Pension Reserve Fund Assets Increase by MNT 2.7 Billion www.montsame.mn

Along with the implementation of the revised package law on social insurance starting January 1, 2024, Mongolia transitioned to a partially funded pension system and established a Pension Reserve Fund. Under this reform, two percent of pension insurance contributions began to be accumulated in monetary form in the fund.

As of 2025, a total of MNT 302.7 billion has been accumulated in the Pension Reserve Fund. By Government Resolution No. 256 of 2024, the Government approved the “Regulation on the accumulation, registration, allocation, placement, reporting, investment, inheritance, and supervision of Pension Reserve Fund assets.” In accordance with this regulation, the fund’s assets are invested based on the principles of security, efficiency, transparency, and independence. Investments are permitted in four financial instruments: Government securities, Bank of Mongolia securities, cash deposits placed in the Treasury Single Account, and time deposits held in systemically important commercial banks.

On December 31, 2025, “Cash Deposit Agreements” were concluded with four systemically important commercial banks, placing MNT 215.3 billion of the Pension Reserve Fund as one-year deposits with an annual interest return of 15.11 percent. As a result, conditions were created to increase the fund’s assets by MNT 32.5 billion. The fund received an investment return of MNT 2.7 billion for March 2026, further increasing the total assets of the Pension Reserve Fund.

Tender for ‘First Ring Project’ Contractor Announced www.montsame.mn

An international open tender has been announced to select the contractor for the “First Ring Road” project.

The tender has been announced in the form of an “EPC+F” (Engineering, Procurement, Construction + Financing) model, meaning a turnkey, contractor-financed arrangement. In other words, the selected contractor will be responsible not only for preparing the project design, carrying out construction, and supplying the necessary equipment, but also for fully financing the project, according to the Capital City Governor’s Office.

Four companies have participated in the international open tender for the “First Ring Road” project. The evaluation committee is scheduled to meet next week to select the contractor. Specifically, China First Highway Engineering Company Limited, Shandong Luqiao Group Co., Ltd., China Railway 16th Bureau Group Co., Ltd., and China Gezhouba Group Company Limited are participating.

The total length of the ring road will be 24.7 km, of which 13.7 km will be a ground-level main road with 10 lanes, 2.08 km will consist of tunnel sections, and 9.03 km will include multi-level bridges and overpass structures.

In addition, the project will feature seven multi-level interchanges, three pedestrian bridges, and four underpasses. The total project financing amounts to USD 918.57 million, with completion planned for 2028.

The First Ring Road is designed with two categories: main roads and auxiliary roads. The main road will have six lanes with two directions and a design speed of 80–100 km/h, without traffic lights, allowing uninterrupted medium- and long-distance urban travel. The auxiliary road will have four lanes with two directions and a design speed of 60 km/h, designated for public transport. This separation is expected to reduce the impact of low-speed, short-distance traffic on the main road flow.

The ring road will intersect with the Tuul Highway at two locations. It will run north along the flood protection embankment west of the 1st microdistrict toward ger areas, connect to the Bayankhoshuu subcenter via a multi-level interchange, and continue eastward. It will intersect with Khuvisgalchdiin Avenue, pass north of the Sambalkhundev cemetery through a tunnel, and continue along the Khailaast and Doloon Buudal roads, where additional interchanges will be constructed. It will then pass south of the Selbe subcenter, cross the Selbe River, and connect to the Dari-Ekh Road via a bridge.

Once completed, the project is expected to reduce traffic congestion in the central urban area by 23–50% and increase average vehicle speeds during peak hours by 23.3%. Road capacity is also projected to increase by 23% at Zuun Durvun Zam, 21% at Baruun Durvun Zam, 14% at Bayanburd roundabout, and 10% along Ikh Mongol Street.

Groundwater Exploration to be Conducted at 25 Locations in Dornogobi Aimag www.montsame.mn

This year, Dornogobi aimag’s Food and Agriculture Department has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Food, Agriculture, and Light Industry to conduct groundwater geophysical exploration at 25 sites across five soums, along with the construction of five engineered wells in the pasturelands of three soums, to be funded by the state budget.

