Mongolia currently has a low number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, but is under high risk of the COVID-19 infection and spread according to the Ministry of Health. When the pandemic started, the Mongolian government declared lockdown throughout the country and suspended inter-regional movements and closed schools, shops and all public services. Currently, local lockdown is lifted but the border is still closed. The Mongolian authorities have extended the state of emergency to December 31, 2020. It means that all passengers including the Mongolian nationals are not allowed to enter the country’s all auto road, railroad and air border.

According to the Mongolia National Police, the incident of domestic violence has been increased by 63% in contrast to the third quarter of last year and 92.7% of the victims are women and children because of longer hours staying at home and increased stress due to financial difficulties. Thus, GoodNeighbors International has intervened to respond.

In cooperation with KOICA (Korea International Cooperation Agency) and Green Asia (NGO), GoodNeighbors International produced prevention videos of violence against children and women. Each video explains the rights of children in animation, corrects parents’ behaviors in child rights infringement situation, shows process of resolving domestic violence through counseling and encourages the viewers to adopt the method in their daily lives. The video transmission has started on October 26, 2020 and a total of four videos will be broadcasted 224 times nationwide through 16 broadcasting stations by December 26, 2020. The broadcast is scheduled between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. when people watch the most. The videos were produced by professionals and Mongolian famous celebrities appeared on the videos to attract all ages.

In line with the videos, the local social workers have been visiting 3,500 families to accelerate family activities to enhance family bonding. Through a series of activities, it is expected to enhance psychological and emotional support, strengthen the ability of the vulnerable to maintain their livelihood and strengthen the COVID-19 response and resilience of the Mongolian community.

Total beneficiaries and participants of the project are 28,000 individuals including the most vulnerable families, especially women and children who receive laundry service, hygiene kits, hand washing facilities and food packages.

GoodNeighbors International is an international humanitarian and development organization. It has made great strides in its mission by providing people around the world with a better quality of life since its establishment in Korea, 1991. GNI was granted General Consultative Status with the UN ECOSOC in 1996 and acknowledged its contribution and granted the “MDGs Award” in 2007.

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/. Millennium Challenge Account Mongolia organized a stakeholder engagement meeting, the first of a series of meetings planned to discuss a draft Industrial Pre-Treatment Plan (IPP), to incorporate recommendations and proposals of key stakeholders into the plan, at the “Consent Hall” of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mongolia.

Representatives from organizations to implement the Industrial Pre-Treatment Plan participated in the first-day discussion, including the Ministry of Construction and Urban Development, Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Ministry of Food Agriculture and Light industry, Water Agency, USUG, Municipality of Ulaanbaatar, Capital City Governor’s office, WSRC, Tuul River’s basin Authority, as well as collaborating organizations, including Mongolian Tax Authority, State General Agency of Specialized Inspection, Metropolitan Professional Inspection Department, UB Environmental Department, OSNAAUG, New Wastewater treatment Plant PIU, Emeelt’s Light Industry and Technology park, Darkhan Light Industry and Technological park, and various research institutes and NGOs.

Head of the Department of Infrastructure Engineering Management Policy, MCUD G.Tsogtsaikhan chaired the event and moderated the discussions. Following the opening remarks, MCA-Mongolia Wastewater Recycling Activity Director T.Khishigt gave a presentation on the draft IPP.

In the beginning of the discussion session, MCA-Mongolia CEO E.Sodontogos reminded, “The Compact funding will only be available after the Government of Mongolia approves the Industrial Pre-Treatment Plan and the Cost Recovery Plan, being developed by the MCA-Mongolia in cooperation with key stakeholders. Upon the completion of this phase, we will be able to start construction works of the planned projects. Therefore, it is equally important for us to openly discuss challenges we face and solutions we seek, and exchange ideas and comments. As a result, the IPP will be submitted to the Government by the MCUD for approval”.

Participants actively engaged in the discussion session and raised interesting comments and points towards the improvement of the plan. Project Implementation Unit’s engineer at the New CWWTP D.Ankhbat highlighted that “According to the Conditions Precedent to the Compact EIF, our short and mid-term goal is to reduce the pollution level of the wastewater going into the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant to the level of 2013. However, we shall not forget that our long-term goal is to continue reducing pollutions to meet the Wastewater standard MNS 6561:2015.”

Development and approval of the Industrial Pre-Treatment Plan is one of the conditions precedent to entry-into-force of the Mongolia Water Compact, signed between the Government of Mongolia and the Millennium Challenge Corporation of the United States. The Government of Mongolia is obliged to implement the IPP during the Compact implementation period and shall be reporting through MCA-Mongolia to the MCC as stated in the Compact agreement.

