Daily Briefing |

Mongolia Daily: Parliament moves to scrap 2% property tax, Korea inks minerals deals, and Gov’t opens strategic mine talks

MongoliaDaily

Politics

Parliamentary Committee Backs Draft to Repeal 2% Tax on Property Sales, Citing Public Petition and Local Budget Impact

Published: 2025-09-22

Parliament’s Petitions Committee endorsed drafting a bill to repeal the 2% tax on transferring real estate, sending its findings to the Budget Committee after a public petition by lawyer O. Batkhüü garnered over 100,000 verified signatures. The levy—applied once at sale and credited to local (sum and district) budgets—has operated since the early 1990s. Finance Ministry officials cited 55,000 taxpayers and MNT 115 billion in 2024 collections, noting the tax is a key revenue source for first-tier public services. Lawmakers urged distinguishing ordinary households from business sellers and expanding support beyond first-time buyers. Property ownership data presented showed 325,820 people own one apartment, 56,582 own two, and 12,376 own three or more. A separate petition to raise pay for doctors and teachers will proceed via a working group later.

“This 2% levy has been in force for 33 years and is a crucial source for local public services.” - L. Ichinnorov, Director, Revenue Division, Ministry of Finance (eagle.mn)

“Tax policy should help households upgrade housing; we must differentiate ordinary sellers from business operators.” - MP S. Erdenebat (news.mn)

Coverage:

Budget Talks, TechWeek Launch and Mining Ownership Debate Headline Ulaanbaatar’s Week

Published: 2025-09-22

Ulaanbaatar’s policy calendar is packed with fiscal, tech, trade and culture events. Parliament committees convene through the week as the Standing Committee on Budget hosts a discussion on revenue measures related to the 2026 draft budget, signaling potential adjustments to tax collection and compliance. The National IT Park launches the inaugural TechWeek 2025, highlighting government and private-sector focus on digital innovation and startup ecosystems. A business forum features Moscow-based firms promoting partnerships, while the annual “Autumn Green Days” fair opens at the National Stadium to showcase domestic producers and household enterprises. The Mongolian National Mining Association plans a briefing on instituting state equity or control over strategic deposits—an issue to watch for investor sentiment and regulatory clarity. Government cabinet and plenary sessions proceed mid‑week, as cultural programming, including joint Mongolian-Japanese photo exhibitions and orchestra season openings, underscores a broadening urban agenda.

Coverage:

Parliamentary Committee Sets Revenue Reforms as Coal Export Target Raised to 90 Million Tons in 2026

Published: 2025-09-22

Parliament’s Budget Standing Committee convened a policy forum on revenue collection, outlining measures to shore up weakening fiscal inflows after an eight-month shortfall versus last year. The Finance Ministry reported MNT 19.3 trillion in revenue through August, down overall due to lower tax receipts and mining royalties, despite gains in VAT, personal income tax, and non-tax income. Plans include boosting the Future Heritage Fund’s share of mineral royalty revenue from 40% to 65% next year and expanding the VAT refund to 5% for purchases up to MNT 1 million, alongside full digitization of e-receipts to widen the tax base. Authorities also aim to lift coal exports to 90 million tons next year by upgrading border infrastructure and logistics. The committee will host a series of hearings on investment, mining export risks, and 2026 budgets for social sectors.

“By improving border infrastructure and logistics, we will raise coal exports to 90 million tons next year.” - J. Ganbat, State Secretary, Ministry of Finance (montsame.mn)

“Tax reform must align with fiscal sustainability, social equity, and citizen–state relations.” - G. Altanzaya, President, Mongolian Association of Certified Tax Consultants (montsame.mn)

Coverage:

Parliament Schedules Oversight Hearing on Khovd’s Khaltan Buregtei Rare Earths Project

Published: 2025-09-22

Parliament will convene a general oversight hearing on the Khaltan Buregtei rare earths project to assess environmental risks and project governance. The site, operated under license by Mongolian National Rare Earth Corp (MNREC), has faced persistent local protests and disruptions, including claims—disputed by the company—of planned uranium extraction. The hearing follows years of exploration, environmental impact assessments, and local consultations, with MNREC saying it has presented technology and mitigation plans to authorities and residents. The project is one of six identified rare earth deposits in Mongolia and is seen by industry as a potential catalyst for a domestic rare earth value chain. Supporters argue a clear parliamentary position could unlock stalled investments and set a precedent for resolving similar disputes. The outcome may influence Mongolia’s role in the global rare earth market, where China dominates supply and export flows.

Coverage:

Economy

Government Opens Talks on Strategic Mines as Industry Warns Against Forced State Stakes

Published: 2025-09-22

The government has launched negotiations with license holders at 16 strategic deposits to align revenue sharing with the 2019 constitutional mandate and 2024 laws on the National Wealth Fund and minerals. Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar framed three priorities—broad citizen benefit, stronger state–private partnership, and growing the wealth fund—and asked for options to either set state equity or substitute it with a consolidated resource tax to be submitted to Parliament this year. Industry leaders backed revenue-sharing reforms but urged legal certainty and negotiated solutions, cautioning against retroactive state ownership.

