COP17 Roads, Site, Parking Works Reach 65 Percent Completion www.montsame.mn

Representatives of the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) are visiting Mongolia for the third time.
 
During the visit, a delegation led by Director of the UNCCD Liaison Office in New York Rajeb Boulharouf reviewed progress at the project site as part of preparations for the COP17 conference. The delegates examined the technical solutions of the conference facilities, room layouts, and planning process, and provided recommendations to ensure compliance with international standards and requirements.

 While working at the project site, Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change Munkhtamir Batbayar and Head of the State Protocol Department Odmunkh Enkhbold provided proposals and relevant directives to the National Committee’s Working Office regarding the access areas for high-level delegates and the “Green Zone,” overall organization, and matters to be incorporated into the work plan.

 As of today, connections to the site’s infrastructure have been completed, while road, site, and parking works, which began on March 15, are 65 percent complete. Installation of the main structures is scheduled to be finished by June.

 At the same time, the project contractor emphasized the need to urgently select contractors for landscaping, assembly of conference halls, and equipment installation, and to commence these works simultaneously, urging attention to this matter.

City Launches Bond Trading for Thermal Power Plant Project www.montsame.mn

Under Article 10.3 of the 2026 State Budget Law and Article 28.1 of the Law on Debt Management, the ceiling for municipal bond issuance has been set at MNT 275 billion.

Accordingly, the capital city has decided to finance the Thermal Power Plant No. 5 project by issuing domestic bonds worth MNT 200 billion, in line with relevant laws and regulations. The primary market trading of the municipal bonds was officially launched on March 30, 2026, with a bell-ringing ceremony.

A total of 200,000 bonds—each with a face value of MNT 1 million—have been offered to the public. The bonds have a three-year maturity and carry an annual interest rate of 14 percent.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor of the Capital City and Mayor of Ulaanbaatar Nyambaatar Khishgee noted that the revised Law on the Legal Status of Cities has enabled the capital to finance major infrastructure projects using diverse financial instruments. He highlighted that around 60 percent of Ulaanbaatar’s population currently lives in housing connected to engineering infrastructure, while about 40 percent reside in ger districts.

The mayor emphasized that expanding electricity and heat supply is a priority to transition residents from ger districts into apartments. He also noted that the city had fully repaid its previous domestic bonds issued two years ago, making it possible to issue new bonds to finance the long-planned Thermal Power Plant No. 5 project.

Once completed, the plant will provide reliable electricity to around 100,000 households and heat to 40,000–50,000 households. The first unit is expected to be commissioned in the first quarter of 2028.

The Thermal Power Plant No. 5 project is being implemented as a public-private partnership, with a contract signed with Mitime International. The total project cost is estimated at USD 658.5 million, of which the city’s share amounts to USD 131.7 million (approximately MNT 467.4 billion). Of this, MNT 200 billion will be financed through bond issuance in 2026, with the construction period set at 30 months.

Production branch of China's largest truck manufacturer to open in Mongolia www.akipress.com

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources of Mongolia Damdinyam Gongor met with representatives of Sinotruck Group during the official visit of Speaker of the Parliament Uchral Nyam-Osor to China.

During the meeting, Sinotruck representatives expressed interest in opening a vehicle manufacturing plant in Mongolia.

The planned plant will focus on the local assembly of trucks and will concentrate on four main areas: logistics for the mining industry, transportation of agricultural products and livestock, cross-border freight transportation, and the development of urban infrastructures.

The company aims to produce high-quality, frost-resistant trucks of medium and heavy load capacity, as well as specialized vehicles for the mining sector. This will also create over 200 jobs and contribute to the training of qualified specialists for the production and repair of trucks.

The parties also discussed opportunities for developing related sectors, including local logistics, maintenance and spare parts, as well as supporting the modernization of the manufacturing sector in Mongolia.

An agreement was reached on joint actions to further explore the establishment of a company branch in Mongolia.

