Yesterday, electricity supply to 13,244 businesses and 206,348 households, totaling 219,592 consumers, was restricted for 1-2 hours.

The restrictions were implemented directly by the National Dispatch Center to ensure system safety during peak load periods. As such, the Ulaanbaatar Electricity Distribution Network JSC (UBEDN JSC) stated that it was unable to provide advance notice to consumers and apologized for the inconvenience.

Moving forward, power outages are expected to continue in varying degrees throughout the winter, depending on renewable energy production levels.

Translated by ChatGPT

HLTV’s world ranking ranks the best teams in the competitive field of Counter-Strike. The ranking is updated weekly, and teams move up or down based on their recent performance in competitive matches over the last 2 months. HLTV’s world ranking has updated yesterday /2024.12.09/.

With the update, the German team “G2” has taken the lead in the world rankings. They have surpassed the previous leader, the Ukrainian team “Natus Vincere”, with a total of 926 points.

Meanwhile, the Mongolian team “The MongolZ” has moved up two places to seventh in the world rankings. This is an unprecedented record in the history of Asian CS. They definetely deserve the title of the best Asian team of all time.

“FaZe”, “MOUZ”, “Spirit”, “Vitality” teams has ranked above “The MongolZ”.

There are two main organizations that determine the world rankings in the CS2 esports genre: Valve and HLTV. According to Valve’s rankings, “The MongolZ” is currently ranked fourth in the world, while “G2” is in the lead.

On December 10, Deputy Prime Minister and Head of the National Committee for Energy Reform T.Dorjkhand addressed several key issues related to the ongoing energy reform efforts and the budget for the upcoming year. In his statement, T.Dorjkhand clarified several misconceptions surrounding the government’s energy reform plan, the national budget and the current status of energy projects.

He emphasized that the coalition government’s priority is to resolve long standing issues that have hindered the economic development for over three decades, with energy reform being a foundational element. According to the deputy prime minister, without substantial changes in the energy sector, the broader economy will struggle to grow.

“Mongolia is rich in energy resources, but economic progress has been stifled for 34 years due to a lack of energy transition. We are now addressing this gap with a series of reforms, and the results are beginning to show,” he explained. A major breakthrough in the country’s energy strategy, he noted, is the commencement of energy exports. The government recently achieved an agreement to begin exporting energy to neighboring China and Southeast Asia, signaling a new chapter in the energy policy. Parliamentarian T.Dorjkhand also pointed to the recent successful visit of the prime minister to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where discussions were held with global energy producers to invest in Mongolia’s energy sector.

One of the most significant developments in the energy reform agenda is the long-awaited progress on the Erdeneburen Hydropower Plant project, which has been discussed since 1960. According to T.Dorjkhand, the project is now moving forward, with basic conditions met for large-scale investment. “We have already had productive discussions with the Chinese government, and we are on track to finalize agreements soon. This will pave the way for energy cooperation and trade, which will benefit both countries,” he said.

He also highlighted that Mongolia’s improved credit rating and stable political environment have attracted foreign investors, further fueling optimism about the future of the energy sector. The government’s goal is to establish an energy industry that can compete with the mining sector and generate significant income for the country.

The head of the committee’s working group addressed discrepancies regarding the government’s budget, particularly the controversial figure of 8 billion MNT mentioned in the media, which was reportedly allocated for “printing costs” related to energy reform efforts. He clarified that this figure was inaccurate, stating that the Ministry of Finance has not yet presented the final budget breakdown. “Many people misunderstood this amount. It is not just for printing costs. After the energy tariff reform, it became necessary to invest in major research and reforms, including hiring international consulting services, conducting market studies, and supporting renewable energy initiatives. These expenses are vital for the successful transition to a more efficient and modern energy sector,” he explained.

He further emphasized that the government’s request for next year’s budget has been reduced from 18 billion MNT to 11 billion MNT, with most of the funds earmarked for office expenses, such as salaries and housing. Only a small portion, between 500 million MNT and 1.5 billion MNT, will be allocated for media-related activities, which is primarily for ensuring transparency and public communication about the reform process.

The government’s long-term plans aim to continue energy sector reforms and bring Mongolia’s GDP per capita to 10,000 USD through a comprehensive energy strategy. He noted that this process will take time and will require careful, international-level planning over the next three to five years. “This is not something that can be achieved overnight, but we are laying a solid foundation. For the first time in 34 years, we are addressing these issues, and we will keep working to make Mongolia self-sufficient in energy and a key player in regional energy markets,” the head said.

The deputy prime minister also addressed concerns raised by some members of Parliament regarding the committee’s activities and budget. He reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and working with the media to provide accurate information to the public. “Many members of the committee have faced unwarranted criticism. We stand behind them and will continue working together to ensure the public receives the right information. We are not funding trolls or misinformation. Our goal is to build trust and provide clarity,” he stated.

69 percent of Mongolia’s population lives in city areas and 48.9 percent of population or 1.7 million people lives in Ulaanbaatar. Also, 70 percent of registered businesses, 84 percent of trade and services, and 96 percent of universities are concentrated in Ulaanbaatar.

There are too many problems, such as air pollution, traffic jams, water supply and climate change, which relate to the urbanization. The World Health Organization /WHO/ supports and advices governments on these issues. The WHO last updated its Air Quality Recommendations in 2021. The annual average concentration of PM2.5 in the air should not exceed 5 μg/m³, as this level is considered safe for human health according to the WHO.

