Mongolian e-commerce platform Navch solves the market trust problem with guaranteed payment and seeks seed round financing www. eu.36kr.com www.

In Mongolia, the process of purchasing a desired product online often resembles an adventure filled with uncertainties. Consumers have to painstakingly "hunt for goods" in the vast sea of information on social media and rely on unprotected personal transfers to complete transactions. This common predicament is precisely the reason why entrepreneur Otgonjargal Delgermurun founded the two - sided e - commerce platform Navch.

[Lack of payment trust: the biggest obstacle to Mongolia's e - commerce development]
The Mongolian e - commerce market is currently in its early stage. Offline retail dominates absolutely, and online transactions are highly fragmented. According to Statista data, the country's e - commerce market is expected to reach $521 million by 2025. However, most transactions are conducted on personal pages of social platforms such as Facebook, which suffer from three major pain points: high payment risks, low efficiency in product discovery, and difficulty in acquiring traffic. Although there are vertical e - commerce platforms like Shoppy.mn in the local market, their model of targeting high - end brands with high entry thresholds can hardly meet the mass consumption needs. The market urgently needs a platform that can provide a safe and trustworthy trading environment for both buyers and sellers.

[Building a self - developed escrow payment system to connect the "trust" infrastructure of banks]
The Navch project was officially launched in April 2025, starting with the construction of trust infrastructure. The team first overcame the most core technical barrier in Mongolian e - commerce - successfully connecting with the payment systems of all major banks in the country and independently developing an escrow transaction engine. This breakthrough means that the money paid by buyers will be temporarily held by the platform and will only be settled to sellers after the buyers confirm the receipt of goods, completely changing the traditional high - risk "pay first, ship later" model in the Mongolian market.

Based on this trust foundation, Navch has built a two - sided e - commerce platform, connecting sellers on one end and buyers on the other. It solves the problem of information fragmentation through a unified product information database. Its business model adopts a pure transaction commission system of 7% that is only charged after a successful transaction, which is deeply bound to the interests of merchants and greatly lowers the entry threshold.

[Verifying the supply - side demand at low cost, with a positive response from the merchant side]
With almost no marketing budget, the team demonstrated high - efficiency execution. Through precise social media operations and extremely low - cost advertising (spending only $100 on advertising to obtain more than 200 accurate merchant leads), Navch successfully attracted more than 200 real merchants to submit applications for entry. More than 40% of them are from provinces outside Ulaanbaatar, verifying the nationwide market demand. Meanwhile, the merchant - side application was downloaded more than 100 times, and the social media naturally accumulated more than 1,000 followers within one month, running through the growth model of the supply side at the minimum cost.

[The lean team focuses on urban - rural digitalization and seeks funds to launch the buyer side]
The Navch team consists of two core members. The founder, Otgonjargal Delgermurun, is an ethnic Chinese in Mongolia with a background in computer science from the Netherlands. Familiar with the mature e - commerce models in Central Europe, he is responsible for the overall strategy and the local market. The technical partner, Mohammed, holds dual computer degrees from Dubai and India and is in charge of full - stack development and bank payment connection. The team adopts an extremely lean model, with the founder receiving zero salary and the technical partner's income linked to the platform's transaction volume, ensuring that every cent of funds is used for business growth.

At the current stage, the platform has completed the cold start of the supply side. The biggest challenge lies in launching the growth engine on the buyer side. The team is seeking a $20,000 seed - round investment, planning to use the funds mainly in three aspects within nine months: 40% for launching market promotion on the buyer side, 30% for upgrading the web - version technology to lower the user conversion threshold, and 30% for improving the merchant operation and training system. The goal is to rapidly increase the number of active buyers on the platform by amplifying the proven low - cost customer - acquisition model, activate the merchant ecosystem waiting to enter, and achieve a positive cycle of the two - sided network.

In the long run, the team's strategy is to make Navch the "urban - rural two - way e - commerce" infrastructure connecting Ulaanbaatar and the provincial markets, ultimately filling the key gap in Mongolia's digital business ecosystem.