Sinotruk Limited, founded in 2007, is a Hong Kong truck manufacturer. Its subsidiaries produce vehicles in mainland China. The parent company, China National Heavy Duty Truck Group, also known as Sinotruk Group or CNHTC, is located in Jinan, Shandong province.

Internal party splits force Mongolia’s PM to step down www.intellinews.com

Mongolian Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav resigned late on March 26 following a legislative stalemate that has hobbled parliament. His departure has laid bare factionalism within the ruling party, signalling uncertainty ahead of key elections. 

Zandanshatar, who took office in June last year, replacing Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, stepped down as parliament remained paralysed by factional disputes and an opposition boycott. He said he was leaving to reduce tensions and protect the national interest.

“I am not seeking to hold my position. Therefore, I am stepping down, prioritising the interests of the country,” Zandanshatar told lawmakers.

The resignation is a sign of rare instability inside the Mongolian People’s Party (MPP), a political juggernaut that has controlled the country of 3.6mn for most of its modern existence. The MPP has struggled to maintain consistent leadership since last year’s departure from the PM’s office of Oyun-Erdene.

The infighting could make investors wary at a time when Mongolia is trying to sustain economic momentum, and it also signals potential trouble for the MPP as the country moves toward its next election cycle.

Parliament voted to accept Zandanshatar’s resignation. He will serve in an acting capacity until a new prime minister is confirmed.

Internal splits within the MPP were recently highlighted when a faction aligned with Oyun-Erdene did not attend sessions, helping to prevent a quorum. The opposition Democratic Party, meanwhile, has boycotted parliament since the spring session opened, deepening the gridlock.

On March 29, state news agency Montsame reported that the MPP had nominated Speaker of Parliament Uchral Nyam-Osor, 39, as the next prime minister. The party later backed his nomination with 99.7% support at a conference. The legislature is expected to confirm him early next week.

Uchral has an MBA degree from the University of Gloucestershire and has served as a member of parliament since 2016, when he was elected as a 29-year-old. He touts a programme called the Four Liberations – a platform to free Mongolia from economic gridlock, legal sprawl, fossil fuel dependence and systemic corruption. 

Unconfirmed reports said Uchral offered Zandanshatar a cabinet post, suggesting at least some policy continuity if the transition proceeds smoothly.

Analysts said the resignation appears to reflect more than a simple personnel change. Amar Adiya, a political commentator and editor of Mongolia Weekly, said the move marks the closing phase of a longer struggle inside the MPP rather than an escalation of tensions. 

“The resignation is not a surprise; the ruling party has been managing unresolved internal tensions since the previous leadership transition and those pressures are now being resolved rather than escalated,” Amar said. 

Amar said the key question is whether Uchral can quickly assemble a cabinet capable of balancing competing factions within the party.

Julian Dierkes, a Mongolia expert at the University of Mannheim, described Zandanshatar as a weak prime minister and said his departure was another sign of “rampant infighting” within the MPP.

“Substantively, a new PM will make little difference; none of the current fight is about policies,” Dierkes said.

Zandanshatar, in his resignation speech, pointed to economic gains during his nine months in office, including higher exports, faster growth and larger foreign currency reserves. He said the government had tightened its own belt rather than burdening the public.

He closed his address by emphasising the importance of institutional stability over individual roles in government. 

“Positions are not eternal, but the Mongolian state is,” he said.

By Michael Kohn

Mongolia Plans to Provide Full Mobile Coverage Across Its Vast Territory by 2028 www.open.kg

The Minister of Digital Development, Innovation, and Communications of Mongolia, Batshugar Enkhbayar, announced on Wednesday plans to expand the mobile network to cover all bags of the country — the smallest administrative units, including the most remote areas with small populations. This was reported by MiddleAsianNews.

Mongolia covers an area of 1,564,116 km², which is three times the size of France, and ranks 18th in the world by land area.

There are 1,650 bags in the country, of which 104 do not have access to mobile communication. At a press conference following a government meeting, Batshugar promised that all these areas would be connected to the mobile network by 2028.