“Let’s bundle all taxes into a single ‘resource tax’ so that the majority—‘50+1’—of the net benefit clearly goes to the people.” - Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar (peak.mn)

“It is not feasible for the state to reset ownership every time the law changes.” - G. Erdenetuya, CEO, Mongolian National Mining Association (news.mn)

“We fully support finding solutions within the law to increase citizens’ share from natural resources and make the wealth fund real.” - D. Odjargal, Chair, MCS Group (peak.mn)

Coverage:

MCS’s J. Odjargal Backs Clear Rules on ‘Strategic Deposits’ as Government Opens Talks on Tavan Tolgoi Shares

Published: 2025-09-22

MCS Group chairman J. Odjargal said the company ceded five of six licenses—96% of Tavan Tolgoi’s coal reserves—to the state in earlier negotiations and has invested about US$1 billion in the remaining Uhaa Khudag asset. He rejected claims that Uhaa Khudag is the core of the deposit, stating the main reserves lie in Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi’s West and East Tsankhi areas. Odjargal supports new talks led by the prime minister to align resource revenues with the Constitution and a planned National Wealth Fund, while warning investor certainty is essential to expand exports and draw capital.

“The rules of the game must be clear and stable… We must define what a ‘strategic deposit’ is—or whether we shift to ‘strategic products.’” - J. Odjargal, Chairman, MCS Group (news.mn; itoim.mn)

Coverage:

Erdene Starts Gold Production at Bayankhongor’s Bayan Khundii Mine with Full Ramp-Up Targeted for Late 2025

Published: 2025-09-22

Canada’s Erdene Resource Development has begun gold production at the Bayan Khundii open-pit mine in southwest Mongolia, marking a milestone more than a decade after project inception. The operation is slated to reach full capacity by late 2025, targeting about 85,000 ounces annually at comparatively low all-in costs. Proven and probable reserves stand at 513,700 ounces at an average grade of 4 g/t, including the Dark Horse satellite deposit. The company completed a 242 km power line, initiated mining, and commissioned processing, achieving first gold pour within 22 months.

“From discovery in 2015 to first gold in just 22 months from construction, Bayan Khundii has become the cornerstone of the Khundii Minerals District.” - Peter Akerley, President & CEO, Erdene Resource Development (montsame.mn)

Gold sales to the Bank of Mongolia at market prices are expected to bolster foreign reserves. The mine is jointly owned by Erdene (50%) and Mongolian Mining Corporation (50%), following MMC’s 2023 $40 million investment in Erdene Mongol LLC. The launch coincides with record gold prices, up roughly 40% year-to-date on geopolitical uncertainty and central bank buying.

Coverage:

External Debt Rises 12.7% to USD 39.6 Billion in Q2 as Corporate and Banking Liabilities Expand

Published: 2025-09-22

National Statistics Office data show total external debt reached USD 39.6 billion by Q2 2025, up USD 4.5 billion year-on-year (12.7%) and USD 1.6 billion from Q1 (4.1%). The increase was driven mainly by direct investment and intercompany lending (+USD 1.7 billion) and non–central bank deposit-taking institutions (+USD 1.3 billion). Government debt totaled MNT 35.5 trillion, rising 19.5% year-on-year and up MNT 917.2 billion from Q1. Domestic government debt surged 8.9 times from a year earlier, while government-guaranteed debt fell 30.8% to MNT 78.3 billion. Debt service in the period included MNT 2.4 trillion in principal payments (up MNT 1.1 trillion y/y) and MNT 565.1 billion in interest (down MNT 20.9 billion y/y). The composition suggests heavier corporate and banking external liabilities, alongside expanding sovereign obligations and moderated guarantee exposure.

Coverage:

Tugrik Weakens Against USD in August as Euro and Ruble Show Mixed Moves

Published: 2025-09-22

The Mongolian tugrik’s monthly average exchange rate against the U.S. dollar fell to MNT 3,592.14 in August, down MNT 211.2 year-on-year and MNT 7.3 from July, according to the Bank of Mongolia and National Statistics Office data reported by Montsame. The tugrik’s average rate against the euro reached MNT 4,178.96, a year-on-year depreciation of MNT 454.9, but firmed MNT 13.1 versus July. Against the Russian ruble, the tugrik averaged MNT 44.88, weakening MNT 7 year-on-year while strengthening MNT 0.4 month-on-month. The yuan rate averaged MNT 500.67, down MNT 28 from a year earlier and MNT 0.8 from July. The data point to persistent dollar strength while cross-currency dynamics reflect recent shifts in European and Russian markets. No official statements accompanied the figures.

