Mongolia attracts nearly 569,000 foreign tourists through July www.qazinform.com

By July 31, 2026, Mongolia received 568,989 foreign tourists, an increase of 90,537, or 18.9%, compared with the same period last year, Qazinform News Agency reports, citing Montsame.

Foreign tourist arrivals in Mongolia have grown steadily over the past four years. By July 31, tourist arrivals stood at 364,594 in 2023, 435,037 in 2024, and 478,452 in 2025, reaching a record high of 568,989 this year.

In July 2026 alone, 150,257 foreign tourists visited the country. This is a 16.7% increase, or 21,449 more tourists, than the 128,808 arrivals recorded in July of last year.

Analyzing July arrivals over the last four years reveals 100,911 tourists in 2023, 139,502 in 2024, and 128,808 in 2025. July 2026 set a record with 150,257 visitors. This steady increase highlights Mongolia's tourism sector's strong recovery and growing international demand, suggesting that the 2026 season is more successful than previous years.

Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that the number of foreign nationals entering Mongolia increased by 25.7 percent in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period the previous year.

By Meruyert Pernekulova

Investor Demand Centers on the Stock Market, Keeping Market Outlook Positive www.montsame.mn

 MONTSAME National News Agency, in cooperation with MICC Mongolia International Capital Corporation LLC, is delivering a weekly overview of domestic and international capital markets and economic developments to its readers.

Weekly Capital Market and Economic Review
(July 27, 2026 - August 2, 2026)

MONGOLIAN STOCK EXCHANGE

Last week on the Mongolian Stock Exchange, a total of 4.5 million securities worth MNT 3.7 billion were traded. By trading value, Khan Bank JSC, Tavantolgoi JSC, Mongolian Stock Exchange JSC, APU JSC, and Trade and Development Bank were the most actively traded securities. No block trades were executed during this period.

MSE indices generally closed higher during the reporting week. The TOP-20 Index rose by 2.85% to 54,126.05 points, the MSE A Index grew by 2.50% to 20,800.63 points, and the MSE B Index increased by 1.52% to 14,402.83 points. However, the FTI Index slightly declined by 0.38%, closing at 1,011.38 points.

Buying activity increased relatively evenly across large, mid, and small-cap stocks, supporting broad market growth. The slight drop in the FTI Index reflected the weak valuation of investment fund units. Overall, investor demand centered on the stock market, maintaining a positive market outlook.

SECURITIES MARKET TRANSACTIONS DOUBLE; PRIMARY MARKET LEADS GROWTH

In the first half of 2026, total transactions in the securities market reached MNT 865.6 billion, representing an increase of MNT 435.4 billion, or a twofold surge compared to the same period last year. The primary driver of this growth was primary market activity, which accounted for 66.0% of total transactions, or MNT 570.9 billion, while secondary market transactions made up 34.0%, or MNT 294.7 billion.

Key Indicators:

Total securities transactions: MNT 865.6 billion (+2.0 times)
Primary market: MNT 570.9 billion (66.0% of total transactions)
Secondary market: MNT 294.7 billion (34.0% of total transactions)
Market capitalization: MNT 13.7 trillion (+12.8%)
TOP-20 Index monthly average: 51,621.47 points (+2,896.34 points year-over-year)
Although the total trading value rose sharply, a notable indicator was that the volume of traded securities stood at 266.3 million shares, down 57.9% year-over-year. This indicates that the market was dominated by fewer but higher-value transactions, particularly corporate bonds and primary market financing. Furthermore, corporate bonds accounted for 53.5% of total securities transactions, followed by corporate stocks (16.2%), asset-backed securities (15.4%), and government bonds (14.8%). This highlights the growing importance of debt instrument financing in the Mongolian stock market.