In Ulaanbaatar, the annual average PM2.5 level in 2020 was 41 μg/m³, which is more than eight times higher than the WHO’s recommended limit. In particular, the study found that PM 2.5 levels were 14 times higher than the standards set by the WHO between October and March.

Due to the air pollution, deaths from stroke and heart attack account for 39 percent of all deaths. From November 29 to December 5, the National Center for Communicable Diseases tested 223 samples from the Ulaanbaatar city surveillance unit and other locations for SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. Of the total samples, 4.9 percent were found to be SARS-CoV-2, 21.5 percent were found to be SARS-CoV-2, and 5.3 percent were found to be A(H1N1)pdm09.

The Government of Mongolia, the German Development Bank (KfW), and the Global Fund have signed a €29.0 million "Debt Conversion Agreement." The agreement was signed by Mongolia’s Minister of Finance, B. Javkhlan; KfW's Director for East and Southeast Asia, Frank Böne; KfW's Senior Portfolio Manager, Andrea Godon; and the Executive Director of the Global Fund, Peter Sands.

Under this agreement, the repayment of the €29 million loan owed by the Government of Mongolia to KfW will be converted into a grant. This financial support will be allocated to Mongolia's health sector, creating an opportunity for targeted investments in healthcare.

This marks the first time in Mongolia’s history that a debt repayment has been successfully converted into a grant. This sets a precedent for utilizing innovative financial instruments to address the country’s development needs.

Translated by ChatGPT

With the support of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung of Germany, the Mongolian Wool and Cashmere Association (MWCA) and the Mongolian Light Industry Workers’ Union (MLIWU) developed a “Tariff Agreement” in the cashmere sector. The agreement was signed by representatives from MWCA, Cashmere Holding LLC, Khanbogd LLC, and MLIWU.

The agreement, which was developed in line with Article 31 of the Labor Law of Mongolia, Convention No. 98 of the International Labor Organization, and international norms and basic principles of labor will enter into force on January 1, 2026.

This is the first time that a collective labor agreement has been concluded in Mongolia that complies with international labor standards.

A list of more than 230 occupations in the cashmere industry and job descriptions were developed in detail at each stage of production. Based on criteria such as skill requirements, effort, responsibility, and working conditions, a network of standard wage rates for the cashmere industry is anticipated to be established, a salary coefficient is determined, and the methodology for evaluating occupations is developed.

The introduction of this system will support decent employment in the cashmere industry and establish and enforce scientifically based international wage standards necessary for the development of sustainable production.

Mongolia has ratified the Global Convention on the Recognition of Qualifications concerning Higher Education.

The convention, which was approved by the UNESCO General Conference in 2019, has been acceded to by 33 countries, with Mongolia becoming the 34th.

The document supports member states in the recognition of higher education diplomas and degrees to promote the right to education and enhance academic mobility.

Trade & Development Bank of Mongolia (TDBM), the oldest in Mongolia, has become the first bank in the country to offer Apple Pay to its customers.

This milestone underscores the bank's commitment to providing modern and secure payment solutions, responding to the increasing demand for mobile payment options in the country.

Apple Pay, which expanded into Mongolia in early 2024, offers a secure, fast, and convenient way for users to make payments using their Apple devices. TDBM moved quickly to integrate this service, recognizing its potential to improve the user experience for its customers. The bank’s decision to introduce Apple Pay is aligned with its goal of enhancing financial accessibility and convenience for Mongolian consumers.

In order to make this integration possible, TDBM collaborated with Compass Plus Technologies, a payment technology provider. The two companies worked together to ensure a smooth and efficient rollout of Apple Pay, allowing TDBM customers to use the service for everyday transactions at a wide range of locations that accept Apple Pay worldwide.

Representatives TDBM, expressed satisfaction with the collaboration, emphasizing that adding Apple Pay was a vital step in improving convenience for customers. He highlighted that the service would allow users to make payments on the go, offering greater flexibility for both personal and business use.

Employing new technologies

TDBM's partnership with Compass Plus Technologies is part of the bank's broader strategy to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving payment landscape. As part of its long-standing relationship with Compass Plus, TDBM continues to adopt innovative technologies to meet the needs of its customers.

The bank, which has been serving Mongolian businesses and individuals since its establishment in 1990, offers a wide variety of banking services. By introducing Apple Pay, the bank is reinforcing its position as a leading player in the Mongolian financial sector while promoting digital payment solutions that are safe, efficient, and widely accessible. This move also reflects the bank's broader aim to support the growth of Mongolia's digital economy and enhance the overall financial experience for its users.

On December 11 in Mongolia, H.E. Mr. IGAWAHARA Masaru, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Mongolia, and H.E. Mr. Sandag BYAMBATSOGT, Minister of Defence of Mongolia, signed the Agreement between the Government of Japan and the Government of Mongolia concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology (PDF)Open a New Window. The Agreement will enter into force after the completion of the necessary procedures between the governments of the two countries.

The Agreement establishes a legal framework for the Governments of Japan and Mongolia regarding the handling of defense equipment and technology to be transferred between the two governments in order to implement projects to be jointly determined including those contributing to international peace and stability. Specifically, it stipulates procedures to determine and confirm each specific transfer as well as basic rules on the proper use of the transferred defense equipment and technology.

The conclusion of this Agreement will ensure appropriate control over the defense equipment and technology transferred between Japan and Mongolia, especially regarding any subsequent transfer to a third party or any extra-purpose use. It is expected that this Agreement will contribute to closer cooperation between Japan and Mongolia for defense equipment and technology, and maintaining and improving the production and technological bases for Japan’s defense industry, thereby contributing to the security of Japan.