Mongolia seeks EU visa deal amid growing geopolitical ties and trade talks www.brusselstimes.com

Six Members of the European Parliament visited Mongolia from 26 to 30 May, holding talks with politicians, ministers, businesses and civil society as part of an inter-parliamentary tour of Central Asia, including on EU visa liberalisation.

The delegation was led by Giuseppina Princi, Chair of the European Parliament delegation for relations with Central Asia and Mongolia, and included MEPs Sven Simon, Vytenis Povilas Andriukaitis, Thierry Mariani, Jonas Sjöstedt and Chiara Gemma, the European External Action Service (EEAS) informed on Tuesday.

“Mongolia represents a strategic partner for the European Union at a decisive geopolitical crossroads,” Princi said, citing the country’s location between Russia and China and its “commitment to strengthening ties with Europe.”

The centrepiece of the visit was the 18th EU–Mongolia Inter-Parliamentary Meeting, held at the State Palace in Ulaanbaatar and co-chaired by Mongolian MP G. Temuulen and Princi.

Trade between the EU and Mongolia totals about $1 billion, with imports accounting for 91% and exports 9%, Mongolian MP E. Bolormaa told the meeting.

Mongolian MPs raised issues including co-operation on cybersecurity, data protection and tackling online disinformation, while also discussing a Geographical Indications Agreement — a system that protects product names linked to specific regions — and Mongolia’s use of the EU’s GSP+ trade scheme.

Visa facilitation request raised in talks
Deputy Speaker J. Bat-Erdene told the delegation Mongolia was interested in visa facilitation and working with the EU on issues including disinformation and geographical indications, the EEAS informed.

Princi noted the European Parliament had formally submitted a request to the European Commission and EU Council to start a visa facilitation agreement with Mongolia, modelled on the framework used with Kazakhstan.

During the visit, the delegation also met Mongolia’s Minister of Energy, Naidalaa Badrakh, to discuss energy sector reforms, renewable energy potential and energy co-operation.

The group visited the Mongolian Wool and Cashmere Association and the Evseg Cashmere Factory, and later travelled to Baganuur District to tour Baganuur Electromechanical Plant LLC and meet the district governor, S. Davaasuren.

The next EU–Mongolia Inter-Parliamentary Meeting is scheduled to take place in Brussels in 2027.

Mongolia's foreign trade turnover rises over 34 pct in first 5 months www.xinhua.com

Mongolia's foreign trade turnover increased by 34.6 percent in the first five months of 2026, according to official data released by the country's National Statistics Office on Tuesday.

Foreign trade totaled 13.4 billion U.S. dollars during the January-May period. Mongolia recorded a trade surplus of more than 3.6 billion dollars, with exports exceeding imports, the data showed.

China remained Mongolia's largest export destination and source of imports during the period, accounting for 93.6 percent of the country's exports and 38.8 percent of its imports, it said.

The landlocked Asian country traded with 145 economies worldwide in the period.

AseanPlus News Temporary facilities completed in Mongolia ahead of UN COP17 conference www.thestar.com.my

Preparations for the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP17) have reached a major milestone as Ulaanbaatar completes the construction of 12 temporary venue facilities.

Newly appointed Capital Governor and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar Byaruuzanyn Purevdagva confirmed that critical utility networks, including electricity, water, sewage and high-speed fiber optics, are fully installed and operational.

The sprawling temporary complex was constructed by the French-based main contractor GL Events Live, with support from local and international subcontractors NBIK and LIRI Group.

These facilities will serve as the operational heart of the summit, hosting plenary sessions, official state negotiations, high-level ministerial meetings, media centres and exhibition spaces.

In tandem with the venue assembly, the city is rapidly completing broader infrastructure and greening initiatives. Roadway and parking developments surrounding the site are currently 80 per cent finished, with western lot paving actively underway. Furthermore, dedicated bicycle paths are 98 per cent complete.

As part of a massive exterior landscaping effort aligned with the summit’s environmental focus, city crews are planting 4,500 new trees of nine different species and safely transplanting an additional 100 mature trees.

Scheduled to take place on August 17-28, COP17 is projected to bring between 8,000 and 10,000 international delegates from 196 countries to the Mongolian capital.

53% of firms report engineer shortage www.ubpost.mn

The country’s renewable energy industry is grappling with a significant human resources shortage even as the sector expands rapidly, according to findings from the Mongolian Renewable Energy Sector Workforce Survey-2026, presented at the Future Skills of Human Resources in the Renewable Energy Sector of Mongolia forum on June 5. 

More than half of renewable energy companies, 53.1 percent, report insufficient staffing, with 41 unfilled vacancies for engineers and technicians. The shortage is most acute in solar energy system installation, where qualified engineers are hardest to find. Companies cite the rural locations of most energy facilities and the need for specialized skills or mandatory internships as the primary barriers to recruitment.

The survey covered 30 enterprises operating across renewable energy production, equipment assembly and installation, design development, consulting services, maintenance and equipment sales. Of those, 68 percent are active in the solar energy sector.