Background

Millennium Challenge Account - Mongolia is a state-owned enterprise established by the decision of the Government of Mongolia on October 3, 2018, pursuant to Government Resolution No 297 in accordance with Section 3.2 of the Compact to implement the Program under the 350 million USD Mongolia Water Compact signed with the Millennium Challenge Corporation, a U.S. government foreign aid agency.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation is an independent U.S. government agency working to reduce global poverty through economic growth. Created in 2004, MCC provides time-limited grants and assistance to poor countries that meet rigorous standards for good governance, from fighting corruption to respecting democratic rights. Learn more about MCC at www.mcc.gov.

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ ‘Mars On Earth’ international hybrid online conference is to be organized by Mars-V project team on November 13 at the initiative of Mongolian Aerospace Research and Science Association (MARSA).

World-famous space and Mars experts and members of the first mission to Mars will virtually take part in the international conference to be held under the auspices of the President of Mongolia, with the support of the Cabinet Secretariat of the Government of Mongolia. Mars On Earth’s purpose is to run discussion on Mars-V project that aims to establish in the Mongolian Gobi an International center of science, technology and innovation that consists of Mars comprehensive training academy, Space exploration and development free-zone and Satellite city for tourism.

According to the 'Mars on Earth' organizers, conference speakers are consisted of experts across diverse fields of policy making, information technology, science and space exploration as well as future Martians from NASA and ESA and the guests and audiences will be able to explore mankind's vision for Mars, to feel the lifestyle and immerse themselves into the future of space exploration, technological advancements and beyond.

The conference will have 3 sessions. In the 1st session, keynote speakers, namely, Founder and President of the Mars Society Dr. Robert Zubrin, Euro Space Center astronaut instructor and Founder of Mars Society Belgium Pierre Emmanuel Paulis, Chiba Institute of Technology, Team Lead for the Japan and United Arab Emirates joint Mars Research program Akiyama Hiroaki, and Professor at the National University of Mongolia, Mars-V project consultant Tsolmon Renchin will discuss ‘Mankind’s Vision to Reach Mars.

In the 2nd session, some of the first people who are to set foot on Mars, namely NASA astronaut Alyssa Carson, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Camille Fournier, astronaut Linda Raimondo who works on ESA and NASA programs will speak about the ‘Mars Generation’, while Member of the American Chamber of Commerce National Space Committee Gavin Gillett, Chairman of Communications and Information Technology Authority of Mongolia Bolor-Erdene Battsengel, Founder of Norwegian Space Agency Jannicke Mikkelsen, and Chief Executive of Young Researcher Supporting Foundation Mongolia Jargalsaikhan Dugar will discuss Space Technology and Digital Transformation.

CNR Dalian has completed five 1520 mm gauge diesel locomotives for export to Mongolia, its second delivery to the country.

They have 16V240ZJD engines rated at 2940 kW, and feature air-conditioning and a toilet for crew comfort.

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/. The first meeting of the chairs of the joint working group to advance the implementation of the Mongolia-Russia-China Economic Corridor Program was successfully held virtually yesterday, November 5.

Participants took part in the meeting were headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mongolia B.Munkhjin, Deputy Minister of the Economic Development of Russia Petr Zaselsky, Vice Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission of China Ning Jizhe.

At the meeting, the joint statement on the commencement of the feasibility study for Renovation of Central Railway Corridor of Mongolia-Russia-China Economic Corridor, as well as its draft working plan has been finalized and sides agreed to sign during the next meeting of the heads of the three countries.

Furthermore, the sides held discussion on the road transport project that was agreed to be realized as a priority within the trilateral economic corridor and progress of the project to build gas pipeline connecting Russia and China through Mongolian territory, while exchanging views on other areas of cooperation.

Within the framework of the Mongolia-Russia-China Economic Corridor Program which was approved during the summit of the heads of the three countries in 2016, 32 projects and activities in 9 sectors, including transportation, energy, industry, border customs, science and technology, and agriculture will be jointly implemented.

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/. A brand for lamb meat is being introduced for the first time in Mongolia. The launch for the ‘Mongolian Lamb’ project took place at Saruul Market in Ulaanbaatar city on November 1. The project is being launched within the framework of the ‘Wealthy Herder’ programme by ‘Chineeleg Malchin Boijuulakh Tuv’ NGO in partnership with ‘Mon Ecolamb’ LLC. We asked a few questions about the project from Head of Chineeleg Malchin Boijuulakh Tuv NGO L.Odser.

