Vail International Hockey to travel to Mongolia, China and South Korea on ‘puck diplomacy’ mission www.validaily.com

This June, a delegation of youth hockey players, coaches, and parents will represent Vail International Hockey abroad, traveling to Mongolia, China, and South Korea on a unique international exchange centered on sport, culture, and people-to-people connection.

Organizers describe the journey as a “puck diplomacy” mission — using the shared language of hockey to build global perspective, mutual understanding, and lasting relationships across borders.

The delegation will participate in friendly games, joint practices, and cultural exchanges with local teams and families in each country. Beyond competition, the emphasis is on curiosity, respect, and learning how the game is growing in different parts of the world.

“In a world that often feels divided, we believe sport still brings people together,” said trip organizer Eric Eves. “Hockey gives young people a way to connect instantly. When you step on the ice, you share something universal — teamwork, discipline, and joy in the game.”

The trip is designed not only as an athletic experience, but as an educational one. Participants will explore cultural landmarks, learn about regional history, and engage directly with peers their age in each destination. Parents and coaches traveling with the group will help guide discussions focused on global awareness, leadership, and responsible travel.

The delegation represents a growing movement in youth sports that views international exchange as an extension of education — preparing young athletes to become thoughtful global citizens.

Through this journey, organizers hope players return home with broadened perspectives, deeper empathy, and friendships that stretch well beyond the rink.

The organization aims to collect 100 pairs of used hockey skates, along with used sticks and helmets, to donate during the trip. For more information, contact Sean Koenig at 970-470-9154 or visit vailinternationalhockey.org.

France to Send Large Delegation for COP17 Conference www.montsame.mn

France will send a large delegation of government officials, private sector representatives, scientists, and researchers to attend the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), which will take place in August in Ulaanbaatar.

The announcement was made by the Ambassador of France to Mongolia, Corinne Pereira Da Silva, during a meeting with the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Sandag-Ochir Tsend. The two sides discussed expanding bilateral environmental cooperation and working together on preparations for COP17. Discussions also focused on cooperation on water, forests, biodiversity conservation, and waste management.

Minister Sandag-Ochir expressed appreciation for France’s support of agreements reached at the recent G7 Environment Ministers’ Meeting in Paris on combating desertification and mitigating climate change.

He noted that cooperation between the two countries has expanded in the areas of meteorology, water, forestry, biodiversity, and waste management. The Minister also thanked the French government for deciding to provide approximately EUR 1 million in funding for the “Combating Desertification in Mongolia” project, which will be implemented in cooperation with Mongolia’s meteorological agency, Forestry Agency, and Water Agency. He described the funding as significant support for efforts to combat desertification and reduce soil degradation.

The project aims to strengthen scientific and technical cooperation in weather forecasting, wildfire prevention and management, and sustainable water resource management, particularly groundwater. The project will deepen environmental cooperation between the two countries, contribute to Mongolia’s environmental and climate change sector, and deliver substantial long-term benefits. 

N.Uchral: Higher VAT refunds would benefit citizens with luxury consumption www.gogo.mn

On May 13, 2026, the plenary session of the Parliament of Mongolia began, and proceeded to discuss the draft laws submitted together with the 2027 Budget Framework Statement of the Unified Budget of Mongolia and the 2028–2029 Budget Forecast Bill.

During the debate, Prime Minister N.Uchral presented the government’s position and proposal.

He said the government had submitted amendments to the Tax Law to protect jobs amid the current economic challenges.

Income up to the minimum wage, or MNT 792,000, will not be subject to personal income tax. We are also proposing to raise the VAT payer threshold from MNT 50 million to 400 million. If sales revenue is below MNT 2.5 billion, the corporate income tax rate will be 1%. This is a policy aimed at protecting citizens from price increases and preserving jobs. 

He noted that the amended VAT law will take effect on October 1. Under the law, VAT refunds will be set at 20% for purchases over MNT 1 million, 50% for purchases up to MNT 1 million, and 100% for purchases up to MNT 500,000. He added that the fiscal impact of the law is nearly MNT 1.7 trillion.

The fiscal impact of the tax package we are proposing is MNT 2.2 trillion. Some members want to reduce the corporate income tax to 1%. One thing must be understood: taxes are the mechanism used to redistribute wealth.

He added that tax mechanisms are used to collect revenue from higher-income groups and maintain employment for low- and middle-income groups. “Therefore, it is not appropriate to discuss tax cuts simply by reducing percentages. In particular, personal income tax is part of local budgets. The capital city, districts, and all 21 provinces operate independently through personal income tax.

If personal income tax is reduced to 1%, local governments would be unable to function independently. 40% of corporate income tax is allocated to local governments.

If personal income tax up to the minimum wage of MNT 792,000 is eliminated, a person earning MNT 3 million will pay tax only on MNT 2.2 million, and the rest of the income will remain with them. This is the most appropriate policy.