Additionally, with an investment of MNT 110 million from the Local Development Funds of Dalanjargalan, Urgun, and Erdene soums, it is planned to construct and rehabilitate eight wells, both engineered and traditional wells, to improve water supply for pastureland.

In 2025, a total of 13 engineered wells and 10 traditional wells were newly constructed or rehabilitated across the aimag. As a result, 29,500 hectares of pastureland were supplied with water, enabling watering access for 35,300 livestock.

In Dornogobi aimag, 4,226 herder households across 14 soums are raising 1.6 million livestock (equivalent to 3.0 million sheep units) this spring.

Tech Companies Must End Complicity in Online Repression of Mongolian Culture www.techpolicy.press

For decades, the Chinese government has curated how the world sees Mongolian culture—packaging it as colorful, compliant, and “traditional.” But this carefully managed image erases what is actually happening—the systematic destruction of a once-vibrant digital ecosystem where Mongolian language, culture, and dissent flourished beyond state control.

The reality of life for Mongolians living in China, largely in the autonomous region known as Inner Mongolia, is a brutal and uncompromising repression of their voices—both on and offline. This repression should be setting off alarm bells around the world because of the precedent it sets about the harassment and surveillance of people who speak out against the government. It also reaches into Mongolian communities living outside of China.

As technology advanced globally, digital communities became essential hubs for Mongolians to communicate, preserve their language, and create new music and art. This dynamic and creative use of technology to support a minority culture was at odds with the Chinese government’s desire for uniformity and control.

But new research from PEN America’s Freedom to Write Center shows that nearly 89% of known Mongolian-language websites have either been shut down, restricted, or converted into Mandarin Chinese, with all mentions of Mongolian culture removed or sanitized to fit the China-approved narrative.

Taking the eradication further, more than 200 songs in Mongolian have been removed from online music libraries—including protest songs about the death of a Mongolian herdsman who was killed while defending his land from a Chinese mining company. The end result is that more than six million people are having their language ripped away from them.

Tech companies are complicit. There are several documented examples of how US companies have apparently helped power and enable the repression of free expression and culture in China, from companies like Microsoft pre-emptively censoring search results in order to operate in China, to cloud hosting company Vultr carrying out Tencent's request to shut down GreatFire.org, which uses AI to track censorship. Additionally, multiple US companies like IBM and Dell have enabled the spread of the surveillance infrastructure that has targeted minorities in China. By caving to state pressure, tech companies become willing enforcers of Chinese state narratives and human rights violations, not only in China but across the world as well.

All of this amounts to a blatant violation of Mongolians’ rights to free expression, language, and identity, and it shows what could happen the world over if private tech and social media companies continue to cave to government demands.

Mongolia Has Its First Luxury Hotel. It Was Worth The Wait www.forbes.com

Mongolia has long captivated the imagination of travelers drawn to its vast steppe, nomadic culture, and extreme remoteness. What it has lacked, until now, is a hotel worthy of the destination. The opening of Ayan Zalaat Hotel & Spa, the debut property from Mongolian-owned Ayan Hotels & Resorts, marks a genuine turning point for high-end travel in the region.

Situated in the Zalaat Valley on the boundary of the Bogd Khan Uul UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, one of the world’s oldest protected wilderness areas, the property occupies a quietly extraordinary position: removed enough from the capital’s congested center to feel like a true retreat, yet close enough to function as a destination unto itself within Ulaanbaatar.

Across its 32 rooms and suites, 10 dining and lounge venues, a sommelier-led private wine cellar, a members-only cigar lounge, and an expansive spa, the hotel makes a compelling case that serious luxury and serious place-making are not mutually exclusive. The interiors, conceived by Italian architect Fabio Friso, draw on rich materials and a considered spatial vocabulary that manages to feel opulent without tipping into excess.

