by mid-November after laboratory validation.
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Government Directs Faster Food-Reserve Build-Up as Harvest Reaches 88%
Published: 2026-10-28
The government has directed Food, Agriculture and Light Industry Minister Ts. Iderbat to rapidly build strategic reserves using 120 billion tugriks approved in the 2026 budget amendment. As of October 26, harvesting was 88.1% complete, producing 569,500 tonnes of grain, including 507,100 tonnes of wheat, plus 174,800 tonnes of potatoes and 206,400 tonnes of vegetables. Wheat allocations include 109,800 tonnes for strategic food reserves and 185,000 tonnes for flour mills. The government plans to prepare 15,000 to 20,000 tonnes of reserve meat for Ulaanbaatar’s spring needs; 25 companies have applied to supply 12,800 tonnes. Procurement, storage, distribution, and sales of reserve meat are being recorded in a unified digital system, with purchase-point locations published through dashboard.gov.mn and the E-Barimt app.
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Draft Law Seeks Stronger Action on Soil Degradation and Desertification
Published: 2026-10-28
Scientists, researchers, government and non-government representatives, professional associations, businesses and citizens discussed a revised draft of Mongolia’s Soil Protection and Desertification Prevention Law. Participants said updated legal regulation is needed because soil and land degradation and desertification are affecting pasture conditions, agricultural production, livelihoods and environmental balance. Feedback from the public discussion will be consolidated to improve the bill. The draft proposes measures to prevent, reduce and restore soil and land degradation, while coordinating policy and planning across sectors. It would also clarify the duties and responsibilities of state institutions, citizens and legal entities. Economic incentives and financing mechanisms are planned to support soil protection and restoration work. Participants also called for clearer coordination among institutions and stronger mechanisms to ensure that the law can be implemented effectively.
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Empty-Stomached Bears Enter Uvs Settlements Before Hibernation
Published: 2026-10-28
Five brown bears in Uvs Province were rendered harmless, and necropsies found their stomachs empty, provincial environmental department head B. Enkhtuiya told NTV. She said the findings indicate that bears may not be obtaining the food needed before hibernation, and that cases of bears entering inhabited areas are increasing as a result. Enkhtuiya said bears can detect food smells from more than 30 kilometers away, making this a concern as people prepare winter provisions. She urged residents not to prepare winter meat near their winter quarters and to bury offal, blood and other by-products from slaughter. The guidance was presented as a way to reduce food smells that may attract bears seeking food before hibernation.
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Financial Regulator Issues Blue Bond Guidelines for Water Projects
Published: 2026-10-28
The Financial Regulatory Commission has prepared and introduced national guidelines for issuing blue bonds, creating a framework to finance sustainable water management. Designed around Mongolia’s market conditions, the guidelines aim to attract investment for projects that protect, restore and sustainably use water resources. They set core principles for bond issuance, selection and evaluation of eligible projects, and reporting on how raised funds are spent and what results they achieve. The commission said the framework is intended to develop the market for blue finance while giving issuers, financial institutions and investors a shared understanding of the instrument. It also seeks to strengthen transparency and accountability in environmentally focused securities financing.
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Firefighters Extinguish Steppe Fires in Sukhbaatar and Dornod
Published: 2026-10-28
Emergency crews have fully extinguished three steppe fires reported on October 27 in Sukhbaatar and Dornod provinces, according to the National Emergency Management Agency. A fire at Khailast in Bayangol bag, Sukhbaatar soum, Sukhbaatar province, was contained at 17:05 and put out at 07:20 the following morning; preliminary estimates put the burned area at 8,000 hectares. A second fire at Ulaan Khudag in Sakhuil Shand bag, Halzan soum, Sukhbaatar Province, was fully extinguished at 21:10. Responders protected more than 400 sheep, more than 110 horses, more than 180 cattle, hay, fences, vehicles, and five gers. A third fire crossed from China near border markers 1127 and 1128 in Tashgai bag, Khalkhgol soum, and was extinguished at 22:50 after burning an estimated 6,500 hectares.
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Health
Health Insurance Fund to Cover 100,000-Tugrik Child Day-Treatment Packages
Published: 2026-10-28
The Health Insurance Fund will fully finance 100,000-tugrik day-treatment packages for children as influenza and influenza-like illnesses increase. The measure expands funding for child day treatment at family, soum, and village health centers, allowing children assessed by a doctor as needing treatment to receive care close to home. Each package includes medical examination and monitoring, necessary diagnostic tests, doctor-prescribed medication, physiotherapy, and inhalation treatment. Parents will not need to purchase medicines required for the day-treatment package themselves, as the health facility will claim the cost through insurance funding. The General Authority for Health Insurance said it is also working on an arrangement to fund services according to treatment delivered, if needed, through the end of the flu season.
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National Stroke Study Finds Higher Preliminary Rates in Arkhangai and Khuvsgul
Published: 2026-10-28
A national study of stroke incidence has produced preliminary findings that Arkhangai and Khuvsgul provinces, along with Ulaanbaatar, have rates above the national average. Launched on April 1 with Australian funding, the year-long registry covers all 21 provinces and Ulaanbaatar’s nine districts and will analyze incidence, mortality and disability by province, soum, age and sex. Mongolia records about 200 stroke cases per 100,000 people, and the average age of patients is 59, about 10 years younger than elsewhere, according to specialists. Research conducted in Ulaanbaatar between 2019 and 2021 also found more cases during the cold season, when air pollution rises. The findings were presented ahead of World Stroke Day on October 29, as health specialists urged regular blood-pressure checks and timely emergency response.
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Prevention Spending Remains a Small Share of Health Budget
Published: 2026-10-28
A News.mn report says public-health spending remains limited despite legal provisions that identify public health as a national priority and the government’s 2024 designation of a year to promote it. Reported allocations were MNT 50.7 billion in 2023, MNT 67.1 billion in 2024, MNT 101.8 billion in 2025, MNT 91.5 billion in the 2026 budget amendment, and MNT 112.1 billion in the proposed 2027 budget. The report separately says the health minister’s total budget was MNT 1.7 trillion in 2025. It cites a MNT 4.9 billion approved 2026 budget for the National Center for Public Health, compared with MNT 24 billion for Chingeltei District Health Center. It also cites preventable mortality and noncommunicable-disease risk factors, including tobacco use and salt consumption.
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