Weekly Briefings

Mongolia Weekly: Petrol rose; railway opened freight bypass; refinery reached 60%

October 10, 2026 to October 16, 2026 --- 1. AI-92 petrol prices rose to MNT 3,600 per liter as Russian import costs increased Regular AI-92 retail prices rose by MNT 500-560 per liter to MNT 3,600 at some stations after Russia's October supply price increased by USD 190 per tonne to USD

Mongolia Weekly: Fuel protest disrupted traffic, government proposed 6% mortgages, signed ADB loan

October 3, 2026 to October 9, 2026 --- 1. Airport Agreement Restricts Buyant-Ukhaa to Non-Commercial Flights The agreement governing Chinggis Khaan International Airport prohibits another commercial airport within 150 kilometers, leaving Buyant-Ukhaa, about 50 kilometers away, limited to

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia and Rio Tinto cut Oyu Tolgoi costs; Japan signs airport loan

September 26, 2026 to October 2, 2026 --- 1. Mongolia and Rio Tinto agree to cut Oyu Tolgoi financing and management costs Mongolia and Rio Tinto have agreed to amend the Oyu Tolgoi shareholders' agreement after negotiations confirmed in a September 11 joint statement by Prime Minister N

Mongolia Weekly: Oyu Tolgoi targets 2027 dividends; Mongolia overtakes Russia in China coal supply

September 19, 2026 to September 25, 2026 --- 1. Oyu Tolgoi shareholders agree in principle to target dividends from 2027 Oyu Tolgoi LLC shareholders have agreed in principle to amend their agreement after nearly two years of talks, cutting Rio Tinto shareholder-loan interest from SOFR pl

Mongolia Weekly: Rio signs Oyu Tolgoi amendments; bank holds rate; Mongolia seeks China fuel deal

September 12, 2026 to September 18, 2026 --- 1. Mongolia and Rio Tinto Sign Oyu Tolgoi Amendments, Target 2027 Dividends Mongolia and Rio Tinto signed amendments to the 2011 Oyu Tolgoi Shareholders’ Agreement after negotiations that began in August 2025, the first changes in 17 years. Th

Mongolia Weekly: CNPC agrees fuel deliveries; Mongolia and China plan 2027 rail link

September 5, 2026 to September 11, 2026 --- 1. Uchral Says Mongolia Will Deepen Fuel and Energy Cooperation With Russia Prime Minister Uchral said Mongolia will deepen fuel and energy cooperation with Russia, which supplies 97% of annual consumption of about 3 million tonnes under prefer

Mongolia Weekly: Khurelsukh meets Putin and Xi; government submits 2027 budget and 2026 revision

August 29, 2026 to September 4, 2026 --- 1. Government Submits 2027 Budget Bill With MNT 2.306 Trillion Deficit Prime Minister Uchral and Finance Minister Z. Mendsaikhan submitted the 2027 budget bills on August 31. The proposal lists MNT 41.3 trillion in balanced revenue and MNT 43.6 tr

Mongolia Weekly: Inflation hit 13%, fuel sales were restored, minister warned of winter shortages

August 22, 2026 to August 28, 2026 --- 1. Mongolia Restored Fuel Sales in Approved Containers On August 27, Mongolia’s fuel-supply task force revoked the nationwide restriction on sales into approved portable containers. Officials reported that 51,000 tonnes of AI-92 gasoline had arrived

Mongolia Weekly: Central bank raises rates; government submits savings plan; petrol prices rise

August 15, 2026 to August 21, 2026 --- 1. Bank of Mongolia Raises Policy Rate to 12.5% and Reserve Requirement to 14.5% At an extraordinary Monetary Policy Committee meeting on August 12, the Bank of Mongolia raised the policy rate by 0.5 percentage points to 12.5% and banks' tugrik rese

Mongolia Weekly: Central bank raises rate, government curbs spending, plans to end fuel rationing