Coverage:

Fiscal Council Member Warns of High-Risk 2026 Budget, Urges Accountability and Structural Reforms

Published: 2025-09-22

Mongolia’s 2026 budget draft trims revenue and spending ratios versus GDP, but the Fiscal Stability Council flags multiple risks: persistent “twin deficits,” heavy reliance on coal exports, rising debt service, and dominant welfare outlays limiting investment returns. Council member Dr. A. Enkhbat argues past commodity windfalls were funneled to social transfers and political pledges rather than value-added industries, leaving inflation, inequality, and weak services unresolved. He cautions 85–90 million tonnes coal export targets hinge on Chinese demand and border capacity, with key rail upgrades not impacting 2026. He criticizes proceeding before approving the 2026–2030 development plan and notes debt service could reach 3.35 trillion tugriks in 2026.

“Successive politicians created today’s situation and must be held strictly accountable.” - Dr. A. Enkhbat, Fiscal Stability Council member (news.mn)

“Talking and implementing are worlds apart.” - Dr. A. Enkhbat, Fiscal Stability Council member (news.mn)

Coverage:

Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi to Supply New 1/3 Coking Coal Product to China

Published: 2025-09-22

State-owned Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi (ETT) will begin formal exports to China of a new 1/3 coking coal product tailored to market demand. The grade originates from ETT’s third mine at the Tavan Tolgoi complex, opened on January 13, and is positioned as a higher-quality blend for steelmaking. Company data indicate key specifications: ash below 10%, sulfur under 0.6%, volatile matter below 37%, and caking index above 80. ETT plans long-term, stable deliveries to Chinese buyers, aligning with Mongolia’s strategy to optimize Tavan Tolgoi resource utilization and diversify its coking coal portfolio. For traders and end users, the move could broaden supply options in China’s metallurgical coal market and support pricing differentiation by quality, potentially strengthening ETT’s contract stability and revenue visibility.

Coverage:

Fiscal Watchdog Urges Pivot from Coal Dependency to Copper, Uranium and Rare Earths

Published: 2025-09-22

Mongolia’s Fiscal Stability Council presented its assessment of the 2026 draft budget, urging policymakers to reduce exposure to commodity price swings and diversify revenue sources. Council chair and economist N. Enkhbayar warned that recent windfalls from coal and copper are fading, and that budgeting based on volatile assumptions has fueled overspending that is difficult to reverse, particularly on salaries, pensions, and recurrent costs. He highlighted constraints from China’s steel sector consolidation and Mongolia’s unfinished transport links, which cloud coal demand and export volumes. Enkhbayar advocated shifting emphasis toward processing copper, and developing uranium and rare earths to broaden the export base and stabilize fiscal planning.

“The time to rely on coal has passed. Use copper, uranium, and rare earths.” - N. Enkhbayar, Chair of the Fiscal Stability Council (urug.mn)

“We need to avoid volatility, stabilize the economy, and move toward diversification.” - N. Enkhbayar, Chair of the Fiscal Stability Council (urug.mn)

Coverage:

Published: 2025-09-22

Mongolia’s Tax Authority published guidance on implementing amendments to the Corporate Income Tax Law that allow limited deductions for corporate social responsibility (CSR) expenditures. Under Article 22.9, companies may deduct from assessed tax certain CSR-related costs, including investments in depreciable fixed assets and financial support or donations provided to unrelated parties. The deductible amount is capped at up to 1% of taxable income for the relevant tax year. The amendments were enacted on August 30 last year, and relevant ministries have since approved requirements and standards for qualifying expenditures. Businesses should review eligibility criteria, documentation, and sectoral standards to ensure CSR outlays meet the “unrelated party” and asset depreciation conditions and remain within the 1% cap. Detailed guidance is available via the Tax Authority’s published advisory document.

Coverage:

Diplomacy

Korea Forum Seals Skills Pipeline and Deals for Mongolia’s Critical Minerals

Published: 2025-09-22

Mongolia and South Korea deepened ties on critical minerals during the Mongolia–Korea Critical Minerals and Mining Investment Forum 2025 in Seoul, aligning investment, technology transfer, and talent development. The headline measure is a memorandum to train 500 Mongolian engineering students at Jeonbuk National University, bolstering capacity in exploration, processing, and mine remediation. State-owned Erdenes Mongol and affiliates showcased industrial park and exploration projects, while Samsung C&T agreed a US$17 million silver concentrate offtake with Erdenes Alt Resource. KOMIR will extend mine rehabilitation projects; KIGAM will cooperate on critical minerals research; and Korea Investment & Securities (Asia) plans to mobilize financing with Mongolia’s Development Bank. Senior officials including Industry and Minerals Minister G. Damdinyam and Deputy Prime Minister/Economic Development Minister N. Uchral opened the forum, signaling policy-level support for diversified supply chains and downstream processing initiatives.

