1 EMPEROR MEETS REPORTERS AHEAD OF VISIT TO MONGOLIA WWW.3.NHK.OR.JP PUBLISHED:2025/07/03      2 WOOD ADVANCES RARE EARTH ELEMENTS PROJECT IN MONGOLIA WWW.MININGWEEKLY.COM  PUBLISHED:2025/07/03      3 THE BANK OF MONGOLIA PURCHASES 5.9 TONS OF PRECIOUS METALS IN FIRST HALF OF 2025 WWW.MONTSAME.MN PUBLISHED:2025/07/03      4 THE EUROPEAN UNION BRINGS CREATIVE ENERGY TO PLAYTIME 2025 FESTIVAL WWW.EEAS.EUROPA.EU  PUBLISHED:2025/07/03      5 MIAT LAUNCHES SHANGHAI-ULAN BATOR FLIGHTS WWW.GLOBAL.CHINADAILY.COM.CN PUBLISHED:2025/07/03      6 SANDVIK WINS MAJOR MINING EQUIPMENT ORDER IN MONGOLIA WWW.MARKETSCREENER.COM PUBLISHED:2025/07/03      7 NINE STATE-OWNED ENERGY COMPANIES IN WESTERN REGION CONSOLIDATED INTO FOUR WWW.MONTSAME.MN PUBLISHED:2025/07/03      8 OECD UPGRADES COUNTRY RISK CLASSIFICATION OF MONGOLIA WWW.MONTSAME.MN PUBLISHED:2025/07/02      9 AIR CHINA C909 MAKES INTERNATIONAL DEBUT FLIGHT ON MONGOLIA ROUTE WWW.CHINADAILY.COM.CN  PUBLISHED:2025/07/02      10 PRIME MINISTER OF MONGOLIA HIGHLIGHTS ITS COMMITMENT TO STABLE AND RELIABLE EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT WWW.MONTSAME.MN PUBLISHED:2025/07/02      Г.ЗАНДАНШАТАР: ХҮН ТӨВТЭЙ ХАНДЛАГА ТӨРИЙН АЛБАНЫ, ТӨРИЙН АЛБАН ХААГЧИЙН ҮНДСЭН ЗАРЧИМ БОЛОХ ЁСТОЙ WWW.ZINDAA.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/07/03     УЛААНБААТАР-МОСКВА ЧИГЛЭЛИЙН ШУУД НИСЛЭГИЙГ ЭНЭ ОНЫ СҮҮЛЭЭР СЭРГЭЭНЭ WWW.ITOIM.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/07/03     ИГАВАХАРА МАСАРҮ: ЯПОНЫ ЦОГ ЖАВХЛАНТ ЭЗЭН ХААН, ЭРХЭМ ДЭЭД ХАТНЫ АЙЛЧЛАЛ НЬ ХОЁР ОРНЫ ХАРИЛЦААНД ШИНЭ ХУУДСЫГ НЭЭХ АЛХАМ БОЛНО WWW.MONTSAME.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/07/03     МИАТ ТӨХК ШАНХАЙ ЧИГЛЭЛИЙН НИСЛЭГЭЭ НЭЭЛЭЭ WWW.NEWS.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/07/03     5.0 МАГНИТУДЫН ХҮЧТЭЙ ГАЗАР ХӨДЛӨЛТ БОЛЖЭЭ WWW.EGUUR.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/07/03     "ТЭЦ-3"-Д ҮҮССЭН ЦАХИЛГААН ДУТАГДЛЫГ БӨӨРӨЛЖҮҮТЭЭС ЭВСЭЛ ӨМӨЗО-ООС ИМПОРТОЛЖ НӨХНӨ WWW.EGUUR.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/07/03     М.ҮНЭНБАТ: ОСОЛ ГАРГАСАН ҮЕДЭЭ ЦАГДАА ИРЭХИЙГ ХҮЛЭЭЖ ЗОГСОХ ШААРДЛАГАГҮЙ БОЛНО WWW.EAGLE.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/07/03     “ЧИНГИС ХААН” НИСЭХ БУУДАЛ ДЭЛХИЙН ХАМГИЙН ИХ САЙЖИРСАН 10 БУУДЛЫН НЭГ БОЛОВ WWW.MONTSAME.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/07/02     ТЭЦ-5 ТӨСЛИЙН ХУВИЙН ХЭВШЛИЙН ТҮНШЛЭГЧИЙГ СОНГОХ УРЬДЧИЛСАН ШАЛГАРУУЛАЛТАД ДОТООД, ГАДААДЫН 8 ААН ОРОЛЦЛОО WWW.ITOIM.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/07/02     #1: ₮6.3 ТЭРБУМЫГ ҮРСЭН БАРИМТ: НӨЛӨӨЛӨГЧ АВЧРАХ, ФЕСТИВАЛЬ, ХУРАЛ ХИЙХ МӨНГИЙГ БОАЖЯ-НЫ ТНБД С.ЦОГТГЭРЭЛ ГАНЦ ХОЛБООНД ӨГЧЭЭ WWW.EGUUR.MN НИЙТЭЛСЭН:2025/07/02    