OP-ED: International Women’s Day: Eight Actions for A More Equal World www.montsame.mn

Greenhouse sector struggling to develop www.ubpost.mn

We are unable to produce the vegetables we consume on our own and continue to rely on “our neighbors” (imports), causing time and money to keep flowing out of the country. The bitter truth is that although Mongolia harvested a total of 11,661 tonnes of produce, it remains labeled not as a producer and cultivator nation, but as an importer and consumer country. In fact, with our vast and fertile land, there should be no obstacle to developing production, crop farming, and agriculture. Yet, progress has been limited.

Over the past three years, the total area of summer and winter greenhouses utilized domestically has been only four to 10 hectares, and harvested yields have increased by merely 1,000 to 2,000 tonnes. Meanwhile, imports of vegetables, fruits, and berries have steadily risen. Between 2023 and 2025 alone, Mongolia purchased more than 16,700 tonnes of tomatoes and cucumbers, spending 4.4 million USD, according to the report of the Customs General Administration. If leafy greens, specialty vegetables, mushrooms, and fruits are included, the total figure would be considerably higher. We sought clarification from relevant authorities on how to address this issue, reduce dependence on imported vegetables, and promote the construction of four-season greenhouses.

According to the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry, more than 7,700 enterprises and individuals nationwide are currently engaged in protected cultivation, or greenhouse farming. Last year, cultivation was carried out on 119.4 hectares of summer greenhouses and 40.3 hectares of winter greenhouses, yielding 14,500 tonnes of produce. This includes cucumbers, tomatoes, and all other crops suitable for greenhouse cultivation. Each year, the share and variety of vegetables, fruits, and berries in domestic food consumption continue to grow. However, domestic production remains insufficient, and output has not increased significantly. Various factors contribute to this situation.

One major challenge is the high cost of constructing winter greenhouses. Building a 1,000-square-meter winter greenhouse requires no less than 1 billion MNT. Representatives of the “Altan Tsatsral” cooperative, which has been operating for 25 years in Baruun-Urt soum of Sukhbaatar Province, explained: “Greenhouse farming as a comprehensive sector is barely developing in Mongolia. Our cooperative operates 1,200 square meters of summer greenhouses where we grow cucumbers, tomatoes, and strawberries, and we cultivate potatoes and vegetables on 12 hectares of open field. We do not have a winter greenhouse because the construction cost is high and the technology is complex.” 

The representatives then continued, “We estimate that building a 1,000-square-meter winter greenhouse requires 1 billion to 1.2 billion MNT. Moreover, it takes four to five years to begin recovering the investment in greenhouse farming, while concessional loans are usually issued for only three years. Even obtaining a short-term loan requires substantial collateral. Due to these issues, household and small- to medium-sized producers are unable to develop winter greenhouse operations. Neighboring provinces also lack winter greenhouses. We meet our demand for vegetables and fruits from Ulaanbaatar and from border cities in China.”

Meanwhile, a household farmer from Bayanzurkh District Ch.Munkhbat said “We have a 50-square-meter greenhouse insulated at the base and covered with double layers, which we use all year-round. We harvest crops in all four seasons, growing cucumbers, tomatoes, and lettuce. From November to March, vegetable prices are high and demand is strong. During this period, we harvest 1.5 to 2.5 tonnes of each product and earn 30 to 35 million MNT in revenue. However, we pay 1.5 to 1.7 million MNT per month for electricity. After deducting electricity and other expenses, we make a profit of 20 to 25 million MNT over five months.” 

It was further highlighted, “In summer, electricity consumption is lower, but vegetable prices fall, resulting in smaller profits. I hope policies will be implemented to support domestic farmers and protect the market, such as setting quotas or restrictions on imported vegetables during the summer. This would help stabilize greenhouse operations. Currently, price fluctuations between winter and summer are significant. Nevertheless, because we grow environmentally friendly produce, we have steady customers. Many restaurants, in particular, receive lettuce deliveries twice a week. In my opinion, every household in ger districts could install a 10 to 40 square meter greenhouse in their yard to meet their own needs and sell surplus products. Even after deducting all expenses, they would still make a profit. This would also help reduce dependence on imports.”

