Mongolia's inflation rate reaches 8.6 pct in April www.xinhuanet.com

Mongolia's inflation rate, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), reached 8.6 percent in April, local media reported on Thursday, citing the National Statistics Office (NSO).
This figure reflects a 2.9 percentage point increase compared to the same period in 2024 and a 0.3 percentage point increase from the previous month, the NSO said.
Mongolia's central bank targets an inflation rate within a range of 5 percent (+/- 2.0 percentage points) from 2027 to support macroeconomic and financial sector stability in the medium term.
Mongolia's economy in 2025 is expected to grow by 6.6 percent.
According to the Asian Development Bank, economic growth in Mongolia will be mainly driven by increased mining output and services and supported by robust domestic demand, infrastructure investment, and a gradual recovery in agriculture.

Mongolia to host BCL Asia-East 2025 Final 4 www.fiba.basketball

Savings in Tugrug Increase by MNT 3.3 Trillion www.montsame.mn

According to the preliminary results for April 2025, cash in circulation reached MNT 1.1 trillion, which is MNT 0.6 billion higher than the same period in 2024.
Net domestic assets accounted for 88.2 percent of the money supply, while net foreign assets made up the remaining 11.8 percent.
Net domestic assets reached MNT 36.6 trillion, reflecting an increase of  MNT 8.3 trillion compared to the same period in 2024. Preliminary data shows that net foreign assets stood at MNT 4.9 trillion, marking a decrease of MNT 1 trillion from the same period last year.
By the end of April 2025, total tugrug savings reached MNT 21.9 trillion, an increase of MNT 3.3 trillion compared to the same period in 2024. Of this amount, MNT 19.2 trillion is held by individuals, while MNT 2.8 trillion is held by businesses and organizations.
Foreign currency savings reached MNT 5.2 trillion, an increase of MNT 874.4 billion compared to the same period in 2024.
The total outstanding loan balance granted to businesses, organizations, and individuals has reached MNT 39.8 trillion, marking an increase of MNT 9.9 trillion compared to the same period in 2024. Of the total outstanding loan balance, 60.1 percent is held by individuals, 37.1 percent by private companies, 1.2 percent by government organizations, and 1.6 percent by financial institutions.
The outstanding balance of regular loans constitutes 90.9 percent of the total loans, while loans requiring attention make up 3.9 percent, and non-performing loans account for 5.2 percent of the total loans.
The outstanding balance of mortgage loans in Mongolia is 9.6 trillion MNT, with 97.7 percent classified as regular loans, 1.4 percent, or MNT 139.2 billion, as loans requiring attention, and 0.9 percent, or MNT 86.0 billion, as non-performing loans.
The monthly average exchange rate of the Mongolian Tugrug against the US Dollar, as announced by the Bank of Mongolia, was MNT 3,541.60 in April 2025. This represents a depreciation of MNT 165.1 compared to the same period in 2024.
The monthly average exchange rate of the Mongolian Tugrug against the Euro was MNT 3,978.76. This reflects a depreciation of MNT 355.2 compared to the same period in 2024 and a depreciation of MNT 210.2 from the previous month.
The monthly average exchange rate of the Mongolian Tugrug against the Russian Ruble was MNT 42.53. This represents a depreciation of MNT 6.2 compared to the same period in 2024 and a decrease of MNT 1.8 from the previous month.
The monthly average exchange rate of the Mongolian Tugrug against the Chinese Yuan was MNT 485.09, representing a depreciation of MNT 18.7 compared to the same period in 2024.