August 8, 2026 to August 14, 2026 --- 1. Bank of Mongolia Raises Policy Rate to 12.5% as Inflation Hits 13% On August 12, the Bank of Mongolia raised its policy rate by 0.5 percentage points to 12.5% and the reserve requirement on banks’ tugrik deposits by 0.5 points to 14.5%. Annual inf

Mongolia Weekly: Fuel taxes stay zero, event funding suspended, $6.5bn steppe plan proposed

August 1, 2026 to August 7, 2026 --- 1. Government Sets Fuel Taxes at Zero Through Feb. 1, 2027 and Reports Supply Gap The government set excise duty on gasoline and diesel, and import customs duties on all fuels, at zero through February 1, 2027 to limit domestic price rises. On August

Mongolia Weekly: COP17 site works 95% complete, FMD vaccinations begin, highway tolls to rise

July 25, 2026 to July 31, 2026 --- 1. Mongolia Says COP17 Site Works Are 95% Complete After MNT 267 Billion Allocation Mongolia reports COP17 site works are 95% complete ahead of Ulaanbaatar’s August 17–28 hosting of the UN desertification conference. The government allocated MNT 267 bil

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia secures EAEU trade deal, deepens Seoul partnership, widens surplus

July 18, 2026 to July 24, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. --- 1. Temporary Free Trade Deal with Eurasian Economic Union Takes Effect, Covering 367 Product Codes A temporary trade agreement between Mongolia and the Eurasian Econo

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia deepens Korea ties, secures M Bank investment, eyes coal windfall

July 11, 2026 to July 17, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. --- 1. State Visit Strengthens Mongolia–South Korea Strategic Partnership with 21 New Agreements South Korean President Lee Jae-myeong’s state visit to Ulaanbaatar, the f

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia deepens Korea ties, advances minerals, cuts Oyu Tolgoi costs

July 4, 2026 to July 10, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. --- 1. South Korean President Begins State Visit, Poised to Launch ‘Golden Era’ and Deepen Critical Minerals Ties South Korean President Lee Jae-myung arrived in Ulaanbaat

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia advances Oyu Tolgoi review, nears minerals law overhaul, trims loan rate

June 27, 2026 to July 3, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. --- 1. Oyu Tolgoi Loan Rate Cut Welcomed as Analyst Warns of Enduring FX Risk Mongolia and Rio Tinto have agreed to cut the Oyu Tolgoi shareholder loan interest rate from

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia advances copper processing, drives 5G e‑gov push, eyes rate decision

June 20, 2026 to June 26, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. --- 1. Copper Smelter Talks Begin with NFC as Government Targets Onshore Processing and Wealth Fund Growth Mongolia has begun formal talks on a copper concentrate smeltin

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia secures China trade, pauses rare earths; Oyu Tolgoi impact, probe grow

June 13, 2026 to June 19, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. --- 1. Beijing Pledges FMD Vaccines and Trade Expansion During Wang Yi’s Visit China and Mongolia used Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s June 13–15 visit to Ulaanbaatar to reinf

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia secures investors, opens banking, advances Erdenet smelter plan

June 6, 2026 to June 12, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. --- 1. Government Moves to Shield Investors as Protests Stall Mining and Rare Earth Projects Mongolia is stepping up efforts to protect investor-facing mining projects as

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia advances business freedom, tightens mining rules, secures Russian fuel

May 30, 2026 to June 5, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. --- 1. Government Submits Business Freedom Bill to Limit State Interference and Enable Foreign Banks Prime Minister N. Uchral has submitted Mongolia’s Business Freedom Bi

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia overhauls mining laws, revamps rail deal, launches wealth fund

May 23, 2026 to May 29, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. --- 1. Draft law caps exploration licenses at six years, raises fees, and introduces copper royalty tiers Mongolia’s Industry and Mineral Resources Minister G. Damdinnyam h

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia trims Oyu Tolgoi fees, climbs copper ranks, growth accelerates

May 16, 2026 to May 22, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. --- 1. Rio Tinto Management Fees Halved in Oyu Tolgoi Deal, Savings to Start in 2026 Mongolia has reached an initial agreement with Rio Tinto to cut Oyu Tolgoi LLC’s manage