Coverage:

Hungary’s Migration Policy Chief Reviews Mongolia’s Immigration Services, Eyes Deeper Training Ties

Published: 2025-09-22

Hungary’s Director General for Coordination of Migration Policy, Major General Sándor Gombos, met with Mongolia’s Immigration Agency leadership in Ulaanbaatar to discuss expanding cooperation, staff training, and experience sharing between the two counterpart institutions. Since 2023, more than 10 Mongolian officials have undertaken short-term training in Hungary focused on migration and mobility policy. Mongolia’s Immigration Agency presented its fully digitized visa and residence permit system—implemented in 2024 under the government’s digital transition policy—which has driven a fourteenfold increase in online service uptake over the past two years. The sides explored adding modules on EU immigration and visa policy, document fraud detection, and broader partnerships with other EU member-state agencies.

“We have worked productively with Hungary, and since 2023 over ten officers trained there, strengthening our capacity. We propose deepening the program with EU policy and document-fraud modules and expanding ties with other EU agencies.” - N. Uuganbayar, Director, Immigration Agency (montsame.mn)

Coverage:

U.S. and Mongolia Deepen Defense Ties with Annual Bilateral Talks in Washington

Published: 2025-09-22

The United States and Mongolia reaffirmed plans to expand security cooperation during their annual bilateral defense talks in Washington on September 25, led by Alvaro Smith, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary overseeing China, Taiwan, and Mongolia, and Brig. Gen. D. Gankhuyag, State Secretary of Mongolia’s Ministry of Defense (montsame.mn). Discussions focused on Indo-Pacific security alignment and practical steps to scale up joint training, exercises, security assistance, and defense equipment sales. The sides also reviewed priority areas where additional Mongolian defense spending could rapidly enhance the Armed Forces’ readiness and capabilities, signaling potential procurements and capacity-building programs. Smith praised Mongolia’s sustained contributions to peacekeeping, framing them as a core expression of its defense ethos. Both parties underscored the importance of the Strategic Third Neighbor partnership for advancing security and economic resilience, suggesting continued U.S.-Mongolia coordination on regional stability and supply-chain diversification.

Coverage:

Infrastructure

MIAT Cancels Sept. 24 Ulaanbaatar–Hong Kong Flight as Typhoon Disrupts Regional Transport

Published: 2025-09-22

MIAT has canceled its Sept. 24 Ulaanbaatar–Hong Kong–Ulaanbaatar service (OM297/OM298) due to a powerful typhoon moving from the northern Philippines toward Hong Kong and Taiwan. Authorities in the affected cities have instituted preparedness measures, including evacuations, suspension of rail and intercity transport, and school closures. MIAT advised ticketed passengers to contact the point of purchase to rebook. The move aligns with regional transport disruptions and underscores aviation safety protocols during severe weather across East Asia. Travelers should anticipate knock-on effects on connecting routes through Hong Kong, with potential capacity constraints on subsequent days as airlines clear backlogs. No alternate date was provided; re-accommodation will depend on weather assessments and slot availability at Hong Kong International Airport.

Coverage:

Ulaanbaatar Expands Fuel App, Adds Semi-Coke Sales as Residents Report Early Shortages

Published: 2025-09-22

Ulaanbaatar’s heating season has opened with 373 of 400 planned sales points operating and daily sales reportedly reaching 5,000 tons of improved briquettes. Authorities are pushing digital purchasing via the HOTULA app (with ID QR fallback) and will phase out the “Sain” card by mid-December. Semi-coke briquettes are slated to enter retail from October 1 to supplement supply and reduce emissions. Despite official assurances of sufficient stock, on-the-ground reports from Chingeltei district indicate intermittent shortages, with some households unable to buy fuel and risking heat outages. The city targets 43,000 tons of middling briquettes and 306,000 tons of semi-coke this season, alongside a multi-year plan to transition tens of thousands of households to gas. Officials cite health and safety gains after years of carbon monoxide incidents.

“Briquette sales points are operating in the second and third lanes, with 5,000 tons sold daily; semi-coke briquettes will be available from October 1.” - D. Munkhbaatar, Head of Ulaanbaatar’s Air and Environmental Pollution Agency (gogo.mn)

“On weekends the fuel sells out in 20 minutes… If deliveries come like this during the cold months, households could lose their heat.” - M. Azjargal, contracted sales agent in Chingeltei (news.mn)

Coverage:

UBCab Partners with BYD Distributor to Supply 1,000 PHEVs and Upgrade Taxi Standards

Published: 2025-09-22

UBCab signed an MoU with BYD’s official distributor, WuChan ZhongDa International, to offer 1,000 BYD Seal 05 DM‑i plug‑in hybrids to its registered drivers on discounted pricing and 1.2% financing. The move aims to modernize fleets with right‑hand‑drive, warrantied vehicles and establish an authorized service network in Ulaanbaatar. UBCab, which reports about 80,000 registered drivers and 1.5 million users, plans to integrate maintenance histories via its Auto Sync platform for ongoing safety oversight beyond annual inspections. Initial vehicles have arrived, with more due next week; the company targets 1,000 units over a year. The PHEV’s 55 km EV range and low fuel consumption are positioned to cut operators’ costs and urban emissions.