Dafang exports four HD European overhead cranes to Mongolia www.hoistmagazine.com

Henan Dafang Heavy Machine has exported four HD European overhead cranes to Mongolia, enhancing the industrial capabilities in the region.
The shipment included two cranes with a 3-ton capacity and two cranes with a 2-ton capacity.
The cranes are designed according to the European FEM standard, featuring a square box structure and a European wire rope electric hoist as the lifting mechanism.
They are equipped with dual-speed lifting and variable frequency control for crane travel and trolley running, allowing for precise operations.
With spans ranging from 9 metres to 15.66 metres and heights between 3.6 metres and 15 metres, the cranes are suitable for various industrial applications
The applications include workshops, warehouses, and industries like machinery manufacturing, metallurgy, and petrochemicals.
Dafang’s European single bridge cranes offer multiple operation modes, including handle and remote control, or a combination of both, to meet diverse operational needs.
They are designed for environments with temperatures ranging from -20 to 40 degrees Celsius and have a working grade of A5.
The cranes are useful for tasks requiring precise positioning and assembly of large parts.
Their design prioritises easy maintenance, with lifting and travelling mechanisms being easy to repair and replace, reducing downtime and ensuring continuous production.
The use of high-quality materials extends the service life of the cranes, reducing the need for frequent maintenance, said Dafang.
In addition, their professional design incorporates strong rigidity, light weight, and a cost-effective structure, saving plant space and investment costs while delivering performance.
Dafang, in a statement, said: “Dafang designs the HD European single beam bridge crane according to the European FEM standard. The main beam is a square box structure.
“It is in conjunction with the European wire rope electric hoist as its lifting mechanism. It also adopts a dual-speed lifting and variable frequency control method for crane travel and trolley running.”

2nd railway to Mongolia commences construction www.chinadaily.com.cn

EBRD organises US$145 million package for Mongolia’s Khan Bank www.ebrd.com

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is organising a financing package of up to US$ 145 million (€140 million) for Mongolia’s biggest lender, Khan Bank, in what is its largest bilateral transaction with a Mongolian financial institution to date.
The funding will support the introduction of technologies to enable climate adaptation and improve resource efficiency, creating new growth opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) owned or led by women.
The package consists of a senior loan of up to US$ 75 million (€72.4 million) under the EBRD’s Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF), of which up to US$ 60 million (€57.9 million) will be provided by the EBRD and up to US$ 15 million (€14.5 million) by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The GEFF loan, which will improve access to green technologies for Mongolian households and SMEs, will benefit from grant funds provided by the GCF and Japan.
The remaining part of the package, a senior loan of up to US$ 70 million (€67.6million), will be provided under the EBRD’s Central Asian Women in Business programme. The funds will support women’s entrepreneurship by providing access to finance and technical advice.
Khan Bank is a long-term EBRD client that offers financial services to more than 82 per cent of Mongolia’s population through its digital channels and network of 545 branches.
The EBRD has invested almost €2.6 billion in Mongolia’s economy through 154 projects. Approximately 90 per cent of these funds have been used to support private-sector companies.

Mongolia's foreign trade drops 6.7 pct in first 4 months www.xinhuanet.com

 Mongolia's foreign trade turnover reached 7.8 billion U.S. dollars in the first four months of 2025, a 6.7 percent decrease compared to the same period last year, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO) on Wednesday.
During the period, exports fell 14.1 percent to 4.2 billion dollars, while imports rose 3.9 percent to 3.6 billion dollars.
The decline in exports was mainly influenced by the supply of coal, crude oil, iron ore and combed cashmere from Mongolia to foreign countries.
The landlocked country traded with 135 economies worldwide in the cited period.

Anti-Corruption Agency Launches Investigation into Prime Minister Following Public Complaints www.gogo.mn

Controversy surrounding the Prime Minister of Mongolia, L. Oyun-Erdene, has recently sparked public concern. Specifically, citizens filed a complaint yesterday, alleging that the lavish lifestyle of the Prime Minister’s daughter-in-law may have been financed through corruption, and demanded that the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) investigate the matter.
According to official sources, the ACA has initiated an investigation based on the citizens' request to probe the Prime Minister.
By law, such complaints must be investigated within 30 days of being received.
To recap, the Prime Minister’s son, O. Temuulen, has reportedly gifted his girlfriend expensive items such as luxury handbags and a car—sparking public outrage. As the son is unemployed and has no known source of income, citizens are demanding an explanation for how he was able to afford such lavish gifts. Meanwhile, a protest dubbed the "Handbag Protest," calling for the resignation of the Prime Minister, is currently taking place in Sukhbaatar Square.