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia escalates OT probes, sets 60% returns; budget hit as coal lags

May 9, 2026 to May 15, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. --- 1. Political Attacks on Oyu Tolgoi and Sector Probes Escalate as Article Ties Resource Disputes to Russian Competition Political pressure around Oyu Tolgoi is intensifyi

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia accelerates mining reforms, channels returns via wealth fund

May 2, 2026 to May 8, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. --- 1. PM orders urgent bill to set state stakes in strategic mineral deposits and route returns via National Wealth Fund Mongolia’s Prime Minister has ordered the urgent dra

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia advances mining reforms as Oyu Tolgoi beats plan; deepens Russia–China gas ties

April 25, 2026 to May 1, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. --- 1. Oyu Tolgoi beats Q1 output plan as price gains lift revenue; targets $2.6 billion FCF by year-end Oyu Tolgoi delivered a strong first quarter, beating its productio

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia stalls mega projects, tugrik weakens, ex-PM probed for corruption

April 18, 2026 to April 24, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. --- 1. Delays to Flagship Projects Seen Costing Billions as Cabinet Prioritizes 14 Mega Schemes A commentary on ikon.mn warns that years of political gridlock have dela

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia revises mining laws as trade surplus jumps, growth outlook firms

April 11, 2026 to April 17, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. --- 1. World Bank Projects 5% GDP Growth in 2026 as Mining Cools, Construction Lifts Demand The World Bank expects Mongolia’s GDP growth to slow to 5% in 2026, down fro

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia advances mining reforms as cabinet retools budget; inflation risks rise

April 4, 2026 to April 10, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. --- 1. New Cabinet Holds First Meeting, Sets Budget Revision and Mining Reforms in Motion Prime Minister N. Uchral convened his new 19-member cabinet’s first meeting on

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia ousts PM, advances energy reform; Oyu Tolgoi tensions escalate

March 28, 2026 to April 3, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. --- 1. Prime Minister Removed as DP Boycotts Parliament; Fuel Prices Raised and Oyu Tolgoi Faces Water Fee Dispute Mongolia’s Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar was removed

Mongolia Weekly: Weekly Brief: 2026-03-21 to 2026-03-27

March 21, 2026 to March 27, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. --- 1. Trade Balance Turns Positive as Exports Double and Foreign Reserves Hit Record High Mongolia’s external position improved markedly in the first nine months of 20

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia hardens Oyu Tolgoi stance, expands rail exports, court rebukes PM ouster

March 14, 2026 to March 20, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. --- 1. Government Pushes Tougher Terms in Renewed Oyu Tolgoi Talks with Rio Tinto Mongolia’s government has reopened high‑stakes negotiations with Rio Tinto over the Oy

Mongolia Weekly: Weekly Brief: 2026-03-14 to 2026-03-20

March 14, 2026 to March 20, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. --- 1. Parliament Session Stalls Over Attendance as AN Boycott and MPP Absences Block Cabinet Appointments Mongolia’s State Great Khural failed to convene as planned on

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia presses Oyu Tolgoi tax case, advances EU access, backs China‑Russia gas

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia opens to foreign banks, speeds coal exports, pushes OT loan cuts

February 28, 2026 to March 6, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Parliament Speaker Pledges Legal Framework to Allow Foreign Banks, Eyes Spring Session Passage Parliament Speaker N. Uchral ann

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia advances ETT dividend/IPO, plans dollar bond, OKs 2026–30 projects

February 21, 2026 to February 27, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi Declares ₮786.6 Billion Dividend, Advances IPO Readiness and Cross-Border Rail Financing Erdenes Tavan

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia surges industrial output, eyes wealth fund gains, tackles corruption

February 14, 2026 to February 20, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Industrial Output Jumps 55% in January on Mining and Utilities Gains Preliminary National Statistics Office data show Mongo

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia advances mining reforms, tenders Tavan Tolgoi, nears EAEU trade deal