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Events

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MBCC “Doing Business with Mongolia seminar and Christmas Receptiom” Dec 10. 2024 London UK MBCCI London UK Goodman LLC

NEWS

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Mongolia Aims to Lift Chinese Coal Sales to 100 Million Tons www.bloomberg.com

Mongolia is aiming to increase its coal exports to China by almost a fifth this year, as it seeks to expand energy cooperation with its resource-hungry neighbor.
The central Asian nation forecasts that exports of the power and steelmaking fuel will rise to 100 million tons in 2025, Mongolian Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai said in an interview on Monday. The two nations reached a deal on Friday for a new cross-border rail link that will increase capacity by 30 million tons.
Mongolia Seeks to Expand on Growing China Coal Trade
Nation wants to complete a cross-border rail link
It’s one of several rail connections Oyun-Erdene is hoping to create, eventually boosting the nation’s coal export capacity to China to 165 million tons, nearly double the almost 84 million tons it sent last year. He also wants to cooperate with China and other nations across energy sectors, from green power generation to hydrogen production and natural gas transit.
“Mongolia has vast land capable of producing energy,” Oyun-Erdene said. ”We can sell the energy to China and also other Asian superpowers.”
China posted record coal imports last year, which were driven by big increases from Australia and Mongolia, with the latter accounting for 60% of its southern neighbor’s coking coal imports for steelmaking.
Although China’s steel industry is struggling and its demand for coal generally is flattening, Mongolia is well placed to hold or even grow its market share at the expense of supplies from Russia, which have become increasingly expensive.
Trilateral Talks
Mongolia’s government also plans to push for trilateral negotiations with China and Russia over the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, a massive proposed natural gas conduit that has stalled over price negotiations. Mongolia is ready to move forward with it if an agreement can ever be reached, Oyun-Erdene said.
The Mongolian Prime Minister has proposed to Chinese Premier Li Qiang to host a trilateral meeting in Ulaanbaatar to push the gas deal after talking to President Vladimir Putin. “The Mongolian government is ready to sign the agreement and move forward with this project when the purchase agreement is concluded between” Russian and Chinese state-owned firms, he said.
The nation also wants to use its coal reserves to produce hydrogen, which has been touted as a fuel of the future for heavy industries like steelmaking. Oyun-Erdene said Mongolia has been in talks with countries in the Middle East about potentially exporting its hydrogen to them.
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Social Responsibility Agreement Signed for Reducing Environmental Pollution www.montsame.mn

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia, the Governor’s Office of the Capital, the National Committee for Air Pollution Reduction, and representatives of enterprises have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation.

The Government of Mongolia called for cooperation between government agencies and the private sector to reduce air pollution. In addition, the law provides for tax breaks for private enterprises that invest in reducing air and environmental pollution. Within the framework of the cooperation, enterprises will invest up to MNT 5 billion in actions for reducing air pollution in Ulaanbaatar.

Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Mongolia, Member of the National Committee for Air Pollution Reduction Odontuya Saldan noted, “Reducing air pollution is not just a matter of one sector, ministry, or organization. It requires the involvement of many stakeholders, including citizens, non-governmental organizations, and businesses. The monetary donations of these companies as part of their social responsibility will be spent effectively on reducing air pollution. The National Committee meeting will decide which projects to invest in and on collaboration.”

The “Joint Agreement on Social Responsibility to Reduce Environmental Pollution” was signed by 10 entities, including “Monosfarm,” “South Gobi Sands,” “Boroo Gold,” and “Monpolymet.” Minister Odontuya emphasized that other enterprises can also conclude this type of agreement.

As part of the Agreement, the “Monos” group will spend MNT 2 billion this year to reduce air pollution, said the company’s General Director Erdenechimeg Luvsan. “Over the past 10 years, trillions of tugriks have been spent on reducing air pollution, but it is not clear what they were spent on and how much the pollution decreased. The enterprises will monitor their pollution reduction activities. I am confident that by monitoring whether the investments are being spent on the right objectives, we will achieve results.”

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ATC: Investigated 89 criminal complaints and information www.eagle.mn

The Investigation Department of the Anti-Corruption Bureau investigated 89 criminal complaints and information from February 10-16, 2025. Of these, 12 complaints and information were forwarded to the prosecutor with a proposal to open an investigation case, 7 complaints and information were forwarded to the prosecutor with a proposal to refuse to open an investigation case, and 2 complaints and information were transferred according to jurisdiction, and 68 complaints and information are currently being reviewed and investigated.
In addition, out of 905 criminal cases investigated, 12 cases were referred to court last week, 12 cases were closed, 1 case was forwarded to the prosecutor with a proposal to transfer according to jurisdiction, and 2 cases are being investigated together. Currently, 878 cases are under investigation.
A detective report was written and submitted to the relevant authorities to eliminate the causes and conditions that contributed to the crime.
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Mongolia's GDP grows 4.9 pct in 2024 www.xinhuanet.com

Mongolia's gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 4.9 percent year-on-year in 2024, official data released by the country's National Statistics Office (NSO) showed Monday.
The country's GDP for the year totaled 80.0 trillion Mongolian Tugriks (over 23.1 billion U.S. dollars), the NSO said in a report.
The economic growth was primarily driven by significant expansions in the mining and service sectors, which played a pivotal role in the overall performance of the Mongolian economy.
Mongolia, known for its rich natural resources, has long relied on the mining sector as a central pillar of its economic development.
In 2023, the country's economy grew by 7.0 percent, largely supported by the mining sector, according to the NSO.
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Mongolia to up coal exports to China by 20% in 2025, expand energy sector www.san.com