He added that increasing VAT refunds would primarily benefit citizens with higher consumption. The welfare policy being implemented by the government today reaches only 26% of the target group. The support is not visible. Members have a choice. VAT refunds are important. If they believe it is wrong to exempt income up to MNT 792,000 from income tax, the government is ready to withdraw the VAT law. This is the choice of the members of parliament. 

Mongolia’s SouthGobi swings to 1Q operational profit, advises on outlook for coal in China’s energy mix www.marketscreener.com

Mongolia’s SouthGobi Resources (HKEX:1878, TSX-V:SGQ) coal miner on May 14 announced in a press release its financial and operating results for the first quarter, recording a $4.6mn profit from operations versus a $15.7mn loss from operations a year ago.

The financial results were impacted by increased sales volume, as well as improved cost control on the coal production process, the company said.

The 1Q sales volume of 3.1mn tonnes compared to 2.1mn tonnes in 1Q25, while SouthGobi recorded an average realised selling price of $54.4 per tonne for the first quarter of 2026 compared to $59.5 per tonne for the first quarter of 2025.

The decrease in the average realised selling price was primarily attributable to prevailing market uncertainty and cautious buyer sentiment on the Chinese coal market, said the company.

SouthGobi owns and operates the Ovoot Tolgoi Mine in Mongolia and also holds the mining licences of other metallurgical and thermal coal deposits in the country’s South Gobi Region. It sells coal to customers in China.

SouthGobi said: “The Company continues to expand the scale of mining operations in 2026, as well as implementing various coal processing methods, including screening, wet washing and dry coal processing, which have resulted in improved coal quality and enhanced production volume and growth of coal export volume into China.

“In addition, the Company also continues to expand the categories of coal products in its portfolio, including mixed coal, wet washed coal and dry processed coal, which further increases the Company's coal export volume.”

Giving an outlook, South Gobi said: “The global coal market continues to face structural shifts amid evolving geopolitical and economic conditions. Although international trade tensions have moderated compared with previous years, uncertainties persist due to fluctuating commodity prices, energy transition policies, and regional security concerns. China's ongoing efforts to balance energy security with environmental commitments will continue to shape demand patterns, with coal expected to remain a critical component of its energy mix in the near term.

“The strategic partnership between China and Mongolia, particularly under the frameworks of the Belt and Road Initiative and Mongolia's ‘New Revival Policy’, continues to deepen. Significant investments in cross-border infrastructure, including the ongoing expansion and modernisation of railway networks and border ports, are progressively reducing logistical bottlenecks and enhancing efficiency. These advancements are expected to strengthen the competitiveness of Mongolian coking coal in the Chinese market by improving transit efficiency and lowering overall landed costs.

“At the same time, challenges persist. China's property sector remains under pressure, and infrastructure investment is being carefully managed, which may constrain steel production and, in turn, coking coal demand.”

South Gobi also observed that the recent global geopolitical events, particularly the escalation of tensions involving Iran and the US, have increased energy prices and demand for coal as a substitute for natural gas. As such, international coal prices have increased, at least in the short term, it said.

“However,” said SouthGobi, “management notes that coal price trends remain subject to uncertainties related to the conflicts and broader geopolitical developments. Should the conflict ease or cease, the price momentum driven by supply risk premiums and energy substitution may weaken or even reverse, thereby exposing coal prices to considerable downside uncertainty. Such volatility may affect the Company's operations, including the selling price of its coal product and its production costs.

“Against this backdrop, the Company remains cautiously optimistic about the China coal market, as coal continues to be regarded as the primary energy source on which China will rely in the foreseeable future. Coal supply and imports in China are expected to remain limited due to increasingly stringent environmental and safety requirements, which may contribute to volatility in domestic coal prices. The Company will continue to closely monitor market developments and respond proactively to changing conditions.”

MTZ Bond Worth MNT 300 Billion Successfully Issued www.montsame.mn

Mongolian Railway SOJSC has successfully raised MNT 300 billion from the domestic capital market through the issuance of the “MTZ Bond,” aimed at financing a strategically significant infrastructure development project.

According to Mongolian Railway SOJSC, the bond is notable as the first financial instrument in Mongolia’s history issued by a state-owned enterprise and secured by its own assets.

The bond was offered to investors with a one-year maturity at an annual interest rate of 17%. The issuance was organized in cooperation with Tenger Capital Securities Company. The transaction is considered a significant step toward expanding Mongolia’s domestic capital market and opening new opportunities to finance major infrastructure projects based on market principles.

Following the successful bond issuance, the management of Tenger Capital met with Minister of Road and Transport  Delgersaikhan Borkhuu and Chief Executive Officer of Mongolian Railway SOJSC, Batchuluun O., to express appreciation for their cooperation.