The nation currently operates three wind power plants, 11 solar power plants, seven hydroelectric power plants, and five battery storage facilities. As of 2025, 30 renewable energy production and related infrastructure construction licenses have been issued.

Professions identified as urgently needed include electrical engineers, electronics engineers, relay protection automation specialists, shift engineers, dispatch engineers, wind turbine generator technicians, energy management engineers, IT engineers, designers, and sales managers. Broader staffing needs also extend to archivists, clerks, savings managers, operators, and external relations managers.

With 82.8 percent of renewable energy companies reporting plans to expand operations, demand for engineers and technicians is expected to grow further over the next three years.

Opportunities Discussed to Introduce Advanced Technology in Education System www.montsame.mn

Ulaanbaatar, June 8, 2026 /MONSAME/. Minister of Education Enkh-Amgalan Luvsantseren met with Peter Torok, Deputy CEO of Mozaik Education, to discuss opportunities to develop digital transition and innovation in Mongolia’s education system, according to the Ministry of Education. 

The AI tools developed by the company can be introduced at various levels of the country’s school education. Consequently, the two sides agreed to form a joint working group composed of experts and specialists. This working group will coordinate future activities, assess the feasibility, and support the successful introduction of AI-based educational solutions.

While textbooks remain an important part of the educational process, they exchanged views on jointly modernizing current textbooks based on Mozaik Education’s years of experience in educational publishing, pedagogy, and visual design. Without changing the approved curriculum content, the parties aim to make materials more engaging for children, easier to learn from, and better suited to today’s students’ needs by improving clarity of illustrations, adding high-quality images and interactive elements, and enriching content with animated demonstrations and methodological support. Such updated publications could support the digital transition and significantly enhance the overall learning experience.

During the meeting, the Ministry of Education of Mongolia, Mozaik Education, and the company’s official Mongolian partner, “Mozaun,” agreed to jointly develop an updated roadmap for teacher training.

Business Freedom Law Headed for Fast-Track Approval insidemongolia.mn

The Mongolian government has submitted a landmark draft law on Business Freedom, along with amendments to 99 related laws, to Parliament under an urgent procedure. The proposed legislation aims to simplify the licensing system, reduce government bureaucracy, improve the investment climate, and ensure greater tax stability for businesses.

🏋🏻‍♀️ Simplifying the Permit System

Under the new draft law, special permits for companies would be extended to 10 years, while standard permits would last 5 years. If authorities fail to respond to a standard permit application within 22 days, the permit would be considered automatically approved, allowing businesses to begin operations without delay.

🏃🏻‍♂️ The draft also removes the current restriction that prevents businesses with tax or social insurance debts from obtaining permits. This change is expected to ease pressure on small and medium-sized enterprises.
✂️ Cutting Red Tape Across the Board

The legislation includes significant measures to reduce bureaucratic hurdles. Over 120 types of permits would be transferred to professional associations, while more than 30 permits would be fully eliminated. Additionally, 146 existing licensing requirements currently operating under the names of “registration” or “certificates” would be streamlined and clarified.

🤑 Supporting Investment and Long-Term Stability

To attract larger investments, the draft law introduces tax stabilization agreements for projects worth ₮50 billion or more, with stabilization periods of up to 20 years. It also establishes mechanisms for resolving investor disputes through arbitration and mediation, offering greater legal certainty for both domestic and foreign investors.

🧩 Boosting Green Economy and Technology

The proposed law includes strong incentives for Mongolia’s green and digital transition. Imports of equipment related to renewable energy, battery storage, green hydrogen, data centers, and artificial intelligence would be fully exempt from customs duties.

In addition, the draft introduces a legal framework for conducting government procurement through AI-based, fully automated systems with minimal human intervention, a significant step toward modernizing public services.

📃 Expected Impact: According to the government, these reforms will reduce administrative barriers, improve the quality of public services, and create a more favorable environment for investment, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
Overall… the Business Freedom draft law is one of the most ambitious efforts in recent years to modernize Mongolia’s business environment and improve its investor appeal, though its real impact remains uncertain given past gaps in implementation and limited progress in reducing regulatory burdens.

Ulaanbaatar Hosts CAREC Transport Sector Coordinating Committee Meeting www.montsame.mn

Ulaanbaatar, June 8, 2026 /MONTSAME/. The 23rd meeting of the Transport Sector Coordinating Committee of the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program is taking place on June 8-9 in Ulaanbaatar.

Opening the two-day meeting, Minister of Road and Transport Delgersaikhan Borkhuu said that over the past 25 years, the CAREC Program has become an effective platform for expanding regional economic cooperation, improving transport connectivity, facilitating trade, and implementing major infrastructure projects.

He noted that amid the ongoing transformation of global trade, supply chains, and transport flows, Central Asia is gaining renewed strategic importance. Geopolitical shifts, supply chain disruptions, and changing transport patterns are increasing the need for countries to establish more reliable, resilient, and diversified transport networks.