“UBCab is not only supplying new cars; we’re building an ecosystem to consistently improve safety and service quality for drivers and passengers.” - D. Otgonbayar, CEO, UBCab Brigad Cooperative (itoim.mn)

“After years with used imports, I’m finally switching to a brand‑new electric car that’s more reliable and economical for my customers and me.” - O. Tumurbold, UBCab driver (itoim.mn)

Coverage:

City Weighs Taking Over Private Housing Operators as Heating Lapses Leave Residents Without Service

Published: 2025-09-22

At a city council session, officials acknowledged gaps in heating for several Ulaanbaatar apartment blocks and outlined potential governance changes. The city’s general manager G. Batzorig said privately managed housing operators overseeing buildings constructed in the last decade have failed to connect some households to heat, prompting talks to bring all private operators under municipal control. Disputes over responsibility for mid-sized pipelines (under 200mm) have grown in the past two years, according to infrastructure chief L. Altangerel, with a task force now reviewing fixes. Mayor Kh. Nyambaatar criticized fragmented oversight and non-cost-reflective tariffs that hinder maintenance, indicating a possible handover or consolidation of operator accountability with the Energy Ministry.

“If the Energy Ministry is responsible for private operators, it must fully assume that responsibility; otherwise, the city should take charge.” - Mayor Kh. Nyambaatar (ikon.mn)

Local reports say some households in Songinokhairkhan’s 29th khoroo have been without hot water and heating since August 4, 2025, underscoring the urgency of reforms.

Coverage:

Construction and Infrastructure Investment Forum Launches Mongolia–China Partnership Platform

Published: 2025-09-22

Mongolia and China held the Construction and Infrastructure Investment Forum 2025 on September 18–20, formalizing cooperation between the Mongolian National Construction Association (MNCA) and China International Contractors Association (CHINCA). A new memorandum commits the sides to annual rotating forums, regulatory and standards exchange, B2B matchmaking, and co-developing projects to channel investment and financing into Mongolia’s construction and infrastructure sectors. Over 150 Chinese companies, including Shanghai Construction Group, China Railway Signal & Communication, and China Machinery Engineering Corporation, reviewed major Mongolian opportunities, such as Ulaanbaatar’s “24 Mega Projects,” the Khunnu City plan, and sector entry requirements. Government and diplomatic support framed the event’s strategic intent to deepen ties and accelerate project delivery.

“Bilateral cooperation is strengthening and advancing to a new stage.” - Ambassador Shen Minjuan, China’s Ambassador to Mongolia (ikon.mn)

Coverage:

Ulaanbaatar Accelerates Stormwater Drainage Works, Targets 100% Completion on 20 Projects This Year

Published: 2025-09-22

Ulaanbaatar’s Geodesy, Water Engineering and Infrastructure Agency reported steady progress on citywide flood-mitigation measures, citing 26 active projects in 2024 and an 85% completion rate for works due this year. Twenty projects are slated to finish in 2024, with six continuing into 2025. Newly completed stormwater lines span key zones, including: 628 meters near the Peace Bridge underpass (Bayanzurkh District 15th khoroo), 412 meters around Altai residential complex (Bayangol District 5th khoroo), design and expansion for 1,003 meters on Engels Street (Bayangol 24th/26th khoroos), and 1,398 meters from the TPP-3 junction to Dund Gol bridge (Khan-Uul 3rd khoroo). City crews also cleared 48,323 m3 of silt at 27 sites and serviced pump wells in 13 locations, including repairs to 10 inspection wells.

“Of 26 programs this year, we plan to complete 20 in full, with the rest continuing into next year. Works scheduled for this year are 85% complete.” - B. Byambasaykhan, head of the Geodesy, Water Engineering and Infrastructure Agency (ikon.mn)

Coverage:

Ulaanbaatar Weighs More Curbside Parking and Day–Night Space Sharing to Ease Congestion

Published: 2025-09-22

Ulaanbaatar’s city council task force on short- and mid-term congestion relief reviewed options to expand first-lane curbside parking and develop large-capacity facilities at 40 locations. Chief Architect Ch. Tugsdelger briefed officials on current parking constraints and plans, noting a working group is already tasked with delivering the new high-capacity lots. City Council Chair A. Bayar directed the architect to identify additional feasible sites for curbside parking and to present them at the next session. Authorities will also study time-based sharing of existing private parking: households renting spaces during the day, and offices at night, with proposals due for the task force’s upcoming meeting.