ONLY 90–100 DAYS TO PLANT AND HARVEST VEGETABLES

This was stated by Kh.Altantsatsral, head of the “Munkh Nogoon Amidral” NGO. For more than 10 years, the organization has been engaged in crop farming and greenhouse operations. It runs a 4,200-square-meter winter greenhouse in the 13th khoroo of Khan-Uul District, in the Shuvuun Fabrique area. The NGO also provides consulting services for household and greenhouse farming and operates a “Labor Camp” program, where participants receive five to seven days of practical training while staying on-site.

Kh.Altantsatsral explained, “Our country has a cold climate and harsh weather conditions, which make crop farming difficult. Day and night temperatures fluctuate by around 20 degrees, and we only have 90 to 100 days to plant and harvest vegetables. Therefore, state policy and support are essential for developing crop farming and greenhouse agriculture. The government should provide long-term loans and support every household in growing vegetables in their yards and summer plots. Loans need to be issued for at least 10 years to produce meaningful results. With shorter-term loans, farmers may fail to make a profit and eventually go bankrupt. Many citizens are interested in joining the ‘Labor Camp’ and starting their own agricultural businesses. However, due to limited capital, insufficient experience, and weak development and cultivation practices, they are unable to apply what they have learned. If we could reduce the volume of imported vegetables and fruits and grow them ourselves, the health indicators of Mongolians would also improve. There is much more to say.”

Meanwhile, Ts.Naranchimeg, a resident of Chingeltei District, shared her experience by saying “Operating a winter greenhouse is truly difficult. Since we could not afford to build a glass greenhouse, we constructed one using layered plastic sheeting. In 2022, we hired professionals and invested a significant amount of money to build a 30-square-meter greenhouse. However, after just two years, the greenhouse covering tore apart and the supporting beams bent. It consumed a lot of electricity, yet it still did not heat properly in winter, and the vegetables froze and failed to grow. Perhaps the technology was flawed from the start, but we effectively lost over 30 million MNT.” 

“When building a greenhouse, it is crucial to work with a highly competent team and, if possible, seek advice from specialists from our southern neighbor. I inquired with our district’s Food and Agriculture Office about obtaining a loan to revive and expand our household production, but without success. People continue importing vegetables because they lack the capital and technical expertise to construct proper greenhouses. Unless it is a large-scale glass greenhouse with hydroponic technology, operating a winter greenhouse in a country with such cold weather, unreliable electricity supply, and high costs is extremely challenging,” said Ts.Naranchimeg. 

We also inquired how the sector ministry is supporting greenhouse farming. In 2025, the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Fund granted 1.3 billion MNT in concessional loans to nine greenhouse projects that were selected for funding. Additionally, under a project implemented by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), two advanced-technology greenhouses, each covering 1,000 square meters, were commissioned in Tuv and Darkhan-Uul provinces. Furthermore, under the government’s resolution on providing electricity discounts to winter greenhouse operations, 79 enterprises and individuals received a total of 325 million MNT in electricity subsidies last year.

To implement the “Atar-IV” campaign, a financing agreement was signed with a commercial bank to provide working capital loans to crop producers based on bank funding sources. As a result, 5 billion MNT in loans is planned for greenhouse and mushroom producers in 2026–2027, according to the Department for Coordination of Crop Production Policy Implementation of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry.

FLOWER IMPORTS INCREASING

In addition to vegetables, fruits, and berries, ornamental and potted flowers are also cultivated in greenhouses. Demand for such flowers continues to grow steadily. In January 2026 alone, 970,000 live flowers were imported, which is three times higher than the figure recorded three years ago. Over the past five years, annual spending on flower imports has increased by one to 1.5 million USD each year. Most imported flowers come from China, Russia, and South Korea. In Mongolia, roses, tulips, carnations, and lilies lead in sales.

