Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav Resigns www.montsame.mn

At the plenary session of State Great Khural (Parliament) on March 27, members of Parliament discussed the resignation request of Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav.

During the session, he stated, “I am not seeking to hold my position. Therefore, I am stepping down, prioritizing the interests of the country. This is not merely about handing over a position; it is about calling on politicians to unite for a greater common interest and setting a personal example by doing so.” After responding to questions from members of Parliament, he delivered a report on the work carried out over the past nine months.

In his remarks, he highlighted, “In 2025, for the first time in history, we reduced budget expenditures by MNT 2.2 trillion through an austerity amendment. As a result, coal exports reached 90 million tons, and total exports hit USD 15.8 billion. Cashmere exports increased 4.7 times, and meat exports rose by 25.7 percent. Economic growth improved from 2.6 percent to 6.8 percent, while inflation declined from 8.3 percent to 6.5 percent. The balance of payments shifted from a USD 600 million deficit to a USD 1 billion surplus. Foreign currency reserves reached a historic high of USD 7 billion, increasing by USD 2.1 billion. These are not just numbers; they are the results of sound policy.”

Parliament Speaker Uchral Nyam-Osor wished him success in his future public service. At the end of the session, a vote was held to accept Prime Minister Zandanshatar’s resignation, with 74 percent of members voting in favor.

He will continue to serve in an acting capacity until a new Prime Minister is appointed.

Seema Malhotra: There is significant potential to expand cooperation with British companies investing in Mongolia www.gogo.mn

Seema Malhotra, the UK Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has visited to Mongolia from March 23 to 25. On the final day of her visit, we had a brief conversation with her while she was meeting students who had learned English as part of a project aimed at improving the skills of English language teachers.

I understand this is your first visit to Mongolia. How has your visit been so far, and what would you highlight as the most memorable moments?
This is my first visit to Mongolia, and it has been a very special few days. I am here as the Minister for the Indo-Pacific, and I am truly grateful for the incredibly warm welcome.

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UK expertise has contributed to providing advice and supporting Mongolia’s development plans

It has also been an important visit, as I was able to co-chair our annual political dialogue with the Deputy Foreign Minister, Amirtuvshin.D , and to meet with the Prime Minister. We have had valuable discussions about the future of the UK–Mongolia relationship, which is a long-standing and deep partnership going back over 60 years, when the United Kingdom was the first country to recognise Mongolia and establish diplomatic relations.

This also reflects our shared democratic values and the importance of investing in people-to-people ties. The way our governments, parliamentarians, media, and civil society work together to advance these values is essential to building a secure and prosperous future for our nations.

I am incredibly grateful to everyone I have met. It has been a very full but important visit, during which we have recognised the challenges of today’s world and how we can work together to support each other’s progress and build the peace and prosperity we need for tomorrow. Thank you very much.

At the end of the 16th Mongolia–UK Roundtable Meeting, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in several areas, including the Ulaanbaatar Metro project. Could you elaborate on this cooperation?
I was very pleased to co-chair the annual political dialogue during my visit and to see the progress we are making. One example is the Ulaanbaatar Metro project—a visionary initiative that will transform lives in the city and serve as a flagship project for Mongolia.

It is encouraging to see how UK expertise has contributed to providing advice and supporting Mongolia’s development plans. There are also opportunities through UK Export Finance to offer unprecedented support for this initiative moving forward. Long-term projects such as this, which reduce congestion, lower pollution, and invest in public transport, deliver significant economic benefits and can be truly transformative. We have seen the impact of such investments in our own country and continue to prioritise them.

I also appreciated our discussions on expanding cooperation in areas such as critical minerals. Mongolia has strong potential and leadership in this field. During my visit, I had the opportunity to visit Oyu Tolgoi and observe the partnerships in place, as well as the emphasis on sustainable development, responsible mining, and contributions to local communities. These are important standards for the future.

There are strong opportunities for UK expertise and university research to contribute, alongside ongoing cooperation in education, including partnerships with UNICEF and the Ministry of Education.

At a time when we are witnessing increasing global conflicts and challenges to the international rules-based order—values that both the UK and Mongolia strongly uphold—the importance of economic security and diversified supply chains is clear. There is significant potential for deeper cooperation between the UK, with its long history and expertise in mining, and Mongolia, particularly in supporting the UK’s critical minerals strategy and strengthening supply chain resilience.

I have seen this potential firsthand, including during the Critical Minerals Conference in Washington, where I also met the Mongolian Foreign Minister, as well as through recent ministerial exchanges between our countries.