-The main goal of the project was initially thought to be a meat processing of small livestock in compliance with foreign market requirements and its export. However, it seems that the project means much more than that. Could you tell us more about the project?

-Yes, the project’s main focus is to have herders put their livestock into domestic economic circulation alongside export. Organic lamb meat is commonly consumed for its tenderness throughout the world. So why can’t we prepare them domestically and create a brand alongside consuming our own healthy, organic food?

Organic refers to lamb meat being prepared by having the livestock solely graze on pastures, without the use of synthetic fertilizers, drugs, and additives. Herders spend 3-4 years on their livestock to have them grow bigger, losing their time and worsening the current state of over-pasturing. However, we have the opportunity to process the meat of smaller livestock and put them on the market during this timeframe.

In this sense, our project aims to show that lamb meat is possible to provide for both domestic and foreign markets. As I have mentioned before, this will also serve as a solution to effectively solving the pressing issue of growth in livestock population by putting them into economic circulation. We are working with our end goal to protect our pasture, and improve the livelihood of herders.

-How many herders are participating in the project?

-There are many herders that are voluntarily being involved after being informed in the framework of our programme. Herders are participating from all 21 aimags of the country. Our goal is to introduce the mindset in herders that they have the option to put the meat of smaller livestock on the market, without being limited to full grown livestock, and introduce a preparatory model in Mongolia. We are currently implementing our activities as an incubator project.

-Could you elaborate on the partnership with ‘Mon Ecolamb’ LLC?

-The private-owned company accepted our partnership offer as a newly established business. In general, companies seem to be rather hesitant to make big steps in the area. I believe this is due to the Mongolian tradition to not consume the meat of smaller livestock, staying true to the traditional mindset. However, it is only by changing the way we think that we will be able to solve various issues and get behind the challenge. I am grateful for the brave decision of ‘Mon Ecolamb’ company to be involved in the activities.

-How will the activities of the ‘Wealthy Herder’ programme expand in the future?

-We plan to open a leather and hide processing center. Training sessions will also be organized for herders in preparing lamb meat. As for the aimags in the Gobi region, we plan to cooperate with herders in creating additional pastureland, and improving the pasture through plants.

The Wealthy Herder programme aims to solve various pressing issues in the animal husbandry sector, such as over-pasturing, livelihood of herders, domestic migration from rural areas to urban settlements, and provision of healthy food,” he said. “All of the 230 thousand herder households in Mongolia are producers. By improving the quality of livestock and commercializing, our goal is to boost their income to the upper-middle class.”

In his remarks at the project launch ceremony, MP, Head of the Mongolian Meat Association B.Purevdorj said, “I perceive the introduction of lamb meat in Mongolia through the joint work of herders and animal husbandry experts at the initiative of a private entity is a way of protecting the pasture, improving livestock breeds, and increasing livestock quality. The project activities are expected to bring various improvements, such as improved livelihood of herders, and domestic consumption of organic, high quality food.”

During the ceremony, a herder of Gobisumber aimag M.Munkhzaya said, “Us herders have been waiting for a moment like this. We are very happy to put our lamb meat on sale, and learn that Mongolian meat will also soon be available on the global market. During this time of over-pasturing, I believe that this is an opportunity to improve the quality of our livestock and reduce their numbers.”

“The Wealthy Herder programme first launched in Gobi-Sumber aimag. Now, they are implementing the activities in western and central aimags, including Khovd, Khuvsgul, Bayan-Ulgii, Arkhangai, and Dundgobi. Someone from Dornod aimag has also recently contacted me to learn from my experience. The programme is beneficial for herders as we will be able to reduce our load on pasture, improve the quality of our livestock, and put them into circulation.

When the programme initially launched in our aimag in 2019, there were about 5-6 families involved. Now, we are currently using pelleted feeds that were specially made by scholars and specialists in the animal husbandry sector. We have also begun to take care of our lambs from early on.

We were aware of the programme’s goal from the very start. While we had to herd our livestock for 2-3 years until they were fully grown, now we receive benefits from well-herded lambs just the same as we do from full grown livestock. Last year, one of my lambs was sold for MNT 100 thousand,” he continued.

The project launch ceremony was attended by representatives of restaurants and cafes, and herders of Gobisumber and Dundgobi aimags.

B.Bold

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ Erdene Resource Development Corporation has executed a mandate letter with Export Development Canada (EDC) for an up to USD55 million senior secured debt facility to develop the Bayan Khundii Gold Project in southwest Mongolia.