The financing will be allocated to the construction of the Bagakhangai–Khushig Valley–Emeelt railway project. The company plans to repurchase the bond ahead of maturity by attracting long-term, low-interest investment from international banks and financial institutions in the future.

Equipment and Components Being Installed for Oil Refinery Project www.montsame.mn

At its regular session, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contracts for the Oil Refinery Project being implemented in Altanshiree soum of Dornogobi aimag with a concessional loan from the Government of India. The amendments concern only technical and process-related matters and do not affect the contract price for the Crude Distillation Unit (CDU), Vacuum Distillation Unit (VDU), and storage tanks (MEIL, EPC 02), or the Captive Power Plant (EPC 03).

The Oil Refinery Project is being carried out in four EPC packages.

Work under the EPC 01 package was completed in 2024, and the related facilities have already been commissioned.
Orders for equipment under EPC 02, EPC 03, and EPC 04 packages have been placed, and machinery, equipment, and components manufactured in India and other countries have arrived at the refinery site. Construction and installation works are currently underway.
Construction and installation of the main technological, auxiliary, and support facilities included in EPC 02 are planned to be completed in 2026.
EPC 03, which covers the refinery’s thermal power plant, has reached 44.4% completion in engineering, procurement, and construction works.

Draft Law on Aviation Fuel Supply Agreement with Russia to Be Submitted to Parliament www.montsame.mn

The Cabinet of Mongolia approved at its meeting on May 13, 2026, a draft law on ratifying the agreement between the Government of Mongolia and the Government of the Russian Federation on the supply of aviation fuel to Mongolia, as well as a protocol amending the agreement on the supply of aviation fuel to Mongolia signed on September 3, 2024. The draft law will now be submitted to the State Great Khural for consideration.

The agreement and its amendment protocol are expected to expand cooperation between Mongolia and Russia in the petroleum supply sector and help ensure the stable supply and delivery of aviation fuel. The agreement would also secure uninterrupted fuel supplies for Chinggis Khaan International Airport and enable airlines operating in Mongolia to access aviation fuel that meets international standards at stable and lower prices.

Mongolia to Present AI-Powered Green Data Center Project at COP17 www.montsame.mn

At its session on May 13, 2026, the Cabinet decided to present a project to establish an artificial intelligence-based, energy-efficient “Green Data Center” in Mongolia at the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP17).

The Government also instructed the Minister of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications, Nomin Chinbat, to implement measures to create a legal framework for putting data into economic circulation and enabling its reuse.

By establishing a “Green Data Center” powered by Mongolia’s renewable energy resources and equipped with AI computing infrastructure, the country could create a free data zone that meets international standards and potentially develop into a regional data hub.

The project is expected to serve as a foundational step toward implementing Mongolia’s long- and medium-term policy goals of establishing big data systems and integrating data into economic circulation, according to the Government Media and Public Relations Department. 

Mongolia welcomes 222,642 tourists in first four months of 2026, marking 17% increase www.gogo.mn

The influx of foreign travelers to Mongolia continues its steady upward trajectory. As of May 6, 2026, the total number of international arrivals reached 222,642, bolstered by a significant surge of more than 14,500 visitors in just the first six days of May.

While the tourism sector experienced a 5.9% decline in 2024, the industry has seen a robust resurgence since 2025. In the first four months of this year alone, arrivals surpassed the 200,000 mark, representing a 17.6% increase compared to the same period last year.

Historical data as of April 30 reflects this consistent growth: arrivals stood at 141,217 in 2023, dipped to 132,888 in 2024, and rebounded to 176,915 in 2025 before climbing to 208,129 in 2026. According to the Mongolian Tourism Professional Association, travelers from Russia, China, and South Korea remain the primary drivers of Mongolia's expanding tourism market. 

Mongolia’s budget projections prioritise recurrent spending over strategic development www.asianews.network

Parliament has commenced deliberations on the 2027 budget framework and the fiscal projections for 2028–2029. These foundational documents will define Mongolia’s economic outlook for the next three years and set the stage for the formal adoption of the 2027 state budget this autumn.

While the state budget is theoretically designed to catalyze development through investments in energy, infrastructure, innovation, and technology, the majority of government spending remains concentrated on recurrent expenses. For the 2026 fiscal year, total expenditure is set at MNT 33 trillion. However, MNT 24.9 trillion, the vast majority of the budget, is allocated to operational costs, such as civil service salaries, bonuses, and utility maintenance.

Social welfare remains a dominant fiscal priority, with MNT 9.2 trillion earmarked exclusively for social insurance, child benefits, and pensions. In contrast, capital investment for development projects accounts for only MNT 8.5 trillion of the total budget.

This spending pattern is expected to persist in the coming years, even as the government faces pressure to fund critical infrastructure. Despite these fiscal constraints, Ulaanbaatar city officials have maintained a commitment to addressing the shortage of educational facilities by 2027 through the construction of new schools and kindergartens.