E-mart to open three No Brand stores in Mongolia this year www.koreaherald.com

E-mart is opening standalone No Brand stores in Mongolia, starting with three outlets this year, as the South Korean retailer seeks to build on surging demand for its private-label products in the country.

The company said Thursday it plans to expand the No Brand specialty stores to 15 locations by 2028, while establishing a dedicated logistics cluster for the brand. In the long term, the company plans to expand its network within Mongolia, building up to 50 stores nationwide in the next 10 years.

The move comes as No Brand products have gained traction through E-mart’s existing operations in Mongolia, where the retailer has built a sizable presence since entering the market in 2016. E-mart currently operates six stores in the country, with weekend daily foot traffic nearing 30,000 visitors, according to the company.

Almost half of the country’s population lives near the capital Ulaanbaatar, making the city a critical hub for distribution networks and consumption. With long winters and constant traffic, there is high demand for one-stop shopping.

In 2025, No Brand recorded 50,000 sales in cheese snacks, 10,000 sales in cookie snacks and 400 metric tons of juice products. With a strong growth trend since its entry in 2016, the brand hit annual revenue of 10 billion won ($6.9 million) in 2025, proving its strength as a “K-private brand.”

Recent success in Southeast Asia, including Laos and Thailand, adds to expectations for the expansion into Mongolia. Laos has seen an early surge in customers since opening, while Thailand stores have maintained stable operation.

“The success in Mongolia proved the competitive edge No Brand has in terms of products and consumer appeal,” said Kang Young-seok, head of overseas business at E-mart.

“We will expand our reach and strengthen our position in the Mongolian distribution market based on local partnerships.”

stlee0329@heraldcorp.com

As rains approach, peacekeepers from Mongolia and Pakistan shore up civilian protection in Bentiu www.unmiss.unmissions.org

For the nearly 300,000 people who call the vast floodplains of Bentiu home, the difference between safety and displacement is no more than an earthen dyke.

In recent years, climate shocks across South Sudan have turned seasonal flooding into a clear and present danger to lives and properties. Entire communities have lost their homes to water; in Bentiu they live in the largest camp for internally displaced persons. Their protection: mud dykes continually shored and strengthened by engineering teams from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

A key factor in protecting these civilians from the overflow of the Nile waters is the partnership between peacekeepers from Pakistan and Mongolia.

Every week, the boat patrols led by the Mongolian battalion cut through murky waters. Onboard are technicians from Pakistan, measuring water levels and scanning surrounding dykes for subtle changes - water creeping above embankments, soil conditions, or the first signs of a breach waiting to happen. These patrols are not a routine feature but form a core frontline prevention effort by the UN Peacekeeping mission to ensure the people of Bentiu town and displaced communities are safe, secure. And they are a necessary complement to the hands-on engineering tasks.

“Ensuring the safety and security of civilians and enabling humanitarian partners to do their work is one of our key mandated tasks. Equally important is our coordination with our Pakistani engineering colleagues to ensure that the dykes are fortified, the main supply route open and functional, and that Bentiu residents are safe,” says Colonel Bat-Erdene Norov, the commander of Mongolian troops.

His words are echoed by Lieutenant-Colonel Usman, the commander of the Pakistan engineering contingent.

“Proactive boat patrols strengthen early warning, supports timely interventions, and helps protect local communities and infrastructure,” explains.

His team leads the work of constructing and reinforcing the sprawling network of dykes and berms that encircle the IDP camp and UN base, the main supply route, and the airstrip to enable consistent delivery of humanitarian aid to those who need it the most. It’s not an easy job, reveals the Lieutenant-Colonel. “Managing floods here demands coordination, shared responsibility, and continuous vigilance.”

The numbers alone hint at the scale of this life-saving operation. Kilometres of earthworks must be constantly monitored, repaired, and elevated. A single leak will allow water to surge through, undoing months of labour in hours.

Men, women and children walk along the dykes, watching as the patrolling boats pass; they know these are the people in blue helmets who keep them and their families safe. They’re aware that without these protections, delivery of humanitarian aid would be disrupted, and already vulnerable populations would face even greater hardship.

In Bentiu, crises are a constant. However, these joint efforts are proof that stability is forged through cooperation, vigilance, and a commitment to safeguard those most at risk.