EDC’s financing for the project is conditional upon the satisfactory completion of due diligence, which is currently underway and expected to conclude in the second quarter of 2021.

"Executing the debt financing mandate letter with EDC is an important milestone in the development of our high-grade Bayan Khundii Gold Project,” said Peter Akerley, Erdene’s President and CEO.

“EDC has assisted many companies in developing mining projects internationally, including in Mongolia. The involvement of EDC, as well as our major shareholder the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will help to ensure that the project will be developed to the highest environmental and social standards, delivering benefits for Mongolian and international stakeholders.”

“Construction readiness work is underway as we seek to move rapidly through construction to production, with detailed design, scheduling and procurement workstreams well progressed,” continued Mr. Akerley.

Concurrently, the company is focused on expanding the resources throughout our Khundii Gold District as it targets first gold in 2022.

source: Erdene Resource Development

Ulaanbaatar /MONTSAME/ On November 2, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia N.Enkhtaivan held the first-ever press conference since assuming office in July 2020. At the beginning of the conference, he briefed on the measures and resolutions he has made in foreign relations since he assumed office.

Minister N.Enkhtaivan introduced that following key activities have been implemented over the past four months in foreign relations;

One: Certain activities towards protecting citizens abroad and repatriating them to the home country,

Two: supporting the economy and attracting investment during the pandemic,

Three: raising the reputation of Mongolia, activating and intensifying external relations,

Four: events such as the UN, international, regional and bilateral meetings, conferences and workshops,

Five: developing sustainable and unified foreign policy and improving the legal environment and discipline,

Six: expanding foreign publicity and cultural cooperation

Seven: upskilling the personnel and improving internal works and disciplines of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were conducted.

In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will work within the framework of 13 main activities.

1. To fulfill 10 goals reflected in the Government Action Program for 20202024 2. To raise Mongolia’s reputation abroad

3. To upgrade legal environment for foreign relations and foreign trade

4. To diversify export by encouraging production of non­mining products within the framework of “Mongol Export” Program

5. To increase the volume of foreign trade sustainably and reduce trade deficiency

6. To intensify export to the Russian Federation

7. To increase foreign investment

8. To repatriate Mongolian nationals stranded abroad due to the pandemic in cooperation with the State Emergency Commission

9. To complete study on establishment of Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union

10. To move forward issue on construction of gas pipeline that connects Russia with China through the territory of Mongolia

11. To commission Biocombinat state­owned factory to be built with USD 57 million loan from the Government of Hungary

12. To implement USD 350 million MCC Water Compact aimed at improving water supply of Ulaanbaatar city

13. To establish agreements on mutual free travel with Slovenia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Maldives, Georgia and the United Arab Emirates in 2020-2024 and to increase the number of countries that grant visa-free entry for Mongolian nationals to more than 70 countries.

After outlining the actions he has taken, Foreign Minister N.Enkhtaivan answered questions from journalists and the answers are as follows.

What plan do you have to reduce political influence in the embassies representing Mongolia abroad? How do you supervise appointments of ambassadors and the actions of diplomats?

-There is no political influence in the appointments of ambassadors and other diplomatic posts. I state here that no appointments will be made in this manner. Professional, fluent, and moral specialists will be selected for diplomatic missions, particularly embassies. In general, it is our principle that people working in the foreign service should be appointed to embassies. As stated in the article 33 of the Constitution of Mongolia, the President of Mongolia shall appoint and recall heads of plenipotentiary missions to foreign countries in consultation with the National Parliament. Therefore, the final decision regarding the appointment is made after consultation with the President and parliamentary approval.

Could you elaborate on how you supervise appointments of ambassadors and the actions of diplomats?

-We provide a special course for recently appointed employees of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic missions. We solved some issues regarding diplomatic and official passports last month. A total of around 6,000 diplomat and official passports were revoked. Moreover, diplomatic vehicles were newly registered and illegitimately obtained registration plates were revoked. Trackers were also installed in the vehicles, allowing to keep track of them, and diplomats on trips abroad are now making monthly reports

The President withdrew 10 nominations for ambassadors submitted to the previous parliament. Will there be new nominations?

-By law, new nominations shall be made and submitted to the Cabinet, President and the Parliament. 7 ambassadors who had overstayed their posts have been recalled and there are more than 10 others whose terms expired this year. The parliament will approve the appointments of 20 ambassadors within this year. Over 10 ambassadors’ terms will expire next year. A total of 30 new ambassadors will be appointed with 20 appointed around the end of this year and 10 more the year after. We plan to first have the 10 ambassadors who have overstayed their term limits recalled by the parliament.

