Mongolia Launches AI and Big Data Training Program in Collaboration with Oracle www.montsame.mn

Within the framework of the “Digital First” policy, Mongolia presented its National Strategy on Big Data and Artificial Intelligence to the Cabinet in September 2025. The Government planned to implement 66 projects and activities over the next five years to fulfil the four strategic objectives set out in the document.
According to the Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications of Mongolia, the second objective of the strategy is to establish an ethical and responsible artificial intelligence system based on cooperation between the public and private sectors. To advance this goal, Mongolia joined Oracle’s Skills Development Initiative and launched bilateral cooperation.
Through this cooperation, more than 60,000 public servants and citizens, including doctors and teachers, will have free access to international-level training programmes and digital platforms offered through Oracle Academy, the global technology leader’s educational programme.
The cooperation will enable young people to apply data and AI in their daily lives and acquire labour-market-ready skills in artificial intelligence, database systems, data management, data security, and information technology. It is also expected to play an important role in strengthening digital literacy among the public.
This partnership holds strategic significance for advancing Mongolia’s digital development and technological modernization to the next stage. It marks a major step toward building a long-term, stable partnership with a global corporation.

Netflix’s Reality Show Physical: Asia Brings Global Spotlight to Mongolia www.montsame.mn

Uzbekistan to lift import duties on goods from Saudi Arabia, Mongolia and Several North African countries www.kun.uz

Uzbekistan will gradually remove import duties on a range of goods from Saudi Arabia, Mongolia and several North African countries as part of a broader plan to expand the construction materials industry and boost foreign trade. The measures were approved by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 1 December.
Under the new policy, imported raw materials used in the production of construction materials will be exempt from customs duties until early 2028. Within two weeks, the interdepartmental commission responsible for cooperation with the World Trade Organization will finalize the list of eligible raw materials.
The government has set ambitious targets for the sector: annual construction materials output is expected to reach UZS 62 trillion, while exports are projected to climb to $1.5 billion. Priority will be given to scaling up the production of environmentally friendly and energy-efficient materials, as well as strengthening safety controls.
As part of the trade liberalization measures, Uzbekistan plans to abolish import duties by 2027 on goods from Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Mongolia. The country will also introduce mutual recognition of certificates of origin with these partners, paving the way for smoother two-way trade.
Uzbekistan aims to launch new investment projects worth $3.5 billion in the construction materials sector. Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev, together with regional administrations and the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan, has been instructed to outline the consolidated parameters of these projects within one month.
The resolution also tasks border troops with ensuring the safe passage of Uzbek business representatives through the “Termez” checkpoint on the Afghan border, supporting logistics and access for companies engaged in cross-border trade.
In addition, the government is simplifying the export of ferrous metals and rolled steel (HS code 7210). These products will no longer be classified as goods requiring advance payment, a letter of credit, bank guarantee or insurance policy in order to qualify for foreign-currency export benefits.

Man arrested for poaching endangered black-tailed gazelle in Mongolia www.xinhuanet.com

Mongolian police have arrested a man involved in poaching endangered black-tailed gazelle, the country's Ecological Police Department said Wednesday.
The suspect was arrested recently while attempting to sell the skins of two black-tailed gazelle near the capital city of Ulan Bator, the department said in a statement.
The case is under further investigation, it added.
Under the law, a person convicted of poaching and killing endangered black-tailed gazelle will be fined up to 6.6 million tugrik (about 1,880 U.S. dollars) or punished by imprisonment of at least two years.