The name offers a clue to the philosophy underpinning all of it. Derived from a Sanskrit phrase meaning “gift from God,” Ayan Zalaat was conceived as something more than a hotel. The valley itself has been considered sacred ground since the 12th century, when monks sought its quietude for meditation and spiritual study. That contemplative history is not merely acknowledged here; it is actively cultivated. Renewal, stillness, and cultural integrity are treated as foundational to the guest experience, not as amenity add-ons.

The property’s real strengths reveal themselves not in the imported Italian marble, of which there is a considerable amount, but in the more unexpected spaces scattered throughout the grounds.

The Ayan Spa, developed in collaboration with Clinique Nescens of Genolier, Switzerland, and Dr. Burgener of Switzerland, brings a level of medical wellness sophistication that elevates the property well beyond a standard hotel spa. It combines Mongolian cultural traditions with Swiss medical wellness protocols across a program that includes treatment rooms, a hydromassage pool, steam room, sauna, indoor pool, fitness center, yoga studio, and relaxation lounge. Spa treatments are available to outside guests by appointment; the pool, fitness center, and yoga facilities are reserved for hotel guests.
“Ayan Zalaat was envisioned as a place where many experiences could coexist within one setting,” said Tselmuun Nyamtaishir, Founder and CEO of Ayan Hotels & Resorts. “Combining culture, wellness, dining, entertainment, and gathering spaces, while meeting the expectations of both international travelers and local guests. More than a single opening, it reflects our commitment to shaping the future of tourism in Mongolia. At the heart of this vision are our people, my greatest pride and our true strength. Investing in them is a rare and deliberate choice, reflecting our long-term commitment to service excellence, cultural preservation, and the development of Mongolian talent as we grow and evolve this destination over time.”

I’ve been based in Ulaanbaatar for eight years and have stayed everywhere from remote ger camps to roadside guesthouses across the country. After spending a night there last month, it’s difficult to imagine anything in Mongolia surpassing it.

The Junior Suite greets guests with floor-to-ceiling windows framing an unobstructed mountain panorama. On the afternoon I checked in, horses and deer moved across the lower slopes in the late afternoon light. It is the sort of view that, in another context, would be the primary selling point of an entire property.

The rooms are generous, but the bathrooms are what you’ll remember. A glazed hallway connects the bedroom to an Italian marble bathroom, framing the mountain view as it leads you to the soaking tub. It feels indulgent in exactly the right way.

Beyond the rooms and spa, a private cinema, bowling alley, karaoke room, games lounges, and scenic walking paths round out what is an unusually comprehensive amenity offering for a property of this size. For guests wishing to venture further, the hotel curates bespoke itineraries across Mongolia in partnership with remote camps, off-road expedition operators, and small-plane charter services, providing access to regions that remain beyond the reach of conventional tourism.

The property’s induction into Leading Hotels of the World, the first Mongolian property to receive that recognition, is a signal the international hospitality industry is paying attention. Rooted in a landscape of spiritual significance and undergirded by a serious commitment to its people, Ayan Zalaat sets a new standard for what luxury hospitality in Mongolia can and should look like.

Ayan Hotels & Resorts has announced plans to open six additional properties by 2030, with sites identified across Gorkhi-Terelj National Park, Khövsgöl, Ömnögovi, Bayan-Ölgii, and Dornod Provinces.

Rates at Ayan Zalaat Hotel & Spa start from $850 per night.

N.Uchral: Some Ministers may be retained based on performance www.gogo.mn

On April 1, Prime Minister N.Uchral briefed journalists at the State Palace on the composition of the new government.

He said the government’s work is continuing normally with civil servants and state secretaries in place, and stressed the need to begin work without delay.

“Regarding the composition of the government, we will of course take into account the progress made in each sector. We are reviewing the situation, performance, and results of each minister in their respective field,” he said.

N.Uchral also noted that international issues must be considered, saying there are many tasks related to fuel supplies, including trips to Russia and the signing of agreements. “Some Ministers need to remain in place. This is not just our domestic work,” he said.