I am also excited about our collaboration in emerging technologies and renewable energy, as we invest in a greener future. There are strong opportunities for UK expertise and university research to contribute, alongside ongoing cooperation in education, including partnerships with UNICEF and the Ministry of Education.

Investing in education is particularly important. While today’s leaders shape current discussions, it is through education—especially English language learning—that we nurture the next generation. I was pleased to meet Chevening Scholars during my visit—over 200 since 1993, with another 20 this year.

Through these efforts, we are building future leaders together who will contribute to our economies, societies, and enduring people-to-people ties. I am incredibly proud of this.

What policy or regulatory changes do you believe are necessary to attract more British investment to Mongolia?
There is significant potential to expand cooperation with British companies investing in Mongolia, as well as opportunities for mutual learning and partnership.

When you hear directly from young people, they often say that they have not just learned a language—they have gained access to new opportunities and a broader world.

It is important to maintain a business environment that is trusted by investors—where disputes can be resolved efficiently, contracts and terms are clear and transparent, and decision-making processes are timely.

In a competitive global environment, it is essential to provide confidence to investors. Whether in renewable energy, critical minerals, infrastructure projects like the Ulaanbaatar Metro, or sectors such as technology and education, businesses need assurance that they are operating in a stable, transparent, and well-regulated environment.

This includes strong professional capabilities, a robust legal and regulatory framework, and conditions that support long-term partnerships. These are the key factors that will enable investment to grow and flourish.

The agreement for Phase II of the Breaking Language Barriers project was signed in December 2025. Could you update us on its progress? Are there plans for a Phase III?
It is very important that we continue building on the success we have already achieved. I am incredibly proud of the progress made in English language education through our partnership. More than 147,000 children across Mongolia have benefited from improved access to quality English language education.

This impact is evident not only in cities but also in rural areas. When you hear directly from young people, they often say that they have not just learned a language—they have gained access to new opportunities and a broader world.

I am also grateful to everyone involved in supporting the ongoing development of language teaching, particularly teachers. Nearly 750 teachers have received training, and many have shared how it has strengthened not only their own language skills but also their ability to teach and train others. This helps build long-term capacity and leadership within Mongolia’s education system, while also providing immense satisfaction in supporting young learners.

You mentioned the importance of civil society cooperation. How do you assess its current development, and how do you see it evolving in the future?
I am very proud of the work we are doing together to support civil society. This is crucial because it reflects that the UK–Mongolia relationship is grounded in shared democratic values. It is essential to ensure that civic spaces remain active and continue to thrive in order to sustain strong democracies in both our countries.

I am grateful for the strong partnership we have developed, including our collaboration with local and national government institutions in Mongolia.

During my visit, I was pleased to support the Youth for Change programme and to see its impact. Through this initiative, we are working with over 25 youth civil society organisations, helping young people build confidence, leadership skills, networks, and the ability to drive change in Mongolia.

Investing in civic spaces means investing in leadership and creating opportunities for dialogue between civil society and political leadership at both local and national levels. This empowerment supports the next generation of public and political leaders, while also ensuring that policymaking is informed by real experiences and insights.

I am grateful for the strong partnership we have developed, including our collaboration with local and national government institutions in Mongolia. Most importantly, we are investing in the next generation of leaders and strengthening a partnership that will continue to endure.

Thank you very much for your time.

Wastewater from ger districts to be treated to standards www.gogo.mn

Construction of the “Tuul-1” collector, the main wastewater transmission line connecting Ulaanbaatar to the central sewer system, began last year after being stalled for 20 years. As of today, the project is 25% complete.

Once the “Tuul-1” collector becomes fully operational, wastewater from ger districts will be treated and disposed of in accordance with standards, while open sewage discharge and soil pollution are expected to decrease. In addition, ger districts such as Uliastai, Sharkhad, Amgalan, Dambadarjaa, Dari-Ekh, and Chingeltei will be connected to engineering infrastructure, creating opportunities for further construction and urban development.

L.Altangerel, head of the Urban Engineering Infrastructure Department of the UB service and Chief engineer, said: “The Tuul-1 collector project was first initiated in 2007 by order of the Ministry of Construction. In 2025, the capital city governor and the City Council approved the required funding, and the Water Supply and Sewerage Administration is now implementing the project.”

He noted that this is the largest main wastewater pipeline built in Ulaanbaatar since 1980. The 30-km pipeline, with a diameter of 1,500 mm, will run from Gachuurt to the Central Treatment Plant. “It will eliminate wastewater discharge from ger districts, create conditions for construction, and improve living conditions,” he said.