“As a landlocked country, Mongolia views the CAREC corridors as a vital gateway for foreign trade and transport, as well as an economic lifeline. The Government of Mongolia is pursuing its goal of becoming a ‘Transit Mongolia’ by leveraging its strategic location between Asia and Europe and developing into a regional hub for transport, trade, and services,” the minister said.

Participants will discuss the midterm review of the CAREC Transport Strategy 2030, planned activities for 2026, regional transport modeling, supply chain analysis, and the operation of transport and logistics centers. Sectoral sessions are also being held on cross-border transport, civil aviation, road and railway transport, water transport, logistics, road safety, smart mobility, and digital transformation.

During the meeting, Mongolia presents reports on “Establishing a Unified International Motor Transport Insurance System at the Regional Level” and “Road Safety and Road Asset Management in Mongolia.” Participants are exchanging views on regional cooperation, transport policy reforms, and sustainable development, while discussing the implementation of priority transport programs among CAREC member countries and future cooperation and investment opportunities.

Mongolia has established the legal framework necessary to conduct direct international road transport operations with 25 countries. Under its “Transit Mongolia” policy, the country is also working to strengthen cooperation within the Mongolia–Russia–China Economic Corridor and position itself as a key overland transport hub in Central Asia.

The ministry noted that Mongolian transport operators accounted for only one percent of TIR transport operations in 2016, but their share had increased to 47% by 2025, with the number of shipments rising from 56 to 4,711.

In the railway sector, Mongolia is implementing the Zuunbayan–Khangi railway and the western and eastern railway corridor projects to create new routes for export and transit freight. Efforts are also underway to expand the capacity of strategic border crossings such as Zamiin-Uud and Altanbulag and to facilitate transport and logistics operations.

In civil aviation, Mongolia is pursuing an air transport liberalization policy and preparing for direct flights to the United States and European Union countries. Airports in Khovd, Umnugobi, Khuvsgul, and Bayan-Ulgii aimags are also being upgraded to accommodate direct international flights.

Minister Delgersaikhan further announced that Mongolia has formally submitted to the United Nations its proposal to establish a unified international transport insurance system across the Asia-Pacific region, aimed at reducing regional transport risks and ensuring the reliability of cross-border transportation.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the CAREC Program. As the host country of CAREC activities in 2026, Mongolia is organizing the meeting in Ulaanbaatar. The event has brought together representatives from the program’s 11 member countries, the Asian Development Bank, international financial institutions, development partners, and stakeholders from the transport and logistics sectors.

In May alone, Mongolia was visited by 84,035 foreign tourists www.open.kg

In the first five months of 2026, Mongolia welcomed 292,063 foreign tourists, which is 32% more compared to the same period in 2025, reports the Ministry of Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Youth of the country. This growth indicates a rising interest in Mongolia as a tourist destination.

According to statistical data, the number of visitors increased by 71,935 people. The main source countries of tourists were Russia (117,498), China (87,714), South Korea (27,837), Japan (9,631), and Germany (6,817). In May 2026, the country was visited by 84,035 tourists, which is 26% higher than the figures for May of the previous year.

Tourism Development in Mongolia

The government of Mongolia views tourism as an important sector for diversifying the economy, which has traditionally depended on the mining industry. However, the tourism industry faces seasonal challenges due to harsh climatic conditions, including long winters and short summers.

To address these issues, the authorities are actively developing year-round tourism. As part of this strategy, the "Years to Visit Mongolia" program has been extended until 2028, aiming to attract at least 1 million foreign tourists annually. In 2025, the country was visited by 846,103 foreign tourists, which is 5% more than in 2024.

Mongolia Faces Demand for 82,600 New Workers in 2026 www.insidemongolia.mn

Temporary facilities completed in ahead of UN COP17 conference www.gogo.mn

Preparations for the 17th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP17) have reached a major milestone as Ulaanbaatar completes the construction of 12 temporary venue facilities. Newly appointed Capital Governor and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar B.Purevdagva confirmed that critical utility networks, including electricity, water, sewage, and high-speed fiber optics, are fully installed and operational.

The sprawling temporary complex was constructed by the French-based main contractor GL Events Live, with support from local and international subcontractors NBIK and LIRI Group. These facilities will serve as the operational heart of the summit, hosting plenary sessions, official state negotiations, high-level ministerial meetings, media centers, and exhibition spaces.

In tandem with the venue assembly, the city is rapidly completing broader infrastructure and greening initiatives. Roadway and parking developments surrounding the site are currently 80% finished, with western lot paving actively underway. Furthermore, dedicated bicycle paths are 98% complete. As part of a massive exterior landscaping effort aligned with the summit's environmental focus, city crews are planting 4,500 new trees of nine different species and safely transplanting an additional 100 mature trees.

Scheduled to take place on August 17-28, COP17 is projected to bring between 8,000 and 10,000 international delegates from 196 countries to the Mongolian capital. Mayor B.Purevdagva underscored the critical nature of the event, noting that the global forum will extend beyond standard government negotiations. Instead, it will function as a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder platform uniting policymakers, scientists, businesses, and civil society to forge actionable solutions on global land degradation, sustainable rangeland management, and climate change adaptation.