Regarding flower demand and supply, G.Amarmend, a resident of Songinokhairkhan District, said, “We cultivate ornamental and potted flowers in our two 50-square-meter winter greenhouses. We have contracts with shops to supply roses and carnations. Although we face challenges such as labor shortages and difficulties in organizing deliveries and protecting flowers from the cold, we operate with reasonable profitability. Even if households do not grow vegetables in their yards, cultivating flowers could become a ‘lovely business’. We are focusing on increasing the variety of ornamental flowers grown in Mongolia and becoming a stable supplier. Since there are relatively few individuals and enterprises engaged in flower cultivation and sales, it is fair to say this is a new and profitable business. Our goal is to expand our greenhouse facilities, improve technology, and increase flower production.”

Overall, these examples show that by developing greenhouse farming, expanding winter greenhouse capacity, and diversifying products, Mongolia could reduce import dependence, increase household and business incomes, and create jobs. Although the government provides support within its means, that support and financing often fail to reach a broad audience, and loan amounts and durations remain insufficient for businesses to scale up. Additionally, measures such as setting quotas or limiting imports during the summer and autumn seasons to protect domestic producers and stabilize their market operations could also be implemented.

Bank of Mongolia Purchases 396.1 kg of Gold in February www.montsame.mn

 The Bank of Mongolia purchased 396.1 kilograms of gold in February 2026, bringing the total amount of precious metals purchased since the beginning of the year to 2.3 tonnes.

Of this amount, the Bank of Mongolia’s branch in Darkhan-Uul aimag purchased 89.0 kilograms, while its branch in Bayankhongor aimag purchased 477.3 kilograms of precious metals. Compared to the same period last year, this represents a 19.7 percent increase.

The Bank of Mongolia determines its precious metal purchase prices based on global market prices.

In February 2026, the average gold purchase price was MNT 576,654.17 per gram.

Injection Therapy for Spinal Nerve Root Pain Introduced www.montsame.mn

Specialists at the Pain Management Unit of the General Hospital for Special State Servants (GHSSS) have introduced a treatment method to relieve pain caused by compression and inflammation of spinal nerve roots.

The nerve root pain relief injection is a precise procedure performed under X-ray guidance in a sterile surgical environment. The service is being provided under the supervision of Batsaikhan B., Consultant Neurosurgeon at the hospital.

With the commissioning of an MRI diagnostic scanner, the hospital has been able to expand neurosurgical services and further support evidence-based care.

The procedure involves injecting an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid medication directly into the affected nerve root through the intervertebral opening of the spine. This helps reduce swelling and inflammation, thereby alleviating pain.

The treatment is commonly used for conditions such as Herniated disc, Sciatica, Spinal stenosis, and other cases involving compression of spinal nerve roots.

In addition to relieving pain, the treatment can improve mobility and increase the likelihood of avoiding surgical intervention.

European Union Honors Rookie of the Year in Mongolian Basketball Association’s National League www.eeas.europa.eu

Through its Global Gateway program and the “We Are Creators” campaign, the EU aims to support the participation and growth of Mongolia’s youth and women. This cooperation aligns with the EU’s broader policy goals of fostering an inclusive, healthy society where everyone can succeed and promoting sustainable development. 

As part of its Global Gateway program, the European Union partnered with the Mongolian Basketball Association (MBA) to promote youth engagement and sport development. The recipients of the European Union-named National Basketball League “Rookie of the Year” awards were announced as O.Usukhbayar, a player for the Khan Falcons, and N. Altai, a player for AODE WINX, who emerged as leaders among the league’s new generation of young players. The season’s top male rookie was announced yesterday, while the top female rookie was revealed on January 12.

With over 30 years of history, the National Basketball League is Mongolia’s premier basketball competition and a tournament every athlete dreams of. It plays a vital role in promoting sports nationwide, inspiring children and young people to participate, developing future athletes, and motivating citizens to adopt active, healthy lifestyles.

Through its Global Gateway program and the “We Are Creators” campaign, the EU aims to support the participation and growth of Mongolia’s youth and women. This cooperation aligns with the EU’s broader policy goals of fostering an inclusive, healthy society where everyone can succeed and promoting sustainable development. 