B.Tamir, a technician at the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority, said construction of the main line has been underway since October, 2025. “This year, we plan to install six kilometers of pipeline. Currently, three teams are working on the project,” he said.

Mongolian Consulate General to Open in Sydney www.montsame.mn

The cabinet session on March 25 discussed and endorsed the establishment of a Mongolian Consulate General in Sydney to improve access to consular services and safeguard the interests of Mongolian citizens living in the Commonwealth of Australia. It was also decided to consult with the relevant Standing Committee of the State Great Khural.

Over 24,650 Mongolian citizens live and work in Australia, making it the third-largest community of Mongolians living abroad.

Immigration Information Now Available in All Languages www.montsame.mn

The Immigration Agency of Mongolia has introduced an AI-based chatbot for advisory and information services to deliver state services more efficiently and accessibly.

Starting this March, the chatbot will provide guidance and information in all languages. This allows foreign citizens, businesses, and organizations to quickly and conveniently obtain detailed advice and information related to immigration services in their native language, 24 hours a day, regardless of time or location.

Additionally, calling the information line at 1800-1882 will incur standard phone charges. For advice and information outside of working hours, users can contact via email at visasection@immigration.gov.mn, the website immigration.gov.mn, or the AI chatbot.

Organic, Plant Based British Vitamins Now Available in Mongolia (High-quality vitamins perfectly suited to organizational employee health and social welfare policies) www.mongolianbusinessdatabase.com

British Business Centre, the official distributor of one of the UK's leading LifePlan, is introducing the Healthilife range to Mongolia — premium, 100% bio and plant‑based supplements.

Products:

Healthilife for Beauty — supports healthy, radiant skin, nails and hair

Healthilife for Night — promotes deep, restful sleep

Healthilife for Brain — supports active cognitive function

Healthilife for Immunity — boosts immunity and restores daily vitality

Healthilife for Digestion — supports normal digestive function

Features:

TraceSupple™ standard: formulated from organic, plant‑based ingredients with full ingredient transparency

Free from artificial colours, flavours, preservatives and gluten — suitable for vegetarians and sensitive users

LifePlan: established 1983; manufactured to ISO9000, GMP, MHRA standards; exported to 40+ countries

Packaged in amber glass to protect product integrity and extend shelf life

High-quality vitamins perfectly suited to workplace employee health and social welfare policies!

Where to buy:

Available at British Business Centre (Baruun 4 Zam), Europharma, Songdo, Buman San pharmacies, and British Shop (Organic Market, River Garden).

You can review full details on our Facebook page and place your order there for delivery!

Contact:

British Business Centre (баруун 4 зам)

www.britishbusinesscentre.com

FB page: British Business Centre

management@britishbusinesscentre.com

77552002

Mongolia announces broad tax reforms, cuts corporate tax to 15% www.regfollower.com

Mongolia's government has introduced sweeping tax reforms following year-long consultations with 13,000 stakeholders, promising to cut taxes by MNT 2.7 trillion through progressive corporate rates, expanded SME support, enhanced VAT refunds for citizens, and a modernised compliance system that prioritises guidance over penalties—set to take effect in January 2027. 

Mongolia’s government submitted a comprehensive tax reform package to Parliament on 30 December 2025, following extensive nationwide consultations with over 13,000 citizens and businesses throughout the year.

The proposed amendments to corporate income tax, personal income tax, value-added tax (VAT), and the General Tax Law are scheduled for implementation on 1 January 2027.

After organising 178 meetings and collecting approximately 176,000 comments from stakeholders across the country, officials from the Ministry of Finance and General Tax Administration presented the draft legislation, which aims to reduce the overall tax burden by MNT 2.7 trillion in stages—MNT 2 trillion for citizens and MNT 700 billion for businesses.

Progressive corporate tax rates and expanded support for enterprises

The reform introduces significant changes to the corporate taxation structure. Companies earning between MNT 6 billion and MNT 10 billion will face a reduced tax rate of 15%, down from the current 25%.

Only businesses with income exceeding MNT 10 billion will pay the 25% rate, as the threshold increases from MNT 6 billion.

Small and medium-sized enterprises will benefit from expanded simplified tax regimes. The threshold for the 1% tax rate increases from MNT 1.5 billion to MNT 2.5 billion, while businesses with income up to MNT 400 million can now access the simplified 1% regime.

Additionally, enterprises qualifying for a 90% tax refund will see their eligibility threshold raised to MNT 2.5 billion.