Mongolia plans to increase its coal exports to China by nearly 20% in 2025, with a goal of ultimately reaching 165 million tons of export capacity. A new cross-border rail link between the two countries is expected to support this growth.
Mongolia is also expanding its energy sector by pursuing projects such as the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, linking Russia and China through Mongolian territory, as well as hydrogen exports to Middle Eastern nations.
As natural resources account for over 90% of Mongolia’s exports and more than a quarter of government revenue, the country aims to strengthen its role in the global energy market through international partnerships.
Full Story
Mongolia is set to increase its coal exports to China by nearly 20% this year as part of a broader effort to strengthen energy cooperation with international partners. Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai announced in an interview on Monday, Feb. 17, that the country anticipates coal exports will reach 100 million tons in 2025, up from the nearly 84 million tons shipped last year.
“Mongolia has vast land capable of producing energy,” Oyun-Erdene said. ”We can sell the energy to China and also other Asian superpowers.”
How will Mongolia export more coal to China?
The increase follows a recent agreement between Mongolia and China, which has paved the way for a new cross-border rail link designed to facilitate greater coal exports. The project is expected to add an additional 30 million tons of coal export capacity and is one of multiple railway connections that Mongolia hopes to build, with an ultimate goal of raising coal export capacity to China to 165 million tons.
What other moves is Mongolia making in the energy sector?
Beyond coal, Mongolia is also looking to diversify its energy sector and enhance cooperation with China and other countries in renewable energy production, hydrogen fuel and natural gas transit. One of the key initiatives the country is pursuing is the long-discussed Power of Siberia 2 pipeline, a proposed natural gas conduit linking Russia and China through Mongolian territory.
The project has faced delays due to price negotiations, but Mongolia said it remains ready to facilitate progress. Oyun-Erdene proposed to Chinese Premier Li Qiang the idea of hosting a trilateral meeting in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar to advance discussions following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“The Mongolian government is ready to sign the agreement and move forward with this project when the purchase agreement is concluded between Russian and Chinese state-owned firms,” he said.
Is Mongolia exploring energy exports with any other nations?
Additionally, Mongolia is exploring the potential of using its coal reserves to produce hydrogen, which is increasingly viewed as a sustainable fuel alternative for heavy industries such as steel-making. The government has engaged in negotiations with countries in the Middle East regarding possible hydrogen exports, highlighting its ambition to become a major player in the evolving global energy landscape.
What happens next?
Mongolia’s natural resources remain a crucial pillar of its economy, accounting for over 90% of its exports and more than a quarter of government revenue. With increasing global demand for these resources in the power sector, Mongolia is positioning itself in the international energy market in the coming years.
By Jack Aylmer (Energy Correspondent), Jack Henry (Video Editor), Mohammed Ali (Senior Motion Designer)
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Mobicom Brings Circles' AI-Powered Xplore to Mongolia www.thefastmode.com

Mobicom has announced a strategic partnership with Circles, a global telco technology company. Central to this partnership is the launch of Xplore, an advanced AI-powered software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform co-developed by Circles and leading global telecom operators. Designed to personalize user interactions, boost engagement and unlock new digital opportunities, Xplore has successfully gone live in four markets and will transform digital experiences for Mobicom Corporation and its consumers in Central Asia.
The launch of Xplore accelerates Mobicom Corporation's digital evolution, strengthening its telecom leadership in Mongolia and Central Asia with AI-powered solutions that enhance customer engagement and unlock new opportunities.
As part of its commitment to next-generation digital experiences, Mobicom Corporation will integrate Xplore to enhance its service offerings with AI-powered content, expand customer touchpoints, and create new revenue opportunities. Xplore's suite of applications will drive user interactions, enhance digital engagement and provide differentiated services in a competitive telecom landscape.
With Xplore, Mobicom Corporation is poised to unlock significant revenue growth through improved customer retention, enhanced engagement, and reduced churn. Xplore's ecosystem enables cost-efficient innovation, allowing Mobicom Corporation to rapidly deploy new digital services without the heavy investment typically required for in-house development.
Koji Kurushima, Chief Executive Office, Mobicom
The future of telco lies in creating seamless, digital-first experiences that go beyond connectivity. At Mobicom Corporation, we see our partnership with Circles as more than just adopting new technology—it is about reimagining how we engage, entertain, and add value to our customers' lives. With Circles, we are unlocking new possibilities that will set a new benchmark for digital innovation in Mongolia and inspire the next era of mobile experiences.
Sanjay Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer, Circles
We are excited to partner with Mobicom Corporation to transform digital engagement in Mongolia. Mobicom Corporation is redefining what it means to be a digital-first telco, and we're proud to support this journey. With the launch of Xplore, an AI-powered platform developed by Circles with global telco operators, Mobicom Corporation is unlocking new opportunities to engage customers. This partnership highlights the growing demand for agile, AI-driven digital ecosystems. We are committed to helping Mobicom Corporation drive engagement, unlock new revenue streams and set new standards for digital innovation in Mongolia and beyond.
BY Tara Neal
Tara Neal is the Executive Editor and Telecom Strategist of The Fast Mode. She has more than 26 years of experience in research, analysis and strategy planning. Tara has worked on various strategy projects covering business strategies and performance management. She has written extensively on various topics relating to the latest technologies, digital services innovations, operator strategies, market trends and the development of various emerging sectors. Tara holds a First Class Honours in BSc Accounting and Finance from The London School of Economics, UK and is a CFA charterholder from the CFA Institute, United States.
Follow her on Twitter, LinkedIn or Facebook. She can be reached at tara.neal@thefastmode.com
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Mongolian football player signs contract with Czech Premier League club www.akipress.com