When presenting the Women’s Rookie of the Year award, the Ambassador of the European Union to Mongolia, H.E. Ms. Ina Marciulionyte, said: We value the role basketball plays in Mongolia because it brings people together and creates real space for both young people and women to thrive. Through our Global Gateway work—from infrastructure and agriculture to energy—we support development, and across all our projects, we also promote women’s empowerment as a key priority. That’s why it’s especially meaningful to see the women’s league growing here in Mongolia, where our focus is strongly on youth and women. And the message to young players is simple: be brave, set a clear goal, and keep working toward it—success mostly comes from effort, not luck. You can do it.

Women’s Rookie of the Year N. Altai also expressed her gratitude: 

“Thank you so much — I’m proud to receive this prestigious award in my first year. I achieved this through hard work, and I’ll keep working even harder moving forward. My teammates, family, and loved ones believed in me and supported me both on and off the court. I want to thank my two coaches. Without my teammates, I wouldn’t have earned this award. Basketball is a team sport, so I see this as an award for our entire team.”

Named the Women’s National Basketball League Rookie of the Year, N. Altai played in 15 games during the 2025–2026 season and posted impressive stats of 7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 0.5 blocks, and 0.4 steals per game. 

Project Manager of the EU Delegation, Arnaud Appriou, who presented the award to the men’s Rookie of the Season said: “Today, we are excited to introduce Jeri, our new mascot who will represent our Global Gateway program in Mongolia. Global Gateway is our leading initiative implemented worldwide in areas like energy, infrastructure, health, and youth development. The European Union believes in the power of young people’s creativity and inspiration, and we are pleased to support the National Basketball League. As one of Mongolia’s key partners and a ‘third neighbor,’ the European Union remains dedicated to supporting sustainable development, education, and youth.”

Men’s Rookie of the Year: O. Usukhbayar said: “My Honored Coach O. Bayartsogt convinced me that to succeed, you must be brave, and that I can do it. That’s why I was able to push myself and believe in myself. I’m also grateful to my grandmother — I feel I’ve come this far thanks to her support. Thank you to everyone who helped me receive this award, and to my teammates.” 

The Men’s National Basketball League Rookie of the Year, O. Usukhbayar, played in 25 games and averaged 11.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and a solid 45% field goal percentage. 

The European Union’s support is part of a larger set of investments in Mongolia under the Global Gateway strategy. This includes sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, sustainable forestry, and eco-business. These efforts aim to promote sustainable growth by creating local jobs, developing essential skills, and strengthening youth capabilities.

About Global Gateway

Global Gateway is the European Union’s global initiative on sustainable development, investment, and partnerships. It focuses on addressing major global challenges such as tackling climate change, strengthening health systems, ensuring supply chain security, boosting competitiveness, and equipping young people with skills.

About the European Union

The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 European countries. It was founded on shared values, including human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law, and respect for human rights, including those of minorities. Today, the EU works worldwide to support inclusive and sustainable social, economic, and environmental development for all.

Discover the Unmatched Beauty of Mongolia with Visa-Free Travel for Citizens of Thirty-Four Countries Until the End of 2026 www.travelandtourworld.com

As part of its ongoing efforts to bolster tourism and international  travel, Mongolia has confirmed an extension of its visa-free entry policy for 34 countries. This exciting move, valid until December 2026, opens the door to millions of travellers looking to explore the vast landscapes, rich culture, and historic landmarks of Mongolia. The policy, which was initially introduced to stimulate tourism in the country, has now been officially prolonged, reflecting Mongolia’s commitment to enhancing global connectivity and welcoming visitors from across the globe.

A Significant Step for Mongolia’s Tourism Sector
Mongolia’s travel industry has been experiencing a remarkable shift, with an increasing number of international visitors arriving to witness the country’s natural wonders, including the vast Gobi Desert and the majestic Altai Mountains. The government’s decision to extend the visa-free travel arrangement demonstrates its determination to continue this upward trend. For travellers from 34 countries, the process of entering Mongolia will remain as easy as ever, without the need for a visa.