The package addresses longstanding VAT concerns by removing restrictions on deductions for business activities and allowing manufacturers to fully utilise e-receipts for raw material purchases. Businesses can now defer VAT payments at customs for up to two months, and the reporting period extends from one year to two years.

Relief for individual taxpayers and first-time homebuyers

Citizens will receive 100% tax exemption on their monthly income up to MNT 500,000. The VAT refund system offers tiered benefits: 100% refunds on purchases up to MNT 500,000 monthly, 50% for purchases between MNT 500,000 and MNT 1 million and 20% for amounts exceeding MNT 1 million.

First-time homebuyers in regional areas and those purchasing energy-efficient housing will qualify for tax breaks of up to MNT 15 million.

Enhanced tax administration and compliance framework

The reform shifts tax administration toward a more supportive approach, emphasising advice and assistance over penalties. Rather than completely freezing accounts of debtors, the new system allows 20% of future income to remain accessible, changing the withholding rate from 100% to 80% to enable businesses to continue operations while settling tax obligations.

The compliance points system introduces flexible payment terms and grants taxpayers the right to correct reports within two years, focusing on risk warnings rather than immediate fines and allowing self-correction of mistakes before penalties apply.

Untapped Rare Earth Potential Positions Mongolia for Future Development www.resourceworld.com

Mongolia is a geostrategically significant mineral jurisdiction located between two of the world’s most resource rich countries, Russia and China. Positioned on the Central Asian plateau, Mongolia shares geological structures that extend across national borders. In the case of rare earth elements, the presence of the “Bayan Obo” deposit in northern China, widely regarded as the largest known rare earth deposit in the world, suggests that comparable geological systems may also occur within Mongolia. Yet favourable geology alone does not automatically translate into economic outcomes. Structural, technological and institutional constraints have historically limited Mongolia’s ability to convert geological potential into commercially viable development.

Much of what we understand today about rare earth element occurrences in Mongolia originates from Soviet era geological programs that focused primarily on nationwide mapping and regional geological interpretation rather than defining rare earths as a specific economic target. Within this broader scientific work, numerous rare earth related occurrences were recorded and documented across Mongolia. Against this background, the evolution of Mongolia’s rare earth sector can be broadly understood through three successive phases.

State-Funded Geological Mapping and the Recording of REE Occurrences:  Before 1990, geological work in Mongolia was centrally coordinated and state funded, focused on nationwide mapping and the study of stratigraphy, tectonics, and magmatic systems. These surveys identified a number of geologically promising occurrences, including early indications of both light and heavy rare earth elements. The occurrences were documented as part of broader geological investigations, providing an initial scientific foundation for understanding Mongolia’s rare earth potential. However, most findings remained at the occurrence level and were not advanced to economic evaluation or project development.

Democratic Transition, Licensing Reform, and the Rise of Private Exploration:  Following Mongolia’s democratic transition after 1990, market reforms introduced a licensing regime enabling private participation and clearer exploration and exploitation rights as the mining legal framework developed during the 1990s. Companies revisited earlier geological datasets and expanded fieldwork, although most projects remained at preliminary exploration stages. Nevertheless, this period marked a turning point by establishing the legal foundations for modern exploration activity.

Private Exploration Growth and the Challenge of Technological Alignment: Since around 2015, rising global demand has intensified exploration while highlighting that REE development requires alignment between geology and downstream processing, separation, and metallurgical testing. Limited domestic processing capacity makes international validation essential, and regulatory clarity from exploration to mining approval remains a key factor influencing project bankability.

International Estimates and the Real Meaning of Mongolia’s REE Potential: International policy circles and strategic research institutions have long highlighted Mongolia’s rare earth element (REE) endowment as a potentially significant strategic resource. Much of this narrative traces back to a 2009 assessment by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), later cited in UNCTAD reports, which suggested that Mongolia could host approximately 31 million tonnes of rare earth resources. At the time, this estimate represented nearly 16% of globally identified reserves, positioning Mongolia among the more notable rare earth exploration frontiers outside China.

According to Mongolian specialists, however, a consolidation of archived geological materials indicates that currently defined deposits contain approximately 3.1 million tonnes of rare earth oxides (REO). The apparent difference between these figures does not imply a reduction in Mongolia’s geological potential but rather reflects different classification frameworks and reporting methodologies. Importantly, the oxide estimate is largely based on six to seven deposits identified prior to 2015, while many prospective regions remain insufficiently explored and have yet to be evaluated under modern geological, technical, and metallurgical standards.