On February 13, 20-year-old Tuguldur Gantogtokh, who previously played for the Czech football club Dynamo České Budějovice, signed a professional contract with the club until 2028.
He began his career with the Mongolian club Arvis and took part in several youth tournaments before moving to the Czech Republic with his family in 2020. He then joined local club Tábor, and in 2022, Dynamo České Budějovice signed a contract with him and accepted him into their academy.
During his studies, Tuguldur played for the U19 national team and made his debut in the Czech Premier League in November 2023. In spring 2024, he was called up to the Mongolian national team for the first time, where he played against Tanzania and Azerbaijan.
"Mongolian striker Tuguldur Gantogtokh, who signed his first professional contract, will link his future football career with the South Bohemian team," wrote the official website of the football club SK Dynamo České Budějovice.
"I am very happy that I signed my first professional contract. This is a great motivation for me. Unfortunately, I am injured now, but I believe that I will gradually return. I am starting to train slowly, I hope everything will be fine," Tuguldur Gantogtokh said after signing the contract.
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“White Gold” National Movement to Double Mongolia’s Wool and Cashmere Exports www.montsame.mn

On February 13, 2025, President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa visited “Sor Cashmere,” “Snow Fields,” and “Ulaanbaatar Hivs” companies under the “White Gold” National Movement.
The President has initiated the “White Gold” National Movement to enhance the value of livestock-derived raw materials. The successful implementation of the Movement will increase the production and export of internationally competitive, high-value-added products with traceable origins and quality certifications. As a result, the value of livestock-derived raw materials will rise, improving herders’ incomes and livelihoods while elevating the agricultural and light industry sectors to a new level.
“Sor Cashmere” LLC sources 800 tons of cashmere annually from 13 aimags, in addition to processing approximately 200 tons of camel wool, over 30 tons of yak down, and more than 200 tons of sheep wool. The company produces pure yarn and finished products, exporting to 17 countries while supplying over 150 domestic knitting workshops with cashmere, camel wool, and yak-down yarn. The company’s officials introduced plans to expand their dehairing facility.
“Snow Fields” LLC collaborates with 360 herder households across three soums in Dornod aimag, processing wool and cashmere while producing 50 tons of finished products annually for export to Japan, Russia, Ukraine, France, the United States, Switzerland, Germany, and South Korea. The company also manufactures 70 tons of wool, cashmere, and yak down yarn for the domestic market annually. “Snow Fields” LLC plans to establish a processing line for recycling knitted materials, converting used wool and cashmere garments into yarns for new products.
“Ulaanbaatar Hivs” JSC produces pure wool carpets under the brands Altanbulag, Altan Urguu, Sayan, and Ulaanbaatar, supplying an average of 55,000 to 60,000 square meters of carpets annually, which accounts for 10-12 percent of the total domestic carpet production. The company exports 30-35 percent of its products to China and is currently upgrading its equipment to increase production capacity. The company’s officials expressed their support for the “White Gold” National Movement, highlighting its timely implementation and potential benefits, such as the development of agriculture and light industry, as well as increased incomes for herders.
This year, enterprises will receive a total of MNT 800 billion in loans, with over MNT 100 billion already disbursed as of February 1, 2025.
President Khurelsukh expressed gratitude to the enterprises and entrepreneurs who create jobs, collaborate with herders, manufacture final products for both domestic and international markets, and contribute to the economy by paying taxes. Over the course of three years, the “White Gold” National Movement aims at generating more than 8,000 jobs.
The “White Gold” National Movement is expected to:
Increase the cashmere processing rate from the current 20 percent to 40 percent, raising total production from MNT 1.5 trillion to MNT 2.3 trillion and exports from USD 398 million to USD 690 million, creating over 3,000 new jobs.
Increase the wool processing rate from 25 percent to 55 percent, raising production from MNT 240 billion to MNT 670 billion and exports from USD 52 million to USD 119 million, leading to about 2,200 new jobs.
Improve the leather processing rate from 30 percent to 50 percent, increasing revenue from MNT 57.8 billion to MNT 900 billion and exports from USD 9.6 million to USD 22.4 million, generating approximately 3,000 new jobs.
Additionally, the volume of exported livestock-derived raw materials is projected to double, reaching approximately USD 800 million.
The total budget of the “White Gold” National Movement amounts to MNT 2.19 trillion, of which MNT 680 billion will be financed by the State Budget.
Commercial banks will allocate MNT 1.5 trillion in loans to enterprises, while foreign loans and aid-funded projects will be aligned with the program’s objectives. Mongolia has an annual capacity to produce approximately 50,000 tons of wool and cashmere, including 37,000 tons of sheep wool, 10,000 tons of cashmere, 2,000 tons of camel wool, and 400 tons of yak down. However, more than 70 percent of these raw materials are currently exported in washed but unprocessed form.
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Authorities benefit from incompetent local governors www.ubpost.com

Citizens rarely have direct interactions with the mayor. However, they have the right to meet with the governor of their khoroo at any time to address their concerns. In practice, essential government services are first provided by local governors, doctors and police officers within their respective villages. Unfortunately, the khoroo governors who are closest to the citizens have long misused their authority, eroding public trust by engaging in favoritism, trading rights, compromising their integrity and undermining community values.
For years, the public has identified the governors as key sources of dysfunction within local governance. Many citizens agree that their most notable activity is political agitation on behalf of parties rather than serving the community. A recurring issue raised by residents is the instability of human resources within primary government units, particularly during election years. Frequently, new appointments are made not based on merit or community collaboration but on political alignment. Given that more than 50 percent of the governors of the bag and khoroo are replaced during national, provincial and capital city elections, there is growing concern that these positions are largely controlled by political parties rather than being dedicated to public service.
Furthermore, citizens argue that many bag and khoroo governors lack relevant experience and a clear understanding of their responsibilities but excel in political campaigning. There is also a widespread perception that these officials engage in discriminatory practices, favoring individuals based on political affiliation or socioeconomic status rather than prioritizing the needs and interests of the public. This persistent issue continues to undermine trust in local governance and highlights the urgent need for reform.
Since 1992, the administrative and territorial division of Mongolia has been structured into bag, khoroo, district, province and the capital city. According to a survey conducted last year by the National Statistics Office, Mongolia comprises 21 provinces, 330 soums, 1,647 bags, the capital city, nine districts, and 204 khoroos. A khoroo is the primary administrative unit of Ulaanbaatar, while a bag serves as the primary administrative unit of the provinces. Each bag and khoroo is overseen by a governor, with 1,851 governors currently serving in primary state units nationwide.
Ulaanbaatar’s nine districts previously had 152 khoroos, but due to increasing population density, several were subdivided, resulting in the current 204 khoroos providing public services to citizens. The responsibilities and jurisdiction of bagh and khoroo governors are extensive. They manage and safeguard sensitive personal information, which is stored in the electronic database and secure archives of each khoroo, protected by law.
Would you believe that 141 laws define the powers and functions of province, soum, bag, and khoroo governors nationwide? This means a significant number of legal provisions relate specifically to the duties of bag and khoroo governors. However, governors are not required to independently search for these provisions across multiple laws. However, many members of khoroo, as well as bag leaders, are not well-versed in these laws. It is no exaggeration to say that they often operate under the “laws” of their political party and superiors rather than the actual legal framework. Moreover, when incidents that shock society arise, the governors frequently hold the “card” to manage and suppress public outrage.
A recent example is the tragic case of six family members who died from carbon monoxide poisoning, which gained widespread attention on social media. In addition to the sole surviving family member’s statement, sensitive personal information about the deceased was improperly disseminated online, seemingly to distract public attention from the core issue. Information that should have been legally protected, such as the victims’ struggles with alcoholism, their poverty, the assistance they received from the khoroo, and the victim’s son’s involvement in theft, was made public. This breach of confidentiality exposed the victims to unnecessary scrutiny and violated their right to privacy.
Minister of Justice and Home Affairs O.Altangerel recently announced that a case has been opened against B and four others who allegedly leaked this information via a Facebook group chat before it was widely shared on social media. The public remains divided over who initially disclosed these details, with widespread suspicion falling on the khoroo governor. Many citizens believe that only khoroo employees had access to such confidential information, raising serious concerns about data privacy and the ethical conduct of local government officials.
District governors have been “accused” of orchestrating political manipulation, including the unauthorized distribution of citizens’ registration numbers, addresses, family status, socioeconomic conditions and voter information during elections. It has become increasingly common for political operatives, known as agitators, to invade citizens’ privacy under the guise of election campaigning. These individuals enter homes uninvited, make unsolicited phone calls, and aggressively solicit political support. Even in public spaces, such as queues for government services, citizens report being openly approached with statements like, “You live in that building, right? Support our candidate,” blatantly violating their right to privacy and free choice.
On top of that, district officials are frequently criticized for favoritism in the distribution of donations, loans, aid and food stamps from state, private and international organizations, prioritizing personal acquaintances over eligible recipients. This persistent misconduct raises an essential question: What kind of individuals should serve as district governors? Is there any legal provision that allows a governor to infringe upon citizens’ rights, opinions, or voting freedoms? In accordance with the Law on the Management of Primary State Units, a governor is a special official responsible for implementing state administration within their jurisdiction. As a representative of the state, the governor is tasked with ensuring the enforcement of laws, government decisions and directives from higher authorities. Their powers and responsibilities are strictly defined and limited by law. Therefore, under the principle of the rule of law, governors must fully understand their legal authority and obligations and ensure that their decisions and actions strictly adhere to legal and ethical standards.
Under the Law on Administration, Territorial Units and Their Management of Mongolia, candidates for bag and khoroo governor positions must meet specific legal requirements, including having a higher education, being free of financial and tax debts, and having no criminal record. They are elected by a majority vote of local councils and must be approved by a higher-level governor. However, despite the legal framework defining their powers and responsibilities, there are few standardized procedures for their selection or appointment. Their professional background, work experience and legal knowledge are inconsistently addressed in different laws, making it difficult to establish a unified national database on the age, gender, qualifications and skills of the 1,851 bag and khoroo governors.
The National Statistics Office has acknowledged this gap, stating that since these officials are political appointees, no detailed human resource surveys are conducted at the national level. Instead, such assessments may be carried out in part by the Civil Service Council or political parties. While a census of administrative structures, territorial units and populations exists, there is no comprehensive database on the human resources within primary administrative units.
A 2021 performance assessment of the statistics office revealed serious concerns about the qualifications of local governors. Many are unskilled or non-professional, struggle with timely reporting, and lack proficiency in computer and software skills, making it difficult for them to manage population databases, census reports, and statistical data effectively. Despite these issues, no further studies have been conducted on the competency of khoroo governors at the capital city level.
This lack of oversight benefits those in power, as it ensures that governors are chosen based on political loyalty rather than professional qualifications. The result is a system where uneducated, inexperienced and politically affiliated individuals hold key administrative positions, weakening governance, public trust and service delivery at the primary level.
The bag and khoroo governors play a crucial role in implementing laws and policies within their respective territories. As officials working in coordination with government offices, secretariats, and professional organizations, they are expected to have a strong legal foundation to effectively carry out their duties. However, it is concerning that no systematic evaluation or study has been conducted on the age, gender, education and skills of nearly 2,000 primary-level government officials. To date, only one targeted study has been conducted at the provincial and soum level, leaving a significant knowledge gap in assessing the overall qualifications of these officials.
For example, a 2023 study in Khuvsgul Province revealed that out of 128 bagh governors, only three had legal qualifications, and 57 percent were newly appointed. The Bag Governor’s Office employees also face instability in their positions, with a shortage of qualified personnel and inadequate human resources. As a result, many of these offices struggle to address local issues within a legal framework, conduct project planning and monitoring with proper legal grounds, or provide informed recommendations to higher authorities.
The Law on Administration, Territorial Units and Their Management of Mongolia emphasizes empowering primary-level governors and enhancing their education and skills. To achieve this, the government organizes regular meetings, conferences, and annual online training programs covering professional, methodological, ethical and legal aspects of governance. However, despite these efforts, public criticism persists. Many argue that these governors lack the minimum qualifications and skills, make highly politicized decisions, and fail to uphold the ethical standards expected of state officials. This concern highlights the urgent need for better selection processes, stricter competency requirements, and continuous professional development for primary-level government officials.

 
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Study underway to ban children under 16 from accessing social networks, says Mongolia education minister www.gogo.mn

P.Naranbayar, Minister of Education, made a statement on February 14, 2025, announcing that a Working Group has been established to explore a potential law prohibiting children under 16 from accessing social networks in Mongolia. The group, led by Minister’s Advisor D.Gantulga, will study similar laws implemented in other countries, particularly focusing on Australia’s recent legislation.
Australia’s Law as a Reference
On November 29, 2024, Australia passed a law prohibiting children under 16 from using social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok, which has since gained global attention. The Working Group in Mongolia is now reviewing the effectiveness of this legislation and working on a draft law that could introduce similar restrictions. The aim is to protect children from inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and potential mental health risks associated with excessive social media use.
Public Consultations and Data-Driven Approach
Minister Naranbayar emphasized the importance of reaching a social consensus on the issue through discussions and consultations with all affected groups. He cited a 2020 survey on “Children’s Safety in the Online Environment,” which revealed a concerning disparity: while 91% of parents believed their children had never been attacked online, 87% of children reported experiencing online abuse—60% of whom never told their parents.
“Protecting our children from inappropriate content and online risks is a responsibility we must take seriously,” said the minister. He noted that several European countries have introduced similar measures:
In France, users under 15 must have parental consent to access social media.
Germany allows children aged 13-16 to use social networks with parental supervision.
Norway is considering raising the minimum age for social media use to 15.
Countries like the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom require parental consent to collect information from users under 13.
Balancing Protection and Access to Educational Content
Minister P.Naranbayar reassured the public that children’s right to access educational content on platforms such as YouTube and Medley will not be affected. He stressed that the use of school management systems (SMS) and learning management systems (LMS) will be improved to ensure effective teacher-student communication without relying on social media platforms like Facebook Messenger.
The Eduten program, in use from the second grade, allows children to engage in learning activities for around 20 minutes at a time without causing screen addiction. The program utilizes smartboards in classrooms and computer screens at home, promoting structured learning.
Screen Addiction: A Growing Concern
D. Gantulga, head of the Working Group, warned about the dangers of screen addiction, comparing it to other forms of dependency such as gambling, alcohol, and drug addiction. “When children are exposed to screens excessively, their brains release increased amounts of dopamine, similar to addiction patterns in other areas,” he said. “This can lead to long-term mental health issues.”
He emphasized that the working group is closely studying the Australian model to develop policies that protect Mongolian children from screen addiction while promoting safe and healthy digital engagement.

 
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