"INNOVATION INVESTMENT" JSC TO DISTRIBUTE DIVIDENDS FROM RETAINED EARNINGS

By Resolution No. 26/26 of the Board of Directors of "Innovation Investment" JSC, dated July 29, 2026, the company has resolved to distribute dividends from its accumulated net earnings. The company will allocate a total of MNT 11.09 billion across its 184.9 million common shares, issuing a cash dividend of MNT 60 per share. The record date for eligible shareholders is August 14, 2026, and the dividends will be deposited into shareholders' accounts through the "Mongolian Central Securities Depository" LLC by August 26, 2026.

Total dividends: MNT 11.09 billion
Dividend per share: MNT 60
Total shares issued: 184,889,160 shares
Record date for eligible shareholders: August 14, 2026
Dividend distribution date: By August 26, 2026
Form of distribution: Cash

MASD PARTICIPATES IN "MARKET OPPORTUNITIES FOR FOREIGN BANKS IN MONGOLIA" EVENT
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mongolian Association of Securities Dealers (MASD), Enkhbat Ganbold, attended the "Market Opportunities for Foreign Banks in Mongolia" event, organized by the Embassy of Mongolia in the Republic of Korea. During the event, he gave a presentation on investment opportunities in Mongolia's banking and financial sectors, upcoming amendments to the Banking Law, and non-banking investment opportunities through the capital market.

Indicator

Information

Main topic

Investment opportunities in the banking and financial sector

Legal amendments

Maximum shareholding limit: 20% → 34%; influential shareholder threshold: 5% → 10%

Highlighted opportunities

Purchasing bank shares, establishing branches/subsidiaries, and investment banks

Fuel Equivalent to 2.5 Days of Consumption Imported Over the Weekend www.montsame.mn

According to the Mineral Resources and Petroleum Authority of Mongolia (MRPAM), 22 wagons or 2,220 tons of AI-92 petrol arrived through the Sukhbaatar border checkpoint on August 1, and 49 wagons or 2,940 tonnes arrived on August 2. In total, 86 wagons, or 5,160 tons of AI-92 petrol, were imported over the weekend. This amount is equivalent to 2.5 days of the regular fuel consumption of Mongolia.

Efforts are underway to transport these wagons to their destination stations, specifically Tolgoit, Arshaant, Darkhan, Erdenet, and Ulaanbaatar, for unloading into storage facilities. Authorities are actively organizing the continuous distribution of the fuel to gas stations in both Ulaanbaatar city and rural areas.

Furthermore, an additional 28 wagons, or 1,680 tons of AI-92 petrol, dispatched from the Russian Federation on July 29, are expected to arrive through the Sukhbaatar border checkpoint soon.

To ensure uninterrupted supply, the Ulaanbaatar Railway (UBTZ), customs authorities, other relevant government agencies, and fuel-importing enterprises are working collaboratively around the clock. They are taking all possible measures to swiftly organize the transportation of the fuel wagons imported from Russia via the Sukhbaatar railway checkpoint to their respective destination stations and ensure rapid dispatch to fuel stations nationwide.

Around 5,000 Households Using Liquefied Gas Heaters www.montsame.mn

Over the 2025-2026 period in Ulaanbaatar, a total of 5,000 households comprising 3,815 in Chingeltei District and 1,185 in Bayangol District are utilizing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) heaters.

Developed by Mongolian engineers, the LPG heaters meet international standards and offer significant practical advantages. They feature multi-stage gas leak protection, high safety levels, user-friendly operation, and a built-in water tray for air humidification. This year, preparations are underway to transition an additional eight boilers to gas fuel.

As a prime example, fully converting the capital city's 117th School to gas heating has yielded an environmental impact equivalent to dismantling over 1,000 chimneys in the ger districts. Replacing the school's coal-fired boiler with an LPG heating system not only saves on staffing, operational, and utility costs but also directly reduces environmental pollution, thereby creating a healthier and more comfortable learning environment for the students.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change reported that 69 coal-fired water heating boilers across the capital still need to be converted to liquefied gas.