--By Robin Giri

Mongolia Tourism Boom 2026: Record-Breaking 208,028 Arrivals in First Four Months www.nomadlawyer.org

Mongolia is witnessing an unprecedented surge in international arrivals, with the United Kingdom joining the US, Russia, and China in driving a record-breaking 35% increase in tourism for the first four months of 2026. Released on May 7, 2026, official data from the Ministry of Culture, Sport, Tourism, and Youth reveals that Mongolia welcomed 208,028 international visitors between January and April, marking a landmark recovery for the nomadic nation. In April 2026 alone, the country recorded 64,597 arrivals, as travelers increasingly seek out the rugged wilderness of the Gobi Desert and the cultural immersion of the Naadam Festival. With aggressive infrastructure investments in rural roads and eco-friendly glamping hubs, Mongolia is successfully repositioning itself as a premier global destination for adventure, heritage, and sustainable  travel.
The May 7, 2026, reports on Mongolia’s 35% tourism growth confirm the nation's emergence as a premier global destination. By capitalizing on its unique nomadic heritage and the untouched beauty of the Gobi Desert, Mongolia has successfully attracted a diverse array of travelers from the UK, China, and the US. The record-breaking 208,028 arrivals in early 2026 are not just a statistical achievement; they reflect a strategic success in infrastructure modernization and sustainable promotion. As Mongolia continues to upgrade its rural connectivity and eco-tourism offerings, it is setting a new global standard for adventure  travel that respects both culture and nature. For the international traveler seeking an experience "beyond the typical," Mongolia has firmly established itself as the world’s most compelling nomadic frontier.

Mongolia Pushes to Unlock Critical Minerals Amid Rising Global Demand www.devdiscourse.com

Mongolia is stepping into the global spotlight as demand for critical minerals surges alongside the clean energy transition. A recent assessment by the Asian Development Bank, supported by insights from institutions like the International Energy Agency and the World Resources Institute, highlights how the country could play a bigger role in supplying materials essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy, and battery storage.

The shift toward low-carbon technologies is rapidly increasing demand for minerals such as lithium, copper, cobalt, and rare earth elements. Electric vehicles, wind turbines, and solar panels all depend on these resources. As countries push to cut emissions, demand is expected to grow sharply over the next two decades, raising concerns that supply may not keep up.

Mongolia's Untapped Resource Potential
Mongolia holds large reserves of several key minerals, especially copper and rare earth elements. Much of its land remains underexplored, meaning there could be even more resources waiting to be discovered. Copper already plays a major role in the country's economy, contributing significantly to exports and government revenue.

But Mongolia's involvement in the global supply chain is still limited. Most of its activity focuses on extracting raw materials, with very little processing done within the country. This means it misses out on higher profits that come from refining and manufacturing.

Global Supply Chains Are Shifting
The global minerals market is changing fast. Processing of many critical minerals is concentrated in a few countries, especially China. This has raised concerns about overdependence, pushing other countries to look for new suppliers.

This shift creates an opportunity for Mongolia. Its location near major Asian markets like China, Japan, and South Korea gives it a natural advantage. If it can develop its infrastructure and processing capacity, it could become a more important and reliable supplier in the region.

Big Challenges Still Remain
Despite its potential, Mongolia faces several obstacles. Infrastructure is one of the biggest challenges. The country's vast size and landlocked geography make transportation expensive and difficult. Limited power supply also restricts the growth of energy-intensive industries like mineral processing.

There are also financial and regulatory hurdles. Mining projects are becoming more expensive due to stricter environmental standards and longer approval processes. Investors are cautious, often requiring stronger commitments and clearer policies before funding projects. In addition, a shortage of skilled workers makes it harder to expand the sector quickly.

A Path to Economic Growth
If managed well, the critical minerals sector could transform Mongolia's economy. Expanding mining and adding local processing could increase export revenues, create jobs, and reduce dependence on a few commodities. It could also attract foreign investment and bring in new technology and expertise.

However, success will depend on more than just resources. Mongolia will need to improve its infrastructure, create stable and transparent regulations, and invest in skills and education. Strong environmental and social standards will also be key to attracting responsible investors and maintaining public trust.

In the coming years, Mongolia will have a clear choice. It can remain mainly a supplier of raw materials, or it can build a more advanced and diversified mining industry. With the world's demand for critical minerals only set to rise, the country has a real chance to become a key player in the global energy transition if it gets the strategy right.

Brigadier General of the British Army Clare O'Grady Visits Mongolia www.open.kg

Brigadier General Clare O'Grady, Deputy Commander of the 2nd Air Group of the United Kingdom, is visiting Mongolia, where she is meeting with local military leaders.