You have met with both your Russian and Chinese counterparts. There was some rumours highlighting that the countries insisted Mongolia to join Shanghai Cooperation Organization. What is your stance, as a Foreign Minister, on this rumour?

-During his visit to Mongolia, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made a proposal asking Mongolia to join the organization as a “full member”. In addition, Foreign Minister S.V.Lavrov also brought up this matter during my visit to Russia. Mongolia has been in the organization with “observer” status since 2004. The status remains the same. At the summit held in China in June, 2018, President Kh.Battulga stated that Mongolia is possible to advance its status in the organization and said that the country will continue to thoroughly study the possibility. This is Mongolia’s current position in this regard.

During the period of previous cabinet, the Third Neighbor Trade Act has been submitted to the U.S. Congress. At what stage is this process on?

-First of all, Mongolia-U.S. bilateral relations are expanding in a strategic level. The bilateral trade volume has been relatively increasing compared to 2019. To specify, Mongolia has exported USD 26 million in goods to the U.S. and imported USD 290 million in goods from the U.S. Moreover, the U.S. has provided USD 240 million in assistance in total since 1991. For now, we are working in cooperation with the U.S. to implement USD 350 million MCC Water Compact to improve water supply of Ulaanbaatar city. We are expecting the Third Neighbor Trade Act to be passed by the Congress in the near future.

Are there any other visits planned for this year?

-There are no other visits planned for this year. However, the plan for next year’s visits is now done. As the plan includes high­level visits, it is not possible to disclose information regarding the visits. Mongolia will continue to keep relations with its two neighbors as well as third neighbor countries, organizing regular mutual visits.

Now that the Local Council Elections are over, will the Ministry of Foreign Affairs organize any training for local councils?

-Those who are greatly involved in foreign policy activities work at public organizations in rural areas. Thus, a training session is planned for aimag governors, deputy governors, and foreign relations specialists this December. The training will include special classes on how one should conduct oneself in a professional manner and how to interact with foreign delegates. At my initiative over a month ago, a comprehensive training session was organized for deputy ministers, state secretaries, and foreign relations officers from all ministries on Mongolia's foreign policy. The cabinet led by Prime Minister U.Khurelsukh currently implements one­window policy for foreign affairs. I also support the implementation of the country’s foreign affairs' activities through the one-window system.

It should also be noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has 13 departments and 5 divisions, with a total of 147 staff members. 80 percent of the staff acquired education abroad, and 62 percent is specialized in foreign relations, while 38 staffs are specialized in international law or economy. 81 percent of the total staff members are also proficient in 2 or more foreign languages.

Mongolia has established diplomatic relations with 192 countries, and maintains cooperation with 78 international organizations. 1,318 agreements are signed with 192 countries, while there are 294 agreements signed with international organizations.

The copper price on Friday attempted a fresh two-and-half year high, as Chinese smelters scramble to pick up concentrate on the spot market amid a political row between Beijing and Canberra.

On the Comex market, copper for delivery in December made gains for the fifth straight session, jumping more than 2% to $3.1740 a pound ($6,997 a tonne) in brisk trade. More than $5.5 billion worth of metal had traded by early afternoon in New York.

Friday’s trading brings the bellwether metal’s recovery since the height of the covid-19 induced sell-off, which sent the copper price crashing to below $2.00 a pound, to more than 63%.

Reports that China has unofficially banned Australian copper concentrate imports have forced refiners in the country, responsible for more than half the world’s copper consumption, to drastically lower treatment and refining charges (TC/RCs).

Australia only accounts for 5% of Chinese concentrate imports, but comes at the same time as covid-related disruptions and labour action in top producer South America.

In an indication of just how scarce copper for prompt delivery has become in China, spot treatment charges plunged to an eight-year low of just over $50 a tonne this week, a 30% decline from the 2020 high hit in March.

That is also well below the annual benchmark of $62 a tonne, and Reuters quotes a Singapore-based trader as saying spot rates could go lower still:

“If you had a ship full of copper concentrate floating offshore, you’re rapidly trying to find a home,” an Australia-based trader said.

Traders said Australian shipments meant for China could divert to Japan, Korea, India, or to blending facilities in Taiwan or Malaysia.

Australian producers of lead and zinc concentrates and precious metals are also making back-up plans in case the ban broadens, two traders said.