Since the introduction of the visa-free entry program, there has been a noticeable surge in tourism, particularly from Europe and Oceania. The extension is expected to further support the country’s recovery in the post-pandemic travel era, attracting more visitors from a diverse range of nations, including major European and Australasian markets.

What Does the Extension Mean for International Tourists?
Starting in 2023, citizens of 34 countries have been able to visit Mongolia for up to 30 days without a visa, an initiative that initially sparked significant interest from international travellers. Now, with the extension set until the end of 2026, this initiative remains in full effect. The government has assured visitors that they will continue to enjoy easy access to Mongolia’s exceptional tourist destinations, whether for cultural exploration, outdoor adventures, or nature photography.

For travellers, this means seamless entry to Mongolia, with no need for the often time-consuming visa application processes. Those who qualify can simply book their flight, pack their bags, and land in Mongolia to experience its culture, traditions, and natural beauty.

Countries Eligible for Visa-Free Entry
The countries eligible for visa-free entry under this policy include some of the world’s most travel-enthusiastic nations. Citizens from 34 countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany, and the United States, will be able to enjoy Mongolia’s hospitality without the added step of obtaining a visa.

While these countries have long been top sources of international tourism, the policy extension has been seen as a smart strategy to keep Mongolia on the radar of global travellers. It aligns with the government’s broader goal of positioning the country as a top destination for international tourism, with a specific focus on attracting travellers from Europe, Oceania, and the Americas.

Promoting Sustainable Tourism in Mongolia
Beyond just increasing visitor numbers, Mongolia’s visa-free initiative is designed to encourage sustainable tourism. With the country’s focus on preserving its natural environment and promoting eco-friendly travel, the government has been working diligently to ensure that the increased number of visitors does not negatively impact the local culture or environment. Tourists will continue to be encouraged to explore Mongolia’s remote areas, while respecting its delicate ecosystems.

In addition to its visa-free policy, the Mongolian government has also been rolling out new infrastructure projects aimed at improving travel conditions across the country. These initiatives are expected to further enhance the visitor experience, making it easier for tourists to explore the vast expanses of Mongolia, from the bustling capital city of Ulaanbaatar to the far-reaching steppes and wilderness.

Tourism Growth Potential: What’s Next for Mongolia?
With the extended visa-free entry policy, Mongolia stands poised to capture the attention of more international tourists. The tourism sector is expected to see substantial growth, as more countries become connected to Mongolia through the visa exemption. Furthermore, this development supports the country’s goal of diversifying its economy, as tourism plays a pivotal role in driving both domestic and international economic activities.

For many travellers, the extension of the visa-free policy is a gateway to new experiences. The unique blend of nomadic culture, Buddhist history, and vast, untouched landscapes is what draws visitors to Mongolia. From the rich tradition of the Naadam Festival to the sacred Buddhist monasteries, there is no shortage of cultural attractions for those seeking to immerse themselves in Mongolia’s timeless way of life.

The Future of Mongolia’s  Travel Industry
As the world moves into 2026, Mongolia’s tourism outlook is brighter than ever. The continued visa-free access for 34 countries is expected to serve as a catalyst for further growth, attracting new visitors from markets not traditionally associated with Mongolian tourism.

This extended visa policy not only serves the tourism industry but also helps build deeper international ties. By welcoming travellers with open arms, Mongolia is reinforcing its status as an emerging destination for adventure tourism, cultural exploration, and nature-based  travel.

Ultimately, this strategic move by the Mongolian government is a win-win for both tourists and the country. With the travel landscape rapidly changing, Mongolia has positioned itself to take full advantage of the growing trend in international tourism, ensuring that it remains a must-visit destination for years to come.

Mongolia Chooses Main Cross-Border Route For Eurasian Economic Union Trade www.russiaspivottoasia.com

Mongolia wants to make the route through the Altanbulag checkpoint on the border with Russia the main export and import artery for its trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), the Mongolian Parliament Speaker, Nyam-Osor Uchral, has said.

He stated that “The implementation of this agreement will directly affect the activities of the Altanbulag Economic Free Zone. This covers 500 hectares in the Altanbulag district and needs to build a freight terminal, customs lab, internal roads, and communications infrastructure.”