“Large-capacity parking should proceed through the private sector as planned, but we must not neglect first-lane curbside options.” - A. Bayar, Chair of the Ulaanbaatar City Council (news.mn)

Coverage:

Ulaanbaatar Begins Burying Overhead Telecom Cables as City Expands Duct Network

Published: 2025-09-22

Ulaanbaatar authorities have started relocating internet, TV, and other communication lines from streetlight poles into underground ducts, addressing years of neglected planning for telecom conduits in urban development. The move follows Mayor Kh. Nyambaatar’s 2024 threat to cut overhead cables and a subsequent April 29, 2025 order to clear pole-mounted lines. City teams are laying new ducts alongside pedestrian path upgrades, with one current project running 1.6 km from Bayangol’s Bayanburd roundabout to the West Four Interchange, installing four 100-mm duct pairs and transferring existing cables underground. The network will be handed to the state-owned “Information and Communication Network” (ICN) company for operation. Officials say existing ducts are saturated after decades of piecemeal expansion, even as telecom use has surged to 4.2 million subscriptions and 516,000 households on fixed broadband. Completion of segments is targeted by October 20, with broader expansion needed as the city grows.

Coverage:

Ulaanbaatar Advances ‘Selbe 20-Minute City’ to Ease Downtown Congestion and Cut Pollution

Published: 2025-09-22

Ulaanbaatar is developing the Selbe sub-center across Chingeltei and Sukhbaatar districts to deliver essential public services within a 20-minute reach and redistribute urban load from the city center. The 158-hectare project will allocate 39% to green space and build 8,565 households across 113 apartment blocks, three schools, five kindergartens, state and private clinics, and a sports complex. Planned infrastructure includes 8 km of roads, 48.7 km of pedestrian paths, 32.1 km of bike lanes, and new public spaces. Authorities estimate elimination of 12,000 pit latrines and 15,600 coal stoves, contributing to lower air and soil pollution; early monitoring shows PM2.5 down 1.6x post-land clearance. Heat will come from the 63 MW “Dambadarjaa” station; buildings will use copper plumbing and rooftop solar for common-area power. Construction is progressing in multiple packages, with several foundations poured and remaining plots handed to contractors.

Coverage:

Society

Welfare Funds Under Scrutiny as Mid-Level Officials Face Graft Cases in Social Protection Agencies

Published: 2025-09-22

Mongolia’s social protection system faces renewed scrutiny after multiple cases alleging embezzlement, bid-rigging, and bribery within agencies administering welfare and labor programs. Courts previously convicted former Labor and Social Welfare General Authority officials B. Nyamdavaa, B. Shijirjargal, and B. Battugs for abuse of office tied to 3.9 billion MNT in irregular financing decisions, while ex-minister N. Nomtoibayar received a reduced sentence for negligence. Separately, former Labor and Social Welfare Service Center head in South Korea D. Bayarmandakh was fined and barred from public service for misappropriating funds. New investigations involve ministry official L. Batsaikhan, accused of taking over 100 million MNT in bribes from tender winners, and child and family agency officials Sh. Chinbat and G. Munkhnasan, alleged to have steered contracts worth 49.4 million MNT to a connected NGO. Appeals courts reinstated proceedings in the latter case. The pattern highlights governance risks in targeted welfare allocations and procurement oversight.

Coverage:

Environment

Heavy Snow Closes Zagastain Pass and Disrupts Travel in Zavkhan; Wider Cold Snap Forecast for Central and Northern Regions

Published: 2025-09-22

Early-season snowfall has hit western Mongolia, with Zavkhan Province reporting 2–30 cm across multiple soums and localized depths reportedly nearing 60 cm by midday on September 22. Authorities warn of severe slick conditions and poor visibility on major passes; the Zagastain Pass is temporarily impassable as emergency, road maintenance, and transport agencies work from both sides to reopen it. Weather services forecast further rain and wet snow for Arkhangai, Bulgan, southern Khuvsgul, and northern Uvurkhangai on Sept 22, extending to Tuv and Khentii on Sept 23, with strong winds in steppe and Gobi areas. Expect intermittent precipitation through Sept 27 and colder temperatures in mountainous zones, creating ongoing travel risks on high-altitude roads. Drivers are advised to delay long trips and equip vehicles for winter conditions, including fuel reserves and recovery gear.

Coverage:

Rain and Wet Snow Sweep Central and Eastern Provinces; Ulaanbaatar Sees Showers Before Gradual Warm-Up After Sept 24

Published: 2025-09-22

Mongolia’s weather bureau forecasts widespread precipitation Sept 22–23, with heavier rain and wet snow across central and eastern provinces, creating slippery passes and travel hazards. Ulaanbaatar is expected to see rain through about 14:00 on Sept 22, with another round overnight; daytime highs hover around 15–17°C, dipping near freezing in outlying valleys late Sept 22–23. Western and Gobi areas will experience shifting winds, locally strengthening ahead of showers. Temperatures ease across the west on Sept 22 and the east on Sept 23, then trend warmer from Sept 24, with most regions recovering to typical late-September ranges. The medium-range outlook indicates intermittent showers continuing in the north and parts of the Gobi later in the week, while high-elevation areas may still see wet snow during passing systems.