Public demands transparency as Prime Minister’s son and daughter-in-law showing luxury lifestyle www.gogo.mn

Questions are mounting over the finances of Prime Minister L.Oyun-Erdene's son, O.Temuulen, who is currently studying at Harvard University in the United States, and his wife, U.Uguumur. A recent wave of public attention has been sparked by online posts made by U.Uguumur, which showcase signs of a luxurious lifestyle that many believe deserve closer scrutiny.
In a personal blog post, U.Uguumur revealed she received a MNT 20 million engagement ring and two designer handbags valued at MNT 10 million each as birthday gifts. She also shared photos of a limited edition 2021 Mercedes-Benz vehicle reportedly worth USD 294,000, stating that it was a birthday gift from her parents.
These public displays of wealth have raised concerns about the source of such finances, especially given the prominence of the Prime Minister and the ongoing discussions surrounding the ethical obligations of public figures and their families. Many citizens are now calling on the Prime Minister to publicly disclose his and his family's income and wealth to assure the public that no misuse of state funds has occurred.
In response to growing speculation, Uguumur’s father, Ch.Uguudeibaatar, stated that he has been in business for 18 years and runs a company based in Virginia, USA. “Like all fathers, I pamper my daughter and buy her everything she wants,” he said. While many acknowledge a parent’s right to support their children, questions have been raised regarding the legitimacy and profitability of his business.
Online searches indicate that while Ch.Uguudeibaatar claims to operate a company in the United States, there are no accessible tax documents or business activity records tied to his name. Additionally, he has previously posted advertisements on Facebook offering small services, such as transporting luggage for a fee, which has led some observers to question the credibility of his statements regarding business success.
Further scrutiny has been directed at Uguumur’s mother, N.Ariunaa, who worked in the social insurance sector for two decades. She was dismissed in March 2025 from her role as Head of the Chingeltei District Social Insurance Department and is currently contesting the dismissal in court. According to public disclosures by the Anti-Corruption Agency, her annual income was MNT 227 million, with a total family income of MNT 85 million and savings of MNT 9 million. 
Given the inconsistencies and lack of clarity surrounding the family's financial background, public skepticism has grown. Many are now urging Prime Minister L.Oyun-Erdene to address the concerns and demonstrate accountability. So far, the Prime Minister’s response has been limited. In a brief statement, the Government Press Office said, “The Office cannot provide information related to family members or individuals. It operates according to relevant norms.”
As pressure mounts, the public continues to await a more comprehensive explanation regarding the apparent wealth and spending of the Prime Minister’s family members.

Mongolia Deploys 23 Thousand Troops to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations Over Two Decades www.montsame.mn

Over the past two decades, Mongolia has deployed over 23 thousand troops to the United Nations peacekeeping operations.
To align with the UN’s strategic priorities, Mongolia will continue boosting its operational capabilities. Minister of Defense of Mongolia Byambatsogt Sandag paid a working visit to the  Republic of South Sudan in March 2025, and observed the operations of the Mongolian peacekeepers serving in UNMISS and upgraded 24 pieces of essential equipment.
During the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial 2025 held on May 13-14, 2025, in Berlin, the Federal Republic of Germany, Minister of Defense of Mongolia Byambatsogt Sandag met with UN Secretary-General António Guterres and noted that Mongolia has met the pledge made at the 2023 Summit by increasing the ratio of female peacekeepers serving in Mongolia’s peacekeeping missions to 15 percent. Defense Minister Byambatsogt affirmed that amid today’s complex global geopolitical climate, Mongolia will honor its obligations to the international community and work together with the UN to overcome current challenges.
The participation of the Mongolian Armed Forces in UN peacekeeping operations began with the first two military observer officers sent to the Republic of Congo in 2002. Since then, in the past 23 years, Mongolia has participated in peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Western Sahara, the Republic of Sudan, Ethiopia-Eitrea, Georgia, Sierra Leone, Chad, the Republic of South Sudan, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Darfur region of Sudan, Yemen, the disputed border region of Abyei, as well as in Iraq, and Kosovo.