Strengthening Policy Clarity for Sustainable REE Development: In Mongolia’s current legal environment, the country remains open and broadly positive toward foreign investment in the mining sector. However, the issuance or transfer of new exploration and mining licences for rare earth elements (REEs) is subject to prior consideration by the National Security Council before approval. While this mechanism is intended to safeguard national interests, in practice, the interpretation and application of the process have not been uniform. Licence holders and project developers have conveyed differing explanations to investors, resulting in the absence of a consolidated market understanding

Accordingly, greater clarity regarding the review process, procedural steps, timelines, and evaluation criteria is essential. A more predictable and coherent regulatory framework would enable projects to transition to subsequent stages in a more structured and efficient manner.

Ultimately, future progress will depend not merely on the scale of geological resources but on the integration of exploration results with viable processing technologies, metallurgical validation, market strategy, and appropriately structured investment frameworks supported by experienced professional advisers. When geology, technology, and finance are aligned within a coherent strategic approach, Mongolia’s REE sector has a credible opportunity to advance to the next stage of project development without unnecessary delay.

By Bolormaa Nuurkhuu, B.Sc.

Luxembourg Parliamentary Delegation Visiting Mongolia www.montsame.mn

At the invitation of Temuulen Ganzorig, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Security and Foreign Policy of the State Great Khural (Parliament), a parliamentary delegation from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, led by Gusty Graas, Member of the Chamber of Deputies and Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, is visiting Mongolia.

On March 24, Temuulen, along with committee members and Munkhsoyol Baatarjav, head of the Mongolia-Luxembourg Parliamentary Group, met with the visiting delegation.  

At the meeting, Temuulen said that Mongolia attaches great importance to its relations and cooperation with the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, noting that the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations provides a favorable environment to deepen mutual understanding and expand cooperation.    

He emphasized that parliamentary cooperation will play a key role in strengthening ties grounded in shared values of human rights and democracy.

He also noted that Mongolia’s parliament ratified a loan agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on December 25, 2025, for the establishment of a National Cardiovascular Center. The project is expected to make a significant contribution to public health and stand as a symbol of five decades of cooperation. He expressed gratitude for Luxembourg’s grant assistance.

Munkhsoyol provided a brief overview of the Mongolia-Luxembourg parliamentary group, established in April 2025 with five members. She noted Mongolia’s efforts to increase women’s representation through electoral reforms and stated that the current 126-member parliament will continue to prioritize women’s participation in decision-making.

Gusty Graas expressed satisfaction with the visit, taking place during the milestone anniversary of diplomatic relations, and discussed inter-parliamentary cooperation and progress on healthcare projects.

The two sides also highlighted the cardiovascular health project, which has been implemented in five phases over 25 years.

The visit of the Luxembourg parliamentary delegation is ongoing, according to the Press Office of the State Great Khural.

The Bank of Mongolia and the People's Bank of China will elevate their relationship to a new level of strategic partnership www.open.kg

On March 24, Naranjogt Sambuu, the Governor of the Bank of Mongolia, held an important meeting with Pan Gongsheng, the head of the People's Bank of China.

The meeting took place in a constructive and friendly atmosphere, where the participants discussed key aspects that could elevate the strategic cooperation between the central banks to a new level, reaching consensus, reports MiddleAsianNews.

During the negotiations, the following important issues were addressed:

Agreements on currency swaps and foreign trade: The parties discussed the possibilities for improving and extending the currency swap agreement that has been in effect since 2011. This agreement plays a key role in maintaining liquidity and increasing trade turnover between the countries, supporting settlements in national currencies and facilitating regional economic integration. The participants unanimously agreed on the need to work together to improve the use of currency swaps, drawing on best practices applied in countries such as Korea and Turkey.

Modern payment systems: Naranjogt Sambuu presented the concept of transitioning to a digital infrastructure for payments between the two countries, discussing opportunities for cooperation in projects such as mBridge. The focus was on modernizing payment systems based on new technologies to reduce costs and increase the speed of cross-border payments.

Financial stability in the region: The participants emphasized the importance of joint efforts by the central banks to enhance the consistency of macroeconomic policies and ensure financial stability amid growing uncertainty in the global economy.

The head of the Bank of Mongolia, Naranjogt Sambuu, noted: “Our cooperation is based on trust, and I am confident that today’s negotiations will create a solid foundation for further growth in trade, investment, and sustainable economic development.”

As a result of the meeting, the parties agreed on the necessity of further strengthening friendly relations between the central banks and activating their joint activities.