Currently, 25 gas fuel distribution points are operating in Ulaanbaatar city.

Monument of S.Zorig moved back to original location www.ubpost.mn

The monument of S.Zorig, one of Mongolia’s most prominent political and public figures, has been returned to its original location after being removed without official authorization. According to city authorities, the statue was relocated at approximately 3:00 a.m. on July 31 without the required approval, prompting an immediate response from the municipal government. In response, the Governor of Ulaanbaatar City and the Mayor of the Capital City, B.Purevdagva instructed officials to ensure that the monument was restored to a public space the same day under police protection and with the assistance of a professional technical team.

Widely regarded as a key figure in Mongolia’s peaceful democratic movement of 1990, S.Zorig played a pivotal role in the country’s transition from a one-party socialist system to a democratic state. Following his assassination in 1998, the monument became a place where citizens gather to honor his memory, reflect on the values of democracy and justice, and commemorate important national occasions.

All vehicles exempt from license plate restrictions on September 1 www.gogo.mn

On August 3, the Ulaanbaatar city administration announced that all vehicles will be permitted to operate on September 1, despite the temporary even-odd license plate restrictions that will be in effect from August 15 to September 12.

The temporary traffic measure is being introduced to ease congestion during preparations for the new school year and to accommodate the increased number of visitors attending the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP17).

Under the measure, vehicles will be allowed to operate based on the last digit of their license plate between 7:00-21:00, without dividing the city into traffic zones.

Vehicles with even-numbered license plates (0, 2, 4, 6, 8) will be allowed to operate on:

August 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, and 30
September 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12
Vehicles with odd-numbered license plates (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) will be allowed to operate on:

August 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, and 31
September 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11
September 1 is exempt from the restriction, and all vehicles will be allowed to use the roads regardless of their license plate number.

Fuel to be sold by even-odd license plate, with MNT 50,000 limit per vehicle starting August 4 www.gogo.mn

Starting August 4, fuel will be sold by even-odd numbered license plates, with a purchase limit of ₮50,000 worth of fuel per vehicle, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources G.Damdinnyam announced at a press briefing on August 3.

The Minister said Mongolia had maintained the required level of fuel supplies during the Russia–Ukraine war. However, he noted that disruptions to global oil transportation and refined fuel supplies intensified after tensions involving the United States and Iran affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, contributing to a worldwide energy supply challenge.

The government is holding discussions with all possible partner countries to secure additional fuel supplies. Negotiations with Kazakhstan were unsuccessful, while talks are continuing with China and Singapore.

Mongolia has reached a political agreement with the Republic of Korea to import 20,000 tons of AI-92 gasoline and 10,000 tons of Jet A-1 aviation fuel each month.

Although plans to build strategic fuel storage facilities had been discussed for more than two decades, implementation only began after funding was approved on December 30, 2025. Construction of fuel storage tanks with a total capacity of 300,000 tons started in March 2026.

The first phase, consisting of 150,000 tons of storage capacity, is expected to be completed this year. Once operational, the reserve will provide approximately three months of fuel storage, enabling Mongolia to withstand a temporary supply disruption of up to 40% without major difficulties.

Mongolia to import 6,000 tons of AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline from China www.gogo.mn

Mongolia has reached an agreement to purchase 6,000 tons of AI-92, AI-95, and Euro 5 gasoline from China, with the first shipment of 1,000 tons scheduled to be loaded at Erenhot on July 31, according to B.Dashpurev, State Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources.

B.Dashpurev said that fuel reserves and supplies have been affected in recent months by the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East. In response, the government has been working to increase the country's petroleum reserves and expand fuel storage capacity.

He noted that Mongolia's fuel consumption continues to grow rapidly and that the country currently has the capacity to maintain up to 42 days of fuel reserves, including fuel stored in transit tank cars.

Ahead of the Naadam Festival, the government built up fuel reserves to meet the expected surge in demand during the extended holiday period. Since the spring, Mongolia has been negotiating with Russia, China, and the Republic of Korea to secure additional fuel supplies.

As of today, the country has 31,000 tons of AI-92 gasoline, enough for 15 days of consumption, and 80,000 tons of diesel fuel, sufficient for 20 days.

To further strengthen short-term reserves, Mongolia has increased the volume of fuel imports from Russia for July. Dashpurev also said that Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources G.Damdinnyam is in the Republic of Korea holding talks on fuel imports, including the purchase of Jet A-1 aviation fuel.

The newly signed agreement with China will further expand Mongolia's fuel reserves, with the first shipment expected to arrive after loading begins on July 31 at Erenhot.

G.Dashpurev added that fuel inventories held by Petrovis, Sod Mongol, Shunkhlai, and Tes Petroleum LLC have declined in recent weeks, but expressed confidence that supply shortages will ease as new shipments begin arriving.

Regional Initiative on Dust Storms to Be Launched During COP17 www.montsame.mn

Mongolia and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) are preparing to launch a regional initiative to combat sand and dust storms during the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.

Minister of Environment and Climate Change Sandag-Ochir Tsend met with Ganbold Baasanjav, Director of the East and North-East Asia Office of UNESCAP, to discuss cooperation during COP17.

The UNESCAP, in cooperation with the Government of Mongolia and the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS) of China, Japan and the Republic of Korea, is preparing to launch a regional initiative to combat sand and dust storms during COP17.

Last year, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the coming decade as the International Decade on Combating Sand and Dust Storms. As part of this effort, UN Under-Secretary-General and UNESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, who co-chairs the UN Coalition on Combating Sand and Dust Storms, is expected to formally launch the regional initiative during her visit to Mongolia for COP17.

During the meeting, Director of National Agency for Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring Battulga Erkhembayar briefed participants on ongoing efforts and exchanged views on future cooperation. The parties said cooperation is expected to strengthen in expanding monitoring stations, improving assessment and modeling, enhancing technical collaboration, and training professional personnel.

The UN Coalition on Combating Sand and Dust Storms brings together more than 20 UN agencies and specialized organizations to support countries most affected by sand and dust storms and to strengthen international cooperation on the issue.

By Unurzul.M

Mongolia to import 6,000 tons of AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline from China www.gogo.mn

Mongolia has reached an agreement to purchase 6,000 tons of AI-92, AI-95, and Euro 5 gasoline from China, with the first shipment of 1,000 tons scheduled to be loaded at Erenhot on July 31, according to B.Dashpurev, State Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources.

B.Dashpurev said that fuel reserves and supplies have been affected in recent months by the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East. In response, the government has been working to increase the country's petroleum reserves and expand fuel storage capacity.

He noted that Mongolia's fuel consumption continues to grow rapidly and that the country currently has the capacity to maintain up to 42 days of fuel reserves, including fuel stored in transit tank cars.

Ahead of the Naadam Festival, the government built up fuel reserves to meet the expected surge in demand during the extended holiday period. Since the spring, Mongolia has been negotiating with Russia, China, and the Republic of Korea to secure additional fuel supplies.

As of today, the country has 31,000 tons of AI-92 gasoline, enough for 15 days of consumption, and 80,000 tons of diesel fuel, sufficient for 20 days.

To further strengthen short-term reserves, Mongolia has increased the volume of fuel imports from Russia for July. Dashpurev also said that Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources G.Damdinnyam is in the Republic of Korea holding talks on fuel imports, including the purchase of Jet A-1 aviation fuel.

The newly signed agreement with China will further expand Mongolia's fuel reserves, with the first shipment expected to arrive after loading begins on July 31 at Erenhot.

G.Dashpurev added that fuel inventories held by Petrovis, Sod Mongol, Shunkhlai, and Tes Petroleum LLC have declined in recent weeks, but expressed confidence that supply shortages will ease as new shipments begin arriving.