Coverage:

Innovation

Techweek-2025 Launches Nationwide With Virtual Zone Policy, AI/Data Strategy, and GRAB–Teso Mapping Tie-Up

Published: 2025-09-22

Mongolia’s first Techweek-2025 runs September 19–26 under “Digital First,” bringing 50+ events across Ulaanbaatar and all 21 provinces, including fintech, AI, cyber, hardware and software sessions. Organizers frame the week as a runway to ICT Expo 2026 and a decentralized, privately funded model with open, free access. The Cabinet approved Mongolia’s first “virtual zone” on Sept. 17, set to start Jan. 1, 2026, offering tax advantages and CSR-based financing channels for registered firms. Officials also flagged an upcoming five‑year National Data and AI Strategy (66 measures) for Cabinet review and public unveiling on Sept. 26. A notable deal pairs Teso Investment with Southeast Asia’s GRAB to integrate GrabMaps into the TINO super app, aiming to upgrade addressing and logistics. Sector leaders emphasize outcomes over events and collective execution.

“We are uniting around outcome-based solutions and will convene an ICT forum in the State Palace to consolidate policy actions.” - J. Zolzayaa, Director, National IT Park (montsame.mn)

“We established the country’s first virtual zone; from January 1, 2026, firms can operate under favorable tax conditions and access CSR financing.” - P. Munkhbat, Director for Innovation Policy Regulation, CHIIT Ministry (gogo.mn)

Coverage:

Hipay Users Can Pay in Mainland China by Scanning WeChat Pay QR Codes

Published: 2025-09-22

Mongolia’s Hipay has become Tencent’s first official WeChat Pay (Weixin Pay) partner in the country, enabling Hipay users to scan WeChat Pay QR codes for instant payments across mainland China. The integration covers hotels, restaurants, retail, taxis, and healthcare providers—effectively any merchant that accepts WeChat Pay. Payments can be made from Hipay e-wallet balances or linked Mongolian bank cards. As an introductory offer, transactions up to CNY 300 will carry no fees through September 2025. The move builds on Hipay’s 2023 inclusion in Ant Group’s Alipay+ network, which already allowed fast cross-border payments in China. With WeChat Pay added, Hipay users are expected to face fewer acceptance gaps, aligning with China’s widespread QR-based payment ecosystem and improving convenience for travel and business spending.

Coverage:

Tino Super App Partners with GrabMaps to Deploy Advanced Mapping in Mongolia

Published: 2025-09-22

Teso Investment’s Tino super app has entered a strategic and technology partnership with GrabMaps, integrating Southeast Asia’s mapping infrastructure into Mongolia. The tie-up aims to improve address registries, routing accuracy, and service accessibility in areas with limited map data, supporting ride-hailing, delivery, tourism, and e-commerce. GrabMaps underpins Grab’s services across eight countries and 800+ cities, and its localization in Mongolia signals a push to bring international-grade location technology to the market. Tino currently offers services including smart vending (Tino Store), power bank rental (Tino Charge), payments (Tino Pay), grocery delivery (Tino Grocery), travel and eSIMs (Tino Trip), AI tools (Tino AI), education content (Tino Education), and ticketing (Tino Portal), with plans to expand services as it builds toward a full-featured super app.

Coverage:

Government Explores Google Cloud Partnership to Boost Cybersecurity Capacity

Published: 2025-09-22

Mongolia’s Minister for Digital Development, Innovation and Communications, E. Batshugar, met Google Cloud’s cybersecurity head Malcolm Palmore to discuss partnering on projects to strengthen national cyber defenses and workforce skills. The ministry highlighted its recent Asia-Pacific cyber drill co-organized with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as evidence of Mongolia’s regional commitment. A capacity review conducted with Oxford’s Global Cyber Security Capacity Centre found Mongolia comparatively strong in policy and strategy, but needing improvement in standards adoption, technology deployment, human resources, threat detection and prevention, incident response, information sharing, and international cooperation. The talks with Google Cloud explored initiatives to address those gaps, signaling potential public-private collaboration to scale training and capabilities, while aligning with ongoing multilateral efforts through ITU and academic partners.

Coverage:

Health

Preventive Health Screenings Suspended Nationwide as Funding Halted for Program Review

Published: 2025-09-22

Mongolia’s Health Insurance General Agency (HIGA) has suspended financing for the nationwide early detection and preventive screening program, prompting facilities such as the National Center for Communicable Diseases’ support unit and all Bayan Zurkh District outpatient branches to cease screenings from September 22, 2025, for an indefinite period. Notices cite a ministry directive to analyze the program’s data system, update screening packages, and set future policy direction; providers were told not to submit new claims from September 22 and that funding stops from October 1. The initiative, expanded nationally since 2022–2023, has covered 1.5 million people (about 45.8% of the population), with stronger participation among adults aged 31–60, according to prior ministry briefings. Program reviews may recalibrate eligibility ages and tests for cancers and other conditions, affecting hospital workloads and patient prevention pathways.