He added that the government will consider the performance of sector Ministers and their relations with other countries. “The composition of the government will be decided today or tomorrow. So far, only the HUN Party has been invited,” he said.

When asked about the Tuul river highway issue, N.Uchral said a working group would be established and the Ethics Committee would discuss the matter. “I have officially warned the Mayor,” he said.

Revised Forest Law to Expand Public Benefits www.montsame.mn

A series of discussions on the draft revised Law on Forests, organized by the Parliament’s Standing Committee on Environment, Food and Agriculture, was held on April 1 at the State Palace.

The discussions are being conducted in stages by the Standing Committee in cooperation with a working group established under Resolution No. 523 of the Speaker of Parliament. This working group is tasked with developing proposals and drafting relevant legislation on environmental protection and green development.

The first discussion took place on March 30 and brought together researchers, scientists, and professional organizations engaged in long-term forestry studies, as well as stakeholders involved in tree nurseries and agroforestry. The discussion held on April 1 focused on involving businesses and private sector representatives operating in the field, gathering their views and feedback.

Member of Parliament and head of the working group, Bat-Erdene Bat-Ulzii, highlighted that the draft revised law consists of 12 chapters and 59 articles. He emphasized that its key innovation lies in defining forests as ecosystems and incorporating provisions aimed at increasing economic circulation while improving the livelihoods of local communities.

During the discussion, Member of Parliament Undraa Agvaanluvsan noted that integrating forests into the economy, alongside their protection and restoration, is of strategic national importance. She stressed that government policy should support residents of remote soums in aimags such as Khuvsgul and Khentii to become stewards of their forests and sustain their livelihoods. At the same time, she underlined the need for the draft law to promote the use of advanced technologies, enhance public knowledge and capacity, and support community groups and cooperatives.

The currently effective Law on Forests regulates relations related to forest protection, restoration, reforestation, ownership, use, and the prevention of forest and steppe fires. The revised draft, however, aims to balance forest conservation, restoration, and sustainable use with ecosystem stability, biodiversity, economic benefits, and local participation.

While the existing law classifies forests into protection and utilization zones, the new draft introduces a third category, “special-purpose forests.” This includes forests designated for genetic resources, research, education, urban green zones, and those with historical and cultural significance, all to be subject to special protection regimes.

In addition, the draft establishes a comprehensive and coordinated system across all levels — national, provincial/capital, soum, privately managed forests, and contract-based management. It proposes the development of a transparent, integrated digital system covering permits, contracts, classification, utilization, restoration, carbon accounting, violations, and reporting.

Furthermore, the draft incorporates modern, market-oriented, and climate policy-aligned concepts such as ecosystem services, forest-based economy, bioeconomy, carbon sequestration, carbon units, and carbon projects.

Mongolia to form coalition gov't www.xinhuanet.com

Mongolia is expected to form a coalition government following recent political developments.

The opposition Hun Party announced on its official social media platform Wednesday evening that it had agreed to form a coalition government with the ruling Mongolian People's Party (MPP).

So far, the MPP has proposed forming a coalition government only with the Hun Party.

The development came after Nyam-Osor Uchral, chairman of the MPP, was appointed Mongolia's 35th prime minister on Monday after being nominated by the party.

His appointment followed the resignation of former Prime Minister Gombojav Zandanshatar, who stepped down at his own request last week.

In the 2024 parliamentary elections, the MPP won a narrow majority, securing 68 of the 126 seats. The Hun Party secured eight seats. 

Tourism Emerges as Key Economic Driver, Reaching USD 1.4 Billion Output www.montsame.mn

The Standing Subcommittee on Tourism Development of the State Great Khural (Parliament) held its first meeting of 2026 on March 31, receiving updates on sector policy, implementation of laws and regulations, and pressing challenges.

Director of the Tourism Policy and Regulation Department at the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth, Batchimeg V., reported that Mongolia welcomed more than 847,000 tourists in 2025, generating USD 728 million in export revenue. Domestic tourism spending reached MNT 2.6 trillion, bringing the total economic output of the sector to MNT 5.2 trillion (USD 1.4 billion), underscoring tourism’s growing importance to the national economy. She also noted that Mongolia ranked 15th among the world’s top 20 fastest-growing destinations in the UN World Tourism Barometer.