He added that “The Altanbulag district economy, plus the surrounding region, is oriented toward exporting livestock products. The trade agreement with the EAEU will make it possible to diversify livestock farmers’ incomes, boost prices for livestock products, and diversify income from the country’s agriculture sector as a whole.”

The Altanbulag border crossing in Mongolia is located on the Ulan-Ude-Ulaanbaatar highway near the Russian city of Kyakhta, 233 km from the capital of Buryatia. The border region is a free economic zone, the residents of which include companies from various regions of Russia.

In addition to Altanbulag, there are ten operating road and two railway crossings on the border between Mongolia and Russia. These include crossings into Mongolia from the Altai Republic, Tuva, Buryatia, and the Transbaikal Territory. Russia is the only EAEU country with which Mongolia shares a border.

The EAEU and Mongolia signed a free trade agreement in June 2025. The document reduces or eliminates duties on 367 commodity subitems for each party, including Mongolia as well as Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. These cover about US$2 billion worth, or more than 90% of EAEU exports to Mongolia, enabling EAEU companies to save up to US$100 million annually. The agreement is also expected to help Mongolia to increase exports to the EAEU market by 25%.

The agreement has an initial duration of three years with an option for subsequent extension. It has already been ratified in Mongolia, Russia, and Kazakhstan, and must still be ratified by the other EAEU countries, with this expected to be completed by mid-2026.

The Great Steppe Awakens: Bold Transformation of Mongolia into a Global Tourism Powerhouse www.travelandtourworld.com

For decades, the vast landscapes of Mongolia were regarded by the global  travel community as an enigmatic frontier, frequently overlooked due to its geographical isolation and a perceived seasonal window that felt all too brief. However, a profound evolution is currently underway as this landlocked nation in the heart of Asia orchestrates one of the decade’s most ambitious tourism rebranding efforts. Mongolia is no longer just an “overlooked” destination; it is actively being reshaped into a mandatory stop for the modern traveller, thanks to a government-led strategy and a vision to diversify an economy historically reliant on mineral exports.

A New Era of Accessibility: Open Borders and Open Skies
The traditional barriers to entry that once deterred the curious have been systematically dismantled. As part of the ongoing “Years to Visit Mongolia” campaign—an initiative recently extended by the government through 2028—a radical liberalization of visa policies has been implemented. Visa exemptions were initially granted to an additional 34 nations, including the United Kingdom, France, Denmark, and Australia; however, recent updates from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth confirm that these privileges have been extended through the end of 2026 for many, including South Korean visitors. This brings the total number of visa-exempt territories to over 60, effectively inviting a massive demographic of global explorers to enter the country with unprecedented ease.

This policy shift is supported by a massive overhaul of the nation’s aerial gateways. In the summer of 2021, the state-of-the-art Chinggis Khaan International Airport (UBN) was officially inaugurated. Designed to handle double the capacity of its predecessor, the facility is already being prepared for further expansion in 2026 to accommodate an anticipated surge toward one million annual visitors. Connectivity is being further enhanced by the introduction of historic long-haul routes. By June 2026, the first direct non-stop flight from North America—connecting Toronto to Ulaanbaatar—is expected to be launched by Air Transat, significantly reducing travel times that previously required lengthy transfers through Istanbul or Seoul.

Cultural Resurgence: Honoring the Past, Welcoming the Future
The historical narrative of the Mongol Empire is being preserved and presented with newfound sophistication. The Chinggis Khaan National Museum, an eight-storey architectural marvel in Ulaanbaatar, now serves as the primary custodian of over 10,000 artefacts. A profound exploration of 2,000 years of history is offered here, with the added benefit of complimentary English-language guided tours provided on weekends.

Simultaneously, the living heritage of the nation is being revitalized through traditional sports and arts. The legendary Naadam Festival remains the crown jewel of the Mongolian calendar. Its ancient roots in archery, wrestling, and horse racing—skills originally championed by Genghis Khan to maintain the readiness of his warriors—are celebrated with fervour every July. While tickets for the opening ceremony in Ulaanbaatar remain the most sought-after prize in the city, the spirit of the festival is echoed in a resurgence of mounted archery. At the Namnaa Academy, the fundamentals of this ancient discipline are being taught to a new generation of enthusiasts by masters of the craft. Furthermore, the traditional Mongolian script, Mongol bichig, is being actively preserved at the Erdenesiin Khuree Calligraphy Center in the historic capital of Karakorum, ensuring that the nation’s linguistic soul remains vibrant.

Adrenaline and Ice: The New Frontier of Adventure
For the intrepid traveller, the Mongolian wilderness is being redefined as a playground for high-octane exploration. Extensive motorcycle expeditions, such as those traversing 1,700 kilometres from the capital to the rugged Altai Mountains of Bayan-Ulgii, are now being offered. These journeys provide a rare opportunity to engage with the famed eagle hunters of the West.

The arrival of winter no longer signals the end of the tourism season. Instead, the “four-season tourism” policy promoted by the government has turned the frozen expanse of Lake Khuvsgul into a destination for elite dogsledding. Led by professional mushers, these expeditions include ice fishing and overnight stays in winterized yurts, allowing for a deep, authentic connection with nomadic families during the year’s most tranquil months.

A Commitment to the Earth: The Rise of Sustainable Luxury
As the tourism sector grows, a significant emphasis is being placed on ecological preservation. Mongolia’s “Vision 2050” goals are being mirrored by private enterprises that champion sustainability. In the Selenge province, the Yeruu Lodge serves as a blueprint for the future of off-grid hospitality. The facility is powered entirely by solar energy and utilizes thermal heating and advanced water recycling systems. Even food waste is composted to nourish onsite gardens, embodying a circular economy model that is being encouraged by the Mongolian Sustainable Finance Association and international partners.

The Sound of Modern Mongolia
Beyond the silence of the steppes, a vibrant cultural scene is emerging. A series of music and art festivals that attract international crowds are amplifying the “Go Mongolia” motto. Playtime and the Spirit of Gobi festivals combine global electronic music with Mongolian folk-rock and hip-hop to create a one-of-a-kind experience. These gatherings represent a nation that is comfortably bridging the gap between its nomadic past and its modern, cosmopolitan future.

Mongolia is succeeding in shedding its image as a remote enigma thanks to these comprehensive and strategic efforts. Instead, it is being revealed as a vibrant, accessible, and deeply sustainable gem of the Asian continent, inviting the world to witness its transformation for themselves.

UK highlights growing critical minerals partnership www.ubpost.mn

Head of Critical Minerals and Mining (International) at the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Oliver Richards has delivered a presentation outlining the future of global critical minerals supply and the growing strategic cooperation between Mongolia and the UK. Richards highlighted London’s position as a global hub for mining finance, capital markets, technology and research expertise. This ecosystem, he noted, provides strong opportunities to expand investment, supply chain partnerships, and technological cooperation with resource-rich countries such as Mongolia.

During his remarks, he also emphasized that global supply chains for critical minerals are currently highly concentrated, while demand is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. The rapid expansion of clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, and advanced manufacturing is driving this surge in demand, which is projected to outpace supply in the near future. To address these challenges, the UK has adopted a 10-year Critical Minerals Strategy aimed at strengthening the resilience and security of supply chains. The strategy sets clear targets to meet 10 percent of demand through domestic production, 20 percent through recycling, and to ensure that no more than 60 percent of the supply of any critical mineral comes from a single country.

According to Richards, the UK also seeks to promote a more transparent, resilient and diversified global market for critical minerals. This will be achieved through expanded international partnerships, stronger supply chain collaboration, improved access to finance, and increased investment in research and innovation. As part of this effort, the UK has been actively expanding cooperation across Central Asia. Memoranda of Understanding on critical minerals have been signed with Kazakhstan in 2023, Mongolia in 2024, Uzbekistan in 2025 and Kyrgyzstan in 2025. The agreement with Mongolia supports collaboration in areas including geological research and resource mapping, trade development, environmental, social and governance standards and financial support mechanisms.