“Financing for preventive early detection will be temporarily halted to analyze the data system, update screening packages, and determine future direction.” - Health Insurance General Agency, citing Health Minister’s directive (news.mn)

Coverage:

Measles Outbreak Shows Decline in New Cases as Vaccination Reaches 65%

Published: 2025-09-22

Health authorities report 13,487–13,491 confirmed measles cases nationwide, with 13,467–13,469 recoveries. As of September 22, seven patients are hospitalized (six moderate, one severe) and four are under home care; 11 deaths have been recorded. Case distribution skews to school-age children: 10–14 years (5,052 cases), followed by 0–4 years (3,098) and 5–9 years (1,736). Officials note daily new cases have fallen to 2–3. The Ministry of Health’s catch-up immunization campaign is credited with slowing transmission, though incomplete vaccination among young children remains a key risk.

“Compared with previous months, the measles outbreak has declined nationwide. With schools reopening, we expected increases, but catch-up vaccination has reduced spread. Vaccination coverage is currently 65%.” - S. Enkhbold, Director, National Center for Communicable Diseases (news.mn)

Two-dose vaccination remains the main preventive measure, with authorities urging families to complete schedules as classrooms resume normal operations.

Coverage:

Telepathology Pilot Enables Remote Cancer Diagnostics in Uvs Province

Published: 2025-09-22

Mongolia’s Ministry of Health has launched remote diagnostics and telepathology services to improve cancer detection in high-incidence regions, beginning with Uvs Province. In 2025, the Uvs Provincial General Hospital’s pathology unit installed a WinViewer slide scanner with ministry funding, allowing digital transmission of tissue samples and real-time diagnosis. By September 15, two gastric cancer cases were successfully identified via remote consultation, enabling timely treatment decisions. The initiative aims to expand to other provincial pathology departments, connecting them with national reference-level specialists for rapid second opinions and skills development. This marks a structural upgrade for rural healthcare capacity, reducing delays in complex pathology assessments and potentially narrowing urban-rural disparities in oncology outcomes.

Coverage:

Nationwide Newborn Screening Push Targets Leading Causes of Infant Death

Published: 2025-09-22

Mongolia is launching comprehensive neonatal screening across provinces to cut infant mortality from 7.7 per 1,000 live births to 5.5 by 2028. Authorities cite persistent mortality among preterm babies as the main driver: in 2023, 496 infants died out of 64,306 births; in 2024, 421 out of 57,800, with most deaths among preterm newborns. A national team, working with experts from the U.S., Japan, and China, has begun rolling out six screening modalities able to detect 28 conditions, starting at Orkhon’s Regional Diagnostic and Treatment Center, alongside clinician training and equipment upgrades. Early detection aims to address congenital heart defects, hearing loss, hip dysplasia, neurological disorders, and congenital hypothyroidism—which appears twice as frequently in Mongolia as the global average. The program also stresses stronger antenatal care and standardized postnatal follow-up to reduce preventable deaths, as neonatal fatalities account for 64% of under‑five mortality.

“Diagnosing congenital anomalies early allows us to deliver timely care—ranging from hearing and inner‑ear disorders to congenital heart defects and conditions like congenital hypothyroidism, which we see at roughly twice the global rate.” - Prof. G. Erdentuya, Head of the National Team for Newborn Comprehensive Early Screening (unuudur.mn)

Coverage:

Arts

Ulaanbaatar Moves to Protect 177 Historic Structures in Central Rings as 2040 Plan Advances

Published: 2025-09-22

Ulaanbaatar’s city council approved a resolution to organize redevelopment in the Baga Toiruu area, prioritizing preservation of historic architecture under the capital’s 2040 master plan. The plan designates protection for 177 structures across key zones including Baga Toiruu (33.7 ha), Sukhbaatar Square (20.4 ha), Gandan (68.5 ha), Barilgachdyn Square (20.4 ha), and the Independence Palace area (4.6 ha). Officials say 48 buildings are already under state or city protection, with 130 more prioritized for safeguarding. The policy will retain façades and original architectural character, while reinforcing or replanning apartment blocks that fail safety standards without increasing building heights. The master plan is prepared for parliamentary debate this autumn.

“We have included protection and restoration of historic structures in the general plan, preserving Ikh and Baga Toiruu with traditional ger-shaped wooden temple layouts and placing 177 architectural ensembles under protection.” - Chief Architect Ch. Tugsdelger (unuudur.mn)

Coverage: