Mongolia breaks ground on first independent institute of international studies www.asianews.network

Construction of the Presidential Institute of International Studies under the National Defense University officially began onJuly 22, 2026. The facility will serve as Mongolia’s first independent national research and analytical center dedicated to national security, defense policy, and international relations.

President U.Khurelsukh attended the groundbreaking ceremony, emphasizing that the institute’s establishment marks a critical new chapter in the advancement of Mongolia’s national security framework, defense studies, and military science.

The institute will focus on strengthening cooperation among state, military, and law enforcement organizations, while also training researchers, specialists, and government officials in these fields.

During the ceremony, relevant government agencies, contractors, engineers, and technical staff were instructed to complete the project on schedule and ensure high construction quality.

By E. Oyun-Erdene

Mongolia, EAEU roll out tariff cuts as new trade deal takes effect www.qazinform.com

An interim trade agreement between Mongolia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) entered into force on July 22, introducing tariff preferences for 367 categories of goods, according to Mongolia's state news agency Montsame, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Mongolia and the EAEU member states agreed to grant trade benefits and provide exemption from tariffs on 367 product categories under four agreed conditions.

Agricultural and livestock products account for 97.5 percent of the goods covered by the agreement that are exported from Mongolia. Import duties on finished leather, wool, and cashmere products will be eliminated, while tariffs on certain other products will be reduced by 50 percent.

The removal of tariffs ranging from 15 percent to 50 percent on Mongolian exports is expected to provide domestic producers with greater access to international markets and strengthen the country's export competitiveness.

According to preliminary government estimates, the agreement could double Mongolia's exports within three years and generate an additional 150 million US dollars in export revenue.

The interim trade agreement will remain in force beyond the initial three-year period unless either party submits a proposal to terminate it before the agreement expires.

Earlier, Qazinform reported Mongolia and Tajikistan expand bilateral cooperation with new agreements. 

Adlet Seilkhanov

Industrial Production Increases by 55.9% www.montsame.mn

According to the preliminary results for the first half of 2026, total industrial production reached MNT 35.3 trillion, an increase of MNT 12.6 trillion or 55.9% compared to the same period of the previous year.

This growth was mainly driven by a 68.2% (MNT 12.0 trillion) increase in the mining and quarrying sector's output and a 15.4% (MNT 539.8 billion) increase in the manufacturing sector's output.

According to the National Statistics Office of Mongolia, the total production of the mining and quarrying sector reached MNT 29.6 trillion based on the preliminary results for the first half of 2026. This expansion was primarily fueled by a 92.3% (MNT 8.2 trillion) year-on-year increase in metal ore mining and a 46.5% (MNT 3.6 trillion) increase in hard and brown coal mining.

Enkh-Od.G

Seabuckthorn oil standard approved www.ubpost.mn

A proposal to develop an international Codex Alimentarius standard for seabuckthorn oil has been approved as a “new work,” to establish global quality and safety requirements for the product and expand its international market potential. The decision was made during the 49th session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) plenary meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, where the proposal submitted by Mongolia was discussed and received support from member countries.

The approval officially launches the process of developing the first international Codex standard for seabuckthorn oil. The future standard will be developed through a science-based process, incorporating technical evidence and contributions from Codex member countries before moving through the organization’s review and approval stages.

The Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry initiated the work in 2025 with the goal of strengthening the competitiveness of Mongolian seabuckthorn products, promoting exports, and reducing technical barriers that limit access to international markets. The country is one of the world’s recognized producers of seabuckthorn, a nutrient-rich fruit widely used in food, health and cosmetic industries. However, differences in quality requirements and safety regulations across countries have created challenges for producers seeking to expand into global markets. 

The development of a unified Codex standard is expected to provide internationally recognized benchmarks for the quality, safety, composition, and labeling of sea buckthorn oil, helping producers meet global trade requirements and increasing consumer confidence.

The ministry reported that the CAC’s decision represents international recognition of the country’s initiative and creates new opportunities to strengthen the agricultural exports and promote sea buckthorn oil as a competitive value-added product in global markets.

By Misheel

Ulaanbaatar Cable Car Construction Reaches 85 Percent Completion www.montsame.mn

Construction on the Ulaanbaatar Cable Car transport project, which will connect the capital city's Kharkhorin market area with Yarmag, commenced on March 10, 2025. As of today, the overall project execution stands at 85 percent, according to the Governor's Office of the Capital City.

Under the project being implemented along the Artsat-Unur Khoroolol route, 19 support pillars have been installed, and the construction of two stations is currently underway.

The project is being jointly implemented by specialists from France’s POMA Group, alongside teams from "Monnis Engineering" LLC and "Tsagaan Uran Khiits" LLC. The client's supervision is being carried out by the "Integrated Project Management Department," a local government-owned enterprise, and "Maximal" LLC.

Governor of the Capital City and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar Purevdagva Byaruuzana, accompanied by relevant officials, inspected the G1 cable car station. "The testing of the cable car system will begin on September 19, 2026. Following this, the State Commission will evaluate the project from October 20 to November 20, 2026. The overall project completion is at 85 percent, while the construction of the G1 and G2 stations is about 80 percent complete, proceeding according to schedule," stated Mayor Purevdagva. "A successful single-cabin test was conducted during the National Naadam festival. Each cabin can accommodate 10 passengers and has a carrying capacity of 800 kg. Passengers will be able to travel the 4.2 km route between Yarmag and Kharkhorin in just 11 minutes. A total of 98 such cabins will serve the public. With the commissioning of the cable car system, citizens will experience the most modern culture of public transportation."

The cable car system is equipped with a backup generator that activates automatically in the event of a power outage. Furthermore, it features an emergency mode designed to bring all cabins safely to the stations and evacuate passengers in high-risk situations.

Juan Munier, Site Manager of the Cable Car Transport Project, noted: "Throughout the project's implementation, all stakeholders, the Integrated Project Management Department, 'Monnis Engineering', 'Maximal', and POMA's engineering and technical staff have shared a unified vision. We are working together highly effectively, and it is a great pleasure to collaborate with Mongolian engineers. As stipulated in the contract, we will provide training and maintenance services for three years after the project is commissioned. Starting this week, French experts are conducting rescue operation training for professional organizations."

Chief of Staff of the Rescue Unit of the Ulaanbaatar City Emergency Management Department Tsogtbayar M. added, "As the cable car is a completely new mode of transportation being introduced in our country for the first time, we are organizing high-altitude training exercises to build the capacity of our rescue personnel. Although the risk of an accident on the cable car is low, we are ensuring full readiness and training our rescue teams to access the system and operate safely."

By Enkh-Od.G

Mongolian Mining Corporation reports Q2 2026 production data www.ng.investing.com

HONG KONG - Mongolian Mining Corporation (SEHK:975) released operational results for the quarter ended June 30, 2026, according to a press release statement.

The company produced 2,814.1 thousand tonnes of washed coking coal during the second quarter, representing a 24% increase from the previous quarter and a 29% increase year-over-year. Washed coking coal sales reached 2,688.1 thousand tonnes, up 5% quarter-on-quarter and 55% compared to the same period in 2025.

Run-of-mine coal mined totaled 4,424.4 thousand tonnes, down 9% from the first quarter of 2026 but up 29% year-over-year. The company processed 4,509.8 thousand tonnes of ROM coking coal during the quarter.

The company operates the Ukhaa Khudag coking coal mine through its wholly-owned subsidiary Energy Resources LLC and the Baruun Naran coking coal mine through majority-owned Khangad Exploration LLC. Both mines are located in Umnugobi province, Mongolia.

In gold operations, Erdene Mongol LLC, in which the company holds a 50% equity stake, sold 11,709 ounces of gold from the Bayan Khundii mine during the quarter, up 37% from the previous quarter. The weighted average gold price was $4,493 per ounce, down 8% from the first quarter. Ore mined increased 60% quarter-on-quarter to 247.2 thousand tonnes.

The company also holds a 50.5% stake in Universal Copper LLC, which is developing the White Hill copper deposit and Urkhut silver deposit in Bayankhongor province.

The operational data are unaudited and derived from internal records. The company noted that various factors including force majeure events, market conditions, and regulatory changes may affect results.

1033rd ESC supports exercise Khaan Quest in Mongolia www.va.ng.mil

Virginia National Guard Soldiers assigned to the Powhatan-based 1033rd Engineer Support Company, 276th Engineer Battalion, 329th Regional Support Group supported a multi-national exercise in Mongolia during the unit’s annual training. 

Khaan Quest 2026 concluded July 3, 2026, with a closing ceremony at the Five Hills Training Area near Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The Asian nation has hosted the peacekeeping operations exercise annually since 2003, co-sponsored by U.S. Pacific Command. 

“Participation in Khaan Quest represents Virginia’s commitment to national interests by supporting Mongolia as a beacon of democracy sandwiched between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China,” said Lt. Col. Ryan P. Miner, commander of the 276th Engineer Battalion. “The Soldiers of the 1033rd ESC represent the very best of our nation’s military, and the accolades from their Mongolian counterparts and USARPAC alike speak volumes of the loyalty and dedication of these Soldiers.”

During the exercise, the 1033rd’s Soldiers supported the exercise with vertical and horizontal construction, surveying, quarry operations and field maintenance operations. 

“The Soldiers of 1033rd greatly exceeded the standard,” said Capt. Garret A. Shultz, Commander of the 1033rd. “Our work will leave a lasting impact for the country of Mongolia and set the stage for future engineering projects."

The exercise brought together military organizations from 18 different nations, including Canada, Australia, Japan, Kuwait, South Korea and the United Kingdom. The opportunity to work with so many allied partners and gain real-world experience will greatly benefit the 1033rd’s Soldiers, said 1st Sgt. Shaun Howard. 

“The Soldiers of the 1033rd Engineer Support Company received real world, operational experience, constructing a roadway that will enhance the operability of Five Hills Training Area,” said Howard. “Our platoon leaders and noncommissioned officers also gained valuable insight in partner nation collaboration by working with Mongolian Armed Forces counterparts, learning their standard operating procedures and how best to operate in a joint environment.”

By Maj. Johnny Partin | 329th Regional Support Group

UNDP and KOICA launch second phase of partnership to advance women’s and youth leadership in Mongolia www.undp.org

Ulaanbaatar, 22 July 2026. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) today signed a Grant Arrangement to launch the second phase of their partnership to promote gender equality and inclusive governance in Mongolia. The four-year initiative, “Promotion of Gender Equality in Public Decision-Making and the Empowerment of Women and Youth in Mongolia – Phase II,” will run from 2026 to 2029 and will be implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Secretariat of the State Great Khural, government institutions, political parties, civil society, academia, and media stakeholders. 

While Mongolia has made progress in advancing gender equality and democratic governance, women and young people remain underrepresented in public decision-making and leadership. Building on the first phase, the project will help address the institutional, structural and social barriers that continue to limit their equal participation and representation.

“The achievements of the first phase were recognized at the highest level through the Joint Declaration on Strengthening the Strategic Partnership between Korea and Mongolia, signed during President Lee Jae Myung's recent state visit — a testament to how far this cooperation has come," said Jo Haeng-Lan, Country Director of KOICA Mongolia Office. "Building on this momentum, we hope the second phase will generate even greater impact by extending support to local governments and empowering more young people, while serving as a bridge that further strengthens the strategic partnership between the Republic of Korea and Mongolia through the sharing of Korea's democratic governance experience." 

The project will strengthen leadership capacities, support legal and policy reforms, promote gender-responsive practices in political parties, and increase public awareness of equal participation and representation. Particularly, the project will focus on strengthening women’s and youth leadership through training, mentorship, fellowships, grants and networks; supporting institutional and legal reforms that promote equal participation and representation; and building public support for women’s and youth leadership through campaigns, media partnerships, research and engagement with universities and civil society.

“Inclusive governance is strongest when women and young people are not only represented, but able to influence the decisions that shape their lives and communities,” said Matilda Dimovska, UNDP Resident Representative in Mongolia. “Through this continued partnership with KOICA, UNDP will support Mongolia in removing barriers to equal participation and building public institutions and political processes that are more representative, responsive and accountable.” 

By 2029, the project is expected to contribute to Mongolia’s commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5 on Gender Equality and SDG 16 on Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, as well as Vision 2050.

About KOICA 

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is the Republic of Korea's official development cooperation agency, supporting sustainable development and strengthening partnerships around the world through development assistance, technical cooperation, and capacity-building initiatives. 

About UNDP 

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the United Nations' lead agency on international development. UNDP works in more than 170 countries and territories to help eradicate poverty, reduce inequalities, build resilience, and support sustainable development for people and the planet.

Mongolia PM N.Uchral orders advance notice by August 1 for COP17-related road closures www.asianews.network

"The foreigners who come to this conference should leave with a positive impression of our country and of Mongolians. They should leave seeing that it is a country with a hardworking, young population," said the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister N.Uchral has instructed city and national officials related to the upcoming UNCCD COP17 International Conference, which will be held on August 17-28, 2026, in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

He said, “Before August 1st, we must officially inform the public about all information related to their daily lives during the COP17 conference. This includes traffic regulations, temporary closures, changes in public transport routes, and updates regarding schools, kindergartens, markets, and shopping centers.

The Mayor should inform the citizens as early as possible. Let them know exactly which roads will be closed and for how long. We should not cause a lot of trouble for our people. Also, the Minister of Education must inform the public by August 1st which district schools will postpone classes for a week or switch to online learning. When Mobicom’s network is going to be disrupted, they send a text message and warn people in advance. We should work in the exact same way.

The Mayor must also clean the public areas of the 26th khoroo of the Bayanzurkh district very well before this meeting. We are not trying to build a completely new city, but rather to clean up the existing one and add color.

Minister of Environment and Climate Change Ts.Sandag-Ochir is leading the National Committee very well. Congratulations. He will lead the entire team. Our ministers should not say different things just because they did a certain task, and there should not be many heads. Only one person will lead. Minister Ts.Sandag-Ochir will be responsible for all this work.

Give the work to those who can actually do it. Let’s just get it done. We have very little time left. The foreigners who come to this conference should leave with a positive impression of our country and of Mongolians. They should leave seeing that it is a country with a hardworking, young population”.

By E. Oyun-Erdene

China to support supply of AI-92 gasoline and aviation fuel to Mongolia www.gogo.mn

On July 21, 2026, Prime Minister N.Uchral received Shen Minjuan, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Mongolia, as the ambassador concluded her diplomatic mission and prepared to return to China.

Prime Minister N.Uchral congratulated Ambassador Shen on receiving Mongolia's Order of the Polar Star (Altan Gadas), one of the country's highest state honors, by decree of the President of Mongolia.

He noted that the Government of Mongolia highly values Ambassador Shen's active efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and cooperation during her tenure and praised her significant contribution to deepening the friendship between the peoples of Mongolia and China.

Ambassador Shen expressed her commitment to the continued development of bilateral cooperation and said that the Chinese side is paying close attention to ensuring the supply of AI-92 gasoline and aviation fuel to Mongolia in response to the request of the Mongolian Government.

N,Uchral also expressed confidence that key bilateral projects would continue to move forward, including the railway connections at the Shiveekhuren–Sekhe, Bichigt–Zuun Khatavch, and Khangi–Mandal border ports, as well as efforts to strengthen the legal framework through amendments to relevant bilateral agreements.

Ambassador Shen Minjuan is concluding her two-year and 10-month diplomatic assignment in Mongolia.