February 7, 2026 to February 13, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Nationwide Hearings Launched on Overhaul of Mineral Law and Tax Regime On February 11 the Ministry of Economy and Developmen

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia boosts mining revenues, seals EAEU tariff relief, eyes AI overhaul

January 31, 2026 to February 6, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Oyu Tolgoi Accounts for 9% of 2025 Budget Revenues as Output and Local Procurement Surge Oyu Tolgoi reported robust Q4 and fu

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia reshapes Oyu Tolgoi leadership, advances $700m smelter, backs transport

January 24, 2026 to January 30, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Government Orders Overhaul of Oyu Tolgoi Board Representation and Erdenes Oyu Tolgoi Leadership Mongolia’s Prime Minister G. Za

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia launches investor shield, orders central bank overhaul; SOE sales eyed

January 17, 2026 to January 23, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Government Opens Investor Protection Center as Legal Reforms Are Readied Mongolia’s Ministry of Economy and Development has o

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia tightens Oyu Tolgoi terms, boosts copper capacity, deepens China trade

January 10, 2026 to January 16, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Trade Surplus Expands to USD 4.4 Billion as Imports Fall and Copper, Gold Shipments Rise Mongolia recorded a merchandise trad

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia pushes OT terms, advances tax relief, opens Borteeg coal to investors

January 3, 2026 to January 9, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Government to Press Rio Tinto for Stronger Oyu Tolgoi Terms and Clear Dividend Timeline Mongolian Prime Minister G. Zandanshata

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia orders legal overhaul as EAEU trade deal advances; court curbs PM vote rules

December 27, 2025 to January 2, 2026 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Parliament Accepts Constitutional Court Ruling on Criminal Defamation and Orders Legal Overhaul; Inflation Mandate Issued to C

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia advances Russia–China gas talks, probes ETT, fast-tracks tax overhaul

December 20, 2025 to December 26, 2025 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Ulaanbaatar Hosts Talks on Russia–China Gas Pipeline; Mongolia Seeks Tripartite Working Group and Clearer Project Economics

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia advances economic freedom, tightens Oyu Tolgoi oversight, boosts uranium

December 13, 2025 to December 19, 2025 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Government Submits Economic Freedom Bill to Parliament to Curb State Intervention and Attract FDI Mongolia’s Cabinet has su

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia scrutinizes Oyu Tolgoi costs, ramps coal exports, secures ADB funding

December 6, 2025 to December 12, 2025 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Parliamentary Inquiry Probes Oyu Tolgoi Financing Costs and Mongolia’s Returns Mongolia’s Parliament has resumed a high‑prof

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia opens Erdenet smelter bids, unveils asset registry, reserves surge

November 29, 2025 to December 5, 2025 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Government invites global bids to build Erdenet copper smelter, sets legal framework and January 2026 proposal deadline Mong

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia reshuffles leadership, advances EAEU steps, probes Oyu Tolgoi

November 22, 2025 to November 28, 2025 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Former Rio Tinto Executives Summoned as Witnesses in Oyu Tolgoi Hearing After Investor Settlement Former Rio Tinto executiv

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia trims Oyu Tolgoi costs, fast-tracks coal rails, advances pipeline plan

November 15, 2025 to November 21, 2025 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Government and Rio Tinto Sign Protocol to Cut Oyu Tolgoi Fees as Talks to Lower Shareholder Loan Interest Continue The Gove

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia probes Oyu Tolgoi, presses Rio Tinto, plans $1B Eurobond refinance

November 8, 2025 to November 14, 2025 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Parliament Schedules Open Oyu Tolgoi Probe, Summons 300 Witnesses Including Former Presidents and PMs A temporary parliament

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia upgrades credit, advances ETT listing, secures $475m ADB funding

October 31, 2025 to November 6, 2025 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. ETT Moves Toward Public Listing with Independent Audit as 581 Coal Contracts Set for Disclosure Mongolia’s cabinet has ordere