The sector operates under the revised Law on Tourism adopted in 2023, along with one parliamentary resolution and Government Resolution No. 95, with implementation currently at 69.1 percent. Updated regulations on classification and grading of tourism service providers have been approved, while a “Winter Tourism Development Plan” is being implemented as part of efforts to promote year-round tourism.

In terms of international cooperation, Mongolia hosted the launch of the “Tea Road Auto Tourism” initiative during the 9th trilateral tourism ministers’ meeting of Mongolia, China, and Russia in Darkhan-Uul aimag in November 2025. A national travel platform is also ready for development. Additionally, a Tourism Training Center building has been handed over under Mongolia–Republic of Korea cooperation, with preparations underway to establish a formal vocational training institution based on the facility.

Infrastructure improvements are progressing, including an increase in direct international flights, with Khuvsgul aimag receiving international arrivals. Concessional loans for tourism businesses are set to be issued starting this month.

Looking ahead, the government is prioritizing the establishment of a tourism development fund, improved tax policy to reinvest in the sector, expanded infrastructure, and sustainable tourism practices that reduce environmental impact while benefiting local communities. Key challenges remain in upgrading airports and border capacity, improving roads, expanding year-round eco-friendly accommodations, and developing distinctive tourism products and attractions.

Minister of Culture, Sports, Tourism and Youth Undram Chinbat stated that the government has identified 17 tourism zones across 12 aimags for the first time and is developing management plans for each with international support. She added that businesses in the sector will have access to loans with a 6 percent interest rate, a six-year term, and a one-year grace period on principal repayment.

Members of Parliament raised concerns about future tourist growth amid rising fuel and flight costs. The minister noted that earlier projections estimated Mongolia could receive around one million tourists this year, although increasing airfare prices may affect demand. She also highlighted strong demand for financing, with loan requests totaling MNT 800 billion submitted to banks, despite only MNT 250 billion available this year, and called for continued support to expand funding in the coming years.

Water Compact Implemented on Schedule and Within Approved Budget www.montsame.mn

The implementation of the second Millennium Challenge Compact, known as the Mongolia Water Compact, between the Government of Mongolia and the Millennium Challenge Corporation of the United States has concluded, and its results were reviewed.

Under the project, Mongolia’s first large-scale wastewater recycling plant was officially inaugurated, creating new opportunities to conserve clean water and supply thermal power plants with treated water. This marks the country’s first major use of recycled water in the energy sector and is expected to expand into other industrial sectors, conserve groundwater resources for future generations, and support the ecosystem of the Tuul River. The project fulfills a key objective of Mongolia’s water policy and establishes a completely new source of water supply.

In addition, as part of the project to build a new Western Source for Ulaanbaatar’s water supply, the country’s first advanced water treatment plant has been established. The facility is currently undergoing testing and is expected to be opened next month. At present, residents of Ulaanbaatar consume about 55 million cubic meters of water annually from seven sources. Once operational, the new plant will supply up to 50 million cubic meters of water per year to the central system, significantly enhancing the city’s water security, supporting westward urban expansion, and contributing to economic growth.

The project also included soft infrastructure initiatives aimed at strengthening the sustainability of Ulaanbaatar’s water supply. Within this framework, five sub-projects and activities have been successfully carried out. These focused on improving the institutional framework, legal environment, and policy regulation of the water sector; strengthening the capacity of sector organizations; providing technical assistance; and enhancing the financial and human resource capacity of the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority to sustainably operate its services in the future.

Thus, the largest investment in Mongolia’s water sector over the past 30 years has achieved tangible results, and this strategically significant project that has elevated Ulaanbaatar’s water supply system to a new level, has been successfully completed.

It is also worth noting that the Water Compact program, which entered into force on March 31, 2021, has been fully implemented on schedule and within its approved budget.