This week, Clare O’Grady met with Major General Baatar Balzhid, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of Mongolia. They discussed issues of cooperation between the United Kingdom and Mongolia in the field of defense, as well as gender equality and the role of women in security and peace.

With 27 years of military service, Clare O'Grady holds the position of Squadron Commander and previously commanded a Royal Air Force base in Brize Norton, ensuring air mobility operations.

Her experience includes participation in operations in Kosovo, the Middle East, Iraq, and Afghanistan, as well as advising foreign armies on personnel processes.

Mongolia Welcomes 65,000 Tourists in April 2026 www.montsame.mn

The flow of foreign tourists visiting Mongolia is steadily increasing, and the growth of the tourism sector continues intensively.

According to statistical data, a total of 208,028 foreign tourists visited our country in the first four months of 2026. This represents an increase of 35%, or 54,260 tourists, compared to the same period last year.

Of these, 64,597 tourists arrived in April 2026 alone, which is a 26% increase compared to April 2025.

With the onset of the peak tourism season, the Ministry of Culture, Sport, Tourism, and Youth, along with its affiliated organizations, plans to focus consistently on improving service quality standards, strengthening international promotion, and developing regional tourism infrastructure.

The HU to Kick Off Its Upcoming U.S. Tour www.montsame.mn

Mongolia’s Cultural Envoy, The HU, will kick off its upcoming U.S. tour on May 12.

As part of the tour, the band will first perform for Mongolian communities in the Washington, D.C. area, showcasing a unique blend of traditional Mongolian heritage and modern rock music.

Government aims to align Oyu Tolgoi interest rates with international standards www.gogo.mn

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources G.Damdinnyam recently presented Cabinet decisions concerning the Oyu Tolgoi (OT) agreement, outlining the progress of two working groups established by the Prime Minister.

While the Ministry of Finance manages issues surrounding investment interest rates, Minister G.Damdinnyam is spearheading negotiations to reduce management fees and enhance project governance. He described the current dialogue as highly intensive, involving frequent communication and yielding concrete results.

A significant milestone in these discussions was the resolution of a seven-year deadlock regarding the project's loan agreement. The Minister affirmed that negotiations will continue until all government objectives are met, with a primary focus on ensuring that both interest rates and management fees are adjusted to meet international standards.

Furthermore, a new working group has been established to negotiate terms for the Entrée joint venture area. The government aims to conclude a new investment agreement that prioritizes Mongolia’s interests by shifting the fiscal framework. 

"The Path of Mongolia's Development: 1990-Present" conference held www.gogo.mn

A research conference titled "The Path of Mongolia's Development: 1990-Present" was held on May 6, examining the nation's fundamental transformation over the last three and a half decades.

The discussion highlights the 1990 reforms, triggered by the collapse of the socialist system in the USSR and Eastern Europe, which led to a complete renewal of Mongolia’s social order. This era saw the adoption of a new democratic Constitution, the establishment of a multi-party system, and a transition toward a property-based market economy with a focus on people-centered social policies.

While this transition is often hailed internationally as a success story, scholars at the event noted that Mongolia’s social system has not yet fully matured. Researchers pointed to a growing tendency toward instability and deviations from the nation's original development goals. This has created an urgent need for a scientific analysis of the specific mistakes and achievements across various sectors.

The conference, organized by the Policy Research Department of the Institute of Philosophy at the Academy of Sciences, aims to synthesize these findings into a strategic roadmap. 

Mongolia Becomes Largest Importer Of Russian Chicken Eggs www.russiaspivottoasia.com

Mongolia imported over US$1.9 million worth of chicken eggs from Russia in Q1 this year, becoming the largest foreign buyer in this reporting period, according to the Russian Agriculture Ministry’s Agroexport Center.

In total, Russia exported over 4,600 tonnes of eggs worth US$6 million from January to March, with shipments rising 10% year-on-year in volume and 21% year-on-year in value. The United Arab Emirates, with over US$1.7 million, Kazakhstan, with around US$1 million, Abkhazia, with around US$700,000, and Kyrgyzstan, with over US$300,000 were also among the top five largest importers of Russian eggs. Russia exported nearly US$27 million worth of chicken eggs in 2025.

The Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) said that domestic egg production rose 6% to 41 billion eggs in 2025.

Mongolia has a Free Trade Agreement with Russia via the Eurasian Economic Union, with Russia now providing much-needed competition to Chinese exporters to the Mongolian domestic market.