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia presses OT talks, probes Rio Tinto; S&P lifts rating; PPP oversight tightens

October 24, 2025 to October 30, 2025 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Government Opens Talks with Rio Tinto to Cut Oyu Tolgoi Shareholder Loan Interest, Speed State Returns Mongolia has opened fo

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia shakes leadership, pushes Oyu Tolgoi talks as project risks mount

October 17, 2025 to October 23, 2025 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Government Targets Oyu Tolgoi Terms; Negotiations with Rio Tinto Planned as Officials Seek Larger State Share Mongolia’s gove

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia secures €1bn green finance; political rifts roil coal, unsettle outlook

October 10, 2025 to October 16, 2025 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. EU lenders line up €1 billion for Mongolia’s clean energy shift with broader investment push At the EU–Mongolia Business and

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia advances PPP power project, deepens India ties, pipeline plans progress

October 3, 2025 to October 9, 2025 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. IMF and ADB Flag Renewed Vulnerabilities as Coal Eases and Reforms Lag The IMF and Asian Development Bank warn that Mongolia’s

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia targets OT governance reset, advances CHP-5 PPP, deepens China zone ties

September 26, 2025 to October 2, 2025 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Parliamentary Panel Moves to Rebalance Oyu Tolgoi Governance and “Onrè” Stake, Eyes Contract Changes A Mongolian parliamenta

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia advances mining talks, launches SWF; green finance and energy deals grow

September 19, 2025 to September 25, 2025 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Mining Outlook Sets MNT 9.3 Trillion Budget Contribution as Sovereign Wealth Fund Talks Begin Mongolia’s Budget Standing

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia advances PS-2 pipeline talks, rebalances mining royalties, holds rates

September 13, 2025 to September 19, 2025 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. China Signals Willingness to Advance “Power of Siberia-2” with Mongolia and Russia; Backs SCO Development Bank and Ongoing I

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia cuts OT loan rate push, pivots to critical minerals, ups copper lead

September 5, 2025 to September 11, 2025 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. OT Board Member Presses Rio Tinto to Cut 11% Shareholder Loan Rate, Citing Lower Risk and Governance Concerns Oyu Tolgoi (

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia advances PS-2 pipeline deal, unveils pro-growth budget, Fitch holds B+

August 29, 2025 to September 4, 2025 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Russia, China and Mongolia Sign MOU to Advance ‘Power of Siberia‑2’ Gas Pipeline Through Mongolia China, Russia and Mongolia

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia targets Oyu Tolgoi gains, faces drug supply strain, eyes 2026 surplus

August 22, 2025 to August 28, 2025 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Drug and Medical Supply Disruption Looms After Unpaid Hospital Bills Strain Distributors Mongolia’s unified pharmaceutical asso

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia accelerates mining reforms, trims ETT costs, secures US water funding

August 15, 2025 to August 21, 2025 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Government Moves to Index Coal Prices, Digitize Border Controls and Streamline Export Procedures The cabinet approved a package

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia reforms secrecy laws, pursues US tech ties amid rising inflation concerns

August 8, 2025 to August 14, 2025 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. 1. Government Orders Overhaul of Secrecy Laws and Anti-Corruption Measures The Mongolian government has launched a comprehensive over

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia boosts Oyu Tolgoi output, reforms wealth fund, navigates export challenges

August 1, 2025 to August 7, 2025 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. SPONSORED Ready for real-time intelligence? Start your free daily trial now. Start Free Trial of Lexica Daily 1. Oyu Tolgoi Achieves Record Copper and Concentrate Output in Firs...

Mongolia Weekly: Mongolia expands Eurasian trade, deepens China ties, monitors rising USD rate

July 27, 2025 to August 2, 2025 This week's top 10 stories from Mongolia, selected from our daily intelligence briefs. SPONSORED Ready for real-time intelligence? Start your free daily trial now. Start Free Trial of Lexica Daily 1. Mongolia's Visit Proclaims Its Economic Gateway in Central Asia a...