Mongolia, Italy Establish a Strategic Partnership www.montsame.mn

At the invitation of President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella, President of Mongolia Khurelsukh Ukhnaa is paying a State Visit to the Republic of Italy.
During the visit, the two countries elevated their traditionally friendly relations to a Strategic Partnership, making Italy the second European Union member, after Germany, with which Mongolia has established such a partnership.
The two Presidents praised the steady growth of bilateral cooperation and highlighted major achievements across all sectors. The two Heads of State reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation, ensuring international peace and security, and advancing global sustainable development goals.
Under the framework of the strategic partnership, Mongolia and Italy agreed to:
Strengthen political dialogue through high-level reciprocal visits, intergovernmental political consultations between foreign ministries, and active relations between parliamentary groups.
Deepen multilateral cooperation, particularly within the United Nations, and continue the active collaboration established under the 2017 Mongolia–Italy–EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement.
Enhance defense and armed forces cooperation.
Expand economic, investment, and trade ties through intergovernmental commissions for economic and technical cooperation, as well as direct engagement between the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Italian Trade Agency.
Explore new export opportunities and investment avenues, utilizing economic cooperation possibilities and capabilities.
Support cooperation of SMEs and industries in priority fields, including creating a stable supply chain in fashion and cashmere, and technology transfer in agriculture, renewable energy, and energy transition.
Support development in energy networks, transport, logistics, water and waste management, ICT, and health; boost smart solutions for government services, digital transformation, and safe and resilient information technology infrastructure, as well as enhance industrial competitiveness.
Foster cooperation in environmental protection, including sustainable management of economy, land, water, and waste resources.
Develop cooperation in the mining and raw materials sectors.
Finalize a bilateral intergovernmental agreement on international road freight transport.
Support collaboration in emergency management, civil protection, and risk management.
Receive Italian support in administration, judiciary, and legal system strengthening under EU projects and programs.
Strengthen cooperation in science, education, and culture, including expanding cooperation between universities and research centers and providing scholarships.
Develop sports and tourism cooperation leveraging the “Milan-Cortina 2026” Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
Mongolia currently maintains Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships with Russia and China; a Strategic Third-Neighbor Partnership with the United States; a Special Strategic Partnership for Peace and Development with Japan; and Strategic Partnerships with Germany, South Korea, Kazakhstan, Türkiye, and India.

Mongolia to chair CAREC Program in 2026 www.qazinform.com

The Tianshan Forum for Central Asia Economic Cooperation is taking place on December 2–3, 2025, in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China, bringing together senior officials and experts from across the region, MONTSAME reports. 
The event marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the CAREC Institute and comes as Mongolia prepares to chair the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation (CAREC) Program in 2026, according to the Ministry of Finance of Mongolia.
Mongolia’s State Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Ganbat Jigjid delivered opening remarks alongside China’s Minister of Finance Lan Fo’an and Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal. State Secretary Ganbat emphasized the importance of the forum in deepening regional economic and investment cooperation, stating that Mongolia is committed to working actively with all CAREC member countries to build a stable, prosperous, and investment-friendly region.
More than 300 representatives from member governments, the private sector, and international organizations are participating in the forum, which focuses on strengthening regional investment, upgrading infrastructure, and expanding trade corridors under the CAREC framework.
Previously, Qazinform News Agency reported that Mongolia had been elected to the UNESCO World Heritage Committee for 2025-2029.

Gold purchase by Mongolia's central bank down 14.2 pct www.xinhuanet.com

The Bank of Mongolia said Tuesday that its purchase of gold dropped by 14.2 percent in the first 11 months of 2025 compared with the same period last year.
The country's central bank has purchased a total of 13.6 tons of gold from legal entities and individuals in the January-November period.
As of November, the average price of gold purchased by the Bank of Mongolia was 467,367.93 Mongolian tugriks (131.5 U.S. dollars) per gram.
Purchasing gold is one of the key ways for the central bank to ensure the country's economic stability by consistently increasing foreign currency reserves, said the bank.

Overnight temperature dips to minus 43 degrees Celsius in W.Mongolia www.xinhuanet.com

Overnight temperatures plummeted to minus 43 degrees Celsius in Tosontsengel soum, an administrative subdivision of the western Mongolian province of Zavkhan, from Monday to Tuesday, according to the country's weather monitoring agency.
The figure marked the coldest temperature in Mongolia this winter, the National Agency for Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring said in a statement on Tuesday.
Since last weekend, strong winds and snowstorms have been sweeping the western and central parts of the country, causing temperature drops.
The extreme cold weather is expected to continue until Wednesday, the agency said, urging the public, especially nomadic herders and drivers, to take extra precautions against possible disasters.
Mongolia's harsh and cold winter lasts for quite a long time. Temperature can range between minus 25 degrees Celsius and 45 degrees Celsius.

Mongolia, Russia Agree on Interregional Cooperation Until 2030 www.montsame.mn

The first “Forum of Regions of Mongolia and Russia” is taking place in Irkutsk, Russia, on December 1-2, 2025.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Development of Mongolia Enkhbayar Jadamba, together with Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Alexey Overchuk, announced that during the forum, the two sides have approved a “Mid-Term Action Program for the Development of Interregional Cooperation Between Mongolia and Russia for 2026-2030,” which includes 72 projects and activities across 11 sectors and areas.
Deputy PM Enkhbayar emphasized, "Mongolia and Russia are actively working to reduce the trade imbalance between the two countries and to advance mutually beneficial cooperation. As part of these efforts, Mongolia has concluded an interim trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union and its member states. The agreement goes beyond tariff regulations, addressing the expansion of cooperation among businesses, the reduction of challenges at the border and customs levels, and the increase of investment flows. Today’s discussions and meetings are notable for creating broad opportunities for business representatives and regional leaders to establish new partnerships and launch mutually beneficial joint projects. Regions of Mongolia and Russia should collaborate for strengthening coordination in infrastructure, transport, and logistics, and turning mutually beneficial opportunities into concrete action.” 
Within the framework of the forum, presentations and panel discussions were held on topics such as unlocking opportunities for Mongolia-Russia trade and industrial cooperation and advancing Mongolia-Russia tourism potential.
During the forum, B2B meetings were held, bringing together more than 250 representatives from the public and private sectors of both countries.

Production of Key Equipment for Mongolia’s Oil Refinery Nears Completion in India www.montsame.mn

Most of the major technological equipment for Mongolia’s first oil refinery is being manufactured by around 20 Indian companies, with some components already prepared for shipment, according to the Mongol Refinery state-owned company.
As production enters its final stages and preparations begin for transport to Mongolia, a delegation led by the Executive Director of Mongol Refinery LLC, Altantsetseg Dashdavaa, along with department heads and engineers, is working in Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, and Pune. The team is inspecting the manufacturing process of distillation columns, numerous pressure vessels, boilers for the power plant, equipment for the water treatment facility, and other parts, overseeing testing procedures, and ensuring readiness for shipment.
At four factories operated by Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) in Hyderabad, 28 pressure vessels for the EPC-02 package of the refinery project have been completed and are ready for dispatch. The KCP Limited in Chennai is producing the refinery’s key technological structures—a 58.4-meter, 245-ton atmospheric distillation column with a diameter of 3.2 meters, and a 49.7-meter, 230-ton vacuum distillation column with a 4.8-meter diameter.
The distillation columns are undergoing 17 stages of quality inspection and testing, including heat treatment, non-destructive testing, nitrogen purging, pneumatic and hydraulic leak tests, and dimensional verification. The towers will be divided into four sections, protected against corrosion, and shipped to Mongolia via seaborne transport from Chennai to Tianjin.
Representatives of Mongol Refinery LLC, the project management consultant Engineers India Limited, the EPC contractor MEIL, and the equipment manufacturers held technical meetings to review progress, refine schedules, and finalize updated timelines for packing and transport.
The equipment is planned to be delivered to the project site in Dornogobi aimag in early 2026 for installation.
The Government of Mongolia is implementing the refinery project in Altanshiree soum of Dornogobi aimag using a concessional loan from the Government of India. The refinery will have an annual processing capacity of 1.5 million tons of crude oil. As part of the external infrastructure development, a 27-km railway and a 17.2-km heavy-duty road have been constructed to connect the site to the national highway and railway network. A 110-kV overhead power transmission line has also been built, and the refinery site has been prepared and leveled. Regional exploration to determine crude oil reserves is ongoing, and proven reserves currently stand at 35 million tons.