According to the minister, internet connectivity across Mongolia will help address important issues, including the provision of government services in electronic format.

Currently, mobile networks, primarily 4G/LTE, cover approximately 95% of the population, but only 23.8% of habitable land has a stable signal. Large areas of steppe, the Gobi Desert, and remote mountainous regions remain without reliable coverage.

A national satellite is planned to be launched in 2027, which will provide communication in the most inaccessible places where building mobile towers is too expensive or impractical.

Since 2025, a 5G network has already been launched in Mongolia, focusing on Ulaanbaatar and the centers of aimags. Plans aim to cover 70% of the population with 5G by 2027. Major operators such as Unitel, Mobicom, Skytel, G-Mobile, and ONDO are participating in this project.

This initiative is part of a broader program in Mongolia called "Digital Nation," aimed at bridging the digital divide between urban and rural areas, supporting e-learning, telemedicine, smart mining, improving livestock management, and stimulating economic growth.

Among the challenges faced by the initiators are extreme climatic conditions, low population density, which complicates infrastructure development, and the need to implement hybrid solutions, such as a combination of mobile towers and satellites.

MPP Backs Uchral for Prime Minister with 99.7 Percent Vote www.montsame.mn

At the third session of the ruling Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) Conference, Secretary-General Sodbaatar Yangug formally introduced the nomination of Party Chairman Uchral Nyam-Osor as a candidate for Prime Minister.  

During the session, 32 members of the conference raised questions to the nominee on political, social, and economic issues, received responses, and expressed their views.

A secret ballot was then conducted among attending members. As a result, the conference adopted a resolution supporting Uchral’s nomination for Prime Minister with 99.7 percent of the vote.

Of the 597 conference members, 421 were present at today’s session.

Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav Resigns www.montsame.mn

At the plenary session of State Great Khural (Parliament) on March 27, members of Parliament discussed the resignation request of Prime Minister Zandanshatar Gombojav.

During the session, he stated, “I am not seeking to hold my position. Therefore, I am stepping down, prioritizing the interests of the country. This is not merely about handing over a position; it is about calling on politicians to unite for a greater common interest and setting a personal example by doing so.” After responding to questions from members of Parliament, he delivered a report on the work carried out over the past nine months.

In his remarks, he highlighted, “In 2025, for the first time in history, we reduced budget expenditures by MNT 2.2 trillion through an austerity amendment. As a result, coal exports reached 90 million tons, and total exports hit USD 15.8 billion. Cashmere exports increased 4.7 times, and meat exports rose by 25.7 percent. Economic growth improved from 2.6 percent to 6.8 percent, while inflation declined from 8.3 percent to 6.5 percent. The balance of payments shifted from a USD 600 million deficit to a USD 1 billion surplus. Foreign currency reserves reached a historic high of USD 7 billion, increasing by USD 2.1 billion. These are not just numbers; they are the results of sound policy.”

Parliament Speaker Uchral Nyam-Osor wished him success in his future public service. At the end of the session, a vote was held to accept Prime Minister Zandanshatar’s resignation, with 74 percent of members voting in favor.

He will continue to serve in an acting capacity until a new Prime Minister is appointed.

Seema Malhotra: There is significant potential to expand cooperation with British companies investing in Mongolia www.gogo.mn

Seema Malhotra, the UK Minister of State for the Indo-Pacific at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has visited to Mongolia from March 23 to 25. On the final day of her visit, we had a brief conversation with her while she was meeting students who had learned English as part of a project aimed at improving the skills of English language teachers.

I understand this is your first visit to Mongolia. How has your visit been so far, and what would you highlight as the most memorable moments?
This is my first visit to Mongolia, and it has been a very special few days. I am here as the Minister for the Indo-Pacific, and I am truly grateful for the incredibly warm welcome.

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UK expertise has contributed to providing advice and supporting Mongolia’s development plans

It has also been an important visit, as I was able to co-chair our annual political dialogue with the Deputy Foreign Minister, Amirtuvshin.D , and to meet with the Prime Minister. We have had valuable discussions about the future of the UK–Mongolia relationship, which is a long-standing and deep partnership going back over 60 years, when the United Kingdom was the first country to recognise Mongolia and establish diplomatic relations.

This also reflects our shared democratic values and the importance of investing in people-to-people ties. The way our governments, parliamentarians, media, and civil society work together to advance these values is essential to building a secure and prosperous future for our nations.

I am incredibly grateful to everyone I have met. It has been a very full but important visit, during which we have recognised the challenges of today’s world and how we can work together to support each other’s progress and build the peace and prosperity we need for tomorrow. Thank you very much.

At the end of the 16th Mongolia–UK Roundtable Meeting, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in several areas, including the Ulaanbaatar Metro project. Could you elaborate on this cooperation?
I was very pleased to co-chair the annual political dialogue during my visit and to see the progress we are making. One example is the Ulaanbaatar Metro project—a visionary initiative that will transform lives in the city and serve as a flagship project for Mongolia.

It is encouraging to see how UK expertise has contributed to providing advice and supporting Mongolia’s development plans. There are also opportunities through UK Export Finance to offer unprecedented support for this initiative moving forward. Long-term projects such as this, which reduce congestion, lower pollution, and invest in public transport, deliver significant economic benefits and can be truly transformative. We have seen the impact of such investments in our own country and continue to prioritise them.

I also appreciated our discussions on expanding cooperation in areas such as critical minerals. Mongolia has strong potential and leadership in this field. During my visit, I had the opportunity to visit Oyu Tolgoi and observe the partnerships in place, as well as the emphasis on sustainable development, responsible mining, and contributions to local communities. These are important standards for the future.

There are strong opportunities for UK expertise and university research to contribute, alongside ongoing cooperation in education, including partnerships with UNICEF and the Ministry of Education.

At a time when we are witnessing increasing global conflicts and challenges to the international rules-based order—values that both the UK and Mongolia strongly uphold—the importance of economic security and diversified supply chains is clear. There is significant potential for deeper cooperation between the UK, with its long history and expertise in mining, and Mongolia, particularly in supporting the UK’s critical minerals strategy and strengthening supply chain resilience.

I have seen this potential firsthand, including during the Critical Minerals Conference in Washington, where I also met the Mongolian Foreign Minister, as well as through recent ministerial exchanges between our countries.

I am also excited about our collaboration in emerging technologies and renewable energy, as we invest in a greener future. There are strong opportunities for UK expertise and university research to contribute, alongside ongoing cooperation in education, including partnerships with UNICEF and the Ministry of Education.

Investing in education is particularly important. While today’s leaders shape current discussions, it is through education—especially English language learning—that we nurture the next generation. I was pleased to meet Chevening Scholars during my visit—over 200 since 1993, with another 20 this year.

Through these efforts, we are building future leaders together who will contribute to our economies, societies, and enduring people-to-people ties. I am incredibly proud of this.

What policy or regulatory changes do you believe are necessary to attract more British investment to Mongolia?
There is significant potential to expand cooperation with British companies investing in Mongolia, as well as opportunities for mutual learning and partnership.

When you hear directly from young people, they often say that they have not just learned a language—they have gained access to new opportunities and a broader world.

It is important to maintain a business environment that is trusted by investors—where disputes can be resolved efficiently, contracts and terms are clear and transparent, and decision-making processes are timely.

In a competitive global environment, it is essential to provide confidence to investors. Whether in renewable energy, critical minerals, infrastructure projects like the Ulaanbaatar Metro, or sectors such as technology and education, businesses need assurance that they are operating in a stable, transparent, and well-regulated environment.

This includes strong professional capabilities, a robust legal and regulatory framework, and conditions that support long-term partnerships. These are the key factors that will enable investment to grow and flourish.

The agreement for Phase II of the Breaking Language Barriers project was signed in December 2025. Could you update us on its progress? Are there plans for a Phase III?
It is very important that we continue building on the success we have already achieved. I am incredibly proud of the progress made in English language education through our partnership. More than 147,000 children across Mongolia have benefited from improved access to quality English language education.

This impact is evident not only in cities but also in rural areas. When you hear directly from young people, they often say that they have not just learned a language—they have gained access to new opportunities and a broader world.

I am also grateful to everyone involved in supporting the ongoing development of language teaching, particularly teachers. Nearly 750 teachers have received training, and many have shared how it has strengthened not only their own language skills but also their ability to teach and train others. This helps build long-term capacity and leadership within Mongolia’s education system, while also providing immense satisfaction in supporting young learners.

You mentioned the importance of civil society cooperation. How do you assess its current development, and how do you see it evolving in the future?
I am very proud of the work we are doing together to support civil society. This is crucial because it reflects that the UK–Mongolia relationship is grounded in shared democratic values. It is essential to ensure that civic spaces remain active and continue to thrive in order to sustain strong democracies in both our countries.

I am grateful for the strong partnership we have developed, including our collaboration with local and national government institutions in Mongolia.

During my visit, I was pleased to support the Youth for Change programme and to see its impact. Through this initiative, we are working with over 25 youth civil society organisations, helping young people build confidence, leadership skills, networks, and the ability to drive change in Mongolia.

Investing in civic spaces means investing in leadership and creating opportunities for dialogue between civil society and political leadership at both local and national levels. This empowerment supports the next generation of public and political leaders, while also ensuring that policymaking is informed by real experiences and insights.

I am grateful for the strong partnership we have developed, including our collaboration with local and national government institutions in Mongolia. Most importantly, we are investing in the next generation of leaders and strengthening a partnership that will continue to endure.

Thank you very much for your time.

Wastewater from ger districts to be treated to standards www.gogo.mn

Construction of the “Tuul-1” collector, the main wastewater transmission line connecting Ulaanbaatar to the central sewer system, began last year after being stalled for 20 years. As of today, the project is 25% complete.

Once the “Tuul-1” collector becomes fully operational, wastewater from ger districts will be treated and disposed of in accordance with standards, while open sewage discharge and soil pollution are expected to decrease. In addition, ger districts such as Uliastai, Sharkhad, Amgalan, Dambadarjaa, Dari-Ekh, and Chingeltei will be connected to engineering infrastructure, creating opportunities for further construction and urban development.

L.Altangerel, head of the Urban Engineering Infrastructure Department of the UB service and Chief engineer, said: “The Tuul-1 collector project was first initiated in 2007 by order of the Ministry of Construction. In 2025, the capital city governor and the City Council approved the required funding, and the Water Supply and Sewerage Administration is now implementing the project.”

He noted that this is the largest main wastewater pipeline built in Ulaanbaatar since 1980. The 30-km pipeline, with a diameter of 1,500 mm, will run from Gachuurt to the Central Treatment Plant. “It will eliminate wastewater discharge from ger districts, create conditions for construction, and improve living conditions,” he said.

B.Tamir, a technician at the Water Supply and Sewerage Authority, said construction of the main line has been underway since October, 2025. “This year, we plan to install six kilometers of pipeline. Currently, three teams are working on the project,” he said.

Immigration Information Now Available in All Languages www.montsame.mn

The Immigration Agency of Mongolia has introduced an AI-based chatbot for advisory and information services to deliver state services more efficiently and accessibly.

Starting this March, the chatbot will provide guidance and information in all languages. This allows foreign citizens, businesses, and organizations to quickly and conveniently obtain detailed advice and information related to immigration services in their native language, 24 hours a day, regardless of time or location.

Additionally, calling the information line at 1800-1882 will incur standard phone charges. For advice and information outside of working hours, users can contact via email at visasection@immigration.gov.mn, the website immigration.gov.